Sidetrip to Switzerland from Fussen
 

My travel friend wants to dip into Switzerland during our Germany/Austria trip. We will be staying in Fussen for 3 days with a rental car. I have pretty much filled up two days with castles, luges, churches, woodcarvers and a ride to the top of Zugspitze. Should we take a scenic drive on our 3rd day to Switzerland and where would you suggest? We would probably want to get back to Fussen the same night if possible but definitely not carved in stone. RS suggests Appenzell. Anyone been there and is it worth the trip or should we just spend more time in Bavaria? Open to suggestions? Thanks Barb

since there are no direct freeways but only often slow-going side roads to Switzerland i think it would take you 3-4 hours to get there - Appenzell that is and that's a really nice place. But if you want to see the Alps, just hit thru the gap at Fussen to Reutte, Austria then south into the high Alps. Switzerland seems to long for a day trip.

I agree with Pal. Appenzell is very picturesque and nearby St. Gallen has the famous library and abbey church often described as "the most beautiful church interior" in Switzerland. But if it is alpine scenery you are after these won't supply that.

Lake Constance comes to mind, also.

For a quick side trip into Switzerland you might want to consider the Engadin - Scuol and Guarda. The drive is not longer than 2 hours via Reutte - Fernpass - Imst - Landeck to Scuol. It is a very scenic drive. Right before entering Switzerland you can make a quick detour to Samnaum - duty free shopping and cheap gas and an adventurous drive on a very narrow road with lots of yet narrower tunnels.

Guarda is one of the most picturesque villages in the Alps. Gorgeous setting on a sunny terrace high above the valley. Good food (Hotel Restaurant Meisser), the story of Schellenursli (a local fairy tale, available as book in English as well).

Near Scuol you can join a guided tour of castle Tarasp - very beautiful (watch dates/times). Or take the gondola up to Motta Naluns and add a short hike. Or stroll through the charming village with its mineral water fountains.

Appenzell is IMO a bit too far and you might encounter traffic jams in Bregenz e.g.

Ingo

Thank you PalQ, Intrepid1 and Ingo. It sounds like Appenzell should be an overnighter if we decide to do that, I don't really want to drive in a traffic jam. I do that everyday going to work! Guarda sounds good also, I have to do some research on that. Thanks for the suggestions. Barb