Picture this: cobblestone streets winding through charming old buildings with colorful facades, surrounded by lush green hills and mountains. That's Appenzell Old Town for you, and it's like stepping into a fairytale!

This is definitely one of the CUTEST towns I've visited in Switzerland. The houses here look like they've been plucked straight out of a storybook, with their traditional Swiss floral motifs and vibrant colors. Just strolling around the town itself picking out the most adorable and colourful building is fun enough as a morning activity!

However, If you are visiting Appenzell in September, you certainly must not miss out on the alpine descent!

Known as the Désalpes (in French) or Alpabfahrt (in German), the alpine descent is a much-celebrated event amongst the mountainous regions of Switzerland. After spending a long summer grazing high up in the alpine pastures, the happy Swiss cows finally make their return to the valleys in anticipation of the cold winter months ahead

The cattle adorn floral crowns and the biggest, fanciest bells around their necks. Led by cowherds and children dressed in embroidered traditional jackets and dresses, they come down from the mountains to the village streets and receive a triumphant welcome by the people in the form of a colourful parade!

The alpine descent will pass through the Appenzell Old Town and is such a unique Swiss cultural experience. It usually takes place between mid-end September and the dates change annually so its best to check on their website.

How to get to Appenzell Old Town:

From Zurich, take the train to St Gallen, followed by another transfer at Gais to Appenzell. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. From the train station, the old town is a short 5 minutes away.