Stein combines historic buildings with hiking and nature. When choosing a holiday apartment for your stay, you can first consider whether you would like to focus on local history or on longer trails and mountain tours. Local destinations and regional options offer different starting points for your plans.
The Village Landscape in the Upper Toggenburg
Stein is part of the Toggenburg, more specifically the Alpine Upper Toggenburg and the upper Thur valley. The historic village centre of Sonnenhalb lies on a hillside terrace overlooking the valley. The wider Toggenburg region encompasses pre-Alpine hills, pastures, forests and villages; its upper part is shaped by the mountain massifs of the Churfirsten and Säntis. The regional hiking trail network is also varied, ranging from walking paths in the pre-Alpine hills to challenging mountain tours.
Churches and Historical Traces
In its historic village centre, Stein preserves a small church whose core dates from the late Middle Ages, as well as two timber buildings with clad walls and Tätsch roofs. Another historical trace leads to Breitenau: the Reformed church of Stein was built in 1497 on the site of a chapel mentioned in 1280. The Catholic Church of St. James was built in 1927–1928 and stands in a walled cemetery. Stein therefore offers the chance to see different periods of construction and religious traditions side by side.
More recent events are also part of the village’s history: on 29 March 1947, a devastating fire swept through the village. The history of skiing offers another focus. Skiing in the Toggenburg began in Stein in 1905; a small ski factory helped drive its development. Local history and sporting history sit side by side here, and a visit need not focus on just one theme.
Hiking and Mountain Tours
From Stein, the Alpine Panorama Trail follows the Dürrenbach stream and then passes through the Schärswald forest. Its section from Stein SG to Amden is 14 kilometres long. Conditions on mountain trails can vary by season; check the route situation before setting out. Another tour option leads over the Risipass to Schwägalp. It starts at the Stein SG/Dorf bus stop. Check the route details before your hike.
The mountain tour from Stein to the Neuenalpspitz follows a ridge and offers views of the Säntis and Churfirsten. A tour description available in August 2026 gives an ascent of 979 metres and a descent of 939 metres. In winter, a ski tour from Stein leads over the Risipass and the Stockberg Alp to the summit of Stockberg; check winter tour conditions in advance. The different route descriptions offer concrete points of reference for distinguishing between a hike and a mountain tour.
The Bee Trail and Practical Information
The Toggenburg Bee Trail runs along the Thurweg via Germen from Nesslau to Stein SG. Fourteen signs along the route provide information about honeybees. Halfway along the trail, visitors can look through a glass panel into a beehive observation box and watch a colony at work. The Thurweg section is signposted all the way from start to finish; possible diversions may temporarily affect the route. Check the signs and local notices before setting off.
The Hike-&Bike tour from Stein SG to Vorder Goggeien can also be reached by train and bus. Check the specific connections before your tour. For planning your trip, this gives you a choice between the historic village landscape, a themed nature trail and tours with clearly specified routes or elevation gains. Deciding which side of Stein you would like to shape your stay can also be a helpful starting point when looking for a suitable holiday apartment.
Discover more destinations: Brunnadern, Krinau, Lütisburg, Wildhaus, Alt Sankt Johann, Kirchberg, Nesslau, Nesslau-Krummenau.
Return to the main travel overview: Toggenburg.
