Ganterschwil: Bruedertöbeli, Village Centre and Bridges

Ganterschwil is a locality in the municipality of Bütschwil-Ganterschwil in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen and is part of the Toggenburg district. It is situated on a plateau between the Thur and Necker rivers. The locality includes numerous individual farms and the hamlets of Äwil, Anzenwil, Bleiken, Ötschwil and Tobel. The Bruedertöbeli circular trail, the historic village centre and several bridges offer different starting points for planning your visit.

The Bruedertöbeli Circular Trail

The adventure trail forms a loop from the Alte Post, via Toggenburgerstrasse and the turn-off towards Ötschwil, into the Bruedertöbeli. It continues via Äwil, Berg and Stocken, returning to the Alte Post in Ganterschwil.

Along the way, you will find a small chapel, a roaring waterfall, a cave and a picnic site with a fire pit. The Maria Magdalena Chapel in the Bruedertöbeli was built in 1995 in honour of the hermits who once lived there. The loop thus combines natural features with a place whose origins have a historical connection to the area.

The adventure trail is not specially signposted; follow the general yellow hiking signs. Check trail conditions and signage locally before setting out. The listed public transport stops for the trail are the postbus stops “Alte Post”, “Hirschen” and “Oetschwilerstrasse”. Parking is available at the “Alte Post” stop. This information can help you plan your journey; check transport and trail conditions before departure.

Village Centre and Bridges

The old parish church stands at the centre of the historic village centre. Its clearly visible tower with a pointed spire is the village’s architectural focal point. Buildings dating from the 17th to the early 20th century can be found in the historic centre and the agricultural upper village. Together, these areas offer insight into different periods in Ganterschwil’s architectural history, rather than focusing on just one building.

Two bridges also display different architectural features. The Anzenwil wooden bridge dates from 1862 and is considered a cultural asset of regional importance in Ganterschwil. The Lochermoos Bridge was built in 1991. Its wide pedestrian and cycle path is attached to the outside of the arches. The year it was built and the unusual positioning of the path make the bridge a destination in its own right for anyone interested in construction and transport infrastructure.

Landscape and Local History

The municipality of Bütschwil-Ganterschwil has an extensive network of forest, meadow and field paths for hiking and cycling. There are also places to relax and enjoy the landscapes along the Thur and Necker rivers. The municipality’s recreational options include a network of trails for hiking and cycling, as well as places to relax along the Thur and Necker. You can take these into account when choosing activities, alongside the specific route through the Bruedertöbeli.

The rivers are also part of the locality’s history: the Thur and Necker formed the former boundary of Ganterschwil on three sides. From the south, the locality could be reached without crossing a bridge. Ganterschwil was first mentioned in written records in 778/779. These historical details complement a walk through the village centre and its buildings with a look at the locality’s development and its former position between the rivers.

Events and an Additional Museum Visit

The Ganterschwil Christmas Market is scheduled for 25 November 2026. Check the details before travelling if you would like to plan your stay around this date. As an additional insight into the history of domestic life, the Bütschwil Local History Museum depicts how people lived more than 200 years ago. Check the opening arrangements before visiting. This allows you to plan the local history visit and the museum separately, without assuming it will be open at a particular time.

Discover more destinations: Oberhelfenschwil, Alt Sankt Johann, Nesslau, Sankt Peterzell, Hemberg, Wattwil, Nesslau-Krummenau, Mogelsberg.

Back to the regional travel guide: Toggenburg.