Eastern Switzerland & Alpstein
Rolling hills, then limestone walls, then Europe's most powerful waterfall at the northern edge.
The Alpstein takes a moment to register. From the train, the hills of Appenzell look gentle, green, rounded, populated by cows. Then the rock walls rise suddenly: the Säntis straight up, the ridges folded and sharp. This contrast between soft agricultural land and abrupt limestone is what makes this corner of Switzerland worth slowing down for.