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

Question

Lucerne is a medium sized city while Appenzell is in the east and small. Both offer great hiking. Which one should I visit?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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

Answer 3

Ooops, I seem to be late... Anyway: Forget Lucerne, it's the classical tourist trap - crowded with heeps of j**s, 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 :-)