Best waterfalls around Kaltbrunn, a municipality in St. Gallen, Switzerland, offers access to diverse natural water features. The region is known for its impressive cascades like the Seerenbach Falls and the more intimate experiences within the Kaltbrunnental Gorge. These natural attractions provide varied experiences for visitors, from majestic multi-tiered falls to romantic gorge hikes. The area's geology, including limestone karst systems, contributes to unique water formations.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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Incorrect and completely meaningless title! Please take more care with highlight descriptions! Correct: This is the Knowledge Gubel (see my highlight, if it hasn't been removed by komoot!).
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One of many "highlights" that have been commented on in a completely inappropriate way. Strangely, in komoot's new view, more and more of these incorrect highlights are appearing, while the correct ones (in this case, Wissengubel) are no longer visible. The term "Zürichwald" doesn't exist, and Wissengubel is also quite a distance from Zurich. So please be a little more careful when describing and placing highlights.
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Pure nature, simply great.
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Great waterfalls, by the way, the highest in Switzerland.
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Well-maintained stream and clean structures
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This section of the hiking trail on the Thur is considered the most beautiful, interesting, fascinating and wildest section of the trail on the entire Thur! Next to the wild river itself, the narrow path is beautiful. It leads along fascinating forest and rocky slopes, past a flat moor and feeding sites for beavers. But the section above (i.e. south) of Krummenau (from the railway bridge over the river) to just before Nesslau can keep up and is definitely recommended, especially as far as the wildness of the river is concerned. And there are also nice and interesting sections with two higher waterfalls above/south of Nesslau. In short: the entire 18 km hike between Stein and Ebnal-Kappel is worth it!
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Standing on the viewing platform at the Seerenbach Falls, you are almost awed by the thundering waterfalls. From here you can see the vertical rock face and the waterfalls cascading down into the valley. They are only topped by the white, foaming Rin spring right next to it.
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A short hiking trail from Betlis leads to the gigantic Seerenbach Falls, which at a height of 600 meters are among the largest waterfalls in Europe. The Seerenbach Falls can be seen from afar, thundering down the vertical rock face in three stages. Gigantic spectacle of nature The best view of all three levels of the waterfall is from the chapel in Betlis. The middle of the three cascades is one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in the world with a height of 305 meters. Refreshing destination Coming from Weesen or Quinten, the Seerenbach Falls with the source of the Rin are a special highlight of every hike. It is a short hike from the picturesque village of Betlis to stand on the viewing platform at the foot of the third cascade and watch the roaring waterfalls up close. In warm weather, they provide cool refreshment. In spring after the snow has melted or after heavy rainfall, the Seerenbach Falls are particularly impressive due to the large amounts of water. Mystery source of Rin Where the Seerenbach falls imposingly fall into the valley, they unite with the Rinquelle, one of the largest karst springs in Europe. At the beginning of the 20th century, researchers began to study the source of the Rin and the cave system that branched out for kilometers. There is a turnoff about three kilometers from the cave entrance. From here the water disappears inside the mountain. Where? That will probably remain a secret. See also: Christian Steiner - cave diver at Lake Walen
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Beyond the cascades themselves, the region boasts fascinating geology. The Seerenbach Falls are fed by a limestone karst system with underground streams and caves, including the Rin spring. The Kaltbrunnental Gorge also features deep caves and a karst educational trail, offering insights into the area's geological history.
Yes, several waterfalls are suitable for families. The hike to Seerenbach Falls is generally easy and parts are pram-friendly, with amenities like a kiosk, picnic areas, and playgrounds along the trail. The Sagenraintobel Waterfalls offer a well-maintained route perfect for strolling along streams, and the Kaltbrunnental Gorge has diverse hiking loops, some with educational trails, suitable for various fitness levels.
The waterfalls are most impressive from June to August, or after heavy rainfall, when the water flow is at its peak due to melting snow or precipitation. This is especially true for the majestic Seerenbach Falls.
Absolutely. The Kaltbrunnental Gorge offers a romantic and shaded experience with the Chastelbach and Chaltbrunnental Waterfalls, providing a sense of being in nature's embrace. The Sagenraintobel Waterfalls are also described as a 'soul landscape' where it's pleasant to stroll along streams. For a truly idyllic spot, the Wängibach features a romantic torrent with many waterfalls and beautiful pools, perfect for finding a quiet picnic spot.
You'll find a variety of hiking experiences. Trails range from easy, pram-friendly paths near Seerenbach Falls to moderate and difficult routes. The Kaltbrunnental Gorge offers diverse loops, some with educational elements. The Thur Waterfalls and Wild River Trail is known as one of the most beautiful and wildest sections of the Thur river, leading along fascinating forest and rocky slopes. There's also a more demanding, unofficial trail directly along the stream, offering constant views of its 'waterfalls'.
Near Seerenbach Falls, you'll find amenities such as a chapel (Chapel Betlis), a kiosk for refreshments, and picnic areas with playgrounds, making it convenient for a full day's outing. For the Wängibach, there's a picnic area with benches and tables nearby.
The Kaltbrunn area offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can explore various hiking routes, including challenging mountain hikes like the Speer Via Ferrata. For cyclists, there are numerous road cycling routes, such as the Sattelegg Pass – Ibergeregg Pass loop. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Hiking around Kaltbrunn, Road Cycling Routes around Kaltbrunn, and Mountain Hikes around Kaltbrunn.
Visitors frequently praise the awe-inspiring scale of Seerenbach Falls, noting its impressive 585-meter, three-tiered cascade and the stunning panoramic views of Walensee. The romantic and shaded atmosphere of the Kaltbrunnental Gorge, with its refreshing summer hikes, is also highly valued. Many appreciate the well-maintained trails, the soothing sounds of streams, and the opportunities for photography amidst vibrant greenery and dramatic landscapes.
While viewpoints are common, you can get much closer to Seerenbach Falls by walking up a path, though it can be muddy. At the Wängibach, the romantic torrent with its many pools even allows for a short, refreshing bath in the ice-cold water after a long hike on hot days.
Many hiking trails in the Kaltbrunn area, including those leading to waterfalls, are generally dog-friendly. For example, the Kaltbrunnental Gorge offers diverse hiking experiences through beautiful forests and meadows that can be enjoyed with pets. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and respect local regulations and other hikers.
Access to the waterfalls varies. For Seerenbach Falls, the drive to the starting point can be adventurous, with a road that can only be driven in one direction and transit times to observe through narrow tunnels. Parking is typically available at trailheads, but it's advisable to check specific locations for public transport options and parking availability beforehand, especially for more remote gorge trails.
The Kaltbrunnental Gorge offers a more intimate and secluded experience compared to the grand cascades like Seerenbach Falls. It's known for its romantic setting, with the Chastelbach stream meandering through a shaded valley. The gorge provides a pleasantly cool environment in summer, features a karst educational trail, and the Chaltbrunnental Waterfall is even described as an 'absolute place of power,' offering a serene and impactful natural setting.


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