Grub AR lies high above Lake Constance. Hiking trails, a suspension bridge between Grub AR and Grub SG, and historic traces of the village’s development give the place its distinctive character. In winter, the ski lift on Kaien slope is another attraction. Grub offers visitors opportunities for relaxing or active holidays in all four seasons.
Landscape between the heights and Lake Constance
The village lies 815 metres above sea level, high above Lake Constance. It is nestled between the wooded ridges of Kaien, at 1,114 metres, and Fünfländerblick, at 900 metres. The Mattenbach winds through green, gently sloping meadows and separates the Appenzell part of Grub from the St. Gallen area. To the east, the valley opens up, with views of the Rhine Valley and Lake Constance, as well as Bregenz in Austria and Lindau in Germany. The setting is defined by the village high above sea level, wooded ridges and a valley opening to the east.
Hiking trails and suspension bridge
Hiking trails are available in Grub. The “Views of Lake Constance and Five Countries” hike leads from the village of Grub AR towards Obershaus and Fünfländerblick. After a hundred metres, the trail branches off from the main road and passes the village pond. The pond is designated as a place to observe special animals. Check local trail conditions before setting off.
Since April 2019, the 180-metre-long suspension bridge over the Mattenbach has connected Grub AR and Grub SG. This has restored continuous access to the popular hiking trail across the cantonal border, from FrauenrĂĽti in Grub AR to the GrĂĽnau area in Grub SG. At its highest point, the bridge is around 40 metres above the gorge; a visit can be combined with a hike.
Church and local history
The construction of its own church in 1475 laid the foundations for the establishment of the independent municipality of Grub in the canton of Appenzell. After the Reformation, a parity arrangement was established in Grub; the two Grub municipalities separated in the 1750s. The Reformed Church of Grub AR was rebuilt in 1752 on the site of the former Catholic church and is a protected cultural asset.
The civic houses also tell the story of the village: some are richly painted and bear witness to the prosperity of the time, when the textile industry in Appenzell Ausserrhoden was flourishing. Alongside the history of the municipalities, the houses and their painted decorations are also worth noting.
The ski lift on Kaien slope
In winter, the Grub-Kaien ski lift operates on Kaien slope. It is about 1 kilometre long; the bottom station is at 845 metres and the top station at 1,065 metres above sea level. A large free car park is available to visitors at the lift. The ski lift can be reached by PostBus and the Rorschach-Heiden mountain railway. Check the timetables before travelling. If you plan to use the lift during the winter season, confirm operating status and parking availability on site. For travel planning, note the distinction: the ski lift is specifically a winter activity, while the route from the village focuses on hiking.
Discover more destinations: Heiden, Walzenhausen, Wolfhalden, Rehetobel, Wald, Reute.
Go to the regional travel overview: Vorderland.
