Grand Tour Photo Spots in Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein

On top of Hoher Kasten you can enjoy a 360°-panoramic view of six different countries. At Eastern Switzerland’s only rotating restaurant everything revolves around you. The European Circular Trail, which leads through a species-rich alpine garden around the mountain, is also truly rewarding. The prominent peak is the ideal location for Switzerland’s first geological trail as well as many beautiful hiking paths in the Alpstein. One can comfortably glide up to this destination from Brülisau by cable car in a mere eight minutes. How pleasant!

The three artificial water basins ‘Drei Weieren’ were created in 1610 to secure the water supply for the textile bleaching industry as well as the fire brigades. Today they are a water park, an oasis of serenity and a wonderful recreation area. Located just a few minutes from the Grand Tour, the ponds invite visitors to swim, take a stroll or picnic in the summers, and ice-skate in cold winters. The fact that Drei Weieren are amongst Switzerland’s most beautiful natural swimming pools is also due to the magnificent view of Lake Constance, the city of St. Gallen and the Abbey Cathedral which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

Welcome to the Grisons, home of Heidi. Here, the author Johanna Spyri was inspired to write the world-famous children’s story of the same name. The wine region’s capital is Maienfeld. In Bad Ragaz, the neighbouring spa and health resort, thermal waters spring from the imposing Tamina Gorge. For hundreds of years, people have flocked to this destination seeking convalescence. The ‘Heidiland’ holiday region also delights visitors with its numerous offers for hikers, cyclists, and winter-sports enthusiasts.

Between Bad Ragaz and Wangs, at the beginning of the St Gall Rhine Valley, rises the Pizol summit which, in Romanesque, means ‘high peak’. With an altitude of 2,844 m (9,331 ft), this mountain massif offers a fascinating panoramic view of the Alps – from Eastern Switzerland to Vorarlberg and Lake Constance. The 200-metre-long Pizol glacier stretches along east of the summit. On the north side of Pizol, the hiking and skiing area of the same name invites travellers to enjoy diverse leisure activities all year round.

The boys’ bathing area in this park has existed since 1838. Fishermen used to dry their nets here along the shore. Hohenklingen Castle has been towering above the little town of Stein am Rhein since the 12th century. The castle affords extensive views over the Hegau region and far beyond to Lake Constance. The old town of Stein am Rhein is famous for its well-preserved centre with world-famous painted facades and half-timbered houses, receiving the very first Wakker Prize in 1972.

150 metres wide, thundering 23 metres down into the depths before your eyes is Europe’s largest waterfall, a spectacular example of the power of nature. Experience the roaring spectacle of nature at first hand from the ‘Känzeli’ platform. The rock in the middle of the river can be reached by boat and a short ascent on foot. Laufen Castle, enthroned above the water for more than a thousand years, ranks amongst Canton Zurich’s cultural heritage sites. The foaming waters of the Rhine Falls are mesmerising at any time of day, including the evenings when they are illuminated.

The Rorschach Bathhouse was built between 1923 and 1924 based on the plans of architect Karl Köppli and remained an important meeting place for the local population even a hundred years later. The wooden structure stood on pillars in the lake and could only be reached by a bridge from the shore. Unfortunately, the Rorschach Bathhouse was completely destroyed by a fire on December 23, 2024. The city of Rorschach intends to rebuild the historic building as soon as possible. The Grand Tour of Switzerland photo frame remains in place as a tribute to the bathhouse.

Feel like an emperor as you survey the highly agreeable vista. More exactly: like Napoleon III. Established in medieval times, Arenenberg estate was in the hands of the Bonaparte family between 1817 and 1906. The great and the good of the time would come to the imperial court to pay their respects and take in the views of Lake Constance. The household here was organised along the lines of Parisian life, with salons, dinners, theatre and strolls through the gentle Thurgau countryside.

This is where Switzerland’s tangiest cheese is made! In the Appenzeller show-dairy in Stein in the canton of Aargau, time-honoured alpine practices are combined with state-of-the-art cheese production to create a successful blend of the traditional and contemporary. A few steps separate you from a unique journey of discovery. This leads from the art of cheese-making to the grandeur and beauty of the Appenzellerland – you are on the trail of the tangy secret.

Six countries at a panoramic glance – from the Säntis peak one can see Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy, all at the same time. 2,502 metres high, the mountain is the symbol of the Lake Constance region. Since 1935, Säntis has been accessible by aerial tramway; the valley station at Schwägalp is situated in the beautiful nature adventure park Schwägalp-Säntis, including a lovely Appenzell pasture where local traditions are still lived today.

Romanshorn is located in the heart of the Lake Constance region, where four countries come together. The gentle sea breeze and the harbour with its many pleasant places to stop for refreshments create a lively ambience with plenty of maritime flair. In good weather, both the lake and the Säntis offer a magnificent backdrop. Romanshorn is an ideal base for hiking, cycling, skating and all kinds of aquatic sports. With the wide range of leisure and cultural activities on offer, a longer stay in this beautiful port is certainly worth considering.

With a surface area of 540 square metres (80,000 football pitches), a length of 63 kilometres, a depth of 254 metres and holding 50 billion cubic metres of water, is it any wonder that our neighbours on the other side of the lake like to call it the Swabian Sea? This third-largest lake in Central Europe falls within the borders of three countries: Switzerland, Germany and Austria. Fancy a unique prospect? The panoramic views along the jetty (270 m) are breathtaking.

Is Snow White waiting behind the seven mountains? The seven Churfirsten peaks are as magical as a fairytale, and the children of the Toggenburg know what each of them is called. From east to west: Chäserrugg (2,262 m), Hinterrugg (2,306 m), Schibenstoll (2,234 m), Zuestoll (2,235 m), Brisi (2,279 m), Frümsel (2,263 m), Selun (2,205 m). Trails lead to each of them. A particularly popular destination for day trippers is the Chäserrugg, which is easy to reach via two aerial cableways from Unterwasser.