Waldkirch: Building History, Trails and Views

If you’re looking for a hotel in Waldkirch, you can choose where to stay based on the experiences that matter most to your trip. Waldkirch combines distinctive architecture and history with trails and views on Tannenberg. There are also animal attractions and a golf facility to explore. The town’s appeal ranges from historic buildings to outdoor activities.

Architecture, History and Culture

Wannen Bridge is a covered wooden bridge first mentioned in 1692. It was an important crossing over the Sitter between Konstanz and St. Gallen. With its distinctive design, St. Blaise Church is a defining feature of Waldkirch’s village landscape. The church is also available for concerts, enriching the parish’s religious and cultural life.

The Sorntal Textile Museum is housed in a former spinning mill dating from 1850, which was renovated inside and out in 1994. The site brings together its former industrial use and its current role as a museum. Built in 1688, the Kreuz inn is Waldkirch’s most impressive half-timbered building. A half-timbered building is constructed around a wooden frame that defines its structure.

The dates mark different points in time: 1688 is the year the Kreuz inn was built, 1692 is the first mention of Wannen Bridge, and 1850 is the year of the former spinning mill building. In Niederbüren, the Rock and Pop Museum presents around 80 years of music history through words, images and sound.

Trails and Views

The high plateaus at the foot of Tannenberg form a local recreation area with views of Säntis and Lake Constance. Tannenberg itself is a mountain viewpoint overlooking Lake Constance, the Alpstein range and Appenzellerland. Both viewpoints offer views of Lake Constance; from the plateaus, you can also see Säntis, while from Tannenberg you can see the Alpstein range and Appenzellerland.

The hiking route over Tannenberg passes through forests and across sunny high plateaus. It heads toward Waldkirch and climbs steeply to Tannenberg after the village. When planning your hike, consider both the changing landscape and the gradient: the steep ascent begins after the village.

The walking and running trails start at the Bünt car park. To start in Waldkirch, use the Post bus stop. The Tannenberg Ski Club’s cross-country trail network offers trails of varying difficulty for both classic and skating techniques. When choosing a trail, consider both your preferred technique and the level of difficulty.

Animal Experiences and Golf

Wannenwis Adventure Farm has a zoo with domestic and exotic animals, as well as a petting area where visitors can stroke the animals. Alpaca walks are also offered. The availability of individual activities may vary. The zoo and petting area offer opportunities to observe and interact with animals, while the alpaca walks are a separate outdoor activity.

Waldkirch Golf Park is a 36-hole golf facility. It includes a large practice centre and an integrated 3-hole short course. This means the 36-hole course and the practice centre with its short course can be considered separate parts of the facility. The golf park is around 4 km from the Gossau exit on the A1 motorway between Zurich and St. Gallen; from there, follow the signs toward Bischofszell/Arnegg.

Discover more destinations: Gossau, Abtwil, Eggersriet, St. Gallen

Go to the main travel overview: St. Gallen.