Appenzeller Schaukäserei — Attraction in Stein (AR)

If you stay in Appenzell (also nearby areas like Urnäsch) for 3 or more nights, you get a Appenzeller Ferienkarte, which makes the entrance fee for this Cheese factory free! With the tickets you’ll also receive a tasting box of cheese and a small pouch (Gift shop doesn’t require tickets). The tasting box allowed me to compare various cheese types, which was a great experience. Inside, you get a glimpse of the factory and the cheese stacks. I liked that you could also try some whey, it had an interesting taste. There’s also a station where you can pick, mix and pack your own herbs into the small pouch you got earlier.

Downside, if it’s really crowded, it can be challenging to browse through the displays since the place isn’t that big.

Finally, you’ll be led to the gift shop, which sells a variety of items. Some souvenirs may be available at cheaper prices elsewhere, I recommend visiting other places first to avoid overpriced traps.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting this cheese factory, which is a must-see when...

The most interesting detail about this factory is that you get a direct glimpse into its workings via a "James Bond" style glass gallery that overlooks the main production floor. They also play a movie that show the details that are missing. You also get to mix your own bag of herbs from several options (and get to take it home too boot). The price also includes a box of samples to get the idea if you like younger or more mature cheese.

There is also a restaurant on site.

The only thing to note is that aside the viewing floor and the cheese storage (and turning) room there are only a few additional exhibits that show the history of the cheesemaking (info boards and a few video screens).

In short - good to se if you...

The two stars are only because the man at the reception was kind to us and spoke English. Aside from that it was quite expensive considering it is very short, not accompanied by anyone, they gave you a tablet that could only translate the German descriptions on the walls into English and no other Swiss or foreign language. The little piece of cheese they give you to taste are small, not so fresh and honestly not so good. The shop at the end of the tour is also quite expensive, and the whole experience doesn't really make you desire to buy that much. Quite disappointed, especially making comparisons to other similar places in Italy or France, usually more immersive and for free (so you end up really buying a lot...