Eggersriet is a long settlement on the southern slope of Rorschacherberg, slightly above and east of St. Gallen, along the route between St. Gallen and Heiden. The locality includes the villages of Eggersriet and Grub in the canton of St. Gallen, as well as the hamlet of Egg. The landscape, hiking trails and local history offer different ways to get to know the area.
Elevation and geology
The slopes, shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age, enjoy a sunny, fog-free elevated setting; the climate is mainly influenced by the Säntis mountains. The local geology includes conglomerate, sandstone and marl. These rocks formed from deposits of gravel and sediment from earlier geological periods. A distinctive type of sandstone formed when sand hardened after the sea retreated. The highest known occurrences of the “Seelaffe” Molasse formation have been identified on Rossbüchel and Eggersrieter Höhe. The landscape therefore offers not only varied ridges, but also a complex geological history.
Hikes with clear destinations
The hike “Öber d‘ Hängebrogg zwöschet Grueb SG und Grueb AR” starts at the Eggersriet, Oestran postbus stop and leads to Eggersrieter Höhe and the Five-Country Viewpoint. On the hike from Eggersriet to the Five-Country Viewpoint, Lake Constance can be glimpsed repeatedly through the treetops along the way. These two named destinations and recurring lake views are the highlights of this hike.
Another route is called Rorschach–Eggersriet–Vögelinsegg. The striking “Grubenmann Church” in Eggersriet can be seen from afar along the way. West of the church, the hiking route descends across grassy slopes into the Goldachtobel gorge and to Aachmüli. The two routes offer different highlights: one passes Eggersrieter Höhe and the Five-Country Viewpoint, while the other descends across the described grassy slopes into the Goldachtobel gorge. Trail conditions can change; check the route before setting off.
Churches and local history
The church tower is considered a landmark of the locality. The Catholic parish church of St. Anne has been altered and rebuilt several times. A cantonal inventory record dated January 15, 2020, lists its archaeological site as protected. It cites the remains of earlier churches and chapels, which are considered important witnesses to the history of religion and thought.
Eggersriet was first mentioned in 1260 as “Egglinsriet.” In 1431, the Abbey of St. Gall acquired property and rights there from the Lords of Rorschach, and in 1474 also from the Bishop of Constance. Agriculture and sandstone quarrying in Underbilchen were part of the historic economy. From the 19th century onward, dairy farming and home industries grew increasingly important. These milestones illustrate different aspects of local history: the early mention, the acquisition of property and rights, and the changing nature of economic activity.
The Lourdes Chapel and the local history archive
On the ridge of Rossbüchel, in the part of Grub SG belonging to the municipality, stands a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. It was consecrated on August 15, 1892, the Feast of the Assumption, following a procession to the new chapel. From 1964 to 1966, it underwent extensive renovation and was enlarged with a sacristy. The chapel thus connects a specific place on Rossbüchel with a history spanning more than a century.
The Eggersriet local history archive is an institution of the political municipality. Its archives and meeting place are in the basement of Eggersriet municipal hall. Since its founding in 1991, the archive has recorded as much as possible about the municipality in words and pictures, evaluated it and made it available to the public. It shares its work through exhibitions, newspaper articles, a publication series and commemorative volumes; it also provides source materials for diploma projects at every level. The archive complements the churches, chapel and landscape with a documented history of community life.
Discover more destinations: Gossau, Waldkirch, Abtwil, St. Gallen
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