Krinau combines a compact historic village centre with hikes in a side valley of the Thur. The village is set amid hiking country and has no through traffic. Krinau is part of the municipality of Wattwil in Toggenburg, in eastern Switzerland; it was formerly a political municipality. The village is listed at an elevation of 803 metres, with an elevation range of 625 to 1,243 metres.
Village Centre and History
The compact historic village centre lies on the left side of the valley and dates from the 16th to 18th centuries. It consists almost entirely of old houses of a traditional architectural type; they probably date from the 18th or early 19th century. The Reformed parish church stands in a walled cemetery. It was built in 1724–25, and its front tower has a pyramidal roof. The church is considered Krinau’s landmark and can be used for religious ceremonies, particularly weddings.
Krinau was first mentioned in a document in 1357. The estate and bailiwick were owned by the Counts of Toggenburg; the Prince-Abbey of St. Gallen acquired both in 1468. Historically, Krinau was also a free community with its own lower court and its own Landsgemeinde (assembly). The hamlet of Dreischlatt is part of the village. The writer Ulrich Bräker (1735–1798) spent his youth there—a direct link between local history and literature.
The history of textiles is also part of the village’s story. The Graf weaving mill in Feldmoos, founded in 1865, is in a forest clearing above the stream gorge. The textile factory in Feldmoos is the only surviving evidence of factory-based textile production on Krinau’s territory. Alongside the historic village centre, you can therefore also find traces of a chapter in local industrial history.
Hiking and Views
One specific hiking option leads from Krinau to Chrüzegg and a viewpoint. Depending on visibility, you can see Köbelisberg, Kronberg, Säntis and Hochalp from there. The route description recommends travelling by public transport on the S4 from St. Gallen to Lichtensteig, then taking bus 772 to the Krinau, Rössli stop. Check the current timetables before travelling. Free outdoor parking is available at the Dorf car park in Krinau for the hike; confirm local conditions before you arrive.
Bräker, Atelier and Dining
The “Ulrich Bräker” experience package includes a guided hike on the Bräker circular trail, with information about the writer’s life and work, followed by a meal at the Daniel Gisler Atelier-Café. The guided hike starts and ends in Krinau at Sonnenhalde 129. Check the current booking details before travelling.
The Daniel Gisler Atelier-Café is a restaurant open by prior arrangement; meals are available for groups of four or more and by reservation. The café also offers guided tours of a historic farmhouse, parts of which are about 350 years old. Visitors can get a glimpse of the studio of artist Daniel Franz Gisler. The “Bibliophilia” experience package includes a private afternoon in the house library, with coffee, tea or a glass of Prosecco served. The package also includes a three-course meal. Booking conditions vary by season; check current availability when planning your visit.
A Toggenburg speciality is Schlorzifladen, made on an alpine pasture: it consists of yeast or puff pastry and a filling of dried pears.
Accommodation in Krinau
At Burehof Chrinäuli, you can stay in the barn on straw or mattresses, or in a separate B&B cottage with a double bed. This gives you two different sleeping arrangements to choose from. If you are considering either option, contact the property directly to ask about current availability.
Discover more destinations: Wattwil, Ebnat-Kappel, Libingen, Lütisburg, Stein, Mogelsberg, Bütschwil, Brunnadern
For the wider travel overview: Toggenburg.
