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Natural Monuments

Wichenstein Lake Observation Platform

Natural Monuments

Wichenstein Lake Observation Platform

Highlight • Viewpoint

Wichenstein Lake Observation Platform

Recommended by 127 cyclists out of 139

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Pro Natura Naturschutzgebiet Wichenstein

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Location: Oberriet, Wahlkreis Rheintal, St. Gallen, Eastern Switzerland, Switzerland

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Top cycling routes to Wichenstein Lake Observation Platform

4.6

(5)

338

riders

1. View of the Säntis North Face – Wichenstein Lake loop from Oberriet SG

97.8km

06:43

1,660m

1,650m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

4.3

(3)

294

riders

2. View of the Säntis North Face – Old Town of Appenzell loop from Sevelen

112km

07:31

1,640m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

4.8

(36)

286

riders

3. Wichenstein Lake – View from Montlinger Schwamm loop from Salez-Sennwald

39.2km

03:07

840m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

Tips

Paul

August 4, 2022

Wichensteiner See, Oberriet
The Wichensteinsee is located in the municipality of Oberriet at the eastern foot of the Semelenberg. A clay pit was operated on the area of today's lake from 1830 to 1972. The lake is 420 meters above sea level and has a maximum depth of around 5.5 meters. It is divided into a smaller northern basin and a larger southern basin. In 1976 the area was acquired by the municipality of Oberriet and declared a nature reserve in 1982. To the east of the lake lies the "Grube Loo" - also a former clay pit - which, together with the Wichensteinsee, is a flat moor of regional importance and an amphibian spawning area of national importance. The lake is fed, in addition to underground springs, by the Wichensteinerbach, which drains the northern foot of the Semelenberg. The outlet structure leads into the Aubach.
Text / Source: Canton of St.Gallen, Office for Environment and Energy
sg.ch/content/dam/sgch/umwelt-natur/wasser/seen-und-weiher/02-01--gew%C3%A4sserqualit%C3%A4t-seen/kleinseen-und-weiher/Wichtensteiner%20See%20Oberriet.pdf

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Paul

June 14, 2025

Wichenstein Nature Reserve, Oberriet
The extensive Wichenstein Nature Reserve, with its biotope and set against the backdrop of an imposing limestone cliff, is an important nesting site for forest, hedge, and water birds. This wetland also provides a habitat for many insects, frogs, and amphibians.
Wichenstein, with its over 20 hectares of land, is considered a reserve of supra-regional importance.
It offers a place of peace and relaxation. A fire pit is located in the immediate vicinity of the pond.
Text / Source: Municipality of Oberriet
oberriet.ch/natur/7484

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Tobias

June 7, 2020

Here you can take a nice break on the lake shore. The small viewing platform also offers you the opportunity to observe a few wild geese, swans or other sea dwellers. If you want, you can also take a small round around the lake, because on the west bank the ruin of Wichenstein Castle built into the rock is waiting for you to explore.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 470 m

Weather

Wednesday 31 December

2°C

-8°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 3.0 km/h

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Location: Oberriet, Wahlkreis Rheintal, St. Gallen, Eastern Switzerland, Switzerland

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Wichenstein Lake Observation Platform

1. View of the Säntis North Face – Wichenstein Lake loop from Oberriet SG

2. View of the Säntis North Face – Old Town of Appenzell loop from Sevelen

3. Wichenstein Lake – View from Montlinger Schwamm loop from Salez-Sennwald

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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