Discover Walenstadt on Lake Walen

Walenstadt lies on the eastern shore of Lake Walen, in a landscape between the lake and the mountains. When planning a stay, the lakeshore and water are one focus, while local history and trails are another. Walenstadt comprises the four districts of Walenstadt, Walenstadtberg, Tscherlach and Berschis. In the historic town centre, a medieval town wall shapes the scene; the lakeside promenade invites you to stroll with views of Lake Walen.

Lake Walen and practical information

Walenstadt lido has a pebble beach, a sunbathing lawn, a diving tower and a raft on Lake Walen. These facilities and services are seasonal, so check current opening arrangements before your trip. For planning your arrival and excursions, a landing stage for the Lake Walen Shipping Company and the Walenstadt, Hafen bus stop are located right next to the lido. Walenstadt railway station is about 500 metres from the lido. Check connections before travelling if you would like to include boat, bus and train services in your plans.

The lakeside promenade offers a different experience: it is ideal for a stroll with views of the lake, while the lido brings together the seasonal facilities mentioned above. You can therefore plan your time by the water according to whether you would prefer a walk along the shore or a day of swimming.

Trails and activities in different seasons

There are several different ways to enjoy the outdoors. The Walenstadt Vita Parcours starts at Am See on Lusgässli. The Schrina Alpine and Cultural Trail runs below the Churfirsten peaks and offers insights into alpine farming, culture, flora, fauna and geology along two varied routes. The shorter route is suitable for pushchairs and leads directly from Karl Bickel’s Paxmal to Alp Schrina.

Another hike leads from Walenstadt via Raischibe to Mols. It starts at Walenstadt railway station, passes Raischibli hill through the forest and offers far-reaching views of Walenstadt and Lake Walen. Walenstadt also has well-maintained hiking trails and benches with a view. The options therefore differ in focus: the short route to Alp Schrina combines cultural themes with a pushchair-friendly trail, while the hike towards Mols leads through the forest and offers views of the town and lake.

In winter, the Schrina sledging run offers another option: the run is about two kilometres long and descends from Schrina Hochrugg, at 1,289 metres above sea level, to the rehabilitation centre at 967 metres above sea level. Along the way, it offers panoramic views of the Sarganserland region. These elevations and endpoints give you a concrete basis for comparison with the hiking trails; check current conditions before planning your outing.

Local history, museum and quarry

Walenstadt Local Museum is dedicated to the town’s history. It vividly presents the Sarganserland–Lake Walen transport route and the use of water power at Widenbach, and displays original masks from Walenstadt’s Gemeinderölli tradition. This offers a perspective ranging from regional transport to a local custom.

The parish church of St Luzius and Florin also tells a story of the town’s long history. Archaeological excavations show that a fairly large church already stood at the site of the present-day church in the 8th century. The church tower is considered Walenstadt’s oldest surviving building. Those interested in the town’s development can distinguish between these two aspects: the excavations point to an early church building, while the tower is a structure that has survived to this day.

The Lochezen quarry and the Sust harbour area are part of the history of work and transport. For a hundred years, raw materials were extracted at the quarry for the production of lime, cement and gravel. In the Middle Ages, Walenstadt marked the end of a water route from the Rhine via Lake Zurich and Lake Walen towards Italy. At the Sust harbour area, goods were transferred from ships to carts. This historical role describes the trade of the time and should be distinguished from today’s opportunities for a stay by the lake.

A regional offering on Lake Walen

As an additional experience on Lake Walen, the backpack wine tasting includes a packed backpack with three wines from the Lake Walen region. It also includes an audio guide to the Lake Walen wine-growing region, available in German only. As this is a bookable experience, check current availability and details before making plans.

Whether, when looking for a hotel in Walenstadt, you are more interested in the lake, local history or trails in the surrounding area, the options described here each have a different focus. Plan around the activities that matter to you during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Vilters-Wangs, Flums, Sargans, Tannenheim, Quinten, Bad Ragaz, Quarten, Vättis

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