Canyons near Walzenhausen offer a landscape characterized by picturesque gorges and ravines, locally known as "Tobel." This region in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden features lush meadows and forests, providing natural settings for outdoor activities. The area is known for its intimate natural wonders, including unique geological formations and streams. Walzenhausen also provides panoramic views of Lake Constance and the Rhine Valley.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Highlight • Gorge
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An extremely cool T2 (T2+) trail in the Mülitobel gorge, climbing along the babbling and rushing Tobelbach stream. A non-critical section is secured by ropes. The cave, however, is merely a pronounced rock overhang.
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Above Heiden, the Werdbach ravines its way through forest areas...
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Please do not miss the small - beautiful nativity scene which is located in the rocks on the left as you climb to Walzenhausen
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3 bridges over the Mattenbachtobel.
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very impressive, great water slides, natural
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Rustic ravine between Walzenhausen and Sankt Margrethen, in which a jungle atmosphere arises. A narrow bridge leads over the stream, which cascades down over a rock face in a kind of waterfall.
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Nice trail with a few difficulties. You have to get off the bridge and I had to get off again in between.
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Great spot with an old (and rusted) concrete bridge.
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The gorges, locally known as "Tobel," offer a variety of natural features. You'll find picturesque ravines, unique geological formations, and streams. Highlights like Tobelbach Gorge and Rock Overhang feature cave-like ledges and a distinctive crack in the rock where water meanders. Fuchslochtobel boasts a stream cascading over a rock face, forming a small waterfall, and a jungle-like atmosphere.
Yes, some areas are suitable for families. While specific 'family-friendly' categories aren't listed for all gorges, the general nature of the Tobelbach Gorge, with its accessible stream and fire pits, suggests it can be enjoyed by families looking for a natural outing. The Tobelbach Gorge and Rock Overhang is known for its serene environment, making it a good spot for a break.
The trails in the gorges around Walzenhausen vary in difficulty. Many are classified as intermediate, such as those found in Tobelbach Gorge and Rock Overhang and Fuchslochtobel. Some sections, like those in Mülitobel Gorge (part of the Tobelbach area), can be more adventurous with T2 (T2+) ratings and secured by ropes, offering a more challenging experience.
Spring and autumn are generally ideal for visiting the gorges. In spring, the melting snow and rainfall can make the streams more vibrant, enhancing the waterfalls and the 'jungle atmosphere' of places like Fuchslochtobel. Autumn offers beautiful foliage. While accessible year-round, winter conditions might make some trails slippery or more challenging due to ice and snow.
The gorges are generally welcoming to dogs, but it's always advisable to keep them on a leash, especially in areas with steep drops or where trails are narrow. The 'jungle atmosphere' and rustic nature of places like Fuchslochtobel can be an exciting experience for pets, but be mindful of other hikers and wildlife.
While the gorges themselves are nestled within ravines, the broader Walzenhausen area is known for offering panoramic views of Lake Constance and the Rhine Valley. You might encounter such viewpoints on trails leading to or from the gorges, or on other hiking routes in the municipality. For instance, the 'Abenteuerpfad Walzenhausen' (Adventure Trail Walzenhausen) is known to offer various viewpoints.
Many hiking routes in the region incorporate these natural wonders. For example, a moderate route like "Grimmenstein Castle Ruins – Fuchslochtobel loop from Walzenhausen" covers 9.7 km and includes the Fuchslochtobel. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking around Walzenhausen guide.
Beyond exploring the gorges, the Walzenhausen area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the "New Rhine bridge near Fussach – Bregenzer Ach loop from Rheineck" (51.8 km, moderate), detailed in the Road Cycling Routes around Walzenhausen guide. There are also running trails, including the "Lime Tree at Lake Constance – Eselschwanz Parking Lot loop from Gaißau" (7.9 km, moderate), available in the Running Trails around Walzenhausen guide.
While the gorges are primarily natural attractions, the wider Walzenhausen region has some historical points of interest. For example, the Grimmenstein Castle Ruins are part of a hiking route that includes Fuchslochtobel. The "Abenteuerpfad Walzenhausen" (Adventure Trail Walzenhausen) also winds through the municipality and may incorporate local history or cultural elements.
Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquil natural settings and the immersive experience. The 'jungle atmosphere' of places like Fuchslochtobel and the serene environment with fire pits in Tobelbach Gorge and Rock Overhang are often highlighted. The unique geological formations and the sound of meandering water also contribute to a memorable visit.
While specific parking details for every trailhead are not provided, the Walzenhausen area is generally accessible for visitors. For popular spots like Tobelbach Gorge and Rock Overhang and Fuchslochtobel, you can usually find designated parking areas within reasonable walking distance. It's recommended to check local signage upon arrival.
Walzenhausen is connected by public transport, and local buses or trains can bring you to the vicinity of the gorges. For example, you can take public transport to Walzenhausen village, and from there, many trails leading to the gorges are accessible on foot. Specific routes to Tobelbach Gorge and Rock Overhang or Fuchslochtobel would involve local connections from the main transport hubs.


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