Rhine Valley high path, St Margarethen – Rebstein

What a lovely hike this is – a perfect half-day hike – or extend it by simply continuing along the Rhine valley high path (Rheintal Höhenweg).

We started above the town of St Margarethen, at the Restaurant Gletscherhügel. The path initially winds through some woods – great chance to listen to the birds also enjoying the arrival of spring – before opening up with views across Lake Constance to Germany and Austria.

We then passed through the collection of houses at Leuchen and then back shortly into some woods. Here we met gnomes with sunglasses also enjoying the warm spring day and views.

For the first time we now have fantastic views across the beautiful Rhine valley.

We continued further, passing numerous charming farmhouses. The farm cats were mostly relaxing!

We then headed down into the charming village of Berneck.

If you are lucky (or unlucky) you may get to experience the church bells. Apparently these are the second loudest bells in Switzerland – and they are loud!

After circling Berneck and then walking through the village center, we headed uphill again and away from the village through the vineyards.

Another claim to fame for the village is the rather excellent wine! Maybe make space in your rucksack for a bottle or two?

We continue further through 2 more woods and gentle uphills until we come to Schloss Gruenenstein in the next village – Balgach.

The Schloss dates from the 13th century and is well worth a short detour around the buildings. (Note from author. I once lived here in one of the flats – nice to say I have lived in a castle!).

We are now almost at the end of this section of the Rhine valley high path.

Enjoying the wonderful views of the Rhine valley, we headed down into the next village of Rebstein and caught a bus back to the car at St Margarethen. A wonderful, wonderful half-day hike!