Discover Sennwald

Sennwald between the Alpstein and the Rhine Valley

The municipality of Sennwald encompasses a variety of villages and landscapes: Sennwald, Frümsen and Sax lie at the southeastern foot of the Alpstein, while Haag and Salez are in the Rhine Valley plain. This layout is a useful starting point for planning your trip: depending on your interests, cultural history, nature or trails may take centre stage. Sennwald is mentioned in documents dating from 820 and 1351. Around 1200, the Barons of Sax built Forstegg Castle on elevated ground. A model in the Textile and Local History Museum shows the castle as it looked around 1630.

Cultural history in Sennwald

The Textile and Local History Museum is housed in a typical Rhine Valley house dating from the 17th century. In the past, day labourers, small farmers and weavers lived there. The exhibits include a weaving and spinning room, an embroidery workshop with a frame pantograph, a dairy kitchen, and a hammer forge or workshop. There is also a mill from Sax dating from 1797 and a model of Forstegg Castle. Visits are by appointment; confirm your appointment before travelling.

The Old Hammer Forge also brings together technology and local history: it runs entirely on water power and is unique in Switzerland. It is open to the public and can be visited when operating. Plan your visit around its operating hours.

Sennwald’s Evangelical Reformed Church was once dedicated to Saint Gallus. Its dedication dates back to the noble family of Sax, which was closely connected with the Abbey of St. Gallen in the 13th century. The present-day choir and the lower part of the church tower were built during the rapid reconstruction following the fire of 1499. Wall paintings were uncovered in the choir in 1991; they probably date from between 1531 and 1565, with even older images from around 1500 still visible beneath them. A preserved mummy can also be viewed in the church. Check local visiting arrangements before travelling.

The ruins of Hohensax Castle stand on a rocky ridge above Sax, at an altitude of about 750 metres and roughly 300 metres above the Rhine Valley. They are in the municipality of Sennwald and are considered a popular excursion destination. The ruins were reopened to the public in 2008 after having to be closed for safety reasons. Check current access arrangements before visiting.

Nature and trails

Niederholz lies between the nationally significant fenland sites Mösli/Schachen 536 and Tüfmoos 537. This natural area encompasses woodland, marshland, ponds, hills, boulders and hollow, bowl-shaped landforms. Together, these varied areas provide habitats for valuable plant and animal species.

Another way to explore the surroundings on foot is the Baumnuss-Weg in Frümsen. This signposted circular trail passes marked walnut trees, is around five kilometres long and takes about two hours. Expert-guided tours on a freely chosen walnut-related theme are available on request.

The “Bewegung – Begegnung” Three-Country Trail is a cross-border circular route established with the involvement of the municipality of Sennwald. This cultural trail is signposted along existing paved, gravel and grass paths. There are 16 designated stopping points along the route, each with an information board about the location.

Mountain railway and planning your time

The Frümsen–Staubern mountain railway travels from the Rhine Valley to Staubern in under eight minutes, gaining 1,250 metres in altitude. From Staubern, it offers panoramic views across four countries. The walk from the village of Frümsen to the valley station takes about seven to ten minutes. The walk to the station and the mountain railway journey cover different parts of the trip; the Baumnuss-Weg, meanwhile, is a separate circular trail that takes around two hours.

If you are looking for a hotel in Sennwald, deciding on the main focus of your stay can help you plan: cultural history, natural landscapes, a circular trail or the mountain railway each appeal to different interests. Details about visits and timings can help you choose activities that suit your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Buchs, Grabs, Gams, Sevelen, Wartau.

For the overarching travel guide: Werdenberg.