Rheintaler Höhenweg, Stage 2/6

From the Meldegg, with wide-ranging views over the lower Rhine Valley and to Hohen Kasten, through a typical Appenzell region, past the Grünenstein castles in the Riesling-Silvaner wine region – with “Gilde” culinary highlights.

From the Berneck, Rathaus stop, the route initially leads through the village. The yellow-waymarked hiking trail soon climbs across open slopes and passes the ruins of Rosenberg Castle, a hilltop castle on a spur. Sections of woodland alternate with meadows and pastures. After only around 3 km, the highest point is reached at about 580 m. The initial climb then gives way to a steady succession of ascents and descents, resulting in around 600 metres of elevation gain over the entire route.

The trail continues along the gentle slopes above the St. Gallen Rhine Valley. Between woodland edges and settlements, the landscape remains varied. Around the second half of the route, Weinstein Castle lies directly on the trail; its restaurant is a good place for a break. The hiking trail then leads through more open terrain and smaller villages before approaching Altstätten. After around 13 km and just over four hours, the hike ends near the Altstätten SG, Stadt stop.