Attractions and Places To See around Oberriet - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Oberriet, nestled in the Rhine Valley in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, offers a diverse range of experiences. The region features historical landmarks, natural landscapes, and cultural sites. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, serene mountain lakes, and local museums. The area provides a backdrop for various outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Oberriet
- The most popular attractions is Seealpsee, a lake that is a beautiful mountain lake in the heart of the Alpstein. It is renowned for its stunning panorama and bright green water.
- Another must-see spot is Aescher-Wildkirchli Mountain Inn, a mountain inn and historical site carved into the rock of the Alpstein Mountains. Visitors can explore the path to the Wildkirchli Chapel and ascend through the mountain to Ebenalp for panoramic views.
- Visitors also love Hoher Kasten Summit, a summit offering unique views of six countries. It features a revolving restaurant and an Alpine Garden.
- Oberriet is known for its historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from castle ruins to mountain lakes and local museums.
- The attractions around Oberriet are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 2000 upvotes and over 1900 photos shared across more than 40 highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Aescher-Wildkirchli Mountain Inn
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Seealpsee
Highlight • Lake
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Hoher Kasten Summit
Highlight • Summit
Accordingly, you are rarely alone here.
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Old Rhine Border Crossing Switzerland–Austria
Highlight • Bridge
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Fählensee
Highlight • Lake
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Our mountain guesthouse has seen many a proud face after the steep climb. The guesthouse, in its current form, has existed since 1860, making it one of the oldest mountain inns in Switzerland. Pastor Ulmann was the first hermit to live in the hermitage in the Wildkirchli in 1658. More than 20 men followed his example until 1853, shaping the history of the Wildkirchli as hermits and first hosts. Since then, this mystical place has fascinated generations. Stories are told of little wild people who are said to have once lived in the Wildkirchli caves and come to the aid of the herdsmen. The Aescher inspires poets and artists to create new works. Bones of cave bears and stone tools bear witness to the cave as an ancient shelter. Source: https://aescher.ch/
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Very beautiful mountain lake at 1447 m above sea level, which, like the Sämtiser and Seealpsee, is part of the Alpstein. Ideal for cooling off after a hike. When there is no wind, the mountains are beautifully reflected in the water.
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Hoher Kasten – TOP OF APPENZELL On the Hoher Kasten, the Swiss lookout mountain, the mountains are at your feet. The Hoher Kasten cable car takes you from Brülisau to 1,794 meters above sea level in eight minutes, where unique views of six countries await you. You can experience the 360° panorama not only on the barrier-free European circular route, but also in the only revolving restaurant in Eastern Switzerland – culinary delights included. The Alpine Garden, the plant paradise on the summit, also leaves a lasting impression. Or do you want to discover the most beautiful hiking trails in the Alpstein from the Hoher Kasten? Text / Source: Hoher Kasten revolving restaurant, and cable car AG, Dorf 22, 9058 Brülisau https://www.hoherkasten.ch/
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Hoher Kasten revolving restaurant Just sit down and enjoy "rondom". In the only revolving restaurant in Eastern Switzerland on the Hoher Kasten, guests experience a limitless, changing 360° view. While the view stretches from the impressive backdrop of the Alpstein, across the lovely Appenzellerland to the expanse of Lake Constance, we spoil you with seasonal and regional specialties. The revolving restaurant is open daily from April to February during the cable car's operating hours and is easily accessible by lift for guests with limited mobility. Text / Source: Appenzellerland Tourismus AI, Hauptgasse 38, CH-9050 Appenzell https://www.appenzell.ch/de/alpstein/berggasthaeuser/drehrestaurant-hoher-kasten.html
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Small border crossing worth seeing
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Crossing the border without any problems, don't forget to take ID and francs with you. Furthermore, you are leaving the EU and are therefore subject to other customs regulations.
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A panaché approved at the restaurant and on my SFR. did I get EUROS as return money? I didn't realize that I was already 15m on Austrian soil!!!
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Before you cross from Austria to Switzerland at the wheel bridge, use the Austrian side for shopping, as it is cheaper here than in Switzerland. Also switch off the automatic search for the network on the cell phone (or switch off the cell phone), as telephone and roaming charges in Switzerland are VERY high.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Oberriet?
The region offers stunning natural beauty, including the serene mountain lakes Seealpsee and Fählensee. Seealpsee is known for its bright green water and panoramic views, while Fählensee is nestled in a narrow valley. The broader Alpstein mountain range and the Rhine River Valley provide magnificent backdrops with mixed forests and scenic views.
Are there any historical landmarks or cultural sites to visit in Oberriet?
Yes, Oberriet is rich in history. You can visit the ancient Old Rhine Border Crossing Switzerland–Austria, which highlights historical connections. Other notable sites include the ruins of Burgruine Blatten and the nationally important Höhlenburg Wichenstein, a unique cave castle. The Gemeindemuseum Rothus Oberriet offers insights into local history and culture, and the Ausstellungsstall Montlinger Bergli details the history of settlement in Montlingen.
What are some family-friendly attractions in the Oberriet area?
Families can enjoy several attractions. The Aescher-Wildkirchli Mountain Inn is a unique experience, carved into the rock, and the path to the Wildkirchli Chapel is suitable for many. The Old Rhine Border Crossing Switzerland–Austria is also considered family-friendly, offering a glimpse into history. Many of the natural areas, like the lakes, are great for family outings.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Oberriet?
The region around Oberriet is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including moderate and difficult options, offering beautiful views and challenging ascents. There are also road cycling routes that explore the Rhine River Pathway and surrounding areas. For more adventurous trekkers, mountain hikes are available in the Alpstein range. You can find detailed routes and guides for hiking, road cycling, and mountain hikes around Oberriet.
Are there accessible attractions for visitors with limited mobility?
Yes, some attractions are designed to be accessible. The Hoher Kasten Summit, with its revolving restaurant and European circular route, is wheelchair accessible thanks to its cable car and lifts. The Old Rhine Border Crossing Switzerland–Austria is also noted as being wheelchair accessible.
Where can I find the best panoramic views around Oberriet?
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Hoher Kasten Summit. It offers unique views of six countries and features a revolving restaurant. The path to the Wildkirchli Chapel and ascending through the mountain to Ebenalp, near the Aescher-Wildkirchli Mountain Inn, also provides a panoramic view that is second to none.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near Oberriet?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, especially the mountain lakes like Seealpsee, for their picturesque scenery and tranquil atmosphere. The unique experience of the Aescher-Wildkirchli Mountain Inn, carved into the rock, is also a highlight. Many appreciate the diverse range of experiences, from historical sites to panoramic mountain views at places like Hoher Kasten Summit.
Are there any unique or 'hidden gem' attractions in the area?
While popular, the Aescher-Wildkirchli Mountain Inn offers a truly unique experience, being one of the oldest mountain inns in Switzerland carved into a cliff. For a historical 'hidden gem,' the archaeological site in Unterkobel Oberriet represents the oldest excavation site in the Rheintal, offering a glimpse into ancient settlements.
Can I find places for wild swimming near Oberriet?
The mountain lakes in the region, such as Seealpsee and Fählensee, are popular spots for cooling off after a hike. While not officially designated wild swimming spots, their clear, refreshing waters are often enjoyed by visitors during warmer months.
What is the best time to visit Oberriet for outdoor activities?
The best time for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling is generally from spring to autumn, when the weather is mild and trails are clear. Summer offers the warmest temperatures for lake activities. For specific seasonal considerations, it's always good to check local conditions, especially for higher mountain trails which may have snow later into the spring.
Are there any religious or spiritual sites of interest?
Yes, Oberriet features several religious structures. These include the Josefskirche Eichenwies, known for its art-historical possessions, the Kapelle Friedhof Oberriet, and the Kapelle Bildstöckli with its Judas-Thaddäus-Chapel. These sites offer a glimpse into the region's spiritual heritage.
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