Waterfalls around Hauptwil-Gottshaus offer natural beauty and historical context within a peaceful landscape. The region features diverse natural formations, including gorges and rivers, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration. These areas are characterized by their serene environments and accessible trails, making them suitable for visitors seeking tranquility. The local geography combines natural water features with historical sites, reflecting the area's past industrial use and natural erosion processes.
Last updated: May 31, 2026
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The Steinach River's gradient has been used by the town's mills since ancient times. The Mühleggbahn, opened in 1893 as a water-ballast cable car, was later converted first into a cog railway and then into an inclined lift. It covers a distance of 323 meters and overcomes a height difference of approximately 70 meters.
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Very short steep climb, a bit difficult with a stroller, but you can get through
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Right on the edge of the old town is this small Mülenen gorge with waterfall, in St Gallen
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Instead of taking the train, it is worth taking the path through the "Mülenen Gorge". The path follows the water, which thunders into the depths, and crosses the stream twice.
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Small bridge over the mill gorge and the waterfall
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At the lower end of the valley - according to legend - Saint Gallus is said to have stumbled and fallen on thorns. He saw this as a sign from God and built a hermitage here. The city of St. Gallen grew out of this hermitage. The Collegiate Church of St. Gallen is just north of this narrow basin, where the Steinach is canalised today. The town's mills have been in operation since early times in the valley immediately in front of the former miller's gate in the south of the town. That's where the name comes from. Historically, the name was written without an "h", but both spellings can now be found. Possibly influenced by Müller's spelling, there are also spellings with a double L. Several of the old houses in the gorge still exist, but water wheels are no longer found. The Mülenen Gorge was the city's first industrial district. By the beginning of the 19th century at the latest, further industrialization had to be shifted to St. Georgen above the gorge for reasons of space. This is where the machine factories that are important for St. Gallen embroidery were built. Since the path through the gorge was steep and arduous and still is today, a cable car was built in 1893 with the Mühleggbahn, which leads directly from the monastery to the Müleggweiher pond at the upper end of the gorge. The existing water of the Steinach was ideal for the construction of a water weight cable car. (Source: "Wikipedia")
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Picnic place right by the semi-cave and next to the pond where the upper stream comes down as a waterfall.
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The region offers a variety of waterfalls. The Mühletöbeli Gorge Waterfall is popular for its short trail and refreshing atmosphere. Another unique spot is the Hohlen Stein Gorge, which features a waterfall, a large semi-cave, and a romantic ravine. Further afield, the Bruedertöbeli near Ganterschwil allows you to go behind a waterfall into a cave, offering a distinct experience.
Yes, both the Mühletöbeli Gorge and the Bruedertöbeli have historical connections. The Mühletöbeli area near Bischofszell was historically used for mills, and the Mühleggbahn funicular railway has an interesting past. The Bruedertöbeli near Ganterschwil was once the site of a hermitage, first mentioned in 1369, adding a unique historical layer to its natural beauty.
You can find a range of hiking experiences. The trail to the Mühletöbeli Gorge Waterfall is described as a nice, short hike, offering shade and a cool environment. The Hohlen Stein Gorge features a wildly romantic ravine with steep steps and a well-developed path. The Bruedertöbeli involves a pleasant approximately 1 km hike from the chapel, taking about half an hour at a slow pace.
Yes, several spots are suitable for families. The Waterfall (with picnic area) is a great option, offering a nicely developed picnic spot right by the semi-cave and pond. The Wattbach area also features beautiful and well-kept hiking trails that are considered family-friendly.
Access varies by location. The Mühletöbeli Gorge Waterfall is near Bischofszell, and the trail is generally accessible for a short hike. The Bruedertöbeli is accessible via a hike from the Bruedertöbeli chapel. For specific parking or public transport details, it's advisable to check local information for each waterfall.
Yes, there is an Artificial Waterfall mentioned in the area. It's described as a romantic spot to observe, offering a peaceful experience with few people.
Beyond waterfall visits, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous cycling routes, including easy to difficult options, as detailed in the Cycling around Hauptwil-Gottshaus guide. There are also gravel biking trails available, which you can find in the Gravel biking around Hauptwil-Gottshaus guide. For more hiking, consult the Hiking around Hauptwil-Gottshaus guide.
Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility. Many enjoy the shady paths and cooling effect of the water, especially at the Mühletöbeli Gorge Waterfall, which creates a feeling of being in the mountains. The wildly romantic ravines, impressive semi-caves, and well-developed paths, such as those at Hohlen Stein Gorge, are also highly valued.
Yes, the Waterfall (with picnic area) is specifically noted for its nicely developed picnic spot. It's located just above a pond and a semi-cave, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
The region is rich in natural features. You'll encounter gorges like the Mühletöbeli and Hohlen Stein, rivers such as the wild Steinach, and natural monuments. Some areas also feature caves, like the spectacular one behind the waterfall at Bruedertöbeli, and dense forests that provide shade and a sense of being immersed in nature.
Many of the waterfall locations offer scenic viewpoints. For instance, the Mühletöbeli Gorge Waterfall and Hohlen Stein Gorge are both categorized as viewpoints, providing picturesque spots to admire the natural surroundings.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Hauptwil-Gottshaus: