Altstätten in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley offers a range of options for your stay: a vineyard section of the Rhine Valley High Trail, guided city tours, regional culture and seasonal events. You can plan your trip around whether you mainly want to hike, learn about the city’s history or experience a particular event.
Hiking with Views over the Rhine Valley
The vineyard section of the Rhine Valley High Trail is 13.5 kilometres long and takes about four hours. It can be hiked year-round when there is no snow. The section ends at the Altstätten SG, Stadt bus stop and the Appenzellerbahn railway stop in Altstätten SG. Its length, approximate walking time and the two stops mentioned are practical reference points for planning.
The Fideren section of the Altstätten hiking route offers another viewpoint. From there, the view extends across large parts of the Rhine Valley and towards the mountains of Vorarlberg and Liechtenstein. If you want to balance hiking and local history differently, Altstätten also offers guided tours and museums alongside these scenic views.
City History, Museums and Local Topics
The Prestegg houses the Prestegg Museum and the Diogenes Theatre under one roof. The building has been a listed heritage site since 1972; the museum is the regional museum for the Rhine Valley. The historic old town features medieval and Baroque architecture. Markets are also part of the city’s history: they are held regularly, and Altstätten was granted market rights in 1425.
The classic city tour covers historic buildings and the history of the city and its residents. A themed alternative is “Witch Hunts & Executions”: using the example of two women executed for witchcraft, the tour explains the different stages of a witch trial in Altstätten. Check the tour dates before your trip.
The culinary city tour includes several tasting stops featuring Rhine Valley specialities, including bread, vegetables, cheese and wine. The “City Detectives” tour for children leads through alleyways, houses and squares, showing how people used to live there. The wine-growing programme includes a visit to a small wine museum; one offering provides an introduction to viticulture from past to present.
Nature and Craftsmanship
The Schollenmühle is a former peat factory in the Bannriet nature reserve. An exhibition there focuses on nature and peat. The site also has an observation tower and two birdwatching huts. As local conditions may affect your visit, it is advisable to check them in advance.
Candle-making is also part of Altstätten’s heritage: Hongler has been producing candles since 1703. The company offers seasonal public tours for families and individuals. Visitors may get a look at two candle-pulling machines that are 45 years old; the tour programme may change. So check the latest tour dates and programme details before you travel.
Plan for Carnival and Your Journey
Altstätten Carnival includes the Urknall, Tschätterinacht and the international parade. In 2027, it is scheduled for 4 to 9 February. The main carnival runs from Schmutziger Donnerstag (Dirty Thursday) through Fasnachtsdienstag (Shrove Tuesday). At the end of the parades, the Röllelibutzen perform a polonaise on the Breite. If you are travelling for carnival, check the event dates before your trip.
Altstätten is a stop for express trains between St. Gallen and Chur. Timetables and connections may change; check them before travelling. The options also differ by season when planning your stay: the vineyard section can be hiked year-round when there is no snow, while factory tours are offered seasonally and carnival takes place on specific event dates.
Discover more destinations: Lienz, Marbach, St. Margrethen, Diepoldsau, Au, Oberriet, Berneck, Rüthi
See the regional travel overview: Rhine Valley.
