Eschenbach – Nature, Trails and Cultural History

Eschenbach is a municipality in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Its varied landscapes, trails and cultural-historical sites offer practical starting points for planning a stay. Ponds and ravines sit alongside chapels and seasonal activities in Atzmännig.

Landscape, Ponds and Trails

Aabachtobel is a varied, mostly wooded molasse gorge carved by the Aabach and an important ecological corridor. At 1,332 m, Tweralpspitz is the highest point in the municipality of Eschenbach. The Rietstuck recreational area lies between Eschenbach and Neuhaus and is a popular destination for both longer hikes and shorter walks.

Rietstuckweiher is not a swimming pond, but it provides an attractive habitat for a diverse range of animal and plant life. Siessenweiher is considered an amphibian and reptile reserve of national importance. Oberfeldweiher also serves a special conservation purpose: it is a reservoir with trees and shrubs along its banks, and an amphibian spawning area of national importance. Rare plants, birds and other animals can be observed in the Rüti nature and bird reserve on the route between Eschenbach and Schmerikon.

Gorges, Routes and Seasonal Activities

The gorge in Neuhüsler-Tobel can be explored along safe paths and walkways between the wooden bridge in Neuhaus and the weir. Evidence of early industrialisation can be seen on the hiking trail through the gorge. The Eschenbach Border Trail offers a different kind of route: it is around 56 km long, circles the municipality and follows existing paths that run as close as possible to the municipal boundary. While Rietstuck appeals to those seeking both longer hikes and shorter walks, the Border Trail is a circular route of around 56 km.

In summer, the Atzmännig sports and leisure area offers a toboggan run, an amusement park, a rope park and an adventure trail. In winter, Atzmännig is a popular family ski area. Arena Bildstöckli is set amid the municipality-owned vineyard and has a playground. The places mentioned range from trails through the countryside to designated leisure attractions and a playground.

Chapels, History and Culture

St. James Chapel in Neuhaus lies on the Way of St. James from Ricken to Einsiedeln. The first chapel in Neuhaus was built in 1585 and, after renovation in 1635, was dedicated to St. James the Greater. The pilgrims’ chapel in Neuhaus was rebuilt in 1695 and consecrated on 11 May 1698. A place of worship is documented at the site of today’s St. Vinzentius parish church in Eschenbach as early as around 801.

Another archaeological trace is Chastli-Bürg in Neuhaus: this prehistoric to early medieval hilltop settlement is situated on a spur and features a cross-wall fortification. Aatalweiher in Neuhaus reflects another part of the Aabach’s history: it was created in 1864 to generate additional hydropower in connection with the industrial use of the stream.

Custorhaus in Eschenbach is used for cultural, public and private events. Goldloch Goldingertal, also known as Isaraloch, is a 60 m deep cave. Around 1770, four to six miners are said to have searched for gold there every day. More recent municipal history has also shaped the area: in 2013, Eschenbach, Goldingen and St. Gallenkappel merged under the former name Eschenbach. The current coat of arms combines elements from the former municipal coats of arms.

Getting There and Choosing a Hotel

Eschenbach is not connected to the rail network. Direct bus services run to Rapperswil-Jona, Uznach and Rüti ZH, as well as via the Ricken to Wattwil. Route 80.622 connects Rapperswil, Eschenbach and Wattwil. Route 80.631 connects Kaltbrunn, Uznach, Neuhaus, Eschenbach and Rüti ZH. If you are choosing a hotel for a stay in Eschenbach, travelling by bus may therefore be a useful factor to consider when planning. Check the current timetable for your specific journey.

Discover more destinations: Amden, Schänis, Hintergoldingen, Weesen, Rapperswil-Jona, Benken, Gommiswald, Ernetschwil.

Back to the main travel overview: See-Gaster.