Attractions and Places To See in the Wahlkreis Rheintal - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in the Wahlkreis Rheintal include a diverse range of historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. This electoral district in the Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, is characterized by its position along the Rhine River and its surrounding Alpine foothills. The region offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, alongside visits to historical towns and natural reserves.
Best attractions and places to see in the Wahlkreis Rheintal
- The most popular attractions is Hoher Kasten Summit, a summit that offers panoramic views across six countries. It is accessible by cable car and features a revolving restaurant.
- Another must-see spot is Grimmenstein Castle Ruins, a castle ruin located high above the Rhine Delta. This historical site provides views of Lake Constance and the surrounding states.
- Visitors also love Old Rhine Border Crossing Switzerland–Austria, a bridge that serves as a border crossing point between Switzerland and Austria. It is part of the Rhine Cycle Path and offers views of the river.
- Wahlkreis Rheintal is known for its historical sites, natural landscapes, and cycling routes. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, nature reserves, and scenic paths along the Rhine.
- The attractions in the Wahlkreis Rheintal are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1100 upvotes and over 1000 photos shared.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Hoher Kasten Summit
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Accordingly, you are rarely alone here.
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Old Rhine Border Crossing Switzerland–Austria
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Old Rhine Pedestrian and Cycle Border Bridge (Austria–Switzerland)
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Old Rhine
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Wiesenrain Bridge
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Habsburg Bar & Restaurant, Widnau, directly on the Swiss side of the Rhine Cycle Path opposite the customs station. Shouldn't have any days off. Extensive range of snack bars, cheap by Swiss standards. Tasted good.
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Bench and cross at Diepoldsauer Schwamm
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In the snowy winter it is great here with or without snowshoes, but depending on the conditions, it is quite strict :-).
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Eselschwanz Nature Reserve on the Old Rhine
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Rhine Cycle Path (EV15) on the Swiss Side
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The cycle path runs away from settlements and other traffic routes. The few crossing streets are usually crossed under. There are no serviced rest areas or kiosks directly on the path where you can buy something to drink, coffee or snacks.
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Altstätten Old Town
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Grimmenstein Castle Ruins
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Popular around Wahlkreis Rheintal
Alpine Panorama Route — 8 stages through the foothills of the Alps
The Herzroute – Cycling through the heart of Switzerland
The Rhine Cycle Path — From the source to the North Sea
Lake and Alps Adventure – explore 100 dreamy places in our cycling region!
Lake and Alps Main Route – Your Path To Adventure!
Castles, wine and three-country views – Rhine Valley High Trail
Four wonderful bike rides around St. Gallen and Lake Constance
Exciting day hikes in Switzerland’s Alpstein
Picturesque landscapes in three countries – Lake Constance circular route
Up & down — mountain passes and singletracks for beginners
Other adventures in the Wahlkreis Rheintal
Tips from the Community
currently total closure due to renovation. Also for CYCLING AND pedestrian traffic!! March-April-May-until?? 2026
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Also a very beautiful area for hiking on the old Rhine.
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Gravel was once mined here for the highway. Now it has been transformed into a wonderful local recreation area.
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If you find the Rhine dam too long, change to the Werdenberg inland canal between Rüthi and Sennwald. There is also a cycle path there. You can also cycle through the villages or stay on the canal cycle path. The canal has been renaturalized between Haag and Buchs.
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Simply beautiful to ride your bike over the bridge and watch the Rhine
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Magnificent view of the mountains left and right
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore in the Wahlkreis Rheintal?
The region offers diverse natural beauty, particularly along the Rhine River. You can visit the Eselschwanz Nature Reserve on the Old Rhine, a former gravel mining area transformed into a local recreation spot with floodplains and small lakes. The Old Rhine itself provides scenic views and opportunities for recreation. For panoramic vistas, the Hoher Kasten Summit offers views across six countries.
Are there scenic viewpoints in the Wahlkreis Rheintal?
Yes, the Wahlkreis Rheintal is home to several impressive viewpoints. The Hoher Kasten Summit is renowned for its 360° panorama. Another great spot is the Bench and cross at Diepoldsauer Schwamm, offering peaceful views. From the Grimmenstein Castle Ruins, you can enjoy views of Lake Constance and the surrounding states.
What historical sites can I visit in the Wahlkreis Rheintal?
The region has a rich history. Explore the Altstätten Old Town, known for its historical architecture. The Grimmenstein Castle Ruins offer a glimpse into the past, with an 800-year-old ruin and pleasant views. You can also see historical bridges like the Old Rhine Border Crossing Switzerland–Austria and the Wiesenrain Bridge.
Are there family-friendly activities in the Wahlkreis Rheintal?
Many attractions in the Wahlkreis Rheintal are suitable for families. The Eselschwanz Nature Reserve on the Old Rhine is a great spot for recreation. The Grimmenstein Castle Ruins are popular with families, offering barbecue areas. Cycling along the Rhine Cycle Path (EV15) is also a pleasant family activity.
What cycling opportunities are available in the Wahlkreis Rheintal?
The Wahlkreis Rheintal is excellent for cycling, particularly along the Rhine River. The Rhine Cycle Path (EV15) on the Swiss Side offers scenic rides with views of the Liechtenstein mountain panorama. You can also cross the Old Rhine Border Crossing Switzerland–Austria, which is part of the cycle path. For more cycling routes, explore the MTB Trails in the Wahlkreis Rheintal guide.
Where can I find hiking trails in the Wahlkreis Rheintal?
The region offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find easy hikes like the 'Grimmenstein Castle Ruins – Weinberg Castle loop' or the 'Fuchslochtobel – Grimmenstein Castle Ruins loop'. For more options, refer to the Easy hikes in the Wahlkreis Rheintal guide. For more challenging routes, the Mountain Hikes in the Wahlkreis Rheintal guide provides options like the 'Hoher Kasten summit loop'.
Are there attractions accessible by public transport in the Wahlkreis Rheintal?
Many areas in the Wahlkreis Rheintal are well-connected. For instance, the Hoher Kasten Summit is easily accessible by cable car from Brülisau, which can be reached by public transport. The Old Town of St. Gallen, a short distance from the immediate Wahlkreis Rheintal, is pedestrian-friendly and well-served by public transport.
Are there wheelchair-accessible attractions in the Wahlkreis Rheintal?
Yes, some attractions are designed to be accessible. The Hoher Kasten Summit, with its revolving restaurant and European circular route, is barrier-free and accessible by lift. The Old Rhine Border Crossing Switzerland–Austria and the Old Rhine Pedestrian and Cycle Border Bridge are also wheelchair-friendly.
When is the best time to visit the Wahlkreis Rheintal?
The Wahlkreis Rheintal offers attractions year-round. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and cycling due to pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes. Summer is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities along the Rhine and visiting natural reserves. Winter offers opportunities for ice skating at places like Drei Weieren near St. Gallen, or enjoying the views from the Hoher Kasten Summit, which operates from April to February.
What do komoot users particularly enjoy about the Wahlkreis Rheintal?
Komoot users appreciate the diverse experiences the Wahlkreis Rheintal offers. They frequently highlight the stunning panoramic views from the Hoher Kasten Summit and the peaceful, natural beauty of the Eselschwanz Nature Reserve on the Old Rhine. The well-maintained Rhine Cycle Path is also a favorite for its smooth surface and scenic vistas across to Liechtenstein.
Are there any notable cultural sites near the Wahlkreis Rheintal?
While slightly outside the immediate Wahlkreis Rheintal, the nearby city of St. Gallen boasts significant cultural sites. The UNESCO World Heritage site of the Abbey of St. Gall and its renowned Abbey Library are major regional highlights. The Old Town of St. Gallen, with its distinctive oriel windows and Renaissance and Baroque architecture, also offers a charming cultural experience.
Most popular routes in the Wahlkreis Rheintal
Most popular attractions in the Wahlkreis Rheintal
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