Arrival in Appenzell
The journey into Appenzell feels like stepping into a painting—rolling meadows stitched with wildflowers, chalets tucked beneath the shadow of Säntis, and cobbled lanes that wind toward the town’s heart. At the edge of this quiet rhythm stands Alte Metzg, a boutique pension that blends the intimacy of a hostel with the charm of a mountain inn.
Its name, “Old Butcher’s,” hints at history, yet inside it has been reimagined into a place of warmth, simplicity, and shared experience.
The Atmosphere of a Pension
Unlike hotels that separate guests into private silos, a pension thrives on community. Alte Metzg offers shared kitchens where travelers cook side by side, lounges where conversations stretch into the evening, and terraces where the mountain light lingers long after sunset.
It is affordable, yes, but more importantly, it is human—designed for those who value connection as much as comfort.
Rooms with Personality
Each room carries its own character, shaped by wood floors, clean lines, and the quiet luxury of mountain views.
The Double Room is a snug retreat, complete with seating and a private bath.
The Twin Room offers two beds and a sauna, perfect for friends traveling together.
The One-Bedroom Suite expands into a generous space with three beds and sweeping alpine views.
The Single Room, modest and street-side, is ideal for solo wanderers.
The King Room balances shared facilities with mountain-facing windows.
The Duplex Quadruple invites groups into a playful, multi-level space.
The Budget Double pares back to essentials, while the Family Rooms—some with shared bathrooms—are designed for togetherness.
The Sauna Traditions
The sauna is more than an amenity here; it is a ritual. After a day of hiking Appenzell’s ridges or wandering its painted houses, guests return to the pension and step into the warmth of cedar-scented steam. It is a small indulgence, but one that transforms the stay into something restorative.
Communal Corners
Alte Metzg’s shared spaces are its heartbeat. A games room for rainy afternoons, a lounge where travelers swap trail stories, and a terrace that becomes a stage for sunsets. The shared kitchen is perhaps the most intimate corner—pots simmering, bread sliced, and strangers becoming companions over simple meals.
Practical Comforts
The pension balances charm with convenience. Parking is private, luggage storage is available, and check-in is discreetly managed. A heating and non-smoking policies ensure a clean, warm environment. Check-in begins at 15:00, check-out by 11:00, a rhythm that suits both early risers and late lingerers.
Location and Surroundings
From Alte Metzg, the world of Appenzell unfolds easily. Olma Messen St. Gallen lies 19 km away, Säntis rises at 25 km, and Dornbirn Exhibition Centre sits 31 km across the valley. Yet the pension itself feels like a destination—its terrace overlooking peaks, its rooms echoing with quiet mountain air.
A Place of Belonging
What defines Alte Metzg is not grandeur but intimacy. It is a pension where mountain views, shared kitchens, and the scent of sauna wood weave together into a stay that feels both simple and special. Guests leave not with the memory of polished luxury, but with the warmth of belonging—to Appenzell, to the pension, and to the community it nurtures.
