Grub: Village History, Hiking Trails and Views

Grub AR lies high above Lake Constance. Wooded ridges and green meadows define the landscape; hiking trails, local history and the ski lift on the Kaien slope add to the village’s character. In all four seasons, Grub offers visitors opportunities for relaxing or active holidays.

Landscape and Views

The village lies at 815 metres above sea level. The wooded Kaien reaches 1,114 metres, and the Fünfländerblick viewpoint is at 900 metres. The Mattenbach winds through gentle green meadows, separating the Appenzell village of Grub from the St. Gallen area. To the east, the valley opens up, offering views of the Rhine Valley and Lake Constance, as well as Bregenz in Austria and Lindau in Germany. Both the ridges and the eastern panorama are therefore among the village’s defining geographical features.

Hiking Trails and Suspension Bridge

The “Views of Lake Constance and Five Countries” hike leads from the village of Grub AR towards Obershaus and Fünfländerblick. After a hundred metres, the route branches off from the main road and passes the village pond. The pond is also designated as a place to observe special animals. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Another hiking connection crosses the Grub suspension bridge: since April 2019, the 180-metre-long bridge has connected Grub AR and Grub SG across the Mattenbach. This has restored the popular hiking trail across the cantonal border as a continuous route from Frauenrüti in Grub AR to the Grünau area in Grub SG. The bridge’s highest point is around 40 metres above the gorge; a visit can be combined with a hike. While the “Views of Lake Constance and Five Countries” route leads from the village towards the destinations named in its title, the bridge connects the two Grub villages across the Mattenbach.

Ski Lift and Getting There

In winter, there is a ski lift on the Kaien slope. The Grub-Kaien ski lift is about one kilometre long; its valley station is at 845 metres and its mountain station at 1,065 metres above sea level. These elevations describe the two stations, while the approximate length indicates the extent of the lift. A large free car park is available for visitors at the ski lift. The lift can be reached by PostBus and the Rorschach-Heiden railway. Check the timetables before travelling; if visiting during the winter operating season, confirm current lift operations and parking availability locally.

Church History and Bourgeois Houses

In 1475, the construction of a church of its own laid the foundation for the creation of the independent municipality of Grub in the Appenzell region. After the Reformation, a parity arrangement was established in Grub; the two Grub municipalities separated in the 1750s. The Reformed Church of Grub AR was rebuilt in 1752 to replace the former Catholic church and is listed as a protected cultural asset.

The bourgeois houses also tell the story of the village: some are richly painted and bear witness to the prosperity of the time, when the textile industry was thriving in Appenzell Ausserrhoden. The church reflects Grub’s religious and municipal development, while the houses make its historical connection with the textile industry visible.

Discover more destinations: Heiden, Reute, Walzenhausen, Wolfhalden, Rehetobel, Wald

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