Gais: Unterer Gabris

Gais sits at the foot of Gäbris mountain in Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Switzerland, where dairy pastures rise towards the Alpstein foothills. The municipality belongs to Appenzellerland, a rural region closely associated with cattle farming and Appenzeller cheese. Its compact centre preserves a notably coherent group of painted and timber-framed houses, many dating from the 18th century, along the broad village street. In recognition of this historic townscape, Gais received the Swiss Heritage Society’s Wakker Prize in 1977. Local walking routes and Appenzell Railways connections link the village with the surrounding uplands and the Rhine Valley. Discover other points of interest through webcams located across Appenzell Ausserrhoden.

Among Switzerland’s cantons, Appenzell Ausserrhoden stands out for rolling pre-Alpine hills and a long textile tradition. In the northeast of the country, it stretches from upland pastures towards the Lake Constance basin, with the Alpstein range rising close to its southern edge. Herisau, the cantonal seat, developed as a centre of textile production; embroidery and weaving helped shape the area’s economy in the 19th century. The canton emerged in 1597 when the historic Appenzell territory divided along confessional lines, leaving Ausserrhoden predominantly Reformed. Farmhouses, grazing land and compact towns still define much of its settled countryside. Continue through nearby webcams to explore different parts of Appenzell Ausserrhoden.

Switzerland stretches from the Jura Mountains in the northwest to the Alps in the south, encompassing a central plateau of cities, farms and lakes. The Rhine rises in the Swiss Alps, while Lake Geneva forms part of the country’s southwestern border. Zürich, Geneva and Basel are major urban centres, yet mountain railways and passes remain central to how many regions are experienced. Four national languages—German, French, Italian and Romansh—reflect Switzerland’s distinct cantonal identities. The Matterhorn above Zermatt is among Europe’s most recognisable peaks, and the 1291 Federal Charter is closely associated with the country’s founding tradition. Continue through nearby webcams to explore different parts of Switzerland.