In eastern Switzerland, the Rhine Falls, a boat trip on Lake Constance and St. Gallen with the UNESCO Abbey District. Experience typical traditions in Appenzell, hike in the Alpstein with Säntis and Ebenalp or explore cities such as Schaffhausen, Stein am Rhein or Glarus.
This is Eastern Switzerland
Eastern Switzerland comprises the cantons of Glarus, Schaffhausen, Appenzell, St. Gallen,
Thurgau and the
Principality of Liechtenstein. Renowned for its natural beauty, rich Swiss traditions and landmarks such as the
Rhine Falls, it is a highly popular destination.
Discover Eastern Switzerland
Your journey begins with a cruise on
Lake Constance to the charming town of
Stein am Rhein. Continue upstream to
Schaffhausen and its imposing
Munot Fortress. Don’t miss a breathtaking detour to the
Rhine Falls. In
St. Gallen, the elegant
Abbey District with its Baroque library and historic oriels is a must-see. And in
Liechtenstein, explore Vaduz Castle and engaging local
museums.
Lake Constance, Alpstein and Appenzellerland
This region is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. On
Lake Constance, boat trips and watersports are very popular. In the Alpstein massif,
Säntis and
Ebenalp offer spectacular hiking trails and panoramic platforms. In
Appenzellerland, stroll through rolling hills, visit a traditional
show dairy, and savour spicy Appenzeller cheese. The playful
sound trail in
Toggenburg invites discovery, while Thurgau’s orchards bloom along scenic cycling routes.
Living Traditions and Cultural Heritage
Here, age‑old rituals come alive—from colourful alp descents and cattle shows to traditional yodelling and Winter Eve “Chlausen” celebrations. In
Glarus, industrial heritage captivates; in
Appenzell, craftsmanship still shines. In alpine farms, enjoy “Stobete” festivals filled with music, dance, and song—or experience the vibrant Olma spring fair in St. Gallen.
Around Eastern Switzerland
From
Rapperswil‑Jona, enjoy a scenic cruise across
Lake Zürich to
Zurich. Southwards lies the Graubünden region, home to the
Swiss National Park and the dramatic
Rhine Gorge. And with the
Voralpen‑Express, you can reach the top excursion region of
Lucerne–Lake Lucerne in just two hours.
Experience Eastern Switzerland for less
With two nights or more in an Oskar partner hotel, you can purchase the
Oskar guest card, which allows free travel on trains, mountain railways, and boats. In St. Gallen, guests staying one night or more can use the
Mobility Ticket to access public transport to Lake Constance for free.