Eastern Switzerland stretches from the shimmering waters of Lake Constance across the hilly Appenzellerland to the Alpine landscapes of Toggenburg, the Heidiland holiday region and the Glarnerland. Far off in the Rhine Valley is Vaduz with its princes' castle.
The region does not lack for a satisfying variety: its north dominated by the romantic Rhine, the region is lush with orchards and gardens, a generous share of mountains (including Mt. Säntis, at roughly 8,200 feet), and lovely hidden lakes, as well as the enormous Bodensee (Lake Constance).
Cyclists will find an excellently signposted network of cycle paths. Whether you prefer riding from one fishing village to the next along the shores of Lake Constance or scaling high peaks on a mountain bike.
Art and culture lovers will enjoy a stay in St Gallen, enticed by the monastery district - officially part of the World's Cultural Heritage - and the magnificent Baroque basilica. Or they might prefer the historic little town of Schaffhausen below the round Munot fortress.
The skiing areas of Eastern Switzerland are perfect for all skiing, snowboarding and carving fans - with fabulous descents and wonderful views over the lakes and the mountains.The largest winter sports resort is Flumserberg, and from Pizol skiing area in the Heidiland holiday region you can look straight down onto the deep blue, almost fjord-like waters of the Walensee.
Places of interest
Appenzell and its Landsgemeindeplatz in the town center - the site of the famous open-air elections (until 1991, for men only), which take place the last Sunday in April.
Bodensee - about 65 km (40 mi) long and 15 km (9 mi) wide lake, second in size in Switzerland , perfect in summer for swimming, windsurfing, and fishing.
The village of Gottlieben has a Dominican monastery-castle, where the Protestant reformers Jan Hus and Jerome of Prague were imprisoned in the 15th century by order of Emperor Sigismund and antipope John XXIII.
Neuhausen am Rheinfall - a series of magnificent waterfalls which powers the city's industry.
A city of Schaffhausen with its beautiful old town, oads of museums and charming pedestrian-only streets.
Stein-am-Rhein, a nearly perfectly preserved medieval village and one of Switzerland's loveliest towns.
Walensee - the spectacular, mirrorlike lake between Liechtenstein and Zürich, with its deep emerald gash stretching 16 km (10 mi) through the mountains, reflecting the jagged Churfirsten peaks.
This attractive, detached chalet is in the pleasant village of Flumserberg. The village is just above Lake Walensee. The chalet is suitable for ten people. You will enjoy sole occupancy. It is an ideal base for exhilarating walks through the surrounding m...
This attractive, detached chalet is in the pleasant village of Flumserberg. The village is just above Lake Walensee. The chalet is suitable for seven people. You will enjoy sole occupancy. It is an ideal base for exhilarating walks through the surrounding...
This house is in an attractive, quiet area in the municipality of Alt St. Johann. It is 45 m2. The house is surrounded by a typically delightful Swiss landscape and looks out on the village below. There is an attractively furnished holiday home on the gro...
