Diepoldsau between the Old Rhine and border history

Diepoldsau is a political municipality and village in the Rheintal constituency of the canton of St. Gallen in eastern Switzerland. It lies mostly east of the Rhine; the Old Rhine forms the border with Austria. The Diepoldsau Rhine breakthrough was newly created in 1923 as part of the regulation of the Alpine Rhine. The old river course and the regulated Rhine course thus represent different chapters in the history of the landscape. If you are looking for a hotel in Diepoldsau, you can plan your trip around the riverside landscape, local history and opportunities for outdoor activities.

Local history on the Old Rhine

The place name Diepoldsau has been documented since 890. Records show that in 1129 King Frederick gave the Diepoldsau estate to the Abbey of St. Gallen. Another chapter of local history can be traced at the “Rohr” on the Old Rhine: during the Second World War, this place served as an escape route into Switzerland for people fleeing persecution. The border between Austria and Switzerland runs right through the “Rohr”.

Swimming and activities on the Rhine

Diepoldsau lido, a natural outdoor swimming pool, is located on the Old Rhine. The facility is supplied by groundwater; the water is of drinking-water quality without chemical additives. The swimming complex includes a non-swimmer pool, a swimmer pool and diving boards at heights of 1, 3 and 5 metres. Slides, a pirate island and a beach volleyball court complete the facilities. The natural lido invites visitors to swim from April to September; specific operating days may vary from year to year. The layout of the facility may also change. Therefore, check the latest information before your visit.

Explore on foot or by bike

There are various ways to stay active on the Old Rhine. The Vita-Parcours runs along the Old Rhine and offers opportunities for running and training in a natural setting. The accessible cross-border circular hike along the Old Diepoldsau Rhine follows the Diepoldsau bank as far as the Schmitter Bridge, then returns along the Lustenau riverside path. Trail conditions may change; check the latest conditions before setting out. Another option is the Binnenkanal Tour, which passes through Diepoldsau and, after crossing the Rhine again, continues through its floodplain to Kriessern. These options offer different experiences: training by the Old Rhine, a circular hike that crosses the border, and a bike tour ending in Kriessern.

Art and architecture

The “Room of Silence” is a solid oak structure and is open to the public. Check access information before your visit. The cable-stayed bridge has harp-shaped cables. This arrangement describes the lines formed by the cables and gives the bridge a distinctive architectural profile.

Plan your journey

Rheintal Bus AG (RTB) serves Diepoldsau daily with more than 120 connections. As the number of connections may change when timetables are updated, check the current timetable for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Rüthi, Berneck, Rheineck, Marbach, Widnau, Au, Altstätten, Balgach

Go to the regional travel overview: Rheintal.