Fünfländerblick

Fünfländerblick is a hilltop lookout on the Rossbüchel ridge near Eggersriet in the canton of St. Gallen, eastern Switzerland. Its name means "five-country view": on a clear day the panorama over Lake Constance takes in Switzerland, Austria and the former German states of Bavaria, Württemberg and Baden.

Where is the Fünfländerblick?

The viewpoint sits on the Rossbüchel, on the border between Eggersriet and Grub SG, and travel sites list it under either village. The coordinates are roughly 47.457 N, 9.514 E, and the street address used online is Rossbüchelstrasse in Grub SG. The shore at Rorschach lies below, reached through woods and meadows typical of the Appenzell foothills.

What will you see?

The main reward is the wide outlook across Lake Constance and its shores. Right beside the lookout stands the Maria Lourdes chapel, built in 1892, which makes a pleasant rest stop. There is little infrastructure here, so bring your own food and water. Families come for picnics, and summer is the busiest season.

How do you get there?

This is a walking destination.

• Loop from Eggersriet: about 6.7 km, roughly 150 m of climbing, around 1 h 35 min, easy.
• Loop from Grub SG: shorter, about 3.7 km, also easy.
• Kaien/Heiden – Kaienspitz – Grub – Fünfländerblick – Rorschach: about 9.1 km, 2 h 45 min, grade T1, recommended March to November. The route passes the Kaienspitz summit.
• Heiden – Rheineck: about 11 km in 3 h 15 min, crossing the suspension bridge at Grub, built in April 2019, which links Grub AR and Grub SG.

For a lazier option, take the rack railway from Rorschach Hafen up to Heiden and walk back down.

When should you go?

Choose a clear day between spring and autumn. Fog often sits over the lake and can hide the whole view, so check the forecast and visibility before setting out. The paths are low-altitude trails; sturdy shoes are all you need.

FAQ

Which five countries can you see? According to the regional tourism office: Switzerland, Austria, and the historic German states of Bavaria, Württemberg and Baden.

Can you drive to the viewpoint? It is described mainly as a hiking goal, so plan to walk in from Eggersriet, Grub SG or Heiden.

How long is the walk from Eggersriet? The easy loop is about 6.7 km and takes around an hour and a half with short stops.

Is the route difficult? No. The trails are rated easy (T1) and suit families with children.