Should I go Lucerne or Appenzell in Switzerland?

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✖»ηєση тυтυ™

the one that seems most appealing to you personally. :D

andyguenthard

Appenzell is real original Switzerland whereas Lucerne is quite touristy. I would recommend Appenzell - and hiking is great and not as steep as the mountain hikes that are reachable from Lucerne.

swixionary

As mentioned before, Lucerne and it's "hikable" surroundings are larger, yet definitely more crowded.
Lucerne, furthermore, offers the city, the lake (Vierwaldstättersee), river "Reuss" and several hills and mountains within 30 minutes' to 1 hour's reach: Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus are the largest in the area.
Both are fairly easily accessible.

Appenzell (City and two half cantons: Appenzell Innerrhoden, Appenzell Ausserrhoden) is a charming, beautiful place.
There's mount Säntis and the mountain chain "Churfirsten".
The city and cantons also offer a unique insight into Swiss folk tradition, being visible everywhere, from the houses to the people.

Conclusion:
If you want to see a beatiful mix of mountains, lake and bizillions of tourists, Lucerne must be your choice of destination.
If you are interested in something a bit smaller, yet more charming and less crowded (possibly at the cost of seeing a somewhat less spectacular setting), Appenzell it is!

Both areas lie in the German-speaking part of Switzerland.
Getting around not speaking German might be a bit easier in and around Lucerne, but it is surely possible in Appenzell, too.

Santero

Go to Lucerne. there are more hiking possibilities in its surrounding. Mountains, Lake, River,...

Rand O

Lucerne (Luzern) is a much better bet. The choice of hikes is better and the views are fantastic...you would not be dissapointed.

Its also worth considering the range of accomodation and activities apres-hike. As far as I am concerned Luzern wins on both counts.

Don't get me wrong Appenzell is very nice....but is a little limited.

I don't think tourists are a real issue if you hike during the day as many of the tourists to both Luzern and Appenzell will be day trippers.

Have a great time.

magicswiss

Ooops, I seem to be late... Anyway: Forget Lucerne, it's the classical tourist trap - crowded with heeps of Japs, Chinese, Russians, Yanks - at least in Summer time. Sure you can hike, but the destinations around the town are overrun, too.

If you want to tell people back home that you have been in a fancy place: do go to Appenzell! One of our most famous cheese brands comes from there, they even show you how it's made. It's small, though. Liechtenstein is not far from there - in case you're looking for a save haven for your money :-)

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Should I go Lucerne or Appenzell in Switzerland? - I like Hiking?