Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region · Bezirk Mittelland Region · Speicher (BFS 3023)

Speicher (Speicher (BFS 3023)) Travel Guide & City Profile

Everything you need to know about Speicher (Speicher (BFS 3023)), a municipality (gemeinde / commune) of 4,408 people in Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region, Switzerland — key facts, rail access, regional food specialties, best seasons, and nearby cities.

Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Overview & City Profile

Served by Bahnhof Notkersegg (3.3 km) in Bezirk Mittelland, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Speicher (BFS 3023; pop. 4,408) combines 924 m alpine and lakeside views with proximity to Kloster Notkersegg and Vögelinsegg. Travelers use Speicher as a scenic base for tasting Raclette and Rösti across Appenzell Ausserrhoden.

Within Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region (Bezirk Mittelland region), Speicher (Speicher (BFS 3023)) serves as a municipality (gemeinde / commune) in appenzell ausserrhoden region. Travelers exploring Appenzell Ausserrhoden often combine a stop in Speicher with regional highlights such as Historic Altstadt / Old Town, Panoramic mountain & lake views, Marked SwitzerlandMobility hiking trails, Local heritage museum.

RegionAppenzell Ausserrhoden (Appenzell Ausserrhoden)
RegionBezirk Mittelland
Population4,408
Area & densityRegional km² (Urban/Town/km²)
FactDetails for Speicher (Speicher (BFS 3023))
Switzerland NameSpeicher (BFS 3023) (Speicher)
Administrative StatusMunicipality (Gemeinde / Commune) in Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region
Region & CapitalAppenzell Ausserrhoden Region (Capital: Herisau)
Region of SwitzerlandBezirk Mittelland
Population4,408 residents
Total Area / DensityRegional km² · Urban/Town people per km²
Municipal IncorporationOfficial Municipality
Coordinates47.4129°N, 9.4437°E

Getting to Speicher & Getting Around

Via the regional hub (Herisau Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways)): Connected via hourly SBB CFF FFS rail and PostBus services; fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.

  • Local rail & SBB EasyRide / transit cards: Once in Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region, SBB regional trains, narrow-gauge mountain railways, and yellow PostBuses connect Herisau with Speicher. The SBB Mobile app (EasyRide swipe) and Swiss Half Fare Card & regional transit passes cover trains, PostBuses, trams, and boats nationwide.
  • Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Appenzell Ausserrhoden have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Speicher en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with SBB Luggage Transfer.
  • Driving & car rental: While city centers around Speicher are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways station or airport in Appenzell Ausserrhoden can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and high Alpine passes. Read our Renting a Car in Switzerland Guide.

What to Eat in Speicher & Appenzell Ausserrhoden

Speicher shares the culinary traditions of Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region and the wider Bezirk Mittelland region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:

  • Cheese fondue — a signature specialty across Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region.
  • Raclette — a signature specialty across Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region.
  • Rösti — a signature specialty across Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region.
  • Bircher muesli — a signature specialty across Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region.
  • Swiss artisanal chocolate — a signature specialty across Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region.

For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Switzerland Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Switzerland dietary explanations at restaurants in Speicher.

Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights

Best time to visit Appenzell Ausserrhoden: Jun–Sep (summer trails), Dec–Mar (winter sports).

Regional highlights across Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region that pair well with a visit to Speicher include: Historic Altstadt / Old Town, Panoramic mountain & lake views, Marked SwitzerlandMobility hiking trails, Local heritage museum.

Practical Travel Tips for Speicher

  • Tourist information office (Tourist Info): Look for the official Switzerland Tourism or local tourist office counter inside or right outside the main train station in Speicher (or at Herisau Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
  • Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Speicher accept international cards and contactless / SBB EasyRide payment, smaller family-run restaurants, Alpine huts (Berghütten), and farm stands may prefer cash or Twint. Swiss PostFinance and cantonal bank (Kantonalbank) ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
  • Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Speicher (Speicher (BFS 3023)) located in Switzerland?

Speicher (Speicher (BFS 3023)) is a municipality (gemeinde / commune) located in Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region in the Bezirk Mittelland region of Switzerland (coordinates: 47.4129°N, 9.4437°E). It has a population of approximately 4,408 across an area of Regional km².

How do I get to Speicher by train?

Most visitors reach Speicher via the main prefectural gateway of Herisau Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways). Connected via hourly SBB CFF FFS rail and PostBus services; fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. From the regional hub, connect by SBB regional trains, PostBus (PostAuto), or lake steamer to Speicher. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways Fare Calculator.

What local food is Speicher and Appenzell Ausserrhoden known for?

In Speicher and across Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region, top local dishes include Cheese fondue, Raclette, Rösti, as well as Bircher muesli and Swiss artisanal chocolate. Look for traditional Swiss Stuben, Alpine cheese dairies, and weekly town markets near the main station.

When is the best time of year to visit Speicher?

Best time to visit Appenzell Ausserrhoden: Jun–Sep (summer trails), Dec–Mar (winter sports). Check our Switzerland Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.

Official sources & further reading

Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: