Attractions and Places To See around Neckertal - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Neckertal, a region in Eastern Switzerland nestled between Toggenburg and Appenzellerland, offers diverse experiences. The area is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and nationally important moor landscapes, providing a rich natural setting. Visitors can explore historical sites, traditional architecture, and various natural features like summits and canyons. This region provides a blend of natural beauty and cultural insights for explorers.
Best attractions and places to see around Neckertal
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Last updated: April 23, 2026
Kronberg Summit
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Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi
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Chapel of St. James
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Chrüzegg Summit
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Thur Suspension Bridge near Thurau
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The origins of devotion to St. James at this location are linked to a legend. According to this legend, the apostle violently hurled his walking sticks away from Santiago de Compostela, and they landed on the Kronberg. This explains the origin of the two pilgrim staffs in the colors red and yellow (the Spanish national colors!).
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When visibility is good, you have a great all-round view.
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If the weather is good, you will be rewarded for the climb (moderately difficult for inexperienced hikers). The view is fantastic. The inn is closed on Mondays, but otherwise you can enjoy simple but delicious meals on a wonderful terrace.
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The Chapel of St. Jakob Gonten is located southwest below the Kronberg peak at an elevation of 1,445 meters in the Appenzell Alps in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. In 1464, mention was made of the chapel, hermit's cottage, and healing St. James's Spring. In 1456, mass was still read from a portable altar. The chapel was rebuilt in 1859.
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Really great, varied, easily accessible hiking trails lead to the Höhi, from all sides of course. There is a barbecue area, a restaurant, and overnight accommodation is possible. When the visibility is good, you can see as far as Appenzellerland, Lake Constance, the Alpstein chain and the Bernese Alps.
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Jakobsbad-Kronberg mountain station / Kronberg mountain inn Kronberg mountain inn: The boom in tourism was not lost on Josef Anton Rusch (1896–1990), "Schotz-Sebedöni". By building an inn on the Kronberg, he hoped to provide a better livelihood for himself, his wife and their son. But first he needed a patent, which he was able to acquire from the recently closed "Gontenbad" spa. With this authorization in his pocket, on December 1, 1934, he bought around 12 acres of building land near the summit of the Kronberg from the owner of the "Dorwies" Alp, the Leimbach brown cattle breeding cooperative. Included in the purchase was the right to tap a spring that was located around 300 meters west of the building site. This already provided essential prerequisites for the realization of Sebedöni's plans. However, before construction could begin, a transport cable car had to be built. In the valley, the so-called "engine house" was built near the "Anker" house on the road to the Kalchofen. In order to maintain a straight line, three supports were built, the first near the main building of the "Weissbüel" property, the second near Schotz, where Rusch was born, grew up and worked as a forest warden for the Höhe-Kronberg timber corporation, and the third in the "Klein Hackbüel" home pasture. This ensured that building materials and construction workers could be transported without any problems. But unauthorized persons such as a later president of the "Kronbergbahn AG" also made use of this fast travel option. On June 9, 1935, at Whitsun, the first toast was made in the new guesthouse, which was still under construction at the time. The construction work was mostly carried out by locals. During the construction period, a new telephone line was also laid from Scheidegg across the "Gross Chenner" Alp. Text / Source: Jakobsbad-Kronberg cable car AG, St. Josefstrasse 2 · 9108 Jakobsbad https://kronberg.ch/de/unternehmen/geschichte.html
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St. James Chapel It is not certain that hermits existed at the chapel and the healing spring on the northern slope of the Kronberg in the High Middle Ages. The church building was first mentioned with certainty in 1464, when it was permitted to read masses on a portable altar. In 1492, the episcopal permission from Constance was extended to include holding masses outdoors, which suggests pilgrimages and thus also something like tourism. Celebrations were held primarily on the anniversaries of the chapel's patrons, the holy apostles James the Elder (25 July) and Bartholomew (24 August), who were only documented in 1620. As a result of moisture damage, a new James Chapel was built in 1925 at a different location on the eastern ridge of the Kronberg. It was not only the cold healing spring and St. James that people made pilgrimages to, but secular events were also documented early on at these lofty heights. In 1666, there is evidence of a "Stobete" on St. James' Day in Scheidegg, which must have been so fun that girls and young women in Appenzell were prosecuted before the council, partly because they had stayed away from the children's apprenticeship. Text / Source: Luftseilbahn Jakobsbad-Kronberg AG, St. Josefstrasse 2 · 9108 Jakobsbad https://kronberg.ch/de/unternehmen/geschichte.html
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Fantastically great view of Säntis, Electors...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features and viewpoints can I explore in Neckertal?
The Neckertal region is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the spectacular Ofenloch, often called the 'Grand Canyon of Eastern Switzerland', which can be explored via a hike from Hemberg. For panoramic views, head to Kronberg Summit, offering vistas of Lake Constance, Säntis, and Alpstein. Another excellent viewpoint is Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi, a popular mountain restaurant with views of the Alpstein and the northern lowlands. The Wilkethöchi also provides extensive views from Säntis to Lake Constance on clear days. The region is also known for its nationally important moor landscapes within the Naturpark Neckertal.
Are there any unique natural attractions in the Neckertal region?
Yes, a standout attraction is the Treetop Walk Neckertal (Baumwipfelpfad Neckertal) in Mogelsberg, the first treetop path in Switzerland. It features a 500-meter accessible walkway through the forest, offering unique perspectives of the Neckertal valley and surrounding areas. It also has interactive stations about local flora and fauna. Another unique natural feature is the Ofenloch, a dramatic rocky landscape.
What historical or cultural sites can I visit in Neckertal?
Neckertal offers several historical and cultural sites. The Chapel of St. James, located below the Kronberg peak, has historical significance dating back to 1464. Propstei St. Peterzell is an architectural gem along the Way of St. James, featuring a Baroque church and the distinctive 'Red House'. You can also explore the ruins of Ruine Neutoggenburg, the ancestral seat of the Counts of Toggenburg, which offers a journey back in time with expansive views. For a glimpse into traditional architecture, walk through villages like Mogelsberg or Brunnadern to see typical 'Strickbau' houses.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in Neckertal?
Absolutely! The Treetop Walk Neckertal in Mogelsberg is highly recommended for families, featuring interactive stations, a playground, and barbecue areas. The Neckiweg is a family adventure trail that playfully introduces children to local legends. For a sweet treat, Maestrani's Chocolarium in nearby Flawil is a 'chocolate factory of happiness' that delights visitors of all ages. Many of the region's trails, such as those around the Thur Suspension Bridge near Thurau, are also suitable for families.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do in Neckertal?
Neckertal is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive hiking through rolling hills, forests, and moor landscapes. There are also numerous opportunities for cycling, with routes suitable for different skill levels. The region's natural features, including mountain peaks, waterfalls, and canyons, make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. For specific routes, you can explore Mountain Hikes around Neckertal, Hiking around Neckertal, and Cycling around Neckertal.
Are there good hiking trails around Neckertal?
Yes, Neckertal offers a variety of hiking trails. You can find routes ranging from easy to difficult, traversing diverse landscapes. Popular options include trails leading to viewpoints like Kronberg Summit or Chrüzegg Summit. The Ofenloch also provides a scenic hiking experience. For detailed trail information, explore the Hiking around Neckertal guide, which includes routes like 'From Schönengrund over the Hochhamm' and 'Wilkethöchi Summit View'.
Can I go cycling in the Neckertal region?
Yes, Neckertal is a great destination for cycling. The region features beautiful rolling hills and forests, offering scenic routes for both leisurely rides and more challenging tours. You can find trails suitable for various skill levels, including those that pass by points of interest like the Thur Suspension Bridge near Thurau. For specific cycling routes and their difficulties, refer to the Cycling around Neckertal guide.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible paths or attractions?
The Treetop Walk Neckertal (Baumwipfelpfad Neckertal) in Mogelsberg is designed to be accessible, featuring a 500-meter walkway that is suitable for wheelchairs, allowing everyone to enjoy the unique forest experience and panoramic views.
What are some unique experiences or 'hidden gems' in Neckertal?
Beyond the main attractions, Neckertal holds several unique experiences. The 'Haus der Stille' (House of Silence) in Propstei St. Peterzell offers a moment of complete detachment. You can also visit local cheese dairies, such as the Berghof in Ganterschwil, to witness the production of spicy Neckertal cheese and enjoy tastings. The journey on the Südostbahn (SOB) train to Mogelsberg, crossing the Sitterviadukt (Switzerland's highest railway bridge), is an experience in itself.
Where can I learn about the local culture and history of Toggenburg?
To delve deeper into the local culture and history, you can visit the Toggenburger Museum in Lichtensteig or the Ackerhus Museum for Toggenburg House Culture in Ebnat-Kappel. These museums provide valuable insights into the region's heritage, traditions, and unique 'Strickbau' architectural style.
What do visitors enjoy most about Neckertal?
Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning panoramic views from various summits and mountain restaurants, such as Kronberg Summit and Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi. The natural innocence of the region, with its beautiful rolling hills and forests, is also highly appreciated. Many find the historical sites and traditional architecture, along with the diverse range of outdoor activities, to be very appealing. The community has shared over 740 photos and given more than 780 upvotes to the attractions around Neckertal.
Are there places to eat or stay in Neckertal?
Yes, Neckertal offers traditional inns and mountain restaurants. For example, Gasthaus Rössli in Mogelsberg is known for its authentic, hearty cuisine featuring local farm products. Mountain restaurants like the Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi provide opportunities to strengthen yourself while enjoying wonderful views. The region also has various accommodations, from cozy guesthouses to hotels, catering to different preferences.
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