Rheineck: History and Hiking Trails

Rheineck offers historical sites and several ways to get around on foot, from short walks to longer hikes. You can explore the Städtli walking tour with a guide or on your own. If you choose a guided tour, it’s best to check the current dates and packages.

Old Town and Historic Buildings

Hinter dem Markt lane escaped the fire of 1876 and still conveys the feel of a medieval era. The Rhytor is the last surviving town gate in Rheineck. It was repainted in 1955, and its design reveals various details from the town’s past. Together, the lane and the town gate show different facets of Rheineck’s historic townscape.

The town hall was built in 1553/55. Its council chamber features heraldic stained-glass windows, Herzig paintings and an oath tablet; there is also a Rococo meeting room with an old tiled stove. The interiors are particularly worth seeing. The Old Amtshaus was built in 1580 and served as the official residence of the bailiffs until 1772. The Old Landschreiberei stands on the site of the former Rinegge Castle; its exact construction date is uncertain.

The Löwenhof also adds to the historic character of the town: its Baroque complex is a cultural monument of national importance. The courtyard features a French-style garden with an orangery, fountain and pavilion. The Old Landschreiberei and the Löwenhof represent different historical contexts: the former stands on the site of the old castle, while the latter is a Baroque complex.

Walks and Hikes

A short uphill walk past St. Jakob’s Church offers views of the church grounds and Rheineck’s old town. A pleasant hiking trail leads to Burgstock and is also suitable for children. By the water, the Rheineck lakeside path starts at the boat landing and leads either towards Eselschwanz, Rheineck’s local recreation area, or towards Lake Constance.

The Rheintaler Höhenweg offers expansive views down into the Rhine Valley, towards Lake Constance and beyond the national border; visibility depends on the weather. Another special feature of the trail is that it passes the ruins of Alt Rheineck Castle on its way down to Rheineck. This route combines scenic views with a historic site.

A Longer Route and Its Themes

If you’re planning a longer hike, consider the Industrieweg Rheintal. It runs from Rheineck to Rüthi, or in the opposite direction, covers 40.3 kilometres and largely follows the Rheintaler Höhenweg No. 86. You can hike the route in one or more stages. Information boards, as well as film and audio documents, share insights into industry, culture, leisure, gastronomy and hospitality. One of the historical themes is that Rheineck was home to Switzerland’s first weaving-machine factory. Check the latest route information before setting out, as signs and conditions may change.

The Nearby Eselschwanz Area

The Eselschwanz area lies close to Rheineck, along the Old Rhine. It is a nature reserve and an amphibian spawning area of national importance; visitors should follow local conservation rules. The area is accessible from Rheineck by bus route 304. From the Nebengraben stop, it is less than a ten-minute walk towards the motorway underpass. Bus and route information may change, so check it before your outing. This lets you plan historical explorations in town and a visit to nearby nature as different highlights of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Marbach, Berneck, Au, Oberriet, Balgach, St. Margrethen, Widnau, Altstätten.

Back to the main travel guide: Rhine Valley.