Politics · Switzerland · 14 hrs ago
Parking fees rise across Switzerland’s Appenzell Innerrhoden canton
Drivers parking in Appenzell Innerrhoden now pay more at lots across the canton, including Wasserauen, a popular starting point for hikes in the Alpstein mountains.
A 24-hour stay costs 15.75 francs instead of five, though the first 90 minutes are free.
The higher, standardised fees followed requests from three local districts and were approved by the cantonal government.
Officials say higher prices can help manage visitor numbers and encourage people to travel by train or bus rather than drive.
The canton also hopes visitors will stay for several days, bringing more economic benefit than day trips.
Some visitors accept the new price, while others object; one tourist also said poor internet and a lack of card payment made it difficult to pay.
The canton plans to direct parking income toward tourism transport infrastructure, but the legal basis still needs approval at a 2028 assembly.
Parking fees have more than tripled at car parks across Appenzell Innerrhoden, with a 24-hour stay now costing 15.75 Swiss francs.
The new tariffs apply across the canton, including car parks in Wasserauen, Appenzell, Brülisau and Jakobsbad.
The cantonal government says higher prices will help manage tourist numbers and encourage visitors to use public transport or stay longer.
Reactions include support for the prices and complaints that they are too expensive or difficult to pay because of poor internet and limited payment options.
The cantonal assembly is expected to decide in 2028 on a legal basis for directing parking revenue to tourism transport infrastructure.
- Who
- The Appenzell Innerrhoden government approved the new tariffs after three districts requested unified and higher fees.
- What
- Parking fees rose across the canton; a 24-hour stay costs 15.75 francs.
- When
- The fees have been in effect for some time; the exact start date is not stated.
- Where
- Appenzell Innerrhoden, including car parks in Wasserauen, Appenzell, Brülisau and Jakobsbad.
- Why
- The government says the fees are intended to manage tourist flows and encourage public transport use and longer stays.
Appenzell Innerrhoden government
Tourists critical of the fees
Purpose of higher fees
Appenzell Innerrhoden government
The fees are needed to better manage tourist numbers and encourage visitors to travel by public transport or stay for several days.
Tourists critical of the fees
Some visitors say the fees are too high; one German tourist called them very expensive.
Effect on visitors
Appenzell Innerrhoden government
The government says visitor flows can be managed through prices.
Tourists critical of the fees
A visitor from Austria said she would reconsider coming if parking cost 30 francs.
Parking for a full day had cost five francs.
The canton raised and unified parking fees, bringing the 24-hour cost to 15.75 francs.
The cantonal assembly is expected to decide on the legal basis needed to direct parking revenue to tourism transport infrastructure.
- 24-hour parking
- 15.75 francs
- First free period
- 90 minutes
- Maximum continuous parking
- Seven days
- Additional day
- 10 francs
- Expected assembly decision
- 2028
What people are saying
And managing flows only works through people’s wallets. You cannot manage crowds any other way.
Multi-day tourists generate more value added in our canton.
It is really very expensive.
If it were 30 francs, I would really think carefully about whether to come at all.