Old New Year

New Year's Eve is celebrated twice in Appenzellerland. The New New Year's Eve takes place on December 31, the Old New Year's Eve on January 13. If the dates fall on a Sunday, people celebrate the day before. The Old New Year's Eve, which is celebrated in the Appenzell hinterland mainly in Urnäsch, Waldstatt, Hundwil and Stein, but also in Herisau, Schwellbrunn and Schönengrund, is the last remnant of self-confident resistance to the Gregorian calendar reform. The calendar reform was introduced in Appenzell in 1584 and 1789 respectively. The Silvesterkläuse, however, still appear on January 13 as a protest by a section of the reformed people of Ausserrhoden, who did not allow themselves to be told by a pope when to celebrate their festivals.

We are happy to offer you a shuttle from the Appenzeller Huus to Urnäsch or Waldstatt by hotel bus. Please contact us for details.