Appenzell

Appenzell is a special region in northeast Switzerland. It sits entirely inside the canton of St. Gallen. The area is often called Appenzellerland when people talk about its geography.

The land has many different looks depending on where you stand. In the south, the mountains are very high. This is the Alpstein limestone range. The highest peak is the Säntis, which reaches 2,502 meters. To the north, the land changes into green hills. Small villages and towns sit in the green hollows between these hills. Two main streams flow through the land. The Urnasch stream flows down from the Säntis. It joins the Sitter river, which flows through the capital town of Appenzell.

The history of this place is very long and full of change. The name Appenzell comes from words meaning the "estate of the abbot." For a long time, the Abbey of St. Gall held great power here. By the year 1360, farmers and the abbot had many arguments. They fought over taxes and rights to use the land for grazing. These conflicts led to big changes for the people. In 1403, Appenzell became independent from the abbey. They joined the Old Swiss Confederacy as an associate member in 1411. Eventually, they became a full member in 1513.

In the 1500s, a religious change called the Reformation happened. This caused the land to split into two separate parts in 1597. These two parts are called half-cantons. They are Appenzell Innerrhoden and Appenzell Ausserrhoden. Even though they are separate, they are still linked by history. They used to share the same business interests and laws. They even worked together to support their local weavers. For a long time, they were known as "both Appenzells" in politics. They remained united by their shared opposition to the city of St. Gallen.

Each half-canton has its own unique way of life today. Appenzell Ausserrhoden is in the north and west. It covers 171 square kilometers. Much of this land is used for industry. People there are famous for making cotton goods and beautiful embroidery. The capital of this part is Trogen.

Appenzell Innerrhoden is the southern, more mountainous part. It is smaller, with an area of 173 square kilometers. Most people here are Catholic and follow many old traditions. The herdsmen wear bright red waistcoats and canary-colored shorts. They even celebrate New Year's Day on 14 January using an old calendar.

Both parts of Appenzell once shared a very special tradition. This was called the Landsgemeinde. It was a democratic meeting held outside in the open air. Any citizen over twenty years old could attend these meetings. In Innerrhoden, these meetings still happen in the town of Appenzell. However, Ausserrhoden changed its ways in 1997. The people there voted to stop holding the open-air assemblies. Even with these differences, the two cantons remain important parts of Switzerland. They show how history and geography can shape how people live.