A castle on a rocky ridge, a hammer forge powered exclusively by water, and a natural area of forests, marshland and ponds offer several different ways to explore Sennwald. The municipality includes Sennwald, FrĂĽmsen and Sax at the southeastern foot of the Alpstein, as well as Haag and Salez in the Rhine Valley plain.
Hohensax Castle Ruins and the history of the area
Hohensax Castle Ruins lie on a rocky ridge above Sax, at an altitude of about 750 metres and around 300 metres above the Rhine Valley. The site is within the municipality of Sennwald. The ruins are a popular excursion destination. They were reopened to the public in 2008 after having to be closed for safety reasons. The details about the location and altitude help put this prominent site between Sax and the Rhine Valley into context. Sennwald is mentioned in documents from 820 and 1351. Around 1200, the barons of Sax built Forstegg Castle at an elevated location.
Forge, museum and church
The Old Hammer Forge in Sennwald runs exclusively on water power and is unique in Switzerland. Visits are possible while it is operating, so plan your visit around the forge’s operating hours. Here, craftsmanship and the forge’s distinctive power source take centre stage.
The Textile and Local History Museum is housed in a typical Rhine Valley house dating from the 17th century. Day labourers, small farmers and weavers once lived there. Exhibits include a weaving and spinning room, an embroidery workshop with a frame pantograph, a dairy kitchen, and a hammer forge or workshop. The collection also includes a mill from Sax dating from 1797. A model shows Forstegg Castle as it looked around 1630. Visits to the museum are possible by appointment; arrange your visit before you arrive.
The Evangelical Reformed Church also tells a story of several historical layers. It was once dedicated to Saint Gall; its patronage dates back to the noble family of Sax, which was closely associated with St. Gall Abbey in the 13th century. After the fire of 1499, the present-day choir and the lower part of the church tower were built during the rapid reconstruction. The wall paintings in the choir, uncovered in 1991, probably date from between 1531 and 1565; older images from around 1500 can be seen underneath. A preserved mummy can also be viewed in the church. Check local visiting arrangements before you arrive.
Nature, themed trails and views
Niederholz lies between the nationally important fens Mösli/Schachen 536 and Tüfmoos 537. Its mosaic of habitats includes patches of woodland, marshland, ponds, hills, boulders and basin-shaped hollows. These varied landscape features provide habitats for valuable plant and animal species.
In Frümsen, the Walnut Tree Trail is a circular route of around five kilometres that passes signposted walnut trees. The walk is estimated to take about two hours. Expert-guided tours on a freely chosen walnut-related topic are available on request. Another perspective is offered by the cross-border Three-Country Trail “Movement – Encounter,” which was established with the involvement of the municipality of Sennwald. This cultural trail is signposted along existing asphalt, gravel and meadow paths. There are 16 designated rest stops along the route, with information boards about each location.
The Frümsen–Staubern cable car also offers a journey on a different timescale: the ride from the Rhine Valley to Staubern takes less than eight minutes and gains 1,250 metres in altitude. From the village of Frümsen, it is about a seven- to ten-minute walk to the valley station. At Staubern, the cable car offers panoramic views across four countries. Together, these attractions offer different ways to experience Sennwald and its surroundings—from a walk lasting several hours to a short cable-car ride with a substantial gain in altitude.
Discover more destinations: Sevelen, Grabs, Wartau, Buchs, Gams.
Return to the main travel overview: Werdenberg.
