We're planning a return trip to Switzerland in December, we'll be starting in Munich.

We've been waffling for a few weeks, but I think we've put the kibosh on a visit to Kitzbuhel (Austria) and will instead spend all 15 nights in Switzerland.

I (think) we've decided on a return visit to Scoul and Ilanz, and we've already lined up some apartments.

We're looking for a third base, but have decided against Ascona/Locarno, due to time of year.

When I was planning our June trip a few months back, several people here suggested Appenzell.

I'm curious if December is a good time to visit Appenzell? And if so, what area would make a good base? Our main focus will be winter walking and soaking up the scenery. Cities are of no interest.

We'd considered driving this time, but we're leaning towards taking the train as we usually do.

You do realize how small Appenzell the town is, right?

Sorry for the brevity. I think I'd look at staying somewhere like St. Gallen or perhaps closer to the lake. We stayed in Appenzell for a couple of nights several years ago. Seemed rather small to me and not a whole lot to do but perhaps I missed it all.

Thanks Dukey - good to know. We tend to like small, but are open to any good bases from which to hike.

My wife and I rather liked Appenzell. We stayed for 2 nights at the Romantik Hotel Santis. We had a car and spent one day driving in the area. We wished we had another couple of nights. The town is small but easily reached from Zurich via rail or car. Good base to get to Sankt Gallen or the lake.

We stayed in that same Romantik; had no car; used our railpasses to go everywhere.

Thanks Huggy and Dukey - don't suppose either of you were there in December?

No, not in December. I've actually been in Switzerland in October and November but never December.

If you like short days, deep temperatures, rain and fog, but probably no snow, Appenzell may be a good solution.
For sun and better/warmer weather, Swiss people usually go to the Locarno area in December.

I stayed there for two nights in September. Between visiting Ebenalp and Stein, I thought I had enough time given the ho hum weather. It is a tiny town you can explore in just a few hours.