After our great ride on the cog railway Zacke we only had to take a "normal" tram for a ten-minute…read moreride through the southern part of Stuttgart (passing the attractive Erwin-Schöttle-Platz on the way) to reach the other main attraction for train/tram/rail fans: Stuttgart's Standseilbahn Cable Car. We didn't need a special ticket since the ride is part of regular transportation in the city and has been in use now for 85 years. The two old cars with a warm wooden smell took us quickly 90 meters uphill to what's known as Stuttgart's most beautiful cemetery, the Waldfriedhof. None of the passengers were going to a funeral as no doubt is sometimes the case, and not only the children were excited by the short but very steep ride in the Standseilbahn, which has been declared a historic monument. We took a relaxing hour-long stroll through the Waldfriedhof, glimpsing highrises through the trees and reminding us that although it seemed we were far away from the city we actually were just a short tram ride from downtown Stuttgart. And with the handy connections from Südheimer Platz at the bottom, this funicular railway is very easy to reach. We'll be including another ride on the wonderful Standseilbahn on our next trip to the Swabian capital.

This little Bahn is 'cuter than a bug's butt', to quote an old friend of mine. Take the Bahnli up…read moreto the top of the hill for one of the most spectacular views of the See and surrounding areas. You could also show off how fit you are by walking up the hill directly alongside of the bahn, waving at those going up top the 'lazy way'. The Seilbahn is located just next to a supermarket should you wish to bring up a bevvie and a nibble as you either sit on the grass, or on a bench, enjoying the view. On a clear day, the snow-capped peaks are prominently on display. Herrlich!

The Ebenalp is a aerial cable-way that takes you from Wasserauen to the top of Ebenalp in about 15…read moreminutes. At the top you have 360 views of Appenzell, St. Gallen, Thurgau hills, the Alpstein mountain range, and the extensive Lake Constance region. I recently went to the top with my friend, and at the top there are MANY different hikes that you can start on. We only had a short time so we took a easy 15 minute walk on a easy path through the Wildkirchli Caves. In the caves prehistoric finds have been made and there is a little museum talking about the history of the caves housed in a old hermit dwelling. There were actual hermits that used to inhabit the caves as a place of worship from 1658-1853. At the top there is also a restaurant and guest house with 16 guestrooms. During the winter you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Definitely a must if you are in Appenzell and want to enjoy the local beauty. I want to go back when I have more time and can do so more extensive hiking!

Incredible excursion here on our riverboat cruise. The photos I'm posting don't do it justice…read morethough. Must go! Be sure to explore both panoramic viewing platforms and the dragon's tail path if it's open. If the weather is rough, give it a few minutes as the clouds move quickly up there!

If you visit but don't do the mountain you are missing out!…read more Do the full experience: up on cable and down on the train or vice versa. Plan for weather changes and be ready to be dazzled on a good day