Rhine Valley High Path, Altstätten – Eichberg

If you fancy a shorter stroll through flower-filled meadows with breath-taking panoramic views of the Alps then this is the hike for you! It starts in the charming old town of Altstaetten and ends in the quiet village of Eichberg, north-east Switzerland.

Start in Altstaetten at the music school, where you can park for free on the weekend. Cross the road, start up the stairs opposite and follow the sign posts through the houses. You will soon be leaving Altstätten, heading south-west to the little area of Forst.

Look for the hiking signs with number 86 and follow them. This hike is part of the much longer Rheintaler Höhenweg and this is one of the most charming sections.

You will quickly reach the gentle ridge above Rebhalden, pass a cute little chapel and face the most wonderful views. To the right (north) you can just see the German Alps, behind you (south) the Austrian Alps dominate, to the west is little Liechtenstein and of course, all around is beautiful Switzerland.

If you do this hike in the spring, you will be treated to an abundance of spring flowers. But also in other seasons, the views are lovely. After a while, the path will leave the ridge and meander along quiet back roads, across meadows (cows with bells of course) and soon pass through the tiny village of Hinterforst.

From Hinterforst the path first leads uphill and then into a small section of forest, past a farm, across a meadow and a stream and into Eichberg. Here you will first past the old Eichberg zoo and then make it into the village.

In Eichberg, pass the church, which is surrounded by vinyards, and then make your way through the very green village. There may actually be more meadows that houses here.

It’s a 20 minute ride on the bus back to Altstaetten with the Rheintal bus service.