Surroundings

Freienbach and its surroundings can offer you a lot of culture and sports activities such as Bike tours, Hiking trails, nearby Golf courses and a lot more.

Hiking 

Freienbach is situated at the foot of the Alpstein and offers a wonderful hiking tour to Mount Hohe Kasten. Standing on this impressive mountain you will see the canton of Appenzell at your feet, and the lake of Konstanz seems to be close enough to touch. You will enjoy an panoramic view of the magnificent surrounding peaks of Bayern, Voralberg, Tirol, Liechtenstein, Graubünden, Glarus and St.Gallen. The revolving restaurant offers many culinary specialities of the region. After you enjoyed the magnificent view and a delicious meal, you will be whisked back down the mountain by suspension railway.

Crystal caves Kobelwald 

At the foothills of the Kienmountains are the Crystal caves which were discovered by a deer hunter way back in 1682.

Approximately 9 million years ago when the Alps were formed, clefts opened in the rocks and, where water entered the formations, a crystallization took place within the stone. Throughout the years and with the help of a chemical reaction, a lot of wonderful so called Calcite Crystals, Rhomboeder and Skaleoneder (typical crystals for this area) where formed.

Especially in the back of the caves you will find breathtaking Stalactites and Stalagmites. (dripstones)

The Ruins Blatten 

Around the year 1230 Berchtold von Falkenstein built a massive castle to protect all his possessions.

There was a lot of fighting over the castle, until it was burned down in 1799. During this period it changed ownership many times. All that is left is the impressive tower and a few remaining walls including some underground vaults.

The ruins are idyllically situated south of Oberriet on the Blattenberg. On the way to the ruins you will pass through a forest which is home to many local animals. (Picture: ETH-library Zurich, Bildarchiv).

Höhlenburg Wichenstein 

There is not much knowledge about the origin and main purpose of this unique cave castle. This extraordinary building was not mentioned anywhere until 1270, speculations are, it could have been a hiding place or a place of worship. It was completely restored in 1976.

A relaxing nature stroll through beautiful Wichenstein puts a finishing touch on the excursion to this unique cave castle.

Pilgrims chapel Freienbach 

Built in 1740, this is the first chapel in Freienbach,You still find a lot of pictures in the chapel, indicating that a lot of pilgrims found consolation and help in this holy place.
The B & B “Haus zur Krone” is close to part of the pilgrim route “Jakobsweg” For direction to the pilgrim route, please refer to a guide book