The Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden is a small canton in north-eastern Switzerland with approximately 55,000 inhabitants spread across 20 municipalities. Entirely enclosed within the Canton of St. Gallen, it occupies the northern and western part of the Appenzell region, a hilly and verdant territory at the foot of the Santis (2,502 m), the highest peak in eastern Switzerland. Its capital is Herisau, the canton’s largest municipality.
Appenzell Ausserrhoden (AR) is distinguished from its neighbour Innerrhoden (AI) by its historically Protestant orientation and its more industrial and urban character. The canton has a long tradition in the textile industry (embroidery, muslin) and mechanics. Today, it attracts residents drawn by its attractive property prices, its living environment between hills and mountains, and its proximity to the city of St. Gallen.
Why move to Appenzell Ausserrhoden?
- Very attractive property prices: among the lowest in eastern Switzerland, 30 to 45% below St. Gallen city
- Living environment: green hills, pastures, views of the Santis and Lake Constance from the heights
- Proximity to St. Gallen: Herisau is 15 min from St. Gallen by train, providing access to urban jobs and services
- Living traditions: rich Appenzell culture (music, craftsmanship, mountain farming)
- Accessible nature: hiking, skiing at Santis/Kronberg, mountain biking, paragliding
- Moderate taxation: competitive tax rates for families and individuals
The challenges of moving in Appenzell Ausserrhoden
Hilly topography
The canton consists of hills and valleys with altitudes ranging from 450 to 1,600 m. Many Appenzell farmhouses and homes are located on slopes or in scattered hamlets. Roads are often narrow and winding, requiring adapted vehicles.
Dispersed settlement
Traditional Appenzell settlement is dispersed: farmhouses and homes are often isolated, far from main roads. Carrying over rural tracks and meadows may be necessary for some moves.
Traditional buildings
Typical Appenzell houses are wooden, with painted facades and woodwork interiors. They often have narrow staircases and low ceilings. Moving in these traditional buildings requires care to avoid damaging carved wooden elements.
Our moving services in Appenzell Ausserrhoden
- Residential moving: service adapted to the rural and hilly setting
- Commercial moving: offices, workshops, shops
- Free quote: compare offers from movers in the region
- Professional packing: protection adapted to transport on hilly roads
- Storage: secure storage in the Herisau area
- Furniture lift: for older buildings and traditional houses
- International moving: service to Austria and Germany
- End-of-lease cleaning: professional property restoration
Moving prices in Appenzell Ausserrhoden
Rates are among the lowest in Switzerland, reflecting the canton’s moderate cost of living.
Local move
| Property type | Estimated volume | Price range (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 room | 10-15 m3 | 400 - 850 |
| 2 rooms | 20-25 m3 | 750 - 1,300 |
| 3-4 rooms | 30-45 m3 | 1,100 - 2,400 |
| 5 rooms and above | 50-70 m3 | 1,900 - 3,800 |
| House / farmhouse | 60-90 m3 | 2,500 - 5,000+ |
Intercantonal move
| Route | Estimated supplement |
|---|---|
| AR - St. Gallen (15 km) | + 150 - 300 CHF |
| AR - Zurich (90 km) | + 400 - 800 CHF |
| AR - Winterthur (60 km) | + 300 - 600 CHF |
| AR - Bern (200 km) | + 700 - 1,200 CHF |
| AR - Appenzell AI (20 km) | + 150 - 350 CHF |
Factors affecting the price
- Accessibility: isolated farmhouses on hills cost 15 to 25% more than village properties
- Topography: slopes, unpaved tracks, carrying over grassy terrain
- Building type: traditional wooden houses require extra care
- Season: quarter-ends see prices rise by 10 to 15%
- Services: packing (+30 to 50%), furniture lift (300-650 CHF), cleaning (180-600 CHF)
Main municipalities in Appenzell Ausserrhoden
- Herisau: cantonal capital (~16,000 pop.), administrative and industrial centre, largest municipality in the canton
- Teufen: sought-after residential municipality (~6,500 pop.), between Herisau and St. Gallen, views of the Santis
- Speicher: residential municipality (~4,200 pop.), on the heights with views of Lake Constance
- Heiden: tourist municipality (~4,000 pop.), historic health resort, panoramic views of the Bodensee
- Buhler: rural municipality (~1,800 pop.), at the heart of the typical Appenzell landscape
Unique features of moving in Appenzell Ausserrhoden
Proximity to St. Gallen
Despite its rural character, the canton is very close to St. Gallen: Herisau is 15 min away, Teufen 10 min. Many residents work in St. Gallen while living in the neighbouring canton, which is more affordable and greener. This proximity facilitates moves between the two cantons.
Appenzell architecture
Appenzell houses are among the most distinctive in Switzerland: painted wooden facades, decorated windows, finely crafted woodwork interiors. Transporting furniture in these spaces requires care to protect both the furniture and the building.
Traditions and community
Appenzell is a canton with a strong cultural identity: traditional festivals (Silvesterklausen), folk music, craftsmanship. The social fabric is dense, and local movers personally know a large proportion of the population and properties.
Tips for your move in Appenzell Ausserrhoden
- Check access: rural properties and farmhouses can be difficult to reach with a large truck
- Choose a local mover: knowledge of the terrain is a major asset in this hilly canton
- Protect woodwork: Appenzell houses are often listed or protected
- Take advantage of the low prices: rates are among the most attractive in Switzerland
- Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead: longer for quarter-ends
- Plan for the weather: Appenzell hills are exposed to wind and rain
- Schedule the cleaning: book at the same time as the move
- Register your arrival: at the Einwohnerkontrolle within 14 days
FAQ — Moving in Appenzell Ausserrhoden
Questions fréquentes
Prices range from 400 CHF for a studio to around 5,000 CHF for a large house. It is one of the most affordable cantons in Switzerland for moving.
Farmhouses are often on hilltops. Adapted vehicles and sometimes manual carrying are required. Inform the mover about access (dirt track, slope, distance from the road) for an accurate quote.
The canton is German-speaking. Some partners in the St. Gallen area offer a service in French. Indicate your preference when requesting a quote.
In normal periods, 2 to 3 weeks is sufficient. For quarter-ends, book 3 to 4 weeks in advance.
Yes, moves between the two cantons are very common and straightforward. The distance is short (15-20 km), roads are good and rates moderate.
Yes, the Appenzeller Bahnen connect Herisau and Teufen to St. Gallen. The A1 motorway (St. Gallen-Zurich) is accessible in 15 min from Herisau. Connectivity is good despite the rural character.
Yes, storage solutions are available in the Herisau and St. Gallen area, at very competitive rates.
Request your free quote for a move in Appenzell Ausserrhoden
Request your free quote and compare offers from professional movers in Appenzell Ausserrhoden. From Herisau to Heiden, from Teufen to Speicher, our partners deliver professional service at some of the most attractive prices in Switzerland.