Top 8 Gorges around Muolen
Canyons around Muolen Switzerland are characterized by the region's diverse landscape, which includes rolling hills, agricultural land, and forested areas. Muolen, the northernmost municipality in the canton of St. Gallen, is known for its rural charm and proximity to Lake Constance. While deep gorges are not found directly within Muolen, the broader St. Gallen region offers several notable ravines and gorges. These natural features provide opportunities for hiking and exploring the wilder aspects of the local environment.
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Last updated: October 1, 2026
Mühletöbeli Gorge Waterfall
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trail path along the Chellenbach
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E.g. to do well from Walter Zoo Gossau.
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Climbing Wall by the Bridge
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Hertenbergtobel
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Mülenenschlucht Gorge
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Tips from the Community
The Steinach River's gradient has been used by the town's mills since ancient times. The Mühleggbahn, opened in 1893 as a water-ballast cable car, was later converted first into a cog railway and then into an inclined lift. It covers a distance of 323 meters and overcomes a height difference of approximately 70 meters.
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Danger of rockfall (signposted) access to the rock face is not advisable.
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Right on the edge of the old town is this small Mülenen gorge with waterfall, in St Gallen
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It's always nice to cycle through the Hertenbergertobel.
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Beautiful S0 trail through the Hertenbergtobel and over the very wild and deep stream there. Can be a bit washed out after heavy rain.
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Instead of taking the train, it is worth taking the path through the "Mülenen Gorge". The path follows the water, which thunders into the depths, and crosses the stream twice.
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Small bridge over the mill gorge and the waterfall
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At the lower end of the valley - according to legend - Saint Gallus is said to have stumbled and fallen on thorns. He saw this as a sign from God and built a hermitage here. The city of St. Gallen grew out of this hermitage. The Collegiate Church of St. Gallen is just north of this narrow basin, where the Steinach is canalised today. The town's mills have been in operation since early times in the valley immediately in front of the former miller's gate in the south of the town. That's where the name comes from. Historically, the name was written without an "h", but both spellings can now be found. Possibly influenced by Müller's spelling, there are also spellings with a double L. Several of the old houses in the gorge still exist, but water wheels are no longer found. The Mülenen Gorge was the city's first industrial district. By the beginning of the 19th century at the latest, further industrialization had to be shifted to St. Georgen above the gorge for reasons of space. This is where the machine factories that are important for St. Gallen embroidery were built. Since the path through the gorge was steep and arduous and still is today, a cable car was built in 1893 with the Mühleggbahn, which leads directly from the monastery to the Müleggweiher pond at the upper end of the gorge. The existing water of the Steinach was ideal for the construction of a water weight cable car. (Source: "Wikipedia")
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular gorges around Muolen?
While Muolen itself is known for rolling hills, the broader St. Gallen region offers several notable gorges. Among the most popular are the Mühletöbeli Gorge Waterfall, which features a significant waterfall and a mountain-like atmosphere, and the trail path along the Chellenbach, known for its natural and romantic ravine with an easy-to-walk forest path.
Are there family-friendly gorges or trails near Muolen?
Yes, the trail path along the Chellenbach is considered easy-to-walk and very natural, making it suitable for families. It's a beautiful trail-like forest path that occasionally leads directly to the creek bed, offering an idyllic experience.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see in the gorges near Muolen?
You can expect to encounter diverse natural features. For instance, the Mühletöbeli Gorge Waterfall boasts a significant waterfall and the wild Steinach river. The Chellenbach ravine offers a very natural setting with a babbling brook and forest paths. The Hertenbergtobel features a wild and deep stream.
Are there any historical sites associated with the gorges in the St. Gallen region?
Yes, the Mülenen canyon, located south of the old town of St. Gallen, is historically significant. Legend has it that Saint Gallus stumbled here, which led to the establishment of the Abbey of St. Gallen. Today, this area offers a wild and romantic path along the rushing Steinach river.
What outdoor activities can I do near these gorges?
Beyond exploring the gorges themselves, the region around Muolen offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous gravel biking routes, such as those detailed in the Gravel biking around Muolen guide. There are also many running trails, which you can explore in the Running Trails around Muolen guide, and road cycling routes, available in the Road Cycling Routes around Muolen guide.
Can I go climbing in any of the gorges?
Yes, there is a specific spot known as Climbing Wall by the Bridge. It's located in a beautiful valley setting within the forest, by a bridge, offering a climbing wall in the adjoining gorge. Visitors should be aware of signposted rockfall danger.
What do visitors enjoy most about the gorges near Muolen?
Visitors appreciate the wild and romantic atmosphere, the cooling effect of the water masses, and the feeling of being in the mountains even close to urban areas. The easy-to-walk forest paths and the presence of babbling brooks are also frequently highlighted as enjoyable aspects.
Are there any specific geological trails or points of interest?
The Bachtobel Schönholzerswilen is associated with the GeoWeg Schönholzerswilen. While the highlight itself might not immediately reveal much geology, the broader area between Hintermühle and Immenberg on the western side of the stream is known for its geological trail.
What should I know about the Hertenbergtobel?
The Hertenbergtobel offers a beautiful S0 trail through a very wild and deep stream. It's a scenic area, but be aware that the path can be a bit washed out after heavy rain.
Is it possible to observe wildlife in these ravines?
Yes, the natural and romantic setting of ravines like the Chellenbach provides opportunities for wildlife observation. Some visitors have reported seeing young foxes in this area, indicating a healthy local ecosystem.
What is the best time to visit the gorges around Muolen?
While specific seasonal recommendations aren't provided, the shady and cooling nature of many gorges, like the Mühletöbeli Gorge Waterfall, suggests they are particularly pleasant during warmer months. However, paths can be washed out after heavy rain, so checking local conditions is advisable.
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