Walenstadt lies on the eastern shore of Lake Walen, in a landscape between lake and mountains. The town comprises the four districts of Walenstadt, Walenstadtberg, Tscherlach and Berschis. Its historical role as a transport hub is also closely linked to the water: in the Middle Ages, a waterway from the Rhine via Lake Zurich and Lake Walen towards Italy ended here. At the Sust harbour square, goods were transferred from ships to carts. The lakeshore and transport route thus offer two perspectives on the town: as a landscape and as a stop on the historic trade route.
Local history between the town wall and Widenbach
A medieval town wall shapes the historic centre. Archaeological excavations at the parish church of St. Luzius and Florin show that a fairly large church stood on the site of today’s church in the 8th century. The church tower is considered the oldest surviving building in Walenstadt. The town wall and church tower mark different elements of the town’s history: the medieval fortifications and a church site with an earlier history.
The local museum focuses on the history of Walenstadt and vividly presents the Sarganserland–Lake Walen transport route and the use of hydropower at Widenbach. Original masks from the Gemeinderölli of Walenstadt are also among the topics on display. For a hundred years, raw materials for lime, cement and gravel production were quarried at Lochezen quarry.
A zigzag path leads from Lake Walen to the former extraction site at Lochezen. A guided visit to the former quarry includes tunnels and caverns. This offers a way to explore its former industrial use as a subject in its own right, alongside the historic town centre.
By Lake Walen and on the trails
The lakeside promenade invites you to stroll while enjoying views of Lake Walen. Walenstadt lido lists a pebble beach, a sunbathing lawn, a diving tower and a raft on Lake Walen. Facilities and services are seasonal; check opening times before your visit. A stop for the Lake Walen shipping company and the “Walenstadt, Hafen” bus stop are right next to the lido. Walenstadt railway station is about 500 m away. If you are planning a journey, check the timetables in advance.
The Vita Parcours starts at “Am See” on Lusgässli and offers an opportunity to exercise outdoors. Hiking days offer a choice of different themes: the Schrina Alpine and Cultural Trail runs below the Churfirsten and offers two varied routes with insights into alpine farming, culture, flora, fauna and geology. The shorter route is suitable for pushchairs and leads directly from Karl Bickel’s Paxmal to Alp Schrina.
The Walenstadt–Raischibe–Mols hike starts at Walenstadt railway station. It passes the Raischibli hill through the forest and offers far-reaching views of Walenstadt and Lake Walen. Walenstadt also has well-maintained hiking trails and benches where you can rest and enjoy the views. By contrast, the Alpine and Cultural Trail focuses more on insights into alpine farming and nature, while the hike via Raischibe and Mols combines forest scenery with far-reaching views.
In winter, the Schrina toboggan run adds a seasonal activity to the hiking options. The approximately 2 km winter toboggan run is located at Walenstadtberg and descends from Schrina Hochrugg at 1,289 m above sea level, with panoramic views of the Sarganserland, to the rehabilitation centre at 967 m above sea level.
Another themed activity on Lake Walen is a bookable backpack wine tasting featuring three wines from the Lake Walen region. The offer includes an audio guide to the Lake Walen wine-growing region, available in German only. Check availability and current offer details before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Flums, Vilters-Wangs, Oberterzen, Quinten, Pfäfers, Quarten, Bad Ragaz, Tannenheim
For the overarching travel overview: Sarganserland.
