The municipality of Wartau includes the villages of Azmoos, TrĂĽbbach, Weite, Oberschan, Malans, Gretschins and Fontnas, as well as several hamlets. TrĂĽbbach lies on the left bank of the Rhine, near the mouth of the corrected TrĂĽbbach stream. With local history, valley routes and high-altitude activities, there are various highlights to enjoy during a stay.
Routes in the valley and on Palfries
Wartau’s landscape stretches from the Rhine Valley up into the mountains and is home to well-preserved flora and fauna. In the expansive valley floor, the car-free Rhine embankment and country lanes invite you to enjoy leisurely walks. For a longer outing, try the Wartau Legend and History Trail: it links historically significant sites and routes in the municipality, is 12 kilometres long and takes about four hours. Along the way, you will pass 20 legend and information panels. The trail is suitable for families, school classes, hikers and bikers.
The Palfries plateau offers numerous routes for biking, climbing and hiking. In winter, the Alvier range provides opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing. The Palfries cable car takes visitors from Heiligkreuz directly up to the plateau; as operating times may change, it is advisable to check the timetable before setting off. The toll Alpine road leads to Palfries via Oberschan. Road conditions and tolls may also change, so check this information before your journey.
Fort and collection
The Magletsch artillery fort was built during the Second World War and formed the north-eastern cornerstone of the Sargans Fortress. Its tunnel system is four kilometres long. On the indoor tour, a sloping tunnel about 150 metres long leads to an upper level around 30 metres higher. A special tour offers a look at the historic IR searchlight station.
The collection at Postlis Stadel in Oberschan comprises more than 1,000 objects. Its themes range from domestic life, agriculture and crafts to viticulture, embroidery and firefighting. Guided tours are available on request. The two cultural sites offer different highlights: Magletsch focuses on the fort and its tunnel system, while Postlis Stadel showcases the collection’s diverse subject areas.
Castle ruins and church in Gretschins
The Wartau castle ruins, visible from far away, lie east of Gretschins on St. Martin’s Hill. Four or five storeys remain; the tower is 22 metres high and the walls are up to 1.75 metres thick. In Gretschins, the Romanesque Church of St. Martin is a defining feature of the village. It was built in 1493. The ruins and the church show different sides of local history: the castle’s striking hilltop location and the medieval church in the village.
Getting there and seasonal specialities
Wartau is accessible via transport links connecting to the A13, the railway station in Trübbach and a border crossing into the Principality of Liechtenstein. For groups of ten or more, Büelsteichäller opens and serves seasonal farm specialities. Check the booking conditions in advance.
Discover more destinations: Sennwald, Gams, Sevelen, Grabs, Buchs.
Return to the main travel overview: Werdenberg.
