BEHIND EVERY TAVERN SIGN, A STORY

Appenzell’s old taverns.
Their stories live on.

A drink with the regulars. Music from the next room. Stories told across a table. Step inside the history of the village’s taverns, and discover the names and memories they left behind.

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109 House stories2014 Collection last updated

Illustration of an Appenzeller tavern in the style of traditional Appenzell folk painting — Come in. Share a laugh. Stay for the stories.

The names may have faded.
The stories live on.

Old photographs, advertisements and the stories of individual buildings bring village life back into view. This is a journey through Appenzell’s past, rather than a guide to restaurants open today.

THROUGH THE LANES AND THE YEARS

One village. A world of stories.

Search for names, streets and stories.
Or take a walk on the map.

109 stories

Rinkenbach 2

Alpenrose

The first known owner of this house, around 1780, was Joseph Benedikt Sonderegger. Josef Anton Baumann rebuilt it in 1851–1852 with an upper floor of interlocking timber construction. After the new road to Gonten was built, the house briefly accommodated the Alpenrose tavern from 1864. Its exact closing date is unknown. Following several changes of ownership, Johann Fritsche-Zeller bought the property in 1920 for 14,500 francs. A new building in the 1930s replaced the 80-year-old house. At the time of the original publication, the property belonged to Claudia Dürr-Wild.

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Alte Weissbadstrasse 4

The house was built shortly after the village fire in 1562. There is evidence that this house was used for hospitality very early on, but the exact period and the name of the tavern can no longer be determined. Jakob Breu is mentioned as the owner around 1800. In 1944, master locksmith Karl Deutschle purchased the property, which passed to Karl Deutschle's heirs in 2004. Today the house is lived in by the owner Thomas Ulmann.

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Gerbestrasse 5

Anker

In this semi-detached house with a tatted roof by Amand Koller in the Greben, built after the village fire in 1561, ripe farming was carried out for a few years shortly before 1890 under the name “Anker”. In 1904 Franziska Josefa Koller purchased the house. In 1967 Arnold Schneider acted as buyer until it passed to his son Hansruedi Schneider-Walser, his eldest heir, in 1986.

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Hauptgasse 46

Anker

One of the first owners of this house is builder Josef Schmid. In 1779, Hans Jakob Weishaupt acquired the property and opened his business there under the name “Anker”. At the same time, this property also houses a pastry shop for one year. Around 1878, Huldrich Zürcher recommended himself as a saddler in this house. Shortly after 1880 the tavern closed again. In 1887, master builder Franz Josef Fässler became the new homeowner. The extension dates from 1912. In 1993, Josef Schmid-Hersche's heirs acquired the property, which is now owned by Markus Huber.

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Jakob-Signer-Strasse 11

Bahnhof / Weiherhof / Schwanen

The house by the pond was built long before 1795. At this time Anton Josef Zeller is mentioned as the owner. After various ownership changes, Johannes Brülisauer bought the house in 1840 and expanded it into an tavern. The tavern is first called “Swanen” because of the proximity of the water collector. After another change of hands, Johann Baptist Moriz Brumann purchased the house in 1877 for CHF 5,000.

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Historical photograph

Bahnhofstrasse 1

Bahnhofbuffet

On May 24, 1886, construction began on the station building for the Appenzell Railway in Appenzell. At the beginning of October 1888, Solenthaler-Fässler opened the business on a lease basis under “Bahnhofbuffet”. The station building retained its appearance until 1938, when the attic was renovated and the ground floor was broken through. At the same time, the east side of the station building, in which Bahnhofbuffet is established, will also be extended. From 1938-1958 the Richterich couple ran the “buffet”, which is commonly called that, and then from 1958-1988 Benno and Anna Moser-Fangi ran it. In 1989 the “Bahnhofbuffet” was closed in favor of a self-service restaurant.

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Historical photograph

Hauptgasse 25

Bären

The “Bären” restaurant was once located in the house between the “Kreuz” tavern and the “Löwen” hotel, but is now part of the “Löwen” hotel. Both the “Löwen” and the “Bären” used to be separate taverns.

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Historical photograph

Weissbadstrasse 66

Bären / Taube

In 1864, Johann Jakob and Fritz and Anna Maria Rechsteiner had the house built and opened an tavern in it called “Taube”. From 1876 onwards, in addition to the restaurant “Taube”, which is popularly called “Täubli”, there was also a bakery. The property was sold to Johann Baptist Kölbener on February 6th of the same year.

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Weissbadstrasse 1

Bärenhaus

There was once a bear pit and a Bärenhaus where the Schleife later was. There must also have been an tavern there, because around 1520 there is talk of a weighmaster who operated the scales behind the town hall and was also the innkeeper at “Bärenhaus”.

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Gaiserstrasse 1

Bärli

As early as the Middle Ages, St. Christophorus is worshiped as a bridge protector. Long before 1679 there was a small chapel at the bridgehead, which had to be demolished in 1845 because it was in disrepair. In 1877 the weekly council decided that in order to preserve the image of St. Christophorus was responsible for the poor people's sack office.

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Landsgemeindeplatz 2

Bäumli / Gemeindeplatz / Reber / Marktplatz / Grüner Baum

The house at Landsgemeindeplatz was built in the 18th century. Bonifaz Koller is considered the owner around 1800. In 1837, the “Green Tree” restaurant was opened under the innkeeper Johann Anton Steuble. A Biedermeier renovation took place between 1845 and 1855. Karl Robert Frei ran the restaurant around 1878, after which 21 (!) other innkeepers tried their luck with this restaurant until 1901.

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Blumenrainweg 4

Bierhütte

Around 1814, in the former garden of the house Blumenrainweg 4, there was a Bierhütte instead of the current house, where guests were served. The first known owner is Karl Anton Kegel. Today the house belongs to Olga Maria Luise Frey-Breitenmoser.

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Historical photograph

Bleichestrasse 8

Bleiche

The Bleiche was something in between a public building and a private commercial and residential building. The watermill on what is now the Bleiche area was already in existence before the 16th century and was also called “Strickersmühle” after its owner. Commercial buildings followed between 1535 and 1538. In addition to the existing mill, a mill was also built. In 1558 the Bleiche was taken out of service.

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Weissbadstrasse 32

Blume

Jakob Anton Fässler is mentioned as the owner of this house around 1878. On May 2, 1878, an tavern under the name “Blume” was opened, but it closed again in December 1880. In 1887 a cloth shop was set up in the former restaurant. In 1936, Emma Hautle purchased the property for CHF 16,000. A further 11 changes of ownership took place by 1939. In 1994 the house was inherited by Karl Johann Baptist Rusch. Today it belongs to Albert Inauen.

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Bankgasse 10

Blumenau

Josef Ignaz Hörler had the house with the later restaurant built in 1840-1841. In 1891, Josef Anton Broger ordered the house to be raised and a shop and extension to be added to it. After six changes of ownership, the object belongs to Ludwig Steiner for Fr. 12,000. In the same year, Franziska Josepha Steiner-Steuble was able to purchase the house for the same price. In 1903, the flat roof of the extension was restored in June 1878 in the “Rot-Tor”. The business was taken over on a lease basis on July 2nd, 1892 by Beda Fässler-Fässler, but on July 11th, 1893 he was already out again. Shortly afterwards, the business is transferred to Ms. Wwe. Fässler-Ulmann. Ferdinand Wild is the last host in “Rot-Tor”; then the tavern collapses on March 2, 1941. In the same year, the sisters Louise and Maria Keel purchased the Rot-Tor for CHF 50,500. The house has been owned by Martin Wellauer and Silvia Niederer since 1963.

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Historical photograph

Alte Eggerstandenstrasse 1

Brauerei

The first information about the Brauerei comes from 1810. However, it can be assumed that there was already a Brauerei in the same place before that. In general, it is customary to host in a Brauerei right from the start. The restaurant was not officially opened until July 10, 1817; also the covered bowling alley. In 1833 the beer house was rebuilt. When the building was rebuilt between 1862 and 1864, the restaurant was moved to the ground floor of the residential and office building. Brauerei runs the tavern there. In 1886 Jakob Locher took over the Brauerei from Oberegg for Fr. 110,500 and reopened the restaurant on July 10, 1887. He handed the Brauerei over to his son Karl Locher in 1898. At the beginning of January 1919 the tavern was closed due to the expansion of the offices and in order not to compete with the other industries. Office space will be created from the previous restaurant. <Brauerei Locher AG> has been the owner since 1999. The former guest room and later office room have now become a showroom for company tours in Brauerei.

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Rosengärtliweg 4

Chrot / Hebelis

In 1794 Martin Broger owned a small property at today's Rosengärtliweg in the back Wühre. Jakob Keller later ran the “Hebelis” and later “Chrot” tavern in this house until 1892. It was probably a tavern bar. In 1892, widow Franziska Broger-Schmid bought the property and in 1977 Ida Hedwig Dörig-Keller purchased the property. Today there is a new building on this site by Claudia and Beat Soldera-Dörig.

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Wührestrasse 14

Centro Italiano / Neuhof

Around 1800, Johannes Graf is mentioned as the owner of the property, who sold the property to Johannes Schai in 1811. In 1901, Johann Josef Keller decided to build a new building with an extension in place of the existing old building. In the same year, Franz Anton Fässler opened the “Neuhof” restaurant in the new building. After 13 changes of ownership, Johann Anton Enzler-Moser acquires the property. In 1961 the house was completely rebuilt and has belonged to Reinhilde Fässler-Enzler since 1994.

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Zielstrasse 2

Drei Eidgenossen

First known owner of the house, which dates back to the 16th/17th centuries. Century, around 1800 the representative was Johann Baptist Graf. By 1927, 19 changes of ownership were known. In 1868, Josef Anton Dörig built a cheese dairy there until around 1870. A blacksmith shop was subsequently set up there until 1880; Josef Anton Koch then ran a bakery in the house. On September 23, 1880, Koch also opened an tavern there and named it “Drei Eidgenossen”. Around 1881 a legal and commercial agency was also established in the company. On March 20, 1887, master baker Johann Locher opened his bakery here and from April 24, 1889 he also ran a garden restaurant. In 1900 the tavern closed again. Widow Franziska Locher-Brülisauer purchased the house on April 16, 1927 for CHF 30,000. The current flower shop has belonged to <Blumen Barbara AG> since 2000.

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Historical photograph

Bohnenmoosstrasse 1

Dreikirchenstein

The property on the edge of the forest was built before 1703. In 1817 Anton Josef Barth sold the house to Johann Jakob Fuchs for 250 fl. The house “Dreikirchenstein” on the edge of the forest owes its name to the view of 3 churches.

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Historical photograph

Oberer Gansbach 7

Eintracht / Höfle

The house was first mentioned in 1868, when Josef Maria Dörig sold it for CHF 3,780. In 1871 Alois Bart became the owner. In the same year he opened a restaurant, which he first called “Höfle”.

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Historical photograph

Gaiserstrasse 9

Falken

This substantial house was built around 1800 under its owner Johann Baptist Rusch. In 1838, it was sold to master coppersmith Anton Josef Knechtle-Eugster for 4,000 guilders. The property was first known as Nagelschmidte, and later as Sternen. After numerous changes of ownership, Dr. Wilhelm Sulzberger from St. Gallen acquired it in 1867 and established a pharmacy. The house then became known as Apotheke.

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Historical photograph

Gaiserstrasse 5

Falkenburg

The property was built in 1882-1883 by Johann Anton Schmid. Then the fire insurance company Appenzell bought it and passed it on to Franz Anton Fritsche on October 3, 1894 for CHF 12,500. He sets up the restaurant “Falkenburg” in the ground floor locations and runs the restaurant there himself. Munich beer is served as a specialty in the “Falkenburg” and Munich evenings with Bavarian music are held in the large hall. In 1911 the house was purchased by the doctor Dr. Thürlemann and lets the tavern collapse again. In 1922 the property was purchased by Willy Jakober-Böhi for CHF 34,000. In 1945 it passed to Willi Jakober-Brander and in 2000 to Sabine Fässler-Luger, where today Adalbert Fässler Jr. runs his artist's workshop in the former guest rooms.

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Hauptgasse 16

Fässler, Café / Engel

In 1670, Debus Keller purchased the house on Hauptgasse and ran the “Engel” business there for two years. Afterwards, Kölbener, Krüsi, Thäler and Haller serve there. In 1800 Josef Anton Enzler became the owner of the house; The current building was also built during this time. In 1821 the “Engel” tavern went down again.

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Historical photograph

Weissbadstrasse 7

Freihof

The house with the former tavern “Freihof” was built in 1870 as an embroidery factory. In 1873 it came into the possession of Johann Jakob Alder. In 1841 an attic apartment was built. In 1876, the business “Freihof” opened its doors for the first time. In February 1943, with reference to the legal provisions, the district council also granted Emil Haas the license to run the tavern “Freihof”, which was particularly popular among young people. On December 31, 1963, the business went under the long-term leadership of the Hans Heeb family. In 1970 the company <Martin Ebneter AG> took over the property as a commercial building.

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Gaiserstrasse 19

Freihof

Where the Kreuzhof is today, there used to be an old semi-detached house, which in 1820 also included the “Käshus” leisure bar. Secret entertainments must have taken place there several times in the 17th century and young people secretly indulged in dancing. That's why the weekly council issued various fines for “dancing in the Käshus”.

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Enggenhüttenstrasse 21

Frohe Aussicht

Around 1785 this property was still called “Mohrenheimat”. From 1800 it was called “Oertlis” - named after the owner - and from 1847 it housed the “Frohe Aussicht” restaurant. The house name “Hinteres Moos” also appears here and there. After 16 changes of ownership, Johann Josef Dähler acquired it for CHF 37,500. After the construction of the new Gontenstrasse, the tavern went down again in 1864. Today Bruno Dähler-Wettmer is the owner of the agricultural property.

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Gaiserstrasse 35

Frohe Aussicht / Schönenböhl

The stately house dates back to the 16th century. In 1700 Jakob Ulmann and around 1918 Johann Baptist Ebneter were named as the owners of today's “Hostet”. However, people have been serving here since 1852, because Johann Peter Neff received permission from the weekly council to run a bar in this house. On September 27, 1885, advocate Remigi Baumgartner opened an tavern that was called both “Schönenböhl” and “Schöne Aussicht” until 1886.

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Weissbadstrasse 33

Frohsinn

Master carpenter Johann Baptist Manser built the house in 1863, then exchanged it for another property that same year. Its new owner, Josef Anton Signer-Steuble, became its first innkeeper, opening the Frohsinn in 1863. Signer was a gifted violinist, remembered as a player for dances in Georg Baumberger's “Juhu-Juuhu”. The tavern closed in 1890, and the house passed to his widow, Anna Maria Signer, in 1899. After four further changes of ownership, Hermann Fässler-Neff bought it for 20,000 francs in 1938 and opened a furniture workshop in 1944. It passed to his widow, Emma Hedwig Fässler-Neff, in 1978 and later to Im Blauen Haus AG.

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Wührestrasse 10

Frohsinn

In 1875, roofer Josef Anton Koster had the house built and in July 1878 he opened the restaurant “Frohsinn”. Franz Anton Brülisauer ran the business until the end of the year, and from 1879 Koster himself ran it again. On August 26, 1882, the business was leased to Johann Josef Ebneter. In 1892 the shed extension on the north side was built. In 1893, Koster opened a large and small bakery there, which Heinrich Haas ran from 1909. After the tavern closed at “Frohsinn” in 1914, the house was sold to Anton Josef Weishaupt. In 1929, master locksmith Hermann Brander-Fässler purchased it for CHF 15,594; In 1974, widow Line Maria Manser-Mathis became the owner of the house.

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Historical photograph

Hauptgasse 24

Fuster, Mac, Café / Dobler, Café / Goldener Adler

In today's “Café Fuster” - or also called “mac Fuster” - the “Adler” business was run as early as the 18th century. Around 1800 Anton Joseph Zurich became the owner. When today's “Café Adler” on Adlerplatz was granted the “Black Adler” status as an tavern in 1820, the “Adler” restaurant on Hauptgasse was elevated to the “Golden Adler” status. In 1860 the “Golden Adler” tavern closed.

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Historical illustration

Hauptgasse 17

Gass 17 / Krone / Drei Königen, Zu Den

Around 1758, the house “zu den Drei Königen” stood on the site of today’s “Gass 17” restaurant. In 1800, the tavern sign was moved from the Schmäuslemarkt to the location of today's “Drei Könige” at Sternenplatz (Hauptgasse 26). From 1805 to 1820 the house on Schmäuslemarkt was replaced by a new hotel.

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Hauptgasse 21

Gemsli / Schwanen

When Johann Wolfgang Krüsi became the owner of the house, he opened a “Schwanen” restaurant there in 1760. The former tavern from the 18th century is still in the museum Appenzell.

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Historical photograph

Hauptgasse 37

Gemsli, Altes

The owner of the house around 1800 was Benedikt Floridus Dobler. From 1852 to 1867, the later owner Josef Anton Sutter ran the “old Gemsli” restaurant here. The house received its shape through a renovation in 1852. The house was renovated in 1860 and equipped with an Art Nouveau veranda in 1908. In 1867 the house went into operation

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Hauptgasse 33

Gemsli, Neues

The house was built by Josef Anton Sutter a little after 1860 and, after the closure of the business in the former “old Gemsli” (today the hotel “Appenzell”), housed the business in the “new Gemsli” from 1867 onwards. In 1883 the tavern was closed again. His successor, August Neff, had an extension built behind the house. In 1959, confectioner Rheinhold Franke-Knill purchased the house; Johann Franz Keller bought it at auction in 1981 and now runs a wood turning shop in the shop. The current owner is Hans Keller-Fässler.

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Weissbadstrasse 17

Gotthard, Sankt

The first buildings date from before 1865. Master carpenter Josef Anton Schürpf rebuilt the house in 1888 and sold it to Giovanni Antonio Sanpietro. On July 10, 1890, Sanpietro opened the Italian wine bar “Sankt Gotthard” there. However, he soon gave up the business again around 1896. Sanpietro was also the builder of the meteorological station on the Säntis. Marcel Ryf acquired the property in 1987.

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Hauptgasse 47

Grütli / Ilge

Around 1800, Baptist Koller was the first known owner of the property. In 1821, Johann Josef Koller acquired it for 1200 fl. and in 1829 it came into the possession of Josef Anton Sutter, shoemaker and postal messenger to St. Gallen. On Whit Monday 1867, Joh. Baptist Heinz opened the “Ilge” restaurant there and, together with old postman Neff, also opened a Gantrestaurant on October 3rd of the same year.

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Engelgasse 6

Grütli

Maria Magdalena Inauen is the owner of the house around 1800. In 1844 the house also served as a schoolhouse and in 1858 as a printing shop in which various local newspapers were produced. After several earlier changes of ownership, painter Rusch sold the house in 1867 to shoemaker Johann Knechtle for Fr. 5,600, who opened the tavern there on February 4, 1867 under the name “Grütli”. In 1877 the tavern closed again. From 1902 to around 1980 there was a drugstore there. In 1890 the property was purchased by shoemaker Josef Anton Grubenmann and since 1964 it has belonged to Karl Grubenmann-Koster.

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Historical photograph

Hauptgasse 19

Harmonie / Löwen, Alter / Löwen

There was a restaurant in this house as early as 1656 and was called “Löwen” back then.

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Hauptgasse 8

The owner of the 16th century house west of the town hall was Heinrich Baumann around 1519. There was a licensed tavern there as early as 1524. Among others, the later chief magistrate Meggeli is already known there as the licensed innkeeper before the village fire. Around 1850 a photographer ran a shop there. In 1906 the house was purchased by Karl Brülisauer for a shoe store. It has belonged to Annemarie Schlatter-Brülisauer since 1976.

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Historical photograph

Hauptgasse 9

Hecht

In 1784, Johann Jakob Grubenmann was the owner of what later became the hotel “Hecht”, which is said to be the oldest inn on the site. There was a wide variety of guests at “Hecht”, as simple farmers and guests from all over the world came here. In 1814 the Russian Grand Duke Michael stayed here. In 1859, the Prince of Sigmaringen also dined with guests (Romanian King and later King Edward VII of England) in this traditional house.

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Historical photograph

Hirschengasse 2

Hirschen

Captain Klamm's daughter was already hosting here before the village fire. After the fire, the house was rebuilt. The tavern has been called “Hirschen” since 1773 under the landlord Johann Crisostomus Kölbener. A hall is already planned at this time. In 1798, Joseph Mathias Huber became the host. Around 1800 the property belonged to Ignazi Füchsli. After several ownership changes and renovations, the former Ochsenwirt Josef Anton Steuble bought the “Hirschen” in 1829 and set up a butcher’s shop there. The fire inspection report mentions a viewing on December 6, 1872 because of a newly built utility room and because the owner intends to build another floor including a transept on the newly acquired house. The renovation was carried out in the following year 1873. In 1878 the butcher's shop became a cooper's workshop. After another major fire in 1892, the “Hirschen” was rebuilt. Arnold Mühlemann-Rohner bought the house in 1900 for CHF 32,000 and built two shops on the ground floor and a hall on the west side in place of the old extension. The tavern will be moved to the 1st floor. In 1902 the building took on its current form; At the same time, the restaurant will be moved from the 1st floor back to the ground floor. In 1920 Andreas Anton Breitenmoser-Schläpfer acquired the Hirschen. Now the tavern is being shut down and the ground floor is being converted into a large shop. In 1936, son Albin Breitenmoser-Mascetti took over the old “Hirschen” for CHF 82,000 and had a new building built to the northwest for the Albert Dörig company. Rudolf Breitenmoser-Haas can buy the “Hirschen” in 1952. The Josef Dörig shoe store acquired the “new building” in 1970. Alfons Breitenmoser-Böhi ran the legendary Volksmagazin there until 1970. Today the property is owned by Rudolf Breitenmoser-Eufinger, his heirs.

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Historical photograph

Engelgasse 4

Hof / Gambrinus / Neuer Ochsen

As early as 1880, the owner of the beer bar at the time wanted to set up a cylinder kiln to be the “new ox” in the business. There was already a bowling alley here in 1881.

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Historical photograph

Hoferbad 2

Hoferbad

The house was probably built around the year 1600. Around 1628 Peter Fritsche was the owner of the Hoferbad. The first bathing rooms were opened in 1659 and were used until 1900. A beer brewery was also operated in the buildings around 1800. In 1835 there were already 40 tubs there, but at that time there was still no commercial patent for the Hoferbad. On September 10, 1839, Philipp Speck was the first innkeeper to praise the weekly council for the tavern law, according to which the “Hoferbad” was initially allowed to serve from 1839 to 1855. In 1850, J. A. Sutter ran the restaurant until 1852, after which beer brewer Moritz Placidus Geiger purchased the property for 11,000 florins and applied for tavern management rights on October 28, 1852. On February 1, 1885, after a major renovation, Oscar Geiger opened the tavern “Hoferbad” with a new hall and a terrace. Under him, the house becomes the social center. In addition to many dance theater entertainments, so-called “egg reading events” are also held at “Hoferbad”. In addition, the hostel for the “Ochsen” is being moved here. In the period before 1927, Johann Baptist Dörig was a tenant and landlord. In 1943, Johann Baptist Streule-Inauen took over the property for CHF 60,000. In 1945 the agricultural association bought the property and sold it to Willy Cantele in 1952. The old tavern and the bathing establishment closed down in 1955. In 1995 the striking extension was demolished and the house belonged to the owner again

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Hauptgasse 42

Hörnli, Altes

The “Alten Hörnli” restaurant has been in operation since 1808. After 1815, the tavern was only called “Hörnli”. At that time the house belonged to Barbara Antonia Hörler; In 1815 an “Ulmännin” woman was named as the owner and from 1815 Franz Josef Mazenauer. Around 1830 it was converted into a classicist cube. On July 12, 1837, Constantin Mazenauer bought the house and sold it again to Benedikt Laubbacher on September 5 of the same year. In 1876 the tavern closed. In 1886 Fridolin Hersche opened a mechanical workshop and metalworking shop in this house. In the 1880s a goldsmith's workshop was operated there, and from 1900 a locksmith's workshop was used again. By 1905 another five were sent. Today there is a Pfaff sewing machine shop there; The house belongs to <Alba Beteiligungsund Immobilien AG>.

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Hauptgasse 54

Ilge, Alte

Johann Jakob Broger is named as one of the first owners in 1768. A restaurant has been operating in this house since very early on, at least since 1784. The restaurant was first called “Ilge”. After the opening of the “Neue Ilge” business building next door, the tavern was called “Alte Ilge” from this point on. As a result of the construction of the new Gontenstrasse in the second half of the 19th century, the tavern closed in 1862. By 1937, a whopping thirty changes of ownership took place. On January 9, 1937, Mrs. Maria Berta Fuchs-Wettmer purchased the house for CHF 23,500. Today it belongs to <Goldener Damenmoden AG>.

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Gontenstrasse 28

Kesselismühle

Here you encounter the Middle Ages, because there must have been a customs office on the “Kesselisbrugg” around 1673. The Kesselismühle was primarily used as a mill and already existed in 1684 as “Kesselisfrowen bei der Brugg”. Hans Jakob Gmünder is mentioned as the owner around 1800. In 1882 Josef Anton Signer opened a bakery in the mill. A year later he bought the mill from his father for CHF 9,500 and ran a business there called “Kesselismühle”. In 1897 the mill was sold to Josef Anton Baumann, the great-grandfather of the current owner, for CHF 8,500. At the same time, the tavern is declining. Today, great-grandson Josef Baumann-Broger runs a timber construction business in the former mill.

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Bankgasse 8

Knöfler

The house at Bankgasse was built in 1818. In 1929, Ms. Frieda Knöfler-Vetterli opened an alcohol-free restaurant with a catering bar. In 1942 the restaurant was closed again. Today the owner of the property is Anton Caviezel.

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Weissbadstrasse 8b

Konzerthalle

Roman Sutter and Beat Kölbener had the building “Konzerthalle” built in 1875 as an embroidery factory with 16 machines. In 1885, Beat Kölbener became the sole owner of the Brügglifabrik and in 1889 had four machine rooms and three apartments built on the upper floor and at the same time converted the ground floor into the “Konzerthalle” restaurant. The dining room is artistically decorated and becomes a real variety restaurant for a while. It is also known for its powerful orchestra and the many artists and show groups that perform there. The big carnival events there are just as legendary. From 1910 onwards, the “Konzerthalle” was only allowed to be run as a tavern restaurant due to the district council’s requirements. After 1911, offices and storage rooms were set up in the house for the liqueur factory <Emil Ebneter & Co. A.G.>. In 1922 the business stopped and the factory for “Appenzeller Alpenbitter” was created. The property has belonged to Walter and Elisabeth Regli-Schär since 2001.

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Marktgasse 3

Kreuz / Schwert / Helvetia / Gemsli

Josef Anton Kölbener is considered to be the homeowner around 1800. In 1870, the former Messerschmid Dobler's house on Marktgasse was already serving. In addition to the “Gemsli” shop, Jakob Bossart also ran a butcher's shop there at this time. In 1879 the consumer association opened a depot there and, from 1880, a public kitchen. From 1881 a bazaar was run there with standard prices of 70 centimes. Johann Martin Berweger is now the tenant of the business and the butcher shop “Gemsli”.

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Hauptgasse 23

Kreuz

Even before 1656, an tavern was operated in this house and Hans Schlipfer was mentioned as “Chrüzwirth”. Hans Büchler was the innkeeper there in 1656 and Josef Anton Büchler around 1739. From 1774 to 1893, the “Kreuz” belonged to the Fässler family with Antoni Josef Fässler as the innkeeper. For a time from 1774 to 1788, Johann Martin Krüsi, who had the “Kreuz” expanded, and the owner Ludwig Sutter were also named as innkeepers. The house took on its current form in 1791. From 1800 it belonged to Anton Josef Knechtle. In 1819 Johann Baptist Fässler was the innkeeper. The hall is on the 2nd floor, the taverns with the dining room and the dining room are on the 1st floor. In 1893 the business closed and the state took over the house for CHF 10,000.

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Kaustrasse 32

Kreuzweg

The “Tschümelers” house is located at the old Kreuzweg on Kaustrasse. As early as 1776, there was an tavern here called “Kreuzweg”. In 1817 Hans Jakob Broger, later arsenal keeper, became the homeowner. It is not known when the tavern closed. The house with a shallow-pitched roof became a stately farmhouse, which today belongs to Karl and Josef Graf.

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Historical photograph

Gaiserstrasse 2

Krönli

The owner is Karl Anton Mazenauer around 1800. After seven changes of ownership, Emil Neff Jr. acquired in 1909. the house for CHF 27,000. The tavern has been running long before 1880, probably even since 1800. In 1888, Josef Anton Neff Sr. to run a cheese dairy on the ground floor of the building next door.

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Historical photograph

Weissbadstrasse 45

Laimbacher, Café / Wiesenthal

The first building was built before 1865 by Johann Anton Dörig. In 1888 the owner wanted to install an kiln on the ground floor and raise the house. In the same year the house was raised and the bakery and restaurant were set up on the ground floor. On July 14, 1889, the bakery and shop opened under the name “Wiesenthal” and were taken over on a lease basis by Eduard Bock. Heinrich Haas-Neff then took over the bakery on August 6, 1890 and reopened the business on November 4, 1890 under the name “Wiesenthal”. However, this was closed again in 1891 and the bakery was run by Johannes Tischhauser from 1891 onwards. After two more baker dynasties, Josef Dörig took over the bakery and from May 22, 1898 ran the restaurant under the name “Wiesenthal”. In 1905 the bakery closed again.

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Historical photograph

Kronengarten 1

Landhaus / Alte Krone

The house is built in the 16th/17th. Built in the century. In 1750 Hans Jörlins is mentioned as the owner. Even back then, this house with the name “Alte Krone” served as a host. A bakery also operates there from time to time. Later Josef Fässler and around 1810 Josef Stiger ran the business. Then follow 11 changes of ownership. From 1880 the business was run by Mrs. Widow Gmünder-Koller until her death on June 9, 1881. Her son Jakob Gmünder then took over the business. From 1885 the business was maintained by Girolamo Oliviere until 1886. Now Ulrich Stark buys the property and continues to run the business. On November 19th, 1888 the house was auctioned again to the Kegel brothers and on December 10th, this time to Josef Anton Eugster.

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Alte Unterrainstrasse 30

Landhaus

The Landhaus (not its name) dates back to the Reformation era. Around 1617 it belonged to a Johann Ebneter. After many changes of ownership, Josef Anton Gschwend purchased the house in 1874 for CHF 29,500. From April 16, 1881 he was allowed to serve beer. In 1906, painter Carl Liner bought the former bar “Landhaus” and closed down the bar and with it the restaurant. In 1907 the Landhaus was rebuilt and the studio and terrace extensions were built. The house was inherited by Katharina Stefani Liner-Ruf in 2002. The current owner is the <Landhaus Liner Foundation>.

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Historical photograph

Enggenhüttenstrasse 23

Möhrli

The detached house on the Alte Gontenstrasse has been used as a restaurant since the century before last under the name “Möhrli”. On January 18, 1853, Jakob hired Anton Knill as the innkeeper. Afterwards, baker Egger took over the business and on June 6, 1865, Wwe. Anna Maria Rusch-Wild for Fr. 3,600. At the same time, the tavern is now going to “Möhrli” because of the shift in traffic to the new Gontenstrasse. After seven changes of ownership, Wwe. Maria Gmünder-Koller bought the house at auction in 1926 for CHF 10,500. The current owner is Franz Dörig-Eichhorn.

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Industriestrasse 1

Mühle, Zur Schweren

The first owner of the mill, around 1597, was Moritz Stark. On February 6, 1844, Karl Anton Hersche, then owner of the mill in Mettlen, received the innkeeping and sign rights from the weekly council to operate an tavern called zur schweren Mühle. The mill was a sawmill; it burned down in 1864.

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Historical photograph

Oberbad 16

Oberbad

The patrician house “Oberbad” from the 17th century was used as far back as 1372 because, in addition to the bath, there was also an accommodation hospice for travelers. One of the first owners is Fässler. It is not known when the tavern closed. Around 1800 the property belonged to Anna Maria Koller and from 1846-1961 to the Streule family. In 2002 it was acquired by Elmarüger-Dürlewanger and later by Marcoüger-Hafner.

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Gerbestrasse 1

Ochsen, Schwarzer / Ochsen / Bären

Long before the village fire, the shop and bakery "Bären" stood at this point, where the devastating fire broke out on March 18, 1560, which led to the large village fire.

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Poststrasse 6

Palme

Johann Baptist Weishaupt was mentioned as the owner even before 1856. In the following years, a drugstore and a laboratory were run there. In 1867 the house and workshop were completely rebuilt. In 1874, Jakob Waldburger took over the property for Fr. 8,100. From this point on, an tavern with a hostel will be run there with the promising name “Palme”. On March 5, 1879, Waldburger leased the business to his brother Ulrich. On the following November 27th, Brugger took over the business. In 1880, the homeowner Jakob Waldburger, a surgeon, also opened a hairdresser's shop in the house. The guest hostel was handed over to Moritz Baumann im Ochsen in January 1882. From April 22, 1882, Wwe. Fitze-Willi leads the tavern to “Palme”. Six months later, sticker Andreas Zeller-Klee runs the restaurant and also a small public kitchen. In the same year, Alfred Knopfel became the homeowner. Sticker Zeller remained the innkeeper in the house until the beginning of July 1883, then the business went into decline. From now on the house will be called “Schöneck”. In 1920, master saddler Johann Baptist Fuchs bought the house at auction for CHF 14,000. Since 1995 it has belonged to Roger Dörig-Dörig, an artisan.

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Weissbadstrasse 47

Paradies

The house was built in 1875 by Johann Anton Inauen. In the same year, Franz Mösler bought it for Fr. 10,500 and opened the business there with the name “Paradies”. We don't know when the tavern closed. After 6 changes of ownership, master tailor Josef Mazenauer acquired it in 1921 for CHF 17,800. In 1947 the company <Fässler Immobilien AG> became the owner of the property.

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Historical photograph

Hauptgasse 58

Pfauen

The “Pfauen” was already known as an tavern in 1800. One of the first owners around this time was Johann Baptist Hautle. 15 changes of ownership follow. In January 1884, Remigi Baumgartner became the tenant of the “Pfauen” until October 18, 1885, when the tavern was reopened by the subsequent owner Solenthaler-Fässler. Johann Baptist Fässler took over the “Pfauen” as the new owner on October 26, 1889 and reopened the restaurant on November 17, 1889. In 1928 Wilhelm Neff-Peterer, in 1959 Willi Neff-Nyffeler and in 1997 Elmar Neff-Fässler acquired the “Pfauen”. In November 1990 the tavern collapses.

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Historical photograph

Hauptgasse 27

Platte

The house “Platte” first served as a rectory around 1508. In 1522 a new building replaced the old building. After the village fire in 1560, the house "Platte" was no longer used as a rectory, but became a leading inn where the federal messengers, who at that time often visited our Appenzell, stayed.

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Historical photograph

Oberer Gansbach 1

Post, Café

The first house was built around 1845. Ulrich Alder from Urnäsch bought land from the “Neuhaus” from the widow Emilia Bischofberger in 1875 after a coach house there was transferred to Riedstrasse. In 1876 Alder received permission to build a new residential building. Shortly before 1900, the “Café Post” restaurant was opened and at the same time a large garden restaurant was built in front of it. The house was subsequently sold seven times and “Eintracht” continued. After several changes of ownership, Valentin Baumann from the Herisau beer brewery acquired the property and in 1901 A. Walz from the Waldstatt beer brewery became the new owner. In 1924, master tailor Jakob Hersche bought it for CHF 20,000. Rosaline Hersche ran the “Trächtli” restaurant, as it was affectionately known, until 1999 and often entertained her guests with her piano playing. The tavern closed after Dr. Franz Ebneter-Wenk acquired the house.

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Historical photograph

Hauptgasse 29

Raben / Schmidten / Raben

There was a tavern with a blacksmith's shop at this location very early on and is probably one of the oldest taverns in the village Appenzell. In 1524 Kölbener Jr. as a buyer. Around 1530, the “Raben” wine bar was already in operation there. After the village fire, the house was rebuilt.

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Hauptgasse 31

Rose

Johann Martin Fässler was the first owner of the Rose house. It belonged to Johann Baptist Koller from 1839. In 1846, the house with a shallow-pitched roof was renovated and a shop added. Johann Koller took the innkeeper's oath in 1847, then opened the tavern with a rose on its sign. He renewed his oath in 1852 and 1853.

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Alte Unterrainstrasse 4

Rosengarten

The house was built in 1868 by Johann Baptist Haas. From 1896 to 1940 it housed the guesthouse “Rosengarten” with warm baths. The “Rosengarten” is therefore advertised as a “Kneipp hydrotherapy facility”. In 1940 the property was renovated. The current owners are Thomas and Erika Koller-Inauen.

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Historical photograph

Rosengärtliweg 10

Rosengärtli

The first known owner is Jakob Anton Fritsche around 1792. The size of the house was doubled in 1875 with an addition. After six changes of ownership, Katharina buys Jos. Manser-Knill sold the property for CHF 3,000. In the spring of 1876, the restaurant “Rosengärtli” was opened. From December 7, 1884, Johann Anton Schiegg ran the business.

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Mettlenstrasse 14

Rössli

The series of well-known owners of this house near Mettlenbrücke begins around 1800 with Franz Josef Goldener. In 1843 Johann Anton Kegel purchased the house and took over as innkeeper in January 1845. He gives the tavern the name “Rössli”. However, the operation of the tavern probably dates back to long before 1761. Antoni Moser and Johann Baptist Christian Fässler were mentioned as “Rössliwirte” as early as 1761 and 1772. The tavern became a popular dining destination under Josef Anton Nisple between 1851 and 1889 and closed in 1889. In 1915, pig dealer Albert Sutter bought the entire property for CHF 21,000. In 1952 Johann Albert Sutter and later Albert Fuster-Lamuth became owners of the property.

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Historical photograph

Marktgasse 6

Rot-Tor

The well-known house was built around the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries. Built in the 19th century and, according to the custom of the time, it is surrounded by a wall. The red paint gives the building the well-known name “Red Gate”. In 1800 Josef Anton Tobler was named as the owner of the house. Around 1850, the “Appenzeller Volksfreund” printing press was housed on the ground floor for a while. After many changes of ownership, the house also served as a rectory from 1865 onwards. In 1877, the owner Josef Anton Fässler had an extension built on the north side of his house and built a beer bar in it. On the 16th

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Rütistrasse 4

Rüti

In the “Rüti” in the Rinkenbach, the reception begins very early. Anna Rohner is named as the owner around 1575. In 1978 the Innerrhoder Kantonalbank acquired the property. It has belonged to Heinz and Jolanda Kummer-Pantaleoni since 2005.

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Historical photograph

Kaustrasse 44

Rütirain

The house “Vorderer Rütirain” was built around 1534 and is a stately property. As a result of family relationships, the Rütirain partially became the property of the Kölbener family in 1745 as “Vorderer Rütirain”. Around 1889, Johann Baptist Manser sold it to master builder Kappeler for CHF 30,000. He divides the property and sells the front one Rütirain to Wwe. Franziska Josefa Rusch-Dähler for Fr. 5,300.

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Weissbadstrasse 38

Sartori

In 1626 Martin Gartenhauser was the owner of the house. In 1686 Jakob Thailer acquired the property and in 1697 received permission from the weekly council to serve cider for a period of 4 years from 1697 to 1700. The property was then sold over 15 times until Karl Albin Neff-Bütler purchased the house in 1998.

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Historical photograph

Schäfligasse 1

Schäfli

There must have been an tavern in this house very early on, because in a minutes of the weekly council from September 24th, 1670 it is recorded that the innkeeper and host Häni Ulmann was complained about as “Schäfli” for overindulging. Around 1764, Baptist Koller became the owner of the business. In 1825 the house was rebuilt in the late classicist style. The property “Schäfli” remained in a close family circle until 1866, when it was acquired by Wilhelm Etter in 1880 after another three changes of ownership. He ran a butcher's shop there and, from October 31, 1880, also the business. After his death on June 16, 1882, his wife continued to run the business and purchased the house in 1883 for CHF 17,000. In 1901, Albin Böhi-Etter took over the butcher shop as “Schäfli” and bought the entire house in 1903. The current shop entrance was built in 1924. The entire property was purchased by his son Albin Böhi-Dörig in 1938 for CHF 70,000. The well-known and popular restaurant is being restored in the old style and the north-eastern part is being expanded into a particularly homely Appenzellerstübli with snail windows. The business went out of business on May 1, 1954, while Bruno Böhi continued to run the butcher shop for a while. In 1987, Raiffeisenbank Appenzell acquired the property and later the company <Tropenfrucht AG>.

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Historical photograph

Enggenhüttenstrasse 2

Scheidweg / Adler / Scheidweg

The house was built by father Josef Anton Baumann in 1875-1876. His son sold it in 1877 to Franz Anton Mösler, the first innkeeper, for CHF 15,000. In 1877, this opened the tavern to a “crossroads”.

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Historical illustration

Hauptgasse 7

Schiffli

It is no longer possible to determine since when “Schiffli” has been hosting. In any case, Johannes Broger is mentioned as the owner and innkeeper in 1770. Signer was a host there in 1806. Then the house is sold 6 times. In 1838-1839 the house was rebuilt for Josef Anton Hersche, who again applied for a permit to run a business. On May 31, 1858, Anton Josef Signer bought the “Schiffli” (the very popular restaurant was extremely well attended by this active man). In 1899 the independent business ceased and the house was rebuilt. In 1981 it was demolished and replaced by a tall new building. The house has belonged to <Hotel Hecht AG> since 1979. A showroom for a furniture craftsman has now been created in the ground floor shop. The “Schiffli” as well as the Hecht now belong to <Hotel Säntis AG>.

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Gontenstrasse 1

Schönthal / Freihof

The house was built in 1871. In 1879 an tavern was created that was first called “Freihof”; From 1880 onwards it was renamed and was later called “Schönthal”.

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Historical photograph

Bahnhofstrasse 24a

Schützenhaus

The first Schützenhaus existed before 1541 and was rebuilt in 1581. In 1590 the Inneren Rhoden dissolved the Schützenhaus again because the outer ones built their own in Herisau. In 1615 it took on its current form, but still without a porch. Since 1632, innkeepers at the shooting range have been appointed to look after the Schützenhaus. In 1641 the Schützenhaus was partially renewed. In 1661 it was decreed that people were not allowed to entertain during the weeks when there was no shooting, which remained the case until the shooting range was closed. The innkeeper, who must have the license, runs the business during shooting events. Since 1660, when Carli Täler was an innkeeper, the tavern has had to remain closed in winter. In 1696, the district council demanded that the Schützenwirt innkeeper comply with the innkeeper's regulations because of lawsuits. By 1893 there were 13 known innkeepers - Josef Anton Moser was the last innkeeper. The shooting range diagonally in front was not built until 1920. Shooting operations stopped in 1964. Today the property belongs to the company <Gobbo Immobilien AG>.

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Sandgrube 8

Schweizerbund / Bäumle, Altes

Master tailor Johann Baptist Manser, known as “Mällisschnider”, had previously kept the Bären tavern in Gonten. He remodelled this house in 1844. In 1850, his wife took the innkeeper's oath before the weekly council for her tavern, altes Bäumle. From April 3, 1850 to April 3, 1851, Walser served wine there as tenant innkeeper.

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Poststrasse 2

Schweizerbund

The house was probably built shortly after the village fire and belonged to Josef Anton Broger until 1795. Around 1800, Captain Fideli Hautle became the owner of the house. After 5 changes of ownership, J. Costa opened a wine hall as innkeeper on November 30, 1879 on the ground floor, towards Schmäuslemarkt. At the beginning of 1881, the tavern was christened “Schweizerbund”, first led by Koller and then, from June of the same year, by Remigi Baumgartner. After two further sales, Josef Anton Hersche-Dörig purchased the house in 1896 for CHF 14,000 and went into business. In it he opens the legendary “Bazar Hersche”. In 1941 his son Josef Anton Hersche-Gmünder took over the property and had the small house replaced by today's striking new building. His son Josef Anton Hersche has been the owner since 1989.

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Historical photograph

Hauptgasse 30

Schweizerbund

As early as 1739, there was an tavern in this house called “Schweizerbund”. For a while, a nail smithy and a locksmith's shop were also established on the ground floor. In 1893 the house was expanded and in 1908 it was enlarged again and extensively renovated. Afterwards, a tobacco shop was run there for many years. On October 21, 1907, Carl Sutter bought the residential and commercial building at auction. Today it belongs to the company <Ecco Immobilien AG>.

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Sandgrube 2

Sennhof

Josef Nisple is mentioned as the owner of the house around 1800. In 1815 Anton Josef Dörig bought the property. By 1850, 28 changes of ownership were carried out. In 1931 Albert Nisple purchased the house for CHF 29,000. In 1860 the house served as an tavern and hostel and was named “Sennhof” because the old Gontenstrasse used to run past the house. In 1875, the then owner Haas had an extension built. In 1995, Guido and Rita Fässler purchased the house from Alfred Gmünder's heirs.

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Gontenstrasse 23

Sennhof

The house was built for Johann Anton Rusch shortly before 1863 on the area separated from the “Ebnet” property. His successor Johann Anton Grubenmann bought the new house on June 20, 1863 for CHF 5,250. At the same time, he opened the hostel and restaurant “Sennhof”. After two changes of ownership, Eller took over the business on a lease basis in 1886, which closed in the same year. In 1923 the house was auctioned off to Josef Anton Goldener for CHF 11,210. It has belonged to Bruno Josef Graf-Neff since 1982.

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Hauptgasse 22

Sonne

As early as 1745, Karl Mayer ran the “Sonne” restaurant in this striking house on Hauptgasse until 1838. During a renovation in 1906, the old business symbol appeared in the form of a sundial carved on sandstone. From 1860 onwards there were shops in this house, such as the legendary “JBA store” by Jakob Brülisauer-Manser from 1906. In 2000 Francoise Bruderer became the owner.

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Poststrasse 10

Sonne

In 1769, Maria Barbara Schmid is mentioned as the owner of the house in which the Brander bakery was established from 1855. From around 1850 you can also find the winery “Sonne” in this house, but it closed again in 1867. Before that, until 1938, the restaurant was served in the “Sonne” at the Hauptgasse 22 and later in today’s “Sonne” at the Landsgemeindeplatz, where the “Öchslein” used to be. The redesign of the main front on Postplatz took place between 1860 and 1880. A printing press was still operating in this house around 1867. Today the house belongs to Christoph Brander.

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Landsgemeindeplatz 1

Sonne / Öchsle

The owner of today's house at “Sonne” was Ignaz Schürpf until 1800. The “Öchslein” restaurant there had been serving food since before 1807. Later, from May 1807 to 1891, the restaurant was now called “Öchsle”. In 1860 the house was rebuilt.

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Rinkenbach 1

Sonnenau

From the firewood of the target factory, master builder Captain Johann Anton Schmid 1873-1874 built the house “Sonnenau” in Rinkenbach. Initially, various banking agencies were rented there. In 1892 a Kneipp hydrotherapy facility was operated there. In 1897, an tavern was opened as a supplement to “Sonnenau”. Franz Hautle is known as the first host. At times the farm is also leased out. In 1902 the house was sold and the business collapsed. In 1978 Andreas Koller-Fuchs took over the house.

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Sonnhalde 2a

Spital

The old Spital also used to host. The “Spital” was built as a tall gable building before 1580, but was never just an actual Spital. It served more as a tourist hostel, a home for poor people, an orphanage, a penitentiary and a work center. Around 1580 the “Spital” had its own vineyard in Rebstein. Various hospital innkeepers are known between 1613 and 1660. In 1668 the Gallen Council decided that people were no longer allowed to serve in Spital. In 1912 the property burned down.

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Hauptgasse 5

Storchen

Anton Haas ran the wine bar “Storchen” in this house as early as 1746. In 1849, the then owner, Josef Anton Broger, had the house torn down and replaced with today's new Biedermeier building. The business closed in 1861 and continued to operate in the house at “Storchen” at Hirschengasse. Some of the guest rooms and the ballroom at Hauptgasse are still partly there today. In 1931 Dr. Albert Broger the house from which the “chief magistrate Dr. Albert Broger Foundation” emerged in 1981. Today there is a pharmacy in this house.

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Hauptgasse 10

Sternen

The house with today's shop by Erich Klarer was built in 1561 and housed the “Sternen” restaurant around 1757. The first known host is Anton Josef Hörler. He was in foreign military service for some time and rose to the rank of Reichsvogt. In 1759 the entire building was demolished and rebuilt; In 1831 the house was raised. In 1832 the business went down and shops were built on the ground floor. In 1851 the extension was built in the northeast, in 1857 the rooms were expanded and in 1931 a new shop front followed. In 1944 Jakob Klarer purchased the house and from 1978 Erich Klarer-Gerschwiler became the owner.

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Alte Weissbadstrasse 1

Sternen

The house was built in 1864 for master wood turner Josef Anton Zeller. In 1877 the building was extended. On July 8, 1878, after a tour of the premises, the restaurant was opened as “Sternen”. After two years, the tavern is already closing again. In 1910, son Franz Zeller purchased the property. In 1997, Helena Katharin Baumann-Klarer bought the house so that her sports shop could expand. The current owner is the StWE community Thomas Baumann.

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Rinkenbach 32

Sternen

The house of the former Grubenmann-Haas bakery in Rinkenbach was built in 1870. The “Sternen” business was run there from 1878 to 1910. At the same time, a bakery was operated there for many years from 1878. In 1910 the tavern closed again. In 2000, Thomas and Cécile Haas became homeowners.

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Hirschengasse 4

Storchen, Neuer

Around 1800, the owner was Georg Kaspar Fels from St. Gallen. In 1844, the fire-inspection commission approved a laboratory for pharmacist Johann Büchler. After eight changes of ownership, Beda Steuble bought the house in 1861 for 8,258 guilders. Under his ownership, the neuer Storchen tavern opened as the old Storchen on lower Hauptgasse closed. Master butcher Johann Baptist Fuchs bought the Storchen in 1901. The tavern closed during the First World War, leaving only the butcher's shop. Elisa Fuchs-Veser bought the Storchen for 24,000 francs in 1924. Reto Alfred Fuchs-Fässler took over the house in 2003, followed later by Markus Wetter-Inauen.

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Kaustrasse 5

Stüdletoni

The restaurant in the house of the later Emil Ulmann, Broderies, was hosted by Anton Speck even before 1699. Around 1800, Johann Josef Michael Büchler owned the property on the Hofwiese. In 1928 Emil Ulmann-Dörig, Broderies, bought it for CHF 42,000. It is not known when the tavern closed. The house has belonged to the Appenzell school community since 1981.

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Historical photograph

Haslenstrasse 1

Taube

A bakery was operated in this property around 1870 before it was given the name “Beckentonis” in 1873. Franz Josef Speck is known as the first verifiable owner in 1799. Hans Jakob Fässler-Dörig joined the weekly council as innkeeper on January 31, 1843 and ran the business until 1853. After that, his son Johann Jakob Fässler continued to run the bakery and received approval for a tavern on March 17, 1864. The later innkeeper and baker at “Taube” in Mettlen, Johann Jakob Sebastian Fässler, reached the age of 73. In 1918, Johann Baptist Fuster bought the property at auction for CHF 29,500. In 1939 the front of the house was re-paneled. In 1953 Anton Dörig-Höhener bought the “Taube”, later Beatrice Dahinden-Schönberg and in 1991 the state Appenzell I.Rh. The tavern collapses in mid-1992. The property has been used for an asylum center since 1993.

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Historical photograph

Sitterstrasse 2

Tauben

Around 1750, the restaurant and bakery “at Tauben” was run in the house of what later became the Brülisauer rope factory. A major flood affected operations on August 2nd of the same year, so that, for example, a wedding couple who stayed overnight there had to postpone the wedding by one day. Around 1790 the owner Karl Grunder was a landlord and master baker.

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Kaustrasse 2

Tiger

Johann Jakob Heim built the house in 1786. After many prominent owners, Josef Anton Weishaupt-Gschwend became the new owner of the house in 1882 for Fr. 17,000. At the beginning of 1883, the restaurant “Tiger” was opened in this house by Wwe. Anna Maria Weishaupt, as well as a grocery store. In 1885 a children's carousel was set up in the front garden on Kilbi. In 1897 the house was sold and in 1900 the business went out of business. After 5 changes of ownership, the property belonged to Hans Klarer-Böhi from 1940 onwards for CHF 34,000. Hanspeter Fässler-Eigenmann has been the owner since 1999.

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Rinkenbach 8

Tiger

In 1906, the carpenter Ludwig Schitterli built a house in Rinkenbach and in 1907 set up the tavern in it as “Tiger”. Schitterli was known far and wide as an extraordinarily strong carpenter. In 1918 the tavern closed again. The current homeowner is Hans Gätzi-Frey.

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Marktgasse 7

Traube

In this mighty Tätschdach house there were still three parts of the house before 1800. Today's middle part with the roof ridge belonged to Christoph Tanner. In 1834 the three parts were merged. In 1876 the Schopfanbau was enlarged and the inn and the Gantlokal were added

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Kronengarten 9 / Engelgasse 8

Träuble

Anna Maria Wyss is the owner around 1742. In 1875, after nine changes of ownership, the “Träuble” tavern was opened. In 1882, Johann Ulrich Fässler handed the house over to his wife. The property was purchased at a voluntary auction in the same year by widow Brandolfina Graf-Knechtle. In 1885 the tavern “Träuble” collapsed when master baker Karl Motzer bought the house. In 1935, widow Emilia Motzer-Inauen appeared as the buyer of the house for CHF 25,835. In 1956 the bakery also closed. Heidi Schmid-Motzer has been the owner since 1985.

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Landsgemeindeplatz 5

Uli Rotach

The first owner was Franz Xaver Ignaz Sutter around 1800. After three changes of ownership, the later owner Jakob Floridus Neff opened the “Sparnisanstalt in Appenzell” on April 10, 1859, which went into liquidation in 1876. In 1885 a wine shop was opened in the house. On April 25, 1885, the tavern was opened under the name “Uli Rotach” under the landlord M. von Ostheim, but the tavern closed down again in 1890. From 1886 onwards, a book printing shop was rented in the house for the “Freier Appenzeller” publishing house and from 1909 a consumer store. After numerous changes of ownership, Josef Anton Ebneter purchased the house in 1932 for CHF 26,000. In 1988 Elsbeth Künzler-Brander became the owner.

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Gerbestrasse 4

Vereinshaus

The “Vereinshaus” was built in 1880 and operated as a business by the Catholic men’s associations. The first Vereinshaus host is Carl Anton Sutter-Schmid. There are countless theater performances taking place there, which are always well attended. From 1897 to 1964, the basement rooms served as the printing press of the “Appenzeller Volksfreund”, which took over the Vereinshaus in 1900. Guests at Vereinshaus included Thaddäus Seif, bank director Bischof and widow Emilie Rusch. In 1947 the tavern collapses into Vereinshaus. After that, Arnold Knechtle from the Hotel Hecht will only serve on special occasions. In 1900 the book printing company Appenzell acquired the entire complex, in 1963 the company <Albin Breitenmoser AG> and in 1998 the company <Alba Beteiligungsund Immobilien AG>.

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Historical photograph

Bahnhofstrasse 2

Walhalla

Anton Josef Neff is mentioned as the owner around 1800. After four changes of ownership, advocate Remigius Baumgartner purchased the property in 1887 for CHF 11,600. He has a continuous commercial area built under the existing residential building and a new building built at the back. In 1898 the roof structure had to be replaced after a fire. The tavern changed hands nine more times until the Locher brothers from Brauerei purchased the house in 1914 for CHF 48,000. The name restaurant “Walhalla” comes from the first time after the introduction of the Appenzellerbahn. In 1944 the Brauerei was hosted, in 1951 by Norbert Wild, in 1970 by Maria Signer and in 1971 by Karl Brander-Klarer. In 1964 the ground floor was completely rebuilt. Most recently, Walter Fuchs is the owner and Ruth Fuchs runs the “Walhalla” until the restaurant closes in April 2001. The house was then rebuilt in 2001/2002 and has since been a commercial building for <Accurat Immomobilien AG>.

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oberhalb Gontenstrasse

Weiersbrugg

After Captain Johann Baptist hired Dobler as innkeeper on January 31, 1843, he ran the business in his house under the Rose name "Weiersbrugg". Today the house belongs to Maria Ebneter-Fässler's sel. heirs.

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Engelgasse 14

Wiesenthal

Around 1800 the house belonged to Joseph Anthon Sutter. This is followed by 9 changes of ownership. In 1877 an extension was built on the east side. On September 8, 1881, the “Wiesenthal” restaurant opened in this house, which at that time belonged to F. Eugster. After barely a year of operation, the tavern closed again in 1882. In 1925, after another 5 changes of ownership, Anna Maria Manser purchased the house for CHF 16,000. Today it belongs to Marianne Senn-Knechtle.

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Historical photograph

Marktgasse 14

Wilhelm Tell

The fairly old building belongs to the Knusert family around 1800. On February 1, 1859, the innkeeper Fässler was the first operator to open the restaurant “Wilhelm Tell”. In 1852 the painter Brander became the owner of the house. A butcher's shop is also run there at times. After 9 changes of ownership, the consumer cooperative Appenzell bought the house in 1909 and shut down the tavern. The company then changes its name to “Konsumverein Appenzell” and operates a store in the building as “Konsum” until the new Coop center opens in the target. In 1963 the house was demolished and replaced by a modern new building. Since 1999 the canton Appenzell I.Rh. Owner of the house.

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Historical photograph

Bahnhofstrasse 4

Zebra

The first known owner and builder of the small house that later became “Zebra” was master carpenter Fässler around 1845. After five changes of ownership, Ignaz Hörler acquired it in 1872. In the same year he opened the restaurant “Zebra” as well as a small specialty shop. After three further changes of ownership, Franz Mittelholzer can buy the house. In 1883 the “Zebra” burned down, after which Mittelholzer had a neat new building built on the spot. In 1886 the house was taken over by Josef Anton Fässler, who intended to enlarge the drinking hall. In 1891 the property “Zebra” passed to Mrs. Fässler-Haas. In 1904, due to the track construction of the Appenzell Railway, the building had to be moved to the location of the later Inauen bakery at Bahnhofstrasse 9. The former tavern “Zebra” was subsequently replaced in 1904 by a pleasing new building a few meters further north. In 1996 Christoph Hildebrand acquired the property. Today the house houses the Spanish club “Centro Espanol” and the “Alpenkebab” and belongs to the company <Zebra Immobilien AG>.

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Blumenrainweg 3

Zeughaus

The house with the cross gable was built between 1898 and 1903 by master carpenter J. Benedikt Eberle. He purchased the land from the state building authority for CHF 2,366 and sold it and the new house to Josef Anton Koster in 1903 for CHF 19,000. The first homeowners have already led the tavern to “Zeughaus”. Today it belongs to Josef and Martin Breitenmoser.

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Historical collection, as of October 2014. Illustrations and advertisements document different times.

Historical advertisement of the bathhouse Rosengarten — A look at the newspapers from back then · Source, page 50

MORE THAN A PLACE TO EAT

Where village life
took center stage.

Dance evenings and theater, bowling alleys and swimming pools: the village came together in the taverns. Old advertisements tell about it just as vividly as the memories of the innkeeper families.

About the collection ↓

PRESERVING STORIES, PASSING THEM ON

Village life, remembered one doorway at a time.

According to the collection of Yvo Buschauer · October 2014

The basis is the third, completely revised edition from October 2014. It lists former establishments and former names of existing guest establishments alphabetically.

Sources and image credits

Text and historical images: Collection Yvo Buschauer, 3rd completely revised edition, October 2014. The complete source and image credits remain in the private source archive.

Historical photographs have been carefully restored; Individual photographs were post-processed using AI and recognizable faces were anonymized. Paintings and historical illustrations remain unchanged in content. The traditional Appenzell folk painting motif in the head area is a newly created illustration.

Historical illustrations, paintings and advertisements are preserved in their traditional form. Individual photographs were post-processed with AI support; The information is directly attached to the picture. The new header illustration shows an imaginary tavern.

Legal notice and privacy

Publisher: Michael Buschauer · info@buschauer.org. Lyrics and original compilation: Yvo Buschauer.

No own analytics or advertising trackers. Fonts and images are local. Map data is loaded from swisstopo; Among other things, your IP address is transmitted to the provider. Google Maps only opens when you click on a corresponding link. The saved places initially only remains for this page visit. It will only be saved on your device based on your selection.

HISTORIC TAVERNS · APPENZELL

Hecht

Hauptgasse 9

A story about former taverns and former tavern names. As of: October 2014.

The story of this building

In 1828, the then owner Dähler bought the “Kosslis” house (the lower part of “Hecht”) from K. A. Koster and combined it with the house in 1851

“Hecht”. It was sold 18 times by 1939. On April 11, 1936, master butcher Arnold Knechtle-Signer purchased the property for CHF 150,000. Three years later, his son Arnold Knechtle-Blattmann took it over for the same price. In the years 1930-1931 the “Hecht” underwent a thorough renovation. In 1942 the owner had a bowling alley built in the former stable, and in 1947 he opened the cinema on the ground floor.

When Arnold Knechtle was able to buy the attached “Schiffli”, he attached it to the hotel as a guest room house. In 1953 the house was extensively renovated inside. At the end of 2001, the daughters stopped operating the restaurant and from 2002 the “Hecht” was run by the Stephan Heeb family as a seminar hotel without a restaurant with 77 beds.

Yvo Buschauer · 3rd completely revised edition · October 2014 · Pages 32, 33. Times such as “today” refer to the edition at that time. Names of owners and innkeepers are reproduced as part of the historical house and business history.

Where the story took place

Hauptgasse 9

Address reference according to swisstopo, checked on October 24, 2026. It refers to the address from the collection, not a confirmed current catering establishment.

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Appenzell’s old taverns.Their stories live on.

One village. A world of stories.

Alpenrose

Alte Weissbadstrasse 4

Anker

Anker

Bahnhof / Weiherhof / Schwanen

Bahnhofbuffet

Bären

Bären / Taube

Bärenhaus

Bärli

Bäumli / Gemeindeplatz / Reber / Marktplatz / Grüner Baum

Bierhütte

Bleiche

Blume

Blumenau

Brauerei

Chrot / Hebelis

Centro Italiano / Neuhof

Drei Eidgenossen

Dreikirchenstein

Eintracht / Höfle

Falken

Falkenburg

Fässler, Café / Engel

Freihof

Freihof

Frohe Aussicht

Frohe Aussicht / Schönenböhl

Frohsinn

Frohsinn

Fuster, Mac, Café / Dobler, Café / Goldener Adler

Gass 17 / Krone / Drei Königen, Zu Den

Gemsli / Schwanen

Gemsli, Altes

Gemsli, Neues

Gotthard, Sankt

Grütli / Ilge

Grütli

Harmonie / Löwen, Alter / Löwen

Hauptgasse 8

Hecht

Hirschen

Hof / Gambrinus / Neuer Ochsen

Hoferbad

Hörnli, Altes

Ilge, Alte

Kesselismühle

Knöfler

Konzerthalle

Kreuz / Schwert / Helvetia / Gemsli

Kreuz

Kreuzweg

Krönli

Laimbacher, Café / Wiesenthal

Landhaus / Alte Krone

Landhaus

Möhrli

Mühle, Zur Schweren

Oberbad

Ochsen, Schwarzer / Ochsen / Bären

Palme

Paradies

Pfauen

Platte

Post, Café

Raben / Schmidten / Raben

Rose

Rosengarten

Rosengärtli

Rössli

Rot-Tor

Rüti

Rütirain

Sartori

Schäfli

Scheidweg / Adler / Scheidweg

Schiffli

Schönthal / Freihof

Appenzell’s old taverns.
Their stories live on.

Where village life
took center stage.