Things To Do
in Widnau
Widnau is a tranquil Swiss town in the Rhine Valley, offering easy access to the cultural riches of St. Gallen and the natural beauty of the Appenzell foothills. It pairs a calm, village atmosphere with efficient transport links to larger cities and the Alps. The surrounding farmland, riverside paths, and well-preserved Swiss towns create a scenic, family-friendly backdrop.
Visitors can enjoy pristine cleanliness, friendly locals, and a gateway to both outdoor adventures and historic Swiss culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You arrive in Widnau and settle into a charming riverside hotel overlooking the Rhine. A gentle stroll along the bank introduces you to the town’s tranquil atmosphere and lush green embankments. You pause at a local café for freshly baked pastries and a steaming cup of coffee as energy for the day.
After lunch, you visit the scenic Wildpark Feldkirch just across the border in Austria, spotting deer and birds in their natural habitat. A guide explains the local flora and fauna while you wander along hidden forest paths. You end the visit with panoramic views of the Rhine valley.
Stroll back into Widnau’s cozy center, admiring illuminated bridges over the river. You dine at a family-run restaurant serving Swiss specialties like käsespätzle and fresh trout. Later, you relax on an outdoor terrace, enjoying the soft glow of streetlamps and the lull of evening conversation.
You begin at the town’s weekly farmers’ market, where stalls brim with alpine cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal produce. Locals greet you warmly as you sample Swiss-style rye bread and homemade jams. The aroma of fresh herbs and coffee fills the crisp morning air.
Explore the village’s historic church, its centuries-old frescoes a window into regional traditions. A short guided walking tour introduces you to Widnau’s textile heritage, once the backbone of the local economy. You visit a small museum showcasing antique looms and learn about the evolution of silk production.
As twilight falls, you head to a wine bar offering local vintages from St. Gallen and neighboring Austria. Tapas-style plates of smoked salmon, olives, and local cheeses accompany your tasting. The clink of glasses and live acoustic music create a convivial ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-6 |
| 🏠1-bedroom apartment rent in city center (monthly) | $1,200-1,800 |
| 🚆Monthly public transportation pass | $60-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Calm, scenic Rhine valley setting with easy access to St. Gallen and the Alps
- Strong public transport, high quality of life
- Small town size means fewer nightlife options than larger cities
- Prices can be high compared with some neighboring regions
- "Grüezi" - Hello
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Guten Morgen" - Good morning
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me
- "Wo ist der nächste Bahnhof?" - Where is the nearest train station?
- "Zahlen, bitte" - The check, please
- "Ich verstehe nicht" - I do not understand
Places to Visit in Widnau
Visit one of these nice places.
Scenic reflections on the water with fields and boats; best at sunrise or late afternoon light.
Architectural landmark with historic interiors and ornate ceilings; great for atmospheric interior shots (permissions may apply).
Pastoral landscapes, traditional farmhouses, and sweeping panoramas of rolling green hills.
Food in Widnau
Widnau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy potato pancake often served as a side or breakfast staple; widely available in local eateries.
Must-Try!
A strong, aromatic cheese from Appenzell; enjoy with rye bread or melted in fondue.
Creamy Alpine macaroni with potatoes and apples; a traditional comfort dish.
Oats soaked with milk or yogurt, fruit, and nuts—a Swiss breakfast classic.
Cheese-based dishes perfect for cooler days; many restaurants offer both options.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market near St. Gallen with regional produce, cheeses, and baked goods.
Seasonal street food stalls along the Rhine offering quick bites and snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Being on time is valued in all professional and many social settings.
Greet with a polite 'Grüezi' and offer a handshake on first meeting; maintain light, respectful conversations.
Follow local recycling guidelines; separate paper, plastic, glass, and organic waste.
Evenings are relatively quiet; be mindful of neighbors after 10 PM.
Safety
Tipping in Widnau
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are often included; you may round up or leave 5–10% for good service.
Cash (CHF) is common, but credit cards are widely accepted; mobile payments such as TWINT are popular in shops and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blossoming landscapes, and comfortable hiking conditions; early garden markets begin
Warm days with occasional thunderstorms; ideal for Rhine walks, lake trips, and longer hikes.
Harvest time brings golden fields and crisp air; great for scenic drives and photo opportunities.
Cold with possible snow; nearby Alps offer day trips for skiing and winter sports; cozy indoor activities in town.
Widnau at Night
Hiking in Widnau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy-to-moderate hikes along the Rhine with scenic farmland and villages.
Hikes with sweeping views over green pastures and traditional houses.
Short hikes and walks along the Bodensee with lake views.
Airports
How to reach Widnau by plane.
Nearest regional airport, about 15-25 minutes by car from Widnau; flights to major hubs in Europe.
Major international hub about 1.0-1.5 hours by train; easy connections to Widnau via S-Bahn or regional trains.
Small regional airport near Lake Constance; occasional connections to central Europe.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant language in Widnau and surrounding areas.
Smaller communities contributing to local culture and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular sport nationwide; local clubs and youth leagues in the region.
Abundant in the Rheintal and Appenzell foothills.
Nearby Alpine areas offer day trips during winter season.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Widnau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Swiss cuisine includes many vegetarian options: cheeses, market produce, and vegetable-focused dishes; ask for raclette without meat or veggie fondues.