The hike Over Tannenberg and the covered Wannen Bridge show two different sides of Waldkirch: outdoors, the trails lead through forests and sunny plateaus, while the bridge recalls an important crossing of the Sitter.

Hiking and Views on Tannenberg

The route Over Tannenberg leads through forests and across sunny plateaus. Heading towards Waldkirch, it climbs steeply up Tannenberg after the village. The mountain offers views of Lake Constance, the Alpstein range and Appenzell. The plateaus at its foot form a local recreation area with wonderful views of Säntis and Lake Constance. Lake Constance features in both views; Alpstein and Appenzell round out the panorama from the mountain, while Säntis does so from the plateaus.

The walking and running trails in Waldkirch start at the Bünt car park; the Post bus stop for getting started is Post. These give you two specific landmarks when planning where to start a trail.

Buildings and Local History

The Wannen Bridge is a covered wooden bridge first mentioned in 1692. It formed an important crossing of the Sitter between Constance and St. Gallen. Its design and role as a crossing give the bridge a different historical connection from the buildings in the village.

The distinctive St. Blaise Church is a defining feature of Waldkirch’s villagescape. The church is also available for concerts, which enrich the parish’s spiritual and cultural life. Its cultural function, as well as its architecture, is therefore part of what defines the church.

The Sorntal Textile Museum is housed in a former spinning mill dating from 1850. The building was renovated inside and out in 1994. Its former use as a spinning mill and its current use as a museum come together here; anyone interested in architectural history can relate both uses to the same building.

Built in 1688, the Gasthaus Kreuz is Waldkirch’s most imposing half-timbered building. It adds a specific point of comparison to the covered wooden bridge and the former spinning mill: Waldkirch brings different architectural styles and historical functions together.

Animal Experiences at Wannenwis

The Wannenwis adventure farm has a zoo with domestic and exotic animals, as well as opportunities to pet them. Alpaca walks are also available; activities range from observing the animals to heading out together. The availability of individual activities may vary. Before your visit, check whether the alpaca walk you want is being offered.

Cross-Country Skiing and Golf

The Tannenberg Ski Club’s trail network offers routes of varying difficulty for both classic and skate skiing. The different levels of difficulty and techniques give you a useful guide if you are considering cross-country skiing.

Waldkirch Golf Park is a 36-hole facility with a large practice centre and an integrated 3-hole short course. For directions, the golf park is about 4 km from the Gossau exit on the A1 Zurich–St. Gallen motorway; from there, follow the road towards Bischofszell/Arnegg. Alongside hiking and cross-country skiing, the golf course, practice centre and short course offer distinct sporting options.

Discover more destinations: Abtwil, Eggersriet, Gossau, St. Gallen.

Back to the broader travel overview: St. Gallen.