Around 40 hectares of vineyards shape Berneck, the largest wine-growing municipality in the canton of St. Gallen. Situated between a range of hills and a side branch of the Rhine Valley, the village combines trails through vineyards with insights into its history. When planning your trip, you can choose between panoramic views on the Rheintaler Höhenweg, information about grapevines on the wine trail, or collections and architectural history in the village center. There are also opportunities for cycling, art and seasonal swimming.
Trails Through Vineyards and Panoramic Views
The Rheintaler Höhenweg, Route 86, is signposted from Rathausplatz. It runs along the vineyards of the Rhine Valley and offers panoramic views across the Lower Rhine Valley and Vorarlberg. The trail is accessible year-round when there is no snow.
The Rheintaler Wine Trail has a different focus: Along the wine trails at Rosenberg and on the Eichholz–Pfauenhalde–Rötiberg route, information boards explain grapevines and vineyard work. The trail is signposted from the village square and returns there. This gives you two different options: the Höhenweg offers the panoramic views mentioned above, while the wine trail explains winegrowing. Before setting off, check the signs and information boards on site.
A Variety of Wines in the Center
The Haus des Weins is located in the center of Berneck. It showcases around 100 wines from 20 winemakers in the Rhine Valley, the Sarganserland/Lake Walen area and the Lake Zurich region. Guided wine tastings are also available. A small vineyard beside the building displays all 31 grape varieties grown in the canton of St. Gallen. The selection and number of participating winemakers may change over time. If you plan to attend a tasting, check the dates in advance.
Village Center, Museum and Art
The Berneck local history museum is housed in Haus zum Torkel, an imposing building erected on the foundations of the Alemannic settlement of Kelnhof. Its collection includes objects related to winegrowing and fruit growing, agriculture, coopering and pottery, as well as everyday life in earlier generations. The neighboring Torkel houses a magnificent wine press dating from 1682. Together, these exhibits illustrate different aspects of local winegrowing and craft history.
The village center also tells a story of change: after the fire of 1848, it was rebuilt according to plan. Buildings with a small-town feel line the main thoroughfare. Berneck’s Protestant church also houses an oak relief by Walter Jüstrich, depicting the Lamb of Easter and the symbols of the four Evangelists. The Walter-Jüstrich trail includes visits to artworks; dates may vary.
The older history includes Bernang-Rosenberg Castle. It was built in the early 13th century, belonged to the Abbey of St. Gallen and served as an abbot’s bailiff residence after 1518.
Cycling and Seasonal Swimming
For cyclists, the Klumpen lane runs away from the busy main road toward Au and crosses a canal bridge to the cycle path along the Rhine. The Mittelrheintal pump track in Berneck is open to the public and free to use. People of all ages and backgrounds ride the waves on a variety of sports equipment.
The Weier swimming pool lies at the foot of Berneck’s vineyards and is open seasonally. If a day at the pool is part of your plans, check the season dates in advance. Alongside hiking and learning about wine, cycling, the pump track and—during the season—swimming offer a range of ways to spend your time in Berneck.
Discover more destinations: Balgach, Oberriet, Widnau, Altstätten, St. Margrethen, Marbach, Rüthi, Diepoldsau.
Back to the regional travel overview: Rhine Valley.
