Hundwil: Säntis Schwägalp
Tucked between the Säntis massif and the rolling Alpstein foothills, Schwägalp is a place whose character is shaped by high pastures and the mountain pass road crossing them. This broad upland saddle lies in the Appenzell region, close to Hundwil, where farm buildings and grazing land remain central to the settlement pattern. Säntis, at 2,502 metres the highest summit in the Alpstein, rises to the south; its cable car has linked Schwägalp with the summit since 1935. Hundwil is also associated with the Landsgemeinde, the open-air cantonal assembly held here until 1997. The local food tradition is represented by Appenzeller cheese, made in the region from cow’s milk.
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Hundwil is best known within Appenzell Ausserrhoden for hosting the canton’s Landsgemeinde, its traditional open-air citizens’ assembly, until 1997. The compact settlement sits in the rolling Appenzell hills near the Urnäsch river, with the Säntis massif rising to the south. Its place in Swiss political history is tangible: for generations, voters gathered here in the open to decide cantonal business by a show of hands. Timber farmhouses and pastureland around the village reflect the agricultural character of this northeastern Swiss canton, while routes through the hills connect it with the broader Appenzell region. Find related webcams in the surrounding area to build a fuller picture of Hundwil and Appenzell Ausserrhoden.
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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.
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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.
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