Urnäsch in Appenzell Ausserrhoden nestles in the lush meadows of Appenzell’s rolling landscape, at the foot of the towering Säntis. An aerial cableway travels from nearby Schwägalp to this rugged vantage summit on the Alpstein massif. Urnäsch also lies on the Herisau - Appenzell line of the Appenzell Railway and is the departure point for the pass road over the Schwägalp to Neu St. Johann in neighbouring Toggenburg.

In Urnäsch itself, typical Appenzell houses form a particularly appealing entity around the village square. Urnäsch is known for its living customs, including the cattle drives to the alps or the «Bloch». The best-known tradition is undoubtedly «Alte Silvester» (old New Year) on 13 January, when impressive masked and costumed «Silvesterkläuse» appear, divided into the «ugly», the «beautiful» and the forest or natural «kläuse» (dwellers).

The Appenzell Museum of Customs is housed in a 19th century wooden building full of cosy nooks and crannies. Excellent exhibitions focus on festive national costumes (with impressive headdresses), rounded off by a music room and replica Alpine dairy.

The Landwirtschaftsweg (farming path) from Urnäsch to Schwägalp – also open in winter – provides an insight into the development and importance of local produce. Other nearby excursion destinations are the Schwägalp/Säntis Nature Discovery Park, Hoher Kasten, Kronberg (with summer bob-sledge run) and Ebenalp.

In winter there is a choice of various-length cross-country ski runs, a small ski lift and children’s lift, snowshoe trekking, winter-walking trails and horse-drawn sleigh rides.