st gallen tourist

12 Things To Do In St. Gallen: Fun & Unique Experiences

St. Gallen or Sankt Gallen is one of the larger cities in eastern Switzerland. It’s the capital city of the namesake canton and an excellent destination for all anyone who want to explore Swiss cities , and soak up some history, and discover one of the places few people come in Switzerland.

. I had actually never been there until recently, and it blew me away that St Gallen is not a more popular tourist attraction! This city is just 10 minutes away from one of the largest lakes in Central Europe, it’s close to the Alps, and just a short train ride away from Zurich.

Whether you are coming for a day or two, or just popping in for a short visit, this guide to the best things to do and see in St. Gallen will help with that and give you insight into the top tourist attractions and landmarks in this Swiss city!

Table of Contents

Visit the Famous Abbey Cathedral of St. Gall

The Abbey Cathedral of St. Gall is the city’s most important church. It’s adjacent to the St. Gall monastery and the Abbey Library, and it’s one of those attractions that you just can’t miss when you’re walking around the center of St. Gallen. Even if you have no desire to go inside the cathedral, it’s worth it to visit the Abbey district and just soak up the sheer grandeur of the entire complex.

The monastery was actually founded at some point in the 8th century (the exact date is not certain) and securalised in the early 1800s. And more recently the abbey complex was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983.

The Cathedral building was completed in the mid-18th century. Both the building and the famous abbatial Library, which is said to be one of the oldest monastic libraries in the world. Both were designed by ​​Peter Thumb and the cathedral in particular is well-known for its rich, ornate decorations.

Joseph Wannenmacher painted most of the beautiful frescos in the Cathedral of St. Gall. Additionally, this cathedral is home to Switzerland’s most complete set of church bells, which includes a south altar bell that was brought from Ireland to the Abbey Cathedral by St. Gall himself.

Tips on visiting the Abbey: The Abbey complex is quite large and takes some time to visit. So, give yourself adequate time. There was an event there when I visited which ruined many of my pictures, so check before you go if that is important to you.

• Address: Klosterhof 6D, 9000 St. Gallen ( Google Maps )
• Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm (last admission 4:45 pm)
• Ticket Prices: Free

Travel Back in Time at Abbey Library of St. Gall

The Abbey Library of St. Gallen is inside the city’s most famous landmark. The cathedral building with the library is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it’s one of the most special tourist attractions in this Swiss city.

The library is in the Abbey district, right next to the church and monastery. It’s famous for its beautiful Rococo hall with countless gold accents and stunning paintings on the ceiling. The Abbey Library is home to more than 170,000 religious texts, including some incredibly old books. It’s truly a special place in St. Gallen, and when you visit you will immediately understand why it is the city’s most famous attraction.

Just be aware that finding the Abbey Library is not simple and I found the signs to be scare and confusing. So, don’t be afraid to ask around if you can’t find it. It is famous enough that most people know where it is.

Also, just be aware that you are NOT ALLOWED to take pictures in the library, so if that is important to you then you might want to rethink the cost of entry!

• Including Abbey Library, Vaulted Cellar, and Exhibition Space.
• Adults : CHF 18.
• Students, apprentices : CHF 12.
• Children under 16 (accompanied): Free
• Audio Guide: CHF 5
• Discounts: Groups, Swiss Travel Pass, , Swiss Museum Pass, Kultur-Legi, Raiffeisen Member, OSKAR /

Get Lost in the Old Town St. Gallen

I really enjoyed exploring the old town of St. Gallen. It is a well-preserved area of the city full of cobblestone streets, 16th to 18th-century burgher houses with beautifully painted facades and magnificent oriel windows. But it’s also a city that is busy with people going about their daily business, so don’t expect it to be a museum like many places in Europe are becoming.

As I walked around the various areas of the old town I could not help but notice that the streets were lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. So, if you are looking to go out for a bite to eat or an amazing dinner in the warm summer air, this is where you will find the largest selection of restaurants.

I actually came in by train and found most of the city is accessible on foot from there. You can start at the St. Gallen monastery, and then walk around the old town alleys, popping into quaint shops and stopping for a snack whenever you stumble upon something that catches your eye.

Don’t forget to look up every now and then, so you can spot some of the city’s famous 111 bay windows (oriel windows). The best streets to see them include:

• Spisergasse
• Schmiedgasse
• Multergasse

I have tried to capture some of the windows I saw in the old town for you below. It really is one of the most unique and breath-taking parts of the St Gallen old town architecture.

Roam around the city’s historic center until you feel like you’ve explored enough. Keep in mind that it’s unlikely you’ll only spend one day in St Gallen because there are so many other attractions and landmarks to see.

Enjoy The Greenery at the Botanical Garden

Although it took me a while to get out to St. Gallen’s Botanical Garden by bus from the city centre, it was definitely worth the trip. It is perhaps one of the best tourist attractions in the city.

The garden houses more than 8,000 plants from every corner of our planet. You can see so many unique species that definitely do not belong in eastern Switzerland, including palm trees, bananas, cacti, and many others. Some plants are in the closed greenhouse while others are in the open-air garden, and you can easily see all of them by following the marked paths.

Not only is this a great spot to visit on a warm summer’s day, there is also no entrance fee. And literally across the road is the Museum of Natural History, which although not free, is also worth your time, especially if you have kids. I was there during a school visit, and the kids were having the time of their lives!

• Address: Stephanshornstrasse 4, St.Gallen ( Google Maps )
• Closed : 25th December, Januarary 1st

Peter and Paul Wildlife Park

The Peter and Paul Wildlife Park is probably the enjoyable attraction for animal lovers in St. Gallen.

You’ll mostly see animals that are local to the region of St. Gallen in the park, so chamois, capricorn, wild boar, deer, lynx, and more. All the animals are in their own large enclosure where they’re free to roam around, and they seem to be enjoying themselves. The park boasts a network of hiking trails that allows easy movement from one animal enclosure to the other.

The only catch is that you can’t get all the way to the park by bus; public transport will only get you so far, and you’d have to walk for another 20-25 minutes to reach the park entrance.

If you have a car, you can go right to the door of the wildlife park but parking space is very limited, and improperly parked cars get fined often.

• Address: Kirchlistrasse 92, St. Gallen ( Google Maps )
• Opening Times: All day

Natural History Museum St. Gallen – Take The Kids

If you’re more into natural history than art and fashion, Naturmuseum St. Gallen is just right for you. It’s a bit outside the city center, but you can reach it in about 15 minutes from the Abbey if you take the bus to Neudorf and walk for a little while. This museum is across the street from the Botanical Garden of St. Gallen, and I would recommend that you visit both attractions on the same day.

The museum’s exhibition space spans an area of more than 2000 m2 with a neverending selection images and objects that detail the natural history of the region. The exhibits that aren’t supposed to be touched in most cases, but the number of kids I saw doing just that is not surprising.

There are, however, a huge range of interactive exhibits that are particularly fun for them too. And the staff at the museum told me you should definitely download the app to get the most out of your visit – Android , iOS/Apple .

• Address: Rorschacher Str. 263, St. Gallen ( Google Maps )
• Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
• Wednesday: 10 am – 8 pm
• Monday: closed
• Ticket Prices: Adults – CHF 12, Students – CHF 10, Children under 16 – Free

Learn About the History of Fashion at Textilmuseum

Textilmuseum St. Gallen is situated in the heart of the city’s historic area, just a few minutes away from the Abbey district. It’s a great museum for people interested in fashion, clothing, and design because it features a collection of objects and materials from all over the world.

St Gallen was once renowned for its textiles with some of the finest embroidary machines being developed here early in the 19th century. At that time it was the biggest part of Switzerland’s exports and over 50% of world embroidary was made here. It declined after both world wars and the great depression but left a large mark on the city of St Gallen.

Also, the Textile Museum isn’t just about clothing; the textiles on exhibit here include those that were used in old diving suits and even motor vehicles. The collection also includes numerous textile materials from all over the world as well as machines used in the manufacturing process. The entire museum exhibit is absolutely impressive, and if you’re even a little bit into fashion and colorful clothing, you’ll enjoy exploring the Textilmuseum.

It should be very easy to find this museum – it’s in a big orange building that has a giant piece of lace stuck to its facade.

• Address: Vadianstrasse 2, St. Gallen ( Google Maps )
• Ticket Prices: Adults – CHF 12, Students – CHF 5, Accompanied children: Free
• Free Entrance: Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Museum Pass, Bodensee Travel Card & others

See the Art at Kunstmuseum St. Gallen

St. Gallen Museum of Art is the top attraction in the city for all art lovers. It’s situated along Museumstrasse, northeast of the city centre, less than a 10-minute walk away from the Abbey.

The museum collection boasts many sculptures, paintings, and other impressive pieces of art. It’s a thoughtfully curated exhibit with lots of examples of modern art, but also many pieces that represent art from the Middle Ages throughout history. Lots of objects in the museum’s collection are thought-provoking, and if you truly love frequenting art museums and admiring different pieces, I think you’ll agree that this is one of the best such museums in the entire region.

Tickets for this museum are 12 CHF for one entry and the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. On Thursdays, the museum stays open until 8 PM.

• Address: Museumstrasse 32, St. Gallen ( Google Maps )
• Thursday: 10 am – 8 pm
• Ticket Prices: Adults – CHF 12, Pensioners – CHF 10, Accompanied children under 16: Free
• Free Entrance: Kunstverein St.Gallen and the Gesellschaft der Freunde bildender Kunst

Walk The “Red Carpet” at Stadtlounge

Stadtlounge is a quirky attraction unique to St. Gallen. It’s better known as Roter Platz, and it’s a small city square where the asphalt has been painted bright red to make people in the area feel like they’re walking on a red carpet.

With many bright-red seats throughout the square, this is the perfect place in the city where you can sit down for a quick break. The entire square area was designed to look like one great living room, with seats that resemble couches. Bubble lightning elements illuminate the entire area, and there are sculptures and fountains that really tie the whole place together.

This is one of the cooler spots in St. Gallen, and a city landmark that you should make time for especially because it won’t cost you a thing. It’s a good place for unique photos, plus it’s very close to the city’s other famous attractions.

I enjoyed walking around and taking some fun pictures as well as watching people’s reactions to the exhibit. It is certainly a one-of-a-kind attraction as I have never seen anything like it in all my travels around the world!

• Address: Roter Platz, Raiffeisenpl., St. Gallen ( Google Maps )
• Opening Times: Open all year

The Drei Weieren – Swim or Ice Skate Right In St Gallen

Drei Weieren are three artificial swimming ponds just south of the St. Gallen’s center. The ponds were first created in the 17th century, in order to guarantee a consistent water supply for the local fire brigades and the textile industry, but it didn’t take long before the residents of St. Gallen started to use them as swimming pools.

Back in the day, each of the swimming pools could only be used by a certain group of people. The Manneweier was the swimming pond for men, and the Freuenweiher was for women and families, and Buebenweiher was the boys’ pond. There are also a few smaller ponds in the area, but they’re mostly overgrown and not visited very often.

Nowadays, the Mannenweiher and Freuenweiher still function as swimming pools. They’re one of St. Gallen’s most popular destinations on the weekend or for a summer’s night out. The ponds freeze in the winter and they’re used for open-air ice skating. Only the Buebenweiher doesn’t allow for swimming because of the lush vegetation growing inside the pond.

What amazed me about the ponds was their proximity to the city and how quiet and serene it was there during the week. It was only a short ride up in the funicular, and just a hop from the city center. But, once you are up there it is like you have traveled for hours outside the city.

Apparently it is very busy on the weekends, which is not surprising given how close it is to town and how picturesque these swimming baths are. So, come during the week if you want some peace and quiet.

The Mühleggbahn

You can take the Mühleggbahn funicular , a cogwheel railway first opened in 1893, up in under a minute, or walk up on a path nearby. Although, honestly, I failed to find it, so I can’t advise you on how to walk up. But the path does appear on SchweizMobil (the yellow line from the Mühlegg station).

If you have a city ticket or Swiss pass, the ride on the funicular is free. Otherwise you will need to buy a ticket.

• Address: Bitzistrasse 65, St. Gallen ( Google Maps )

See the Stained Glass at St. Lawrence Church

St. Lawrence Church is situated in front of the entrance to the Abbey of St. Gall complex. It’s known for intricately painted walls and colorful stained glass windows. This is a small church, and it won’t take more than 5-10 minutes to check out its beautiful interior.

The entrance to St. Laurenzen Kirche is free, and you can just walk in through the front door if it’s open. However, there is another gem in this church you should check out before you leave. I had to rush to get in before it closed at 11.30 am. but the view from the church tower is stunning. You can see the whole Abbey complex and the city of St Gallen below. It is well worth the CHF 5 you have to pay. Just make sure you are not passing the bells at any multiple of 15 past the hour. They are insanely large and likely to burst your eardrums! I was warned by the attendant before I went up.

If you’ve decided to visit St. Laurenzen Kirche, I would highly recommend that you do it before you visit the Abbey Cathedral. That way you can still enjoy the colorful walls with intricate detailing and the many stained glass windows. But if you visit the larger cathedral before this church, you could be a little disappointed since no other religious building in St. Gallen can compare to the grandeur and beauty of the city’s famous Baroque Cathedral.

• Address: Marktgasse 25, St. Gallen ( Google Maps )
• Opening Times: Monday – Saturday, 9.30 am – 4pm, Thursday until 6 pm, School holidays until 4 pm
• Mass: Sunday 10.30 am
• Ticket Prices: CHF 5
• Opening Times : Monday – Saturday: 9.30 – 11.30 am and 2 pm – 4 pm

Spend a Day at Lake Constance

Lake Constance is the second largest lake in Switzerland, right after Lake Geneva. The country shares the lake with Germany and Austria, with the largest part of the like being on the German side. You can be at the lake shore in about 20 minutes from St. Gallen if you travel by train, so it’s definitely a good idea to add it to your itinerary, especially if you’re traveling in the summer season.

Take a direct train to Rorschach and you’ll be at the lake in no time, just mere steps away from the beach. You can go for a swim if the weather allows, or you can just sit down in one of the countless waterfront cafes and enjoy the beautiful views. Rorschach is a charming little town worth exploring while you’re there, plus you have the option of traveling to other nearby places by train.

Horn, Steinach, and Arbon are all easily accessible by train from Rorschach. If you find that the beaches in Rorschach are a bit too crowded for your liking, you can be in the next town in about 5 minutes to try and find a beach without as many people.

If you have plenty of time in Switzerland and you enjoy outdoor activities, you could attempt the Lake Constance cycle path. It’s a loop path around the lake that will take you through the prettiest towns on the lake shore in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.

Map of Things to Do in St Gallen

Frequently Asked Questions

What is st. gallen known for.

St. Gallen is best known for the landmark Baroque cathedral that houses the Abbey Library. This building is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and it’s been the city’s most famous landmark for centuries. 

Are there any unique things to do in St. Gallen?

Yes, there are many unique things you can do in St. Gallen. What other city in the world has a red carpet-lounge right in the middle of its old town? Or an ancient Abbey complex, two outdoor swimming ponds just outside the city center, and more than 111 bay windows throughout the city? 

How many days should I spend in St. Gallen? 

Aim to spend between 1-3 days in St. Gallen. Two-three days should be plenty of time to discover all of the city’s best attractions and landmarks, but you will need a day or two more if you want to spend a day at Lake Constance and possibly even visit one of the nearby towns on a day trip. 

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• Stiftsbibliothek
• Kathedrale St.Gallen
• Wildpark Peter & Paul
• Textilmuseum St.Gallen
• Naturmuseum St.Gallen
• Drei Weieren
• Botanical Garden
• St.galler Brückenweg
• Fischer Adventures Day Tours
• Familien- und Gemeinschaftsbad Dreilinden

Saint Gallen

• 1.1 By plane
• 1.2 By train
• 8.2 Mid-range
• 8.3 Splurge

Saint Gallen (St. Gallen, German: Sankt Gallen ) is the main city of eastern Switzerland . For travellers, its main draw is the centuries old Abbey of Saint Gall , a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a world famous historic library. It's a place packed with listed heritage buildings and well-maintained museums. And if you are tired of all the urban highlights, Saint Gallen also serves as a gateway to the Appenzell Alps.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

• Zurich International Airport ( ZRH  IATA is the closest international airport to St. Gallen. Direct trains between St. Gallen and the airport run twice an hour with a travel time of exactly one hour, see SBB
• Bodensee-Airport Friedrichshafen ( FDH  IATA ). would be an alternative airport.

By train [ edit ]

St. Gallen is the major hub for northeastern Switzerland. Trains between St. Gallen and Zurich depart several times per hour with a travel time of at least 1hr 2min. The St. Gallen train station is 500 m from the old town and is surrounded my numerous hotels, restaurants, and shops. If you want to get quickly to Munich , 3 times a day the Eurocity from Zurich stops at Saint Gallen. The main train station also acts as terminus for a number of local train lines running to Appenzell and Trogen .

By bus [ edit ]

Outside the main train station is a central hub for bus and Postbuses [dead link] to get around St. Gallen and to surrounding smaller villages.

Get around [ edit ]

The Old Town of St. Gallen is almost void of traffic and is therefore best enjoyed on foot. The VBSG buses connect to the fringes of the city and run frequently and punctually. Bus tickets can be purchased at major bus stops or on the bus from the onboard vending machine. Standard fare is Fr. 2.50 and is valid for one direction only. Taxis are always waiting at the train station and along the Marktplatz in the old town.

The Trogenerbahn is your connection from St. Gallen to great hiking trails in Speicher and Trogen.

Bike rental is available at the train station, but check the opening hours before planning a trip.

By car [ edit ]

Parking is available underground in the Migros shopping centre garage, near the train station. The garage is spacious and safe but like many things in Switzerland it closes on Sunday.

See [ edit ]

Within the city centre, just a short while from the Stiftsbibliothek, there are several museums :

• Kunstmuseum St. Gallen . ( updated Jan 2017 )
• Kunst Halle St. Gallen .  
• [dead link] Point Jaune Museum .  
• Naturmuseum St. Gallen .  
• Textilmuseum . Which displays St. Gallen's rich history as a centre for textile production and design.  

If you are interested in beer , visit St. Gallen's local brewery, Schutzengarten . Schutzengarten also hosts a beer bottle museum and a restaurant next door to the brewery.

On top of the northern hill at Rotmonten there is the Peter und Paul Wildlife park .

On the top of the southern hill there are three little lakes called "die drei Weihern". In the summer you can swim there and you also have a nice view over the city. It is an excellent place to jog or simply spend an afternoon.

At the eastern corner of the city you can find the Botanical Garden which houses over 8000 plants.

In August there is the Inline one-eleven, 111-km Inlining Marathon .

• Museum im Lagerhaus , Davidstrasse 44 , ☏ +41 71 223 5857 . Museum for naive art and outsider art.  

Do [ edit ]

The best event guide (in German) can be found on the homepage of the cultural magazine Saiten at: http://www.saiten.ch/kalender/index.php

• Watch football (soccer) at FC St Gallen , who play in the Super League, the top tier of Swiss football. Their home ground is Kybun Park (formerly AFG Arena), capacity 20,000, at Zürcherstrasse 464, 3 km west of city centre. The second-tier side FC Wil plays home games at its own stadium, Stadion Bergholz (aka Lidl Arena; capacity 6,000), in the adjoining city of Wil.
• Watch American football in Wil, where Lidl Arena also hosts the Helvetic Guards of the European League of Football.
• Säntis and the Alpstein range are an easy and spectacular day trip from St. Gallen.

Buy [ edit ]

The area between the Bahnhof (railway station) and the Old Town is the Marktplatz, the main street of a collection of pedestrian-only streets filled with shops. Within the area, there are numerous shoe stores, tea shops, coffee houses, perfumeries, and mainstream clothes stores like H&M.

While the weather is nice, there are occasionally flea markets set up along the streets of Old Town, just a few streets away from the Abbey. If you happen to be lucky and catch a glimpse of some tents, check them out. There are some surprisingly good deals and treasures.

Eat [ edit ]

Nothing can be more St. Gallen than the OLMA bratwurst. You can get a juicy OLMA bratwurst, served with a hard roll, at a number of street stands around Marktplatz and around the entire city.

• Restaurant & Bistro Neubad , Bankgasse 6 , ☏ +41 71 222 86 83 . closed on weekends . Traditional Swiss restaurant with excellent kitchen and service in the heart of the Old Town.  
• US-MEX , Marktplatz, am Bohl 4 , ☏ +41 71 228 8811 . A great place for American- and Mexican-style snacks and variety of drinks.  
• Schwarzer Engel , Engelgasse 22 , ☏ +41 71 2233575 . Excellent cooperatively run restaurant, with organic food. Nice garden in the back.  

Drink [ edit ]

St. Gallen has its own brewery that makes at least two beers that are definitely worth a try. These are the "St. Galler Klosterbräu" and the "Schwarzer Bär".

Sleep [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

• Youthhostel St.Gallen ( Jugendherberge St.Gallen ), Jüchstrasse 25 , ☏ +41 71 245 47 77 . Closed during winter. Fr. 30-100 .  

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Ekkehard Swiss Quality Hotel , Rorschacherstrasse 50 , fax : +41 71 224 04 74 , [email protected] . 3-star.  

Splurge [ edit ]

Connect [ edit ].

As of June 2022, Saint Gallen has 5G from all Swiss carriers.

Go next [ edit ]

• Rorschach 10 km away is on the shores of Lake Constance , with a pleasant promenade and in August an international sand-sculpturing contest . A 40 km hiking route connects Rorschach to Kreuzlingen.
• Vaduz is the sedate capital of Liechtenstein.
• Zürich has an old centre and big city attractions.
• Appenzell to the south is at the heart of the Alpstein mountains, a picturesque area of green pastures, steep wooded valleys, pretty farm buildings and mountain hikes.

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Home » Travel Guides » Switzerland » 15 Best Things to Do in St. Gallen (Switzerland)

15 Best Things to Do in St. Gallen (Switzerland)

Embedded between pre-Alpine hills in Eastern Switzerland, the city of St Gallen has the rare distinction of being on the border of four countries. The marquee attraction in the city is the Abbey of St Gallen, a World Heritage Site revealing more than 1,300 years of history.

The abbey’s astounding library has volumes of medieval manuscripts, and like its neighbouring cathedral features dazzling 18th-century interior decoration. The Old Town is a big pedestrian zone and is packed with more than 100 Renaissance and Baroque bay windows, many showing expert craftsmanship. Around St Gallen you can also investigate the city’s historic textile industry, climb the hills bordering the city and pay a visit to Lake Constance.

Let’s explore the best things to do in St. Gallen :

1. Abbey Cathedral of St Gall

The story of St Gallen’s UNESCO-listed abbey began in the Carolingian period in the 8th century.

For a lot of its history it was either a separate principality or a city state, with a population of 70,000. The present cathedral building is from after the monastery’s heyday and dates to the middle of the 18th century.

It is in the Baroque style, which while understated on the facade is almost overwhelming for its splendour inside.

There’s ornate stuccowork everywhere you look; the ceilings are covered with frescoes, there are sculptures on almost every surface and the colour scheme of turquoise and beige resembles few churches in the world.

2. Abbey Library of St Gall

Constructed around the same time as the abbey cathedral, the library building houses the oldest literature collection in Switzerland, and one of the oldest and richest in the world.

It all dates from the 8th-century Carolingian monastery and includes thousands of manuscripts, incunables and early prints.

There are 160,000 volumes in all, many hugely significant.

Take for instance, a version of the Rule of St Benedict, which set out the rules for medieval monks, or Manuscript B of the epic poem, the Nibelungenlied.

And in addition to all that historical weight, the library building is absolutely magnificent.

It is considered one of the high points of the Rococo style in Switzerland and was decorated by Peter Thumb of the Vorarlberg School.

3. Lapidarium of the Abbey Library

Lots of early medieval stonework came to light when the abbey was excavated in the 1960s.

Now, in the bowels of the abbey you can delve into the site’s Early Medieval origins.

In these vaults you’ll see a forgotten repository of Carolingian art, in the form of carved capitals and the imposts that would have been above them.

The exhibition down here also has a model of the abbey as it would have been in the 9th century.

There’s information on the life of the abbey’s patron, the 7th-century Irish monk St Gallus, as well as details about the culture and history of the monastery.

4. Old Town

St Gallen has a convivial historic core that is easy to navigate as there’s no road traffic.

Something that distinguishes the old town are the ornate oriels (bay windows) on the facades of old houses.

There are 111 oriels in all to look out for on these streets, many of which are expertly carved and painted and belonged to textile merchants in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The best places to find them are on the bustling Marktgasse, Schmiedgasse, Spisergasse and Kugelgasse.

On the eastern end of Marktplatz you’ll happen upon the Waaghaus, a 16th-century hall for weighing, declaring and storing goods.

This is easily spotted for its crow-stepped gable is now a place for exhibitions and concerts.

5. Peter and Paul Wildlife Park

On the hilly northern outskirts of the city is a free animal attraction that stays open all year round and has views to Lake Constance.

The park is somewhere to see Alpine animals species as if they were in the wild.

So red deer, fallow deer, wild boars, marmots, wild cats, lynxes and Alpine ibexes graze, roam and rest in this upland pre-Alpine setting.

A refreshing thing about the park is its reflective, educational tone, so there’s lots of detail about the species and their biology and behaviour.

The park also has a restaurant with a terrace so you can dine in front of those sumptuous views.

6. Kunstmuseum St Gallen

The city’s art museum has masterpieces from the Late Middle Ages to the 20th century.

The museum’s reserve is massive, and the galleries are only able to hang a fragment of it at any one time as the venue in the Stadtpark has limited space.

The good thing about that is that exhibitions are always fresh.

In the collection are paintings by Renaissance masters like Albrecht Dürer and Rembrandt, but the lion’s share is from the 19th and 20th centuries.

There are works by celebrated Swiss and German artists like Ferdinand Hodler, Paul Klee, Max Liebermann, Carl Spitzweg and Franz von Lenbach.

And these are joined by the masters of Impressionism, such as Monet, Sisley and Pissarro, and earlier French painters like Delacroix and Camille Corot.

7. Textilmuseum

All the way up to the 20th century Eastern Switzerland was a centre of excellence for embroidery.

This would be stitched by hand until the Industrial revolution brought machine embroidery and St Gallen’s textile industry went into overdrive.

The textile museum examples of local historic embroidery and lacework from the Netherlands, along with ancient textiles from Egyptian tombs.

There’s also a textile library of more than two million originals from the industrial age, as well as a functioning machine dating to 1850. Newer exhibitions discuss the present and future of the clothing industry, and the environmental and social costs of “fast fashion”.

8. Naturmuseum St Gallen

St Gallen’s Natural History Museum has been around since 1846 but opened in a striking new building in November 2016. This is a couple of kilometres east of the centre of the city and has arranged the historic trove of specimens in more family-friendly ways.

Maybe the most famous taxidermy is a Nile crocodile captured in 1623 and you can view the almost-complete skeleton of an edmontosaurus.

Also worthy of mention is the relief map of the St Gallen and Appenzell cantons, the largest map of its kind in Switzerland.

Elsewhere you can learn about the achievements of the influential conservationist Emil Bächler and see a presentation of minerals found in Eastern Switzerland.

9. Stadtlounge

In the west of the city is the Bleicheli, a commercial district where a lot of St Gallen’s historic textile manufacturing took place.

The name comes from the German word “bleichen” bleach, as fabrics would be left out in the sun here to bleach.

In 2000 one of the squares in this modern district was chosen for an art installation: The ground was laid with tiny red rubber granules, creating the appearance of a carpet.

The square was furnished with sun loungers, tables and chairs, so now the space resembles a living room in the middle of the city.

The Stadtlounge is the hangout of choice for uni students, and merits a look in the evening when the orbs above the square are illuminated.

10. St Laurenzen Kirche

A Swiss “monument of national importance”, the St Laurenzen Kirche is on Marktgasse in the Old Town.

There has been a church at this location since the 13th century, and the present building is the fifth in 800 years.

It has 15th-century origins and was given a major Neo-Gothic overhaul in the middle of the 19th century.

Unusually, this positioned the church’s organ at the front of the nave instead of the rear.

As most of the architecture is from the 19th century the main reason to come is to scale the tower.

Outside the winter months there are two tours a day taking you to the top, where you look down on the lovely patterned tiles on the church’s roof and the streets of the Old Town.

11. Botanical Garden

You don’t have to be an expert horticulturalist to appreciate St Gallen’s Botanical Garden.

In peaceful, green surroundings close to the Naturmuseum are more than 8,000 plants from across the globe, all methodically labelled.

There are two greenhouses, providing habitats for plants from a host of climate zones, teeming with orchids, palms, cactuses and ponds with giant water lilies.

Outside, the ponds are is very pretty when the lilies bloom in summer, while one of the strangest specimens is a Chilean rhubarb with huge leaves.

12. Schützengarten

On Sankt Jakob-Strasse you’ll come across the Schützengarten brewery.

Schützengarten has been brewing beer since 1779, making it the oldest brewery in Switzerland.

The award-winning brand is widespread across Eastern Switzerland and remains independent, producing a host of beer varieties from an IPA to typical German wheat beer and a schwarzbier.

Schützengarten opens for daily tours in German, guiding you around the facility which was given a modern overhaul in 2012. A year later the beer bottle museum opened at the brewery, presenting more than 3,000 bottles from 140 different Swiss beer-makers, including antique clay vessels that date back 150 years.

13. Drei Weieren

The high ridge forming a boundary against St Gallen’s southern neighbourhoods is a beautiful public recreation area.

This is Freudenberg, where you can amble for captivating views of the city, but also swim if the weather’s right in summer.

There are five artificial ponds at the highest point, and these have historic origins.

The first two were dug in the 17th century to provide the city with a water supply, and more followed over the next 200 years.

People have been swimming in the ponds since the 1700s, and today two are available in summer, one with free access and another that requires admission.

Weather-permitting, you can go ice-skating on the Buebenweiher pond in winter.

14. Lake Constance

Central Europe’s third-largest lake is only 15 minutes by road from St Gallen.

Instead of dramatic and intimidating landscapes, the shores of this lake are quiet, low-key and trimmed with small resort towns and farmland.

The relatively gentle topography is a dream for cyclists, who can go where they please around the perimeter on the Lake Constance Cycle Path.

For something different in summer you could set a course for the Städtische Seebadanstalt in Rorschach.

This public bath is in on a pier projecting into the lake.

You can swim in the lake and head up to the decking to dry off in the sun.

15. Walter Zoo

About the same distance to the west is Switzerland’s largest privately run zoo.

Walter Zoo has around 500 animals from over 100 species.

The centrepiece is the chimpanzee habitat containing a colony of 17, and a new Serengeti enclosure that features lions.

The zoo is internationally certified and takes part in breeding programs.

It’s also much more than a static animal attraction: Children can take camel and pony rides and interact with farm species at the petting zoo, and there are also nocturnal experiences like staying overnight in a tipi tent.

15 Best Things to Do in St. Gallen (Switzerland):

• Abbey Cathedral of St Gall
• Abbey Library of St Gall
• Lapidarium of the Abbey Library
• Peter and Paul Wildlife Park
• Kunstmuseum St Gallen
• Textilmuseum
• Naturmuseum St Gallen
• Stadtlounge
• St Laurenzen Kirche
• Botanical Garden
• Schützengarten
• Drei Weieren
• Lake Constance

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A guide to the Swiss fairytale town of St Gallen

This Baroque hamlet tucked between Lake Constance and the Swiss Alps has a rich heritage of craft, design, food and culture. Among the cobbled lanes banked by turret-capped, shutter-flanked townhouses and tall, ancient trees, visitors will discover a world of gilded medieval libraries, folkloric archives and Rococo cathedrals. This is a land untouched by motorways or skyscrapers, with the blue mountains and rolling hills never out of sight.

St Gallen was once known as the embroidery capital of the world, with century-old textile houses such as Forster Rohner, Bischoff and Jakob Schlaepfer supplying lace across Europe, and the invention of the embroidery machine here in the early 1900s. This tradition continues through fashion house Akris, which celebrates its centenary next year. Originally founded by Alice Kriemler-Schoch as an atelier for embroidered aprons, the family-owned and run brand is now one of the most respected maisons in the industry. Creative director Albert Kriemler, grandson of Kriemler-Schoch, was so inspired by his home town that he dedicated his AW21 line to the region – resulting in a collection filled with locally stitched, bespoke embroidery fabrics and even an intricate recreation of the town map crafted into dresses, skirts and jackets.

With a unique, untouched charm, St Gallen attracts the artistically minded in search of a more rural, design-led way of life. Whether you fancy exploring its food scene or delving around its charming architecture, a trip to St Gallen should be on your radar – here’s our insider pick of its highlights.

What to see

Dominating the St Gallen skyline is the Abbey of St Gall, an eighth-century monastery now home to one of the world's foremost medieval centres. The Abbey Library, with its magnificent, dreamlike hall lined with leather-bound tomes under a vaulted frescoed sky, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site . The inscription above its entrance reads ΨYXHΣ IATPEION, meaning ‘healing place for the soul’, and anyone who’s ever got lost in a good book can attest to this. 

There’s also the Kunstmuseum St Gallen, curated by Roland Wäspe, and the Kinok arthouse cinema at the Lokremise, with weekly themes edited by Sandra Meier. For nature-led escapism, visitors can take a gondola (cable car) to the top of Mount Säntis, the highest peak in the Alpstein massif, for views reaching over Switzerland to Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy, or while away the hours at the Drei Weieren swimming lakes lined with traditional wooden bathhouses. Originally a water supply for the town's textile trade, the ponds have been a popular spot since the 18th century – in the summer there’s a daily ‘bathing bus’ shuttle from Marktplatz. 

And, of course, the town’s artisanal heritage also has to be explored. The Textile Museum, opened in 1886, documents the history of lace and embroidery among other handicrafts and regional techniques, some of which are still used by Akris to this day.

Where to eat

Similar to the textile industry, food here is handmade, authentic and never rushed. Many recipes have been passed through families for generations, if not centuries, resulting in refined plates leaning on time-tested local ingredients. One must-try dish is the St Gallen Bratwurst. Dating back to the Middle Ages, it's a veal sausage cooked with bacon, spices and fresh milk; each butcher in town has their own version, and the exact mixture and method is a closely guarded secret. Though choosing the best would be an impossibility, the offering at Metzgerei Gemperli on Schmiedgasse is highly regarded locally and a good introduction to the delicacy. 

Other foodie highlights are the Gipfel (a Swiss pastry, somewhere between a croissant and baklava) served at La Panetteria, and chocolates from Praliné Scherrer, bespoke versions of which are served at the Akris shows. For an evening meal, there’s Ristorante Facincani, an Italian spot just outside the old city, which makes fagottini , a stuffed, lantern-shaped pasta. And reservations must be made for the best table in town at Einstein Gourmet, where chef Sebastian Zier has earned two Michelin stars for his French-fusion haute cuisine.

Where to drink

Craft beer may be having a moment in cool bars , but in St Gallen it's been a staple since the 1700s. The oldest brewery in Switzerland can be found here; Schützengarten is an independent company creating the finest range of craft ales and lagers. Family-run for two centuries, it pioneered hydroelectricity as a means of production, utilising the Drei Weieren lakes to create its signature flavours; head to its tap room and beer-bottle museum on St Jakob-Strasse to try a brew for yourself. For local wines and gins, head to Weinstein Vinothek, part of the Einstein Hotel – it’s a slick bar and tasting room with vintages from St Gallen’s premier vineyard, Martel Weine. For a softer pit-stop, Chocolaterie Kölbener makes the best Heisse Schoggi (hot chocolate) around.

What to pack 

When packing for St Gallen, think practical but luxurious; good-quality coats that work just as well on the Alps as they do at a bar, and a dress that can take you from an afternoon of gallery hopping to an elegant evening supper . Look for pieces in keeping with the town’s aesthetic – a chic colour palette of muted natural tones, earthy forest greens and sky blues, punctuated with crisp whites and creams. The latest collection from Akris ticks all the style boxes, with grown-up staples such as A-line skirts and fine knits perfectly designed, a slight twist adding an extra touch of refinement to any outfit. Look out for subtle pieces featuring St Gallen-made embroidery, or indulge your inner maximalist with Kriemler’s map-print fabric, an ode to the town that inspired him. Here are the wardrobe must-haves.

An asymmetric skirt that takes you from A to B, this neoprene statement piece is perfect for pairing with boots and a knit for a winter getaway. 

A smart leather jacket in deep emerald green, lined with silk and with two utility pockets for style and practicality in one.

An elegant, goes-with-everything cream knit with understated laser-cut embroidery cuffs for a touch of artistry.

This luxe coat has a tile-embroidery pattern in navy, blue and green – and a secret insulated under-layer for extra warmth.

A striking twist on the classic tea dress, this zip-up design with high neck and structured panelling in crisp forest green is made from a unique embroidery crafted from the letters in ‘Akris’. A fitting tribute to an inspirational town.

Discover more at akris.com

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Guided Tours St. Gallen

Explore the city of St.Gallen on a public city tour and discover historical, surprising, and one-of-a-kind facts.

The hidden corners, lively lanes and pretty houses form the perfect backdrop for a city or themed tour in UNESCO World Heritage City St.Gallen. Participants can discover why there are 111 bay windows here, learn the secret of the local beer’s unique flavour, or step into Switzerland’s biggest outdoor living-room. These are some of the tours to discover:

• Guided tour of St.Gallen’s old town including Abbey Library and cathedrale: UNESCO World Heritage to marvel at
• Crime scene St.Gallen: Time for eerily exciting stories
• Out and about with a maidservant: A journey back in time to the 16th century

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St.Gallen-Bodensee Tourismus Bankgasse 9 9001  St. Gallen +41 (0)71 227 37 37 +41 (0)71 227 37 67 [email protected] Website

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Top Things to Do in St. Gallen, Switzerland - St. Gallen Must-See Attractions

Things to do in st. gallen, explore popular experiences, tours in and around st. gallen.

1 Hour Express Walk of St. Gallen with a Local

Private Trip from Zurich to St. Gallen & Appenzell

Old town tour through St.Gallen

St. Gallen Foxtrail Columban

Historic St. Gallen: Exclusive Private Tour with a Local Expert

Explore St. Gallen in 1 hour with a Local

St. Gallen Foxtrail Gallus Stadt

Zurich Highlights Tour With Cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate

Zurich Walking Tour With Cruise and Aerial Cable Car

Jungfraujoch Day Trip from Zurich: Swiss Alps & Bernese Oberland

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• Stiftsbibliothek
• Kathedrale St.Gallen
• Wildpark Peter & Paul
• Textilmuseum St.Gallen
• Naturmuseum St.Gallen
• Drei Weieren
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• St.galler Brückenweg
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• Familien- und Gemeinschaftsbad Dreilinden

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in St. Gallen

Things to do in st. gallen, explore popular experiences, tours in and around st. gallen.

1 Hour Express Walk of St. Gallen with a Local

Private Trip from Zurich to St. Gallen & Appenzell

Old town tour through St.Gallen

St. Gallen Foxtrail Columban

Historic St. Gallen: Exclusive Private Tour with a Local Expert

Explore St. Gallen in 1 hour with a Local

St. Gallen Foxtrail Gallus Stadt

Zurich Highlights Tour With Cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate

Zurich Walking Tour With Cruise and Aerial Cable Car

Jungfraujoch Day Trip from Zurich: Swiss Alps & Bernese Oberland

Fun & games.

Top Attractions in St. Gallen

Other Top Attractions around St. Gallen

Self-guided Tours

Walking tours.

Historical Tours

Private and Luxury

Running Tours

Cultural tours, private sightseeing tours.

What travellers are saying

• Stiftsbibliothek
• Kathedrale St.Gallen
• Wildpark Peter & Paul
• Textilmuseum St.Gallen
• Naturmuseum St.Gallen
• Drei Weieren
• Botanical Garden
• St.galler Brückenweg
• Fischer Adventures Day Tours
• Familien- und Gemeinschaftsbad Dreilinden

All About Swiss

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Top 10 things to see and do in St Gallen

Welcome to St. Gallen, a charming city tucked away in the northeastern part of Switzerland that boasts breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From its stunning cathedrals and abbeys to its impressive museums and serene parks, there are countless things to see and do in this picturesque destination.

Whether you’re a history buff, art lover or nature enthusiast, St. Gallen has something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and let’s explore the top 10 must-see attractions in St. Gallen together!

Table of Contents

St Gallen Cathedral

St. Gallen Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Gallus and St. Otmar , is a stunning example of Baroque architecture that dominates the skyline of St. Gallen’s Old Town district.

One of the highlights of a visit to St. Gallen Cathedral is its magnificent organ – one of the largest in Switzerland – which dates back to 1792 and has been expertly restored over time.

For those interested in history or religion, there are guided tours available that provide fascinating insights into this iconic structure’s past, including details about its connection to nearby St. Gallen Abbey.

Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful place to reflect and take in some beautiful scenery, St. Gallen Cathedral is not to be missed during your visit to this charming Swiss city!

St Gallen Abbey

The St Gallen Abbey is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in the city. Built-in 719 AD, this magnificent structure has been an integral part of St Gallen’s history for centuries. With its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage, it offers a fascinating insight into the spiritual traditions of Switzerland.

As you step inside this awe-inspiring abbey, you will be immediately struck by its grandeur. The intricate stonework on the walls and ceilings adds to its beauty and magnificence. It is also home to some of the finest examples of medieval art in Switzerland.

A visit to this incredible site would not be complete without seeing the fantastic frescoes that adorn its walls. These vivid paintings depict scenes from biblical stories and provide visitors with a glimpse into life during medieval times.

Whether you’re interested in history or simply looking for an impressive architectural marvel, St Gallen Abbey should be on your list of things to see and do while visiting St Gallen!

The Old City

Nestled in the heart of St Gallen, The Old City is a picturesque area that will take you back in time. With its cobbled streets and charming buildings, you can easily spend hours exploring this historic neighborhood.

The Marktgasse is another must-visit spot in The Old City. This bustling street is lined with quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants – perfect for a leisurely stroll or quick bite to eat. Don’t forget to look up at the colorful facades above!

For an even deeper dive into history, head over to Kornhausplatz square where you’ll find buildings dating back to medieval times. Take a moment to appreciate how much has changed (and stayed the same!) since then.

Visiting The Old City is like taking a step back in time while still enjoying modern conveniences. It’s no wonder it’s one of St Gallen’s top attractions!

The Market Square

The Market Square in St Gallen is a bustling hub of activity, surrounded by beautiful historical buildings and lined with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. It’s the perfect place to soak up some local culture and pick up unique souvenirs.

One of the highlights of the market square is the weekly farmers’ market, held every Saturday morning. Here you can browse stalls piled high with colorful fruits and vegetables, sample local cheeses and meats, and chat with friendly vendors about their wares.

But even if you’re not visiting on a Saturday, there’s still plenty to see at the Market Square. Take a stroll around the perimeter to admire the ornate facades of historic buildings like City Hall and the Waaghaus.

And don’t forget to look down – embedded into the cobblestones are brass plates marking out an ancient measurement system used for trading goods in centuries past.

Whether you’re looking for delicious snacks or unique gifts, or just want to take in some of St Gallen’s rich history and architecture, a visit to The Market Square is definitely worth your time during your trip!

The Art Museum

The Art Museum in St Gallen is a must-visit for any art enthusiast traveling to the city. The museum boasts an impressive collection of contemporary art, including works by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.

Another noteworthy feature of this museum is its commitment to showcasing emerging artists. In addition to its permanent collection, it hosts rotating exhibitions featuring up-and-coming talent in various mediums.

Visitors can also take advantage of guided tours or attend one of many workshops held throughout the year. Whether you’re an avid art lover or simply looking for something unique to do in St Gallen, a visit to this museum should definitely be on your itinerary!

The Textile Museum

The Textile Museum in St Gallen is a fascinating attraction for anyone interested in the history of textiles and fashion. The museum showcases an impressive collection of fabrics, lace, embroidery, and garments from different eras.

Visitors can learn about the traditional methods used to produce these textiles and how they were used in everyday life. The displays are thoughtfully curated, with informative descriptions that offer insights into the various techniques employed.

One of the highlights of the museum is its extensive collection of Swiss lace. Pieces dating back centuries are on display alongside more modern examples. It’s incredible to see how this craft has evolved over time while retaining its intricate beauty.

The museum also offers temporary exhibitions that explore contemporary textile art and design trends. These exhibits provide visitors with an opportunity to view cutting-edge works by emerging artists from around the world.

The Textile Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about Switzerland’s rich textile heritage. There’s something here for everyone – whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply intrigued by beautiful fabrics!

The Natural History Museum

Located in the heart of St Gallen, The Natural History Museum is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. This museum houses an extensive collection of exhibits that showcase the flora, fauna and geological formations of Switzerland.

One exciting exhibit at the Natural History Museum is their mineralogy section which showcases various types of minerals such as quartz crystals from Swiss mines and meteorites. There are also sections dedicated to fossils where you can view dinosaur bones and ancient sea creatures.

The museum offers guided tours which provide visitors with deeper insights into each exhibit while catering to all age groups. The Natural History Museum is an excellent place for anyone interested in learning more about Switzerland’s natural heritage.

The Stadtgarten

The Stadtgarten in St Gallen is a beautiful park located near the city center. It’s an ideal place for nature lovers and those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The park boasts a variety of flora with well-manicured gardens, walkways, ponds, fountains, and benches where visitors can relax amid the greenery. There are also plenty of open spaces where people can play sports or have picnics.

One of the highlights of Stadtgarten is its collection of sculptures that add artistic flair to the lush surroundings. Visitors can take their time strolling around while admiring these works of art.

During summer evenings, locals flock here for open-air concerts which create a lively atmosphere throughout the park.

Stadtgarten offers something for everyone – whether it’s relaxing on a bench with a good book or getting some exercise by playing frisbee or football – making it one of St Gallen’s must-visit spots!

The Abbey Library

The Abbey Library in St Gallen is a must-visit for any book lover or history enthusiast. This impressive library dates back to the 8th century and houses over 170,000 books and manuscripts, including some of the oldest texts in Europe.

Walking into the library feels like stepping back in time, as you are surrounded by ancient wooden shelves filled with beautifully preserved books. The intricate baroque architecture adds to the grandeur of this stunning space.

One of the most famous works found here is the St. Gallen Planetary Codex, which contains illustrations of planets that pre-date those made by Galileo. Another highlight is the Gospel Book from around AD 780, one of only a handful from this period still in existence.

It’s easy to spend hours browsing through these treasures, but visitors should also take note of the impressive frescoes on display which depict scenes from saints’ lives as well as allegories.

Whether you’re a bibliophile or just fascinated by history and culture, visiting The Abbey Library should definitely be on your list when exploring all that St Gallen has to offer.

St. Laurenzen Kirche

St. Laurenzen Kirche is one of the oldest churches in St Gallen, Switzerland. The church was originally built in the 12th century and has undergone several renovations over time to become what it is today.

The interior of the church boasts beautiful artwork, including stained glass windows that depict scenes from the New Testament. The ceiling frescoes are particularly stunning with their intricate designs and vibrant colors.

Visitors can enjoy guided tours of St. Laurenzen Kirche where they will learn about its history and significance within the community. It’s a peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and take in some spirituality.

One unique feature of this church is its location on top of a hill overlooking the city center, providing breathtaking views for those who climb up to visit it. It’s worth taking some time to sit outside on a sunny day and soak in the scenery while contemplating life’s mysteries.

Whether you’re religious or not, St. Laurenzen Kirche is definitely worth checking out during your trip to St Gallen – if only for its historical importance and impressive architecture alone!

Lake Constance

Lake Constance is a freshwater lake that borders Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It’s one of Europe’s largest lakes and attracts visitors from around the world with its stunning scenery and range of activities.

Visitors can also explore the charming towns and picturesque villages that dot the shoreline. Meersburg is particularly popular thanks to its historic castle overlooking the water.

Foodies will appreciate the many restaurants serving fresh fish caught right from the lake itself. And wine lovers will enjoy exploring vineyards along the hills surrounding it.

Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Lake Constance has got you covered. Don’t miss out on this unique destination! It is merely 30 minutes drive from St Gallen and well worth a visit.

St Gallen is a charming city that offers an array of diverse experiences for visitors. From the rich cultural heritage to the stunning natural beauty, there are endless possibilities when it comes to things to see and do in St Gallen.

Whether you’re interested in history, art, nature or simply wandering around picturesque streets, St Gallen has something for everyone. The cathedral and abbey are must-visit sites for those who love architecture and history while the museums will delight anyone with an interest in textiles or natural history.

The old city’s cozy cafes and restaurants provide ample opportunities to indulge your taste buds while soaking up the atmosphere of this beautiful Swiss town. And if you want some fresh air, Stadtgarten and Lake Constance offer great spots for walks or picnics.

Visitors should not forget about Rosgarten Gate which provides excellent photo opportunities and also serves as another historical site worth visiting. In addition, Abbey Library with its impressive collection of books is sure to impress any bibliophile.

St Gallen is a destination that truly has something unique to offer each visitor. It’s no wonder why it continues to attract tourists from all over the world every year!

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Things to do in St. Gallen

Located close to Lake Constance in the east of the country, St. Gallen in Switzerland enjoys a picturesque rural setting. Packed full of fascinating places, the are lots of interesting things to do in St. Gallen (known as Sankt Gallen in German).

St. Gallen tourism centres on the historic, cultural and foodie attractions of the area. The Abbey of St. Gall is one of the most famous sights, and is home to the library of St. Gallen as well as the Baroque cathedral. 

This library houses a huge range of documents that are over 1,000 years old, and also has one of the most handsome Rococo halls. In fact St. Gallen is named for Gallus, a monk from Ireland who settled here early in the 7th century. 

During a stay in St. Gallen, visitors can also learn about the city’s important place in the history of textile production, sample local food and drinks, explore the Old Town ( Altstadt St Gallen) or discover the unspoiled Swiss countryside surrounding the city.

Other local attractions include the outdoor lounge at Red Square, a thriving theatre scene and an art nouveau swimming pool that’s popular during the summer months, not least for the stunning views over town it offers.

Things to do in St. Gallen in winter, meanwhile, include the seasonal St. Gallen Christmas market and a beautiful light display. 

This guide will share all you need to know when planning your visit. From a St. Gallen walking tour and a visit to the Abbey Library of St. Gall to finding a great St. Gallen hotel and the weather in St. Gallen, read on to discover all this plus the many fantastic things to do in St. Gallen. 

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What's in this Article

Where is St. Gallen?  

St. Gallen is the capital of the Swiss canton of the same name, and is located in eastern Switzerland. Sometimes the city is referred to by the shorter, historic name of St. Gall, or even its German moniker Sankt Gallen.

It’s the biggest city in the east of Switzerland and the eighth largest city in the country.

St. Gallen makes a great base for those who want to explore Appenzellerland or the Lake Constance area. This historic university city is abundant in amenities and attractions, and is set among the idyllic Swiss countryside. 

Being only an hour’s drive from Zurich airport, it’s also an easy destination to reach. The city is also convenient for visiting the neighbouring countries of Liechtenstein, Germany and Austria. 

Top things to do in St. Gallen

Discover the st. gall abbey district.

The St. Gall Abbey is home to so much more than just a monastery. Here you’ll also find one of the oldest libraries in Switzerland, a grand Rococo hall and the historic city cathedral. In 1983, the complex became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

A highlight of any visit to the complex is the stunning library and vaulted cellar where you can see more than 170,000 documents that are over 1,000 years old.

This library is the third oldest in the world. Some of the books and papers stored at St. Gall library are hand-written, and a magnificent Rococo hall can also be found here. 

The Abbey library and vaulted cellar are open daily from 10am to 5pm.

The Roman Catholic Collegiate Church (or Stiftskirche) of St. Gall (or Gallus) and Otmar is a splendid structure that was completed in 1767. As with the abbey, architect Peter Thumb was the man behind its design.

It’s a stunning example of Baroque architecture, with a pale grey facade and artistic decorative flourishes.  

You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering the Abbey district and visiting the various buildings.

Entry costs around CHF 18 per adult.

Explore the Old Town of St. Gallen

Another place in St. Gallen where interested visitors can admire the beautiful architecture is the Old Town.

This part of the city (which includes the Abbey district) also demonstrates the wealth that was generated in the region due to its previous position at the heart of the local textile industry.

You can take a guided walking tour or embark on a self-guided walk to explore every hidden corner of the Old Town.

Making your own way is one of the top free things to do in St. Gallen, or book an affordable guided tour to benefit from the insider’s perspective of a local expert. > Click here for prices and details.

Book your guided walking tour by clicking the image below:

See the striking Red Square

It may not be the most famous Red Square in the world, but a visit to the one in St. Gallen is also very worthwhile.

Located in the Bleicheli district, just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town, it was created to provide locals and visitors with a spacious outdoor lounge area. 

It’s a place that really does need to be seen with your own eyes. 

The square is incredibly striking, as it’s covered in a carpet of scarlet rubber granulate. St. Gallen’s outdoor lounge is also illuminated at night by means of large, round boulders that seem to float over this part of the city. 

All the outdoor seating and tables here are also coated in rubbery red plastic.

Stroll up to the Three Ponds for a swim, sauna or the city’s best views

It takes around half an hour to wander from central St. Gallen to the trio of ponds overlooking the city. En route you’ll witness breathtaking views over Lake Constance, and pass the 17th century Capuchin convent.

If you’re not keen on walking, or don’t have the time, a funicular whisks passengers from the Old Town to the St. Georgen district, from where it’s just a five minute walk to the Three Ponds.

The Mühleggbahn funicular runs continually throughout the day with the journey taking just 90 seconds!  Fares cost around CHF 2.40 per adult one way. 

The Three Ponds were originally created four centuries ago for water storage, but people have been bathing in the waters since at least the early 1700s. In keeping with the tradition of the time, there were separate pools for men and women.

Local legend has it that the monk Gallus fell among the thorny shrubbery here, and saw this as a message from the Almighty. As a result, he formed the hermitage that was the first step in the city’s development. 

Today, the ponds attract locals and visitors who come to swim or relax in the beautiful surroundings which also feature historical Art Nouveau wooden buildings, a reminder of St. Gallen’s important textile past.

Shop at the magical St. Gallen Christmas Market

If you visit between the end of November and early January, you can browse the many wares sold at St. Gallen Christmas Market. It makes a glorious, stress-free setting for a shopping trip, and you can pick up unique items not found anywhere else. 

During the festive season you can also admire the illuminations that brighten up the Old Town, turning St. Gallen into the twinkling ‘City of 700 Stars’. 

Local specialties to sample in St. Gallen

When it comes to the St. Gallen food and drinks scene, it’s all about the ‘4 B’s’. These are bratwurst, beer, bread and biber.

A fifth ‘B’ also exists in the form of the beizlis dotted around town, which are cosy, first floor restaurants housed in historic Swiss buildings. 

One restaurant worth trying is Alpäglöggli , located on Schmiedgasse, which serves local specialties like the tasty Chnöpfli dish pictured below.

Bratwurst is a St. Gallen sausage that’s unusually white in colour. This is down to the milk content. Meat-wise, it’s typically made using pork and at least 50% veal.

The sausage is unsmoked, and once cooked is an appetising shade of golden brown. 

Locally, bratwurst is eaten without mustard, as this is thought to impair the flavour. It first appeared during the 15th century and was formerly known as the Olma sausage.

Bratwurst is consumed throughout Switzerland, but is particularly popular in St. Gallen. It’s often eaten with the local bürli bread. 

Bread (bürli)

Bürli is a regional bread that’s perennially popular in this part of Switzerland. It’s often served with bratwurst. These sourdough rolls have a crispy crust and a soft, yielding centre.

Recipes vary, but typically contain rye flour as well as wheat flour and sea salt. Caraway, poppy and sesame seeds are sometimes added. 

Beer has been brewed in St. Gallen since the start of the 9th century. Today there are several craft breweries in the city which are the perfect place to try local beers. 

One example is Brauerei Schützengarten. This dates from 1779 and is thus the oldest Swiss brewery. Its beers have won various awards and it’s one of the most technologically advanced breweries in the country. 

It also houses a beer bottle museum where you can see more than 3000 beer bottles from 260 different Swiss breweries.

Schützengarten’s Klosterbraü is one particularly popular beer.

Biber (biberli)

Also known as biberli, these are locally baked gingerbread cookies containing honey and nuts. This St. Gallen speciality also has an almond paste filling, like marzipan.

You can buy these from local bakeries or cafes, or the Christmas market. 

How to spend one day in St. Gallen

If you only have one day to spend in the city, use it wisely! This is a suggested one day itinerary for St. Gallen. 

Sip a great blend at a local coffee shop

Enjoying a hot beverage in one of the characterful local coffee shops is a must for caffeine fans. You can also find one of the oldest coffee bean roasteries in Switzerland in St. Gallen.

Tour the Abbey District

Allow at least two hours to take in St. Gall Abbey, including the Baroque cathedral and the magnificent library. Don’t miss the ancient handwritten documents and the Rococo hall here. 

Savour Olma sausage for lunch

Seek out a low-ceilinged, first floor beizli if you can to sample the local bratwurst. For an authentic experience, hold the mustard and make sure you eat it with a locally baked bürli bread roll. 

Wander the Old Town and Red Square, and walk up to 3 Ponds

Simply wandering the streets of St. Gallen is guaranteed to uncover all sorts of hidden treasures.

While you’re there, don’t miss the colourful oriel windows in the traffic-free Old Town – and take a rest break on Red Square, the city’s outdoor lounge. 

Complete your day of exploration by heading up to the 3 Ponds via Capuchin convent, the Mühlegg funicular station and Mühlebach gorge.

You can also take in stunning vistas of Lake Constance en route – and a dip in the bathing ponds during summer. 

Attend a local beer or wine tasting

While the St. Gallen breweries will appeal most to beer fans, the city is also a great place for wine connoisseurs.

Wines from the vineyards perched above Lake Constance are crafted from over 20 varieties of grape. Each blend reflects the Rhine Valley location in its own unique way. 

Day trips from St. Gallen

There are a number of great day trips from St. Gallen you can take – each exploring a different part of this glorious area. Here are some suggestions.

Lake Constance (Bodensee)

The town of Rorschach on the southern shores of Lake Constance takes just 20 minutes by car to reach from St. Gallen – or an even speedier 10 minutes by train. 

For exploring on two wheels, the Lake Constance Cycle Path is also popular.  Or why not hop aboard a cruise ship for a relaxing cruise to the German port town of Lindau?

Rhine Valley

The Rhine Valley is world-famous for its wine-making heritage, and you can also explore the areas along the banks of the mighty river.

Activities to enjoy in this area include wine tasting or taking to the walking and cycle paths alongside the Rhine.

If you like, you can even cross the Rhine into Austria or Liechtenstein. When visiting the latter, you can even get a stamp in your passport when passing through Vaduz. 

Appenzellerland

Abundant in fertile rural landscapes dotted with charming Swiss villages, Appenzellerland has an understated beauty and a long tradition of agriculture. Mount Santis is also a big draw in this area. 

Taking a hike to the ‘restaurant in the rock’ – aka Mountain Inn Aescher-Wildkirchli – is also a great idea when visiting the region between October and April.

Seeing the traditional wooden Swiss chalet nestled into the rock-face is truly memorable, and the mountain views from within are spectacular. 

The Chocolarium at Flawil

The quality of Swiss chocolate is renowned worldwide, and sampling some during a holiday here is a quintessential experience.

At ‘The Chocolate Factory of Happiness’ in Flawil, visitors can learn about, taste and buy chocolate via a cinema, classes, tours, a cafe and a shop. 

For kids and grown-ups alike, this is a really hands-on version of a museum in St. Gallen. Find out more about the Chocolarium in this podcast episode . 

> Click here to buy your ticket to Chocolarium

Other great day trip options include Schaffhausen and the Rhine Falls .

How to get to St. Gallen

It’s pretty easy to reach St. Gallen from other places in Switzerland, as well as Munich in Germany.

Zurich to St. Gallen

It only takes around an hour to drive from the airport or city of Zurich to St. Gallen. Alternatively, the train or bus trip takes about an hour and 15 minutes. 

If there are a few people in your travelling party, a private transfer from Zurich airport to St. Gallen can be a convenient and cost-effective way to travel.

> Click here to book a private transfer from Zurich airport to St. Gallen

Munich to St. Gallen

From Munich, a road trip to St. Gallen will typically take around two hours and 15 minutes. The train takes slightly longer – about two hours and 40 minutes. A bus journey will take closer to three hours. 

Travel times from Lucerne, Bern and Basel to St. Gallen

Lucerne to St. Gallen: Car 1h:30; Train 2h:15; Bus 1h:50

Basel to St. Gallen: Car 1h:45; Train 2h:12; Bus 2h:45

Bern to St. Gallen: Car 2h:05; Train 2h:20; Bus 2h:45

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Where to stay in St. Gallen

Our recommended hotels in St. Gallen comprise three properties. Between them they offer city centre and more rural accommodation, with all the creature comforts you could wish for. 

Einstein St. Gallen – 4*

Hotel Einstein in St. Gallen can be found in the city’s beating heart. It’s a four star property with a luxurious finish. On site there is a bar, fine dining restaurant and a more casual bistro.

Other hotel amenities include a gym and spa with a steam bath and indoor pool.

Room types range from comfort and superior doubles to a range of junior suites. There is also a one bedroom apartment. Each is clean, comfortable and spacious, and has complimentary WiFi and a work desk.

Pets are also permitted at this property. 

> Click here to check prices and book

Hotel Santispark – 4*

Santispark St. Gallen is partnered with the Chocolarium in Flawil, and as such the property offers some chocolate-themed accommodation for guests to stay in.

The hotel is  close to the city, with views to Mount Santis. Many rooms have balconies. 

Santispark has Swiss and Italian restaurants plus a lounge bar. The spacious spa area here is a real plus, with facilities including kids’ adventure play equipment, a hot tub, a wave pool and much more. 

Radisson Blu – 4*

The Radisson Blu in St. Gallen is another four star pick located ten minutes’ walk from the  train station and Old Town. It’s a sleek, contemporary property with a sauna, a gym, a restaurant and even a casino.  

Rooms here accommodate up to five guests in each and some have private balconies or terraces. All rooms are stylish in appearance and come equipped with cable TV, air conditioning, minibar and WiFi access. 

Learn more about St. Gallen in our podcast

Click the green arrow to play.

Weather in St. Gallen

Compared to other Swiss destinations, St. Gallen has a very mild climate. There are generally no real extremes of temperature. Summers are warm rather than hot, and winters are cold, but the temperature rarely dips below zero degrees celsius (32°F) during the day.

The coldest months in St. Gallen are December, January and February. An average January overnight low would be -3°C (27°F), while the daytime high might reach about  3°C (37°F). 

In summer (June, July and August), daytime highs tend to be between 20 and 22°C (68 to 72°F). The average minimum is around 13°C (55°F). 

During spring and autumn, the highest temperatures during the day tend to range from around 6°C to 17°C (43 to 63°F). Even in November or March there are rarely overnight sub-zero lows. 

Things to do in St. Gallen | Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a committed foodie, a history buff or an outdoor sort, there are plenty of fascinating things to do in the Swiss city of St. Gallen.

From a day trip to see the main sights to a stay of several days or more, there’s always lots of fun to be had.

With a mild climate, great day trips in the local area and good quality accommodation, St. Gallen’s historic, cultural and natural attractions are many. 

If you like the sound of a place where you can taste wine, chocolate and local culinary specialities, see stunning architecture and enjoy the natural beauty of the Swiss countryside, why not start planning your trip to St. Gallen today? 

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Carolyn Schönafinger

Carolyn Schönafinger is a frequent visitor to Switzerland, the country she fell in love with more than 30 years ago. She now visits Switzerland every year in her quest to explore every inch of the country. Carolyn is a certified Switzerland Travel Expert and she has achieved the Swiss Travel System Travel Expert diploma. She loves sharing her Switzerland travel expertise and helping others to plan their dream Swiss vacation on this website and the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast. Read more

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21 free or cheap things to do in St. Gallen

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St. Gallen is the most beautiful city in Switzerland.

Alright, maybe I’m not objective here because I grew up in the area.

But even if staring up the mighty cathedral doesn‘t conjure up a sense of home in you, St. Gallen still offers plenty of reasons to earn its spot on your itinerary . Especially if you’re on a budget.

Here’s my list of 20 free or cheap things to do if you have a day or two in St. Gallen.

1. Spend some time in the Abbey District

One of my favourite places in St. Gallen is the historical city centre with its Abbey District. It's been on the UNESCO World Heritage  list since 1983 for good reason and as of September 2019, I'm lucky enough to call this place my neighbourhood.

Towering in the middle of the precinct, you’ll find the impressive baroque cathedral. It dates back to the 18th century and is probably the most photographed building in town.

The cathedral is open to the public year round and free to access.

Attached to the cathedral lies the famous Abbey Library . It displays over 170'000 books that are in part hand-written and sometimes over 1'000 years old.

Speaking of old, dusty books...

The library’s astonishing Rococo Hall in itself is worth the trip. Even if you’re not into ancient books, walking through this meticulously designed hall has something soothing and awe-inspiring

Admission to the library is free with your Swiss Travel Pass . If not, it’ll be 12 CHF well spent.

The cathedral in St. Gallen is probably the most photographed building in the city.

(Photo: Switzerland Tourism André Meier)

2. Tackle 186 steps at St. Laurence Church

Once you’ve taken a good look around the Abbey District, you might feel like observing the whole setting from above . Hands down the best place to do that is the top of St. Laurence Church tower. This church is easy to find as it's just around the corner from the cathedral.

You know, the one with the colourful roof.

Getting up there is a bit of a mission, though. The tower is only open March through November , Monday through Saturday at 10 am and 3 pm for one hour. If you fancy snapping some amazing photos of the cathedral and its surroundings from above, plan your day around visiting this 360 degree viewing platform.

Admission is 5 CHF and you pay inside the church.

Fancy climbing this pretty church?

View over the Abbey district and the cathedral from St. Laurence Church.

3. Hang out at Gallus square

This one has to be one of my favourite squares in St. Gallen. Right next to the Abbey District, Gallus square invites you to take a break, chill out on a bench and watch the city life take its course.

Situated a mere stone's throw from Chocolaterie Kölbener, it's the perfect spot to take in the peaceful surroundings of St. Gallen while munching away on a chocolatey dessert.

One of the best spots to grab a cone of ice cream, chill out and watch the city life take its course.

4. Take a refreshing dip at Drei Weieren

Most Swiss cities are built near water.

Zurich , Bern, Lucerne, Lausanne, Geneva, Locarno, Zug , Basel , Solothurn … You name it.

This is why people often hold the fact that St. Gallen doesn’t have access to a river or a lake against the city. But everyone who makes this claim clearly hasn’t been to Drei Weieren yet. This idyllic spot right above the city is St. Gallen’s secret weapon in terms of water access and great views.

Granted. It's not Lake Constance or the River Rhine. But it certainly packs its charm.

Drei Weieren, which literally translates to t hree ponds , is a recreational area with five artificial ponds. And yes, we actually do know how to count.

Originally, when Drei Weieren were created, they consisted of only three ponds. These served as water reserves to help in case of a city fire and to secure the textile industry’s water supply.

The additional two ponds weren’t established until later, when the name was already set.

Out of these five ponds,  only two are suitable for swimming.  The  Mannenweier  (men’s pond) in the west is the largest one and free to use. It comes with lockers, changing rooms, cold open-air showers, toilets, diving platforms and benches to leave your towel while you’re out splashing around.

On a sunny day, the lawn next to the Mannenweiher attracts hordes of people to hang out with their friends, play cards, study for their next exam, have some ice cream or just work on their tan.

The Drei Weieren were created as water reserves for the city.

The Mannenweier is the perfect place for swimming.

The second place where swimming is allowed is the Frauenweier (women’s pond). It lies two ponds further down from the Mannenweier – right behind the bistro and the Buebenweier (boy’s pond). It costs 5.50 CHF to get in and the premises provide extra infrastructure like hot showers and a separate area for women only.

Even if you’re not planning on going for a swim, include the Drei Weieren in your schedule all the same. The view over the city, down to Lake Constance and into Germany never disappoints.

Now, how do you get up there?

You have several options here. Either walk from the city centre or catch bus No. 8 going to St. Georgen and get off at the bus stop called  Mühlegg.

Alternatively, hop on the free shuttle bus going to Dreilinden . This seasonal bus runs every half hour during summer if the weather is good and says Bäderbus in the front.

There is a third option to overcome the altitude between St. Gallen and St. Georgen. Which brings us to…

5. Fetch a ride with the Mühleggbahn

The Mühleggbahn is a 316 m long inclined lift heading up and down Mühleggschlucht , a gorge right behind the Abbey District. Back in 1893, when the Mühleggbahn was established, it was the first means of public transport in town.

The ride between St. Gallen and St. Georgen takes roughly 90 seconds and is part of the local fare zone system . If you don’t already have a zone ticket, you’ll pay 2.40 CHF for a single ride.

From the top, Drei Weieren is only a couple of minutes away.

Take a ride on the Mühleggbahn.

6. Check out the city’s very own waterfall

If you decide to skip the ride on the Mühleggbahn, you can tackle the steep trail up Mülenenschlucht instead. The path starts right behind the station and you should reach the top within 10 and 15 minutes.

Depending on your lungs' and calves' capacity.

During the climb through the gorge, you’ll pass a surprisingly impressive waterfall to reward you for your struggles. You’ll see it as soon as you reach the footbridge about halfway up.

Who said you had to go far to be in the wilderness?

After a few heavy days of rain, this innocent-looking stream can turn into one big fat force of nature. One that's definitely worth stopping by for.

The city's very own waterfall at Mülenenschlucht.

7. Give your legs a free workout

St. Gallen is the city of stairs.

We're looking at over 13.000 steps spread throughout the city here, which gives you plenty of opportunity to conquer the slopes of St. Gallen.

Since the city is nestled into a valley, stairs are the most efficient way to overcome the altitude in a very direct way and reach the living areas on the hillside. Whether you're after a fantastic view over the city or just a pair of sore calves, you're never far from the next set of steps taking you higher.

Or back down if you get lost?

If there's one thing St. Gallen has an abundance of, it's stairs.

8. Go for a walk

At the risk of repeating myself, I have to point this one out as well.

Due to the unique position of St. Gallen in a valley and its long, narrow shape, you're never far from nature. In case you'd like to get out of the city and stretch your legs on a walk, just follow the steps to the upper parts and you'll be right in the middle of nature.

Here are my two favourites, in case you're looking for inspiration:

• Walk up Mülenenschlucht to St. Georgen, turn right and keep going until you reach the Falkenburg Restaurant. From there, there's a beautiful trail leading through Bernegg Forest. It's my go to place if I'm looking for some peace and quiet – and maybe a couple of cheeky squirrels. 
• Walk up Mülenenschlucht to St. Georgen, turn left and pass Drei Weieren. Move on to the monastery in Notkersegg for some snacks at one of the farmers' stalls. They sell their products straight from the farm and if you're looking for some fresh milk, a slice of Swiss cheese, a bowl of berries or a glass of apple juice, you'll be happy here.

Treat yourself to a little something in Notkersegg.

To visit Wenigerweier, catch the train to "Schwarzer Bären".

9. Walk the trail of bridges

This two-hour walk starts in the western outskirts of St. Gallen and leads along the River Sitter. On the way, you'll be passing a total of 18 bridges, viaducts and boardwalks. This also includes the Sitter-Viaduct, which is Switzerland's tallest railway bridge.

You can find a detailed description of this hike here and if you bring your bathing suit and a picnic, this one will keep you busy for half a day.

All without breaking the bank.

On the trail of bridges, you'll pass 18 bridges, viaducts and boardwalks.

Bring your swimmers and enjoy a refreshing dip in the River Sitter along the way.

10. Say hi to the marmots at Peter & Paul

In the north eastern part of the city lies the wildlife park Peter & Paul . This free park is home to native animals like deer, chamois, ibex, lynx, feral pigs, marmots and many more. Their website is in German but even if you don't understand what it says, it’ll still give you a general impression of what you can expect.

Since Peter & Paul is located on a hill, it offers great views as well. On a clear day, you can see the Alpstein mountain range in all its beauty.

The easiest way to get to Peter & Paul is by bus No. 5, direction Rotmonten or No 9, direction Schuppis Nord . Get off at St. Gallen, Sonne and follow the signs that say Wildpark .

The marmot, or "Murmeli" as we call it, is iconic to the Swiss mountains. As well as to Peter & Paul.

11. Pick some flowers at the botanical garden – or not

Like Peter & Paul, the botanical gardens can be found in the eastern part of St. Gallen. The gardens are home to over 8.000 native and foreign plants, which make for a great indoor alternative on a rainy day.

And did I mention the gardens are free to get in ?

To get there, catch Bus No. 1, direction Stephanshorn , and get off at Naturmuseum .

They display all sorts of native and foreign plants.

Speaking of museums…

12. Still your cultural thirst

Truth be told, I’m not into museums.

I used to drive my parents nuts on every... single... family holiday. No exceptions. I’d always act as if they were violating my human rights by forcing me to visit a museum.

It was bad.

But I can’t introduce you to my city without telling you about our museums. After all, you might be more of a cultural fanatic than me and I wouldn't want you to miss out. So here it goes:

• Due to St. Gallen’s rich history in the textile industry, the Textilmuseum is iconic to this region. They have over 56.000 fabric samples in their repertory and every textile lover will cherish this place. Visit this website for more information. Admission is 12 CHF and free if you own a Swiss Travel Pass.
• As the name suggests, the Naturmuseum covers everything related to nature. The museum relocated to the east of the city in 2016 and is now very close to the botanical garden. Maybe a good opportunity to combine some nature with – well – some more nature? Admission is 12 CHF and free if you own a Swiss Travel Pass.
• Art lovers won't want to miss the art museum  (Kunstmuseum) in the city centre. Their website gives you more information on current exhibitions. Again, admission is 12 CHF and free if you own a Swiss Travel Pass.
• Another museum your Swiss Travel Pass includes is the historical and ethnological museum (Historisches und Völkerkundemuseum). It sits right next to the art museum and costs 12 CHF for non-pass holders.
• Last but not least, I’d like to mention the Abbey Library (Stiftsbibliothek) again. If I had to choose one where I'd let my parents drag me to, this would be it. And that’s saying something, coming from a museum grinch like me.

Right, mum? 🙂

Visit the art museum in the city centre.

The beautiful Rococo Hall inside the Abbey library

Moving on to a subject that brings up fewer evil childhood memories...

13. Hunt down those bay windows

In terms of bay windows, St. Gallen is second only to Schaffhausen.

A total of 111 bay windows decorate the houses of the city. Once you're on your stroll through St. Gallen, make sure you occasionally look up to marvel at the creatively decorated bay window hanging over your head.

St. Gallen accommodates a total of 111 bay windows.

14. ... and the fountains

Now, St. Gallen doesn't have a Trevi Fountain to show for. But that's ok.

We still have our fair share of impressive fountains and with a total of over 100, I'm sure you'll find some that you like.

Even if it's just to refill your water bottle with fresh drinking water. 

One of the most popular ones is called Broderbrunnen. You'll find it at the intersection next to the Textile Musem. Or have you seen the jugler outside the Arts Museum yet? And there's one at Gallus Square as well. Just to give you a little headstart.

15. Check out the city wall restaurant

Only a short section of the old city wall is still standing and I'm going to tell you why you should visit it.

Attached to the wall, you'll find one of my favourite restaurants – Restaurant Zeughaus. It serves the best cordon bleu in town and beats many other restaurants in terms of location.

Walking toward it makes you wonder if they forgot to build the other half of the restaurant. Maybe you'll figure this one out while treating yourself to a hearty Swiss lunch?

Speaking of which...

Restaurant Zeughaus is attached to the old city wall of St. Gallen.

16. Grab a lunch deal

We're going to leave the "free" section for a second here and switch to "cheap" instead. Because everyone has to eat and food isn't really free anywhere, is it?

Except at Mum's... And you're not there now.

Most restaurants offer pretty good lunch deals and if you'd like to eat out on a budget, definitely visit a restaurant during lunchtime instead of dinner. And by "budget" I mean between 12 and 20 CHF, which is quite cheap for this pricey country.

My favourite place, and probably the cheapest one you'll find in town, is called Rice & More . Its menu is simple yet delicious and comes in big portions. Plus it's super cheap. As in 6 CHF to 10 CHF cheap.

And the owner of the place is the friendliest and most entertaining person you can imagine.

Make sure to give her my regards.

Take-away lunch can save money

17. Relax in the city’s very own living room

Back to "free" an yes, St. Gallen has a city lounge.

In 2005, Raiffeisen bank had two artists redesign the area around their building to give the quarter a new identity. The result is now known as the city lounge or the red carpet of St. Gallen. It‘s a 4.600 sqm area which has been completely covered in red plastic granulate.  

Apart from a café and a restaurant, you'll find benches, sculptures, trees and fountains placed throughout the lounge. Plus a red Ferrari that kids enjoy to play on. All these opportunities to relax make the city lounge a great spot to take a break from all the museum visits, sightseeing and stair-climbing.

To find this piece of modern art, walk down  Vadianstrasse towards the train station and keep looking left. You can’t miss it.

The city's very own lounge.

A weird but cool piece of art.

18. Party with the locals

St. Gallen hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year.

Be that Fasnacht (carnival) in February, Buskers Festival in May, New Orleans or Streetfood Festival in June or St. Gallerfest in August. There‘s always lots of food, drinks and entertainment involved.

To stay on top of what’s happening, download the Swiss Events app. This is even more crucial now that Covid-19 has caused most events to be cancelled... 

At this point, I’d also like to mention the Open Air St. Gallen. It‘s neither free nor cheap. But it’s huge, popular and thousands of people flock in from all over the country each year to be part of this four day festival and listen to various concerts.

For more information, visit the OASG website.

During the busker's festival, the whole city of St. Gallen temporarily turns into a circus.

19. Borrow a bicycle

For some people, walking around all day just doesn't cut it.

If you're of sort that needs at least two wheels under your behind to get from A to B, head to the train station and follow the signs to "Velostation" . They rent out free bicycles you can use for a day to discover the city. 

That way, you can expand your radius and maybe see some of the more remote places (and ponds) without having to walk everywhere. But be warned, St. Gallen isn't  flat and you might end up working your calves just as you would on those stairs. 

20. Rummage through the weekly markets

Lastly, let’s talk markets.

Every Saturday from May through November, the farmers’ market turns Marktplatz (market square) into a haven for food lovers. You’ll find everything from fruit and veg, bread and cheese, Italian Olives and German woodstove bread to exotic dried fruit.

Apart from the farmers’ market, there’s also a smaller weekly market taking place all year round on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

In addition, St. Gallen hosts two seasonal markets. One in spring (April) and one in autumn (October). Those markets last over a week and are combined with a funfair.

At those to annual markets, you can buy almost everything. Gummy bears, gingerbread hearts, gloves, shoe polish, household equipment, backpacks, clothes, Magenbrot (#1 in  this post ), beer, sausages.

You name it.

Don't miss out on the legendary piggy race at OLMA.

21. Read the binary clock

No other piece of art divides the local population like the binary clock at the train station does.

Once they were done renovating the train station of St. Gallen, most people didn't know what to make of the clock that was installed at the main entrance. And I have to admit, as an easy way to figure out how many seconds you have left before you miss your train, it's not much help.

But if you'd like to challenge your brain and let it figure out how to read this thing, it's a fantastic opportunity. I'll let you figure this one out yourself and decide whether or not you love or hate it.

(A little hint: the o's signal the hour, the x's stand for minutes and the squares count the seconds)

Can you figure out how to read this binary clock at St. Gallen train station?

One last thing...

If all this information hasn't given you enough ideas yet, I recommend checking out the "Wohin" guide . I went to school with the person behind this site and I think it’s a fantastic resource for everyone spending time in St. Gallen. Visitors and  locals.

You’ll recognise some of the points from this post but there are loads of additional tips, too. Especially in terms of eating, drinking and partying.

Enjoy my city. I hope you‘ll like it 🙂

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Related posts, how to visit jungfraujoch – aka the top of europe – on a budget, 11 awesome things to do in (and around) solothurn, 15 incredible day trips from zurich, leave a repl​​​​​y.

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During my trip to St Gallen, I got the chance to visit Abbey District – the famous historical site in St Gallen and I must say I enjoyed it a lot. Your blog really guided me during my itinerary. Thanks for sharing!!!

Thank you 🙂

You are awesome, we did not know how to tackle the city but reading your blog was extremely helpful. Thank you

You’re very welcome. I’m glad I could help. Enjoy St. Gallen when you get here 🙂 All the best, Seraina

Thank you for your very helpful blog! We have been in St. Gallen for the last week, and followed many of your suggestions. In particular, we wouldn't have known about climbing the steps of the church, and this was fantastic!

Hey Catherine, thank you for your lovely comment! I’m glad you were able to find something to do. And yes, the church is pretty cool, isn’t it 🙂 I love that, too.

Top Things to Do in St. Gallen, Switzerland

Things to do in st. gallen, explore popular experiences, tours in and around st. gallen.

1 Hour Express Walk of St. Gallen with a Local

Private Trip from Zurich to St. Gallen & Appenzell

Old town tour through St.Gallen

St. Gallen Foxtrail Columban

Historic St. Gallen: Exclusive Private Tour with a Local Expert

Explore St. Gallen in 1 hour with a Local

St. Gallen Foxtrail Gallus Stadt

Zurich Highlights Tour With Cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate

Zurich Walking Tour With Cruise and Aerial Cable Car

Jungfraujoch Day Trip from Zurich: Swiss Alps & Bernese Oberland

Fun & games.

Top Attractions in St. Gallen

Other Top Attractions around St. Gallen

Self-guided Tours

Walking tours.

Historical Tours

Private and Luxury

Running Tours

Cultural tours, private sightseeing tours.

What travellers are saying

• Stiftsbibliothek
• Kathedrale St.Gallen
• Wildpark Peter & Paul
• Textilmuseum St.Gallen
• Naturmuseum St.Gallen
• Drei Weieren
• Botanical Garden
• St.galler Brückenweg
• Fischer Adventures Day Tours
• Familien- und Gemeinschaftsbad Dreilinden

• Strategie 2027
• Congresses & Events

St.Gallen-Bodensee

Welcome to our beautiful region

Something for everyone

The ideal base for explorers

Discover the region

Inspiring leisure activities

from Lake Constance to the Alpstein

Get inspired now

Dreamlike overnight stays

for the perfect stay in the region

Discover now

Your one-stop shop for the region

Public transport, accommodation and activities

Leisure ideas

In Eastern Switzerland, the St.Gallen-Lake Constance region offers a wide range of activities no matter what you’re interested in. The cultural metropolis enchants visitors with its picturesque old town and a rich historical heritage. The Abbey District with its Baroque cathedral and the world-famous Abbey Library is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and the city’s landmark.

Even today, traces of the region’s rich textile history are omnipresent. Haute couture, fabrics and lace from St.Gallen are featured on catwalks from Paris to Milan to New York. A vibrant cultural scene, a diverse range of MICE offers and an intact natural environment for outdoor activities and tours are what make this beautiful area between the Lake of Constance and the Appenzell region so appealing. Its many culinary specialities like the four B's (bratwurst, bürli (regional bread), biberli (local gingerbread speciality), beer) are just one more reason to visit the region.

What to do in the region ...? Offers for groups or individual guests.

Guided tour of St.Gallen's old town

Experience World Cultural Heritage

Let's cheese!

E-bike tour

A few hours or even days time in St.Gallen and surroundings and no plans yet?

Discover guided tours, experiences or accommodation.

Where to stay ...? Quick and easy booking.

Book your accomodation now

Dreamlike overnight stays in the St.Gallen-Lake Constance region!

Our region inspires. #lovestgallen-moments from the community.

Top Things to Do in St. Gallen

Things to do in st. gallen, explore popular experiences, tours in and around st. gallen.

1 Hour Express Walk of St. Gallen with a Local

Private Trip from Zurich to St. Gallen & Appenzell

Old town tour through St.Gallen

St. Gallen Foxtrail Columban

Historic St. Gallen: Exclusive Private Tour with a Local Expert

Explore St. Gallen in 1 hour with a Local

St. Gallen Foxtrail Gallus Stadt

Zurich Highlights Tour With Cruise and Lindt Home of Chocolate

Zurich Walking Tour With Cruise and Aerial Cable Car

Jungfraujoch Day Trip from Zurich: Swiss Alps & Bernese Oberland

Fun & games.

Top Attractions in St. Gallen

Other Top Attractions around St. Gallen

Self-guided Tours

Walking tours.

Historical Tours

Private and Luxury

Running Tours

Cultural tours, private sightseeing tours.

What travellers are saying

• Stiftsbibliothek
• Kathedrale St.Gallen
• Wildpark Peter & Paul
• Textilmuseum St.Gallen
• Naturmuseum St.Gallen
• Drei Weieren
• Botanical Garden
• St.galler Brückenweg
• Fischer Adventures Day Tours
• Familien- und Gemeinschaftsbad Dreilinden

20 Fun Things to do in St. Gallen: Cultural Delights and Scenic Wonders

Most visitors to Switzerland have not heard of St Gallen, or pay little attention (yes, Zurich & Geneva are bigger). Hopefully, this post will fix that!

In the year 612, an Irish missionary monk named Gallus founded a hermitage where the town of St. Gallen now sits. Throughout history, the town has developed into different places of significance. In 747, the St. Gallen monastery was under Benedictine Rule.

In the Middle Ages, the town was an important hub for culture and education in Europe. In later years, St. Gallen’s art, particularly its embroideries, gained the town brought international recognition and allowed the town to prosper.

Now, St. Gallen is regarded as a university town that focuses on economic sciences. Culture and performance art thrive in this town as well. Located between Lake Constance and Appenzellerland enjoys the company of three close neighbors: Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein. Visitors can enjoy many trails, hikes, and easy excursions across national borders.

St. Gallen may be small, but this compact metropolis offers an extraordinary experience with culture, arts, history, and nature.

20 Things to Do in St. Gallen

1) abbey cathedral of st. gall.

Photo by bsmyth on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA

The Abbey Cathedral of St. Gallen earned its UNESCO listing in 1983 owing to its role in religious history. Its story began in the 8th century during the Carolingian period. In the past, the entire complex of the Abbey was considered either a separate principality or a city-state home to 70,000 people.

The main draw, however, is Abbey’s mind-blowing Baroque-style architecture and ornate interiors. The frescoed ceiling, intricate sculptures, and the turquoise color scheme set it apart from many grand cathedrals in the world.

2) Abbey Library of St. Gall

Photo by PeterThoeny on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA

Earning its own listing in the UNESCO World Heritage List is the Abbey Library of St. Gall. In the year 937, the library was consumed by fire but subsequently survived. In this historic structure are some of Switzerland’s oldest manuscripts and literature dating back to the 8th century.

Many of these manuscripts are considered highly valuable, including one about the Rule of St. Benedict that shaped the lives of medieval monks. Adding to its historical significance is the equally magnificent Rococo-style architecture.

In the bowels of this library is the Lapidarium which exhibits medieval stonework when the abbey was excavated in the 1960s. The Lapidarium houses a forgotten collection of Carolingian art in the form of carved capitals and imposts that would have been above them.

There is also a model of the library as it looked like in the 9th century. It also tells of the history of the monastery including the abbey’s patron, St. Gallus.

3) Walk around the Old Town

St. Gallen’s car-free Old Town is beautiful any way you look. It’s a great way to spend the day outdoors without straining yourself too much. Medieval architecture has been preserved and dominates the streets.

There are many cafes and pubs along the way as well for you to just sit and enjoy the atmosphere. There are many points of interest in the Old Town, but the details are what make this area uniquely interesting. The oriel windows that decorate the houses are perfectly preserved and named separately.

During Christmas, streets are lined with festively decorated Christmas stalls and 700 stars shine along the streets. While a stroll around the Old Town is amazing on its own, it’s good to have a guide or go on group tours for you to discover the many stories born here.

4) St. Gallen Textile Museum

Photo by macsurak on Foter.com / CC BY

The Textile Museum in St. Gallen is more than a collection of art – it’s a symbol of the town’s rise to prosperity. It houses exhibits of historical embroideries and lace side by side with contemporary textile art.

The collection of around 30,000 items includes

• fabrics from Egyptian gravesites
• handmade lace from European centers of excellence
• ethnographic textiles
• textile art
• historical embroideries since the 14th century. 

The museum is renowned worldwide and documents the impressive development of the St. Gallen embroidery industry.

5) Have a wild experience at Peter and Paul Wildlife Park

The Peter and Paul Wildlife Park welcomes visitors of all ages to view Alpine wildlife for free. The park is found on the northern hills in the outskirts of the city with views of Lake Constance. Animals roam free around beautiful hiking paths.

The park is meant to be educational, so you will find lots of details and information about the animals and their behavior. Around the park, you’ll be able to spot many species including the ibex, chamois, lynx, wildcat, deer, and wild boar.

6) Kunstmuseum – Enjoy The Medieval Artwork

Photo by minhtu on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA

The Kunstmuseum St. Gallen has a massive collection of historical masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century. The exhibits rotate regularly as they don’t have enough space to display everything all at the same time.

Every visit to the museum is always fresh. You’ll see exhibits from Renaissance masters like Albrecht Durer and Rembrandt, as well as works from 19th and 20th Century artists like Ferdinand Hodler, Paul Klee, and Max Liebermann. There are also galleries dedicated to world-renowned masters like Monet, Sisley, and Delacroix.

The museum is located in a beautiful park and is also a great place for a quiet afternoon stroll. Admission ranges from CHF 6-12, but free admission is granted to certain groups such as those under sixteen accompanied by an adult and members of public schools.

7) Catch a performance at Lokremise

Photo by Backs in St. Gallen on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA

Right beside the Kunstmuseum is Lokremise St. Gallen . This multidisciplinary cultural center has a theatre, dance area, cinema, and restaurant in one artful injunction. You can get a combined ticket for Kunstmuseum and Lokremise and complete your experience of art that St. Gallen offers. There are different shows you can catch every day.

The building used to be a locomotive ring depot between 1903-1911. It was restored in 2009, keeping the original structure intact. Now, it’s an excellent piece of history in its industrial architecture and structure enlivened by contemporary culture.

8) Naturmuseum St. Gallen – See Another Side of History 

Photo by mhilber on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND

Naturmuseum St. Gallen is the town’s Natural History Museum. It was first opened in 1846 but was transferred to a more modern location in 2016. Now, the Naturmuseum is a great destination for families with various exhibits of taxidermy and skeleton collections.

There are several highlights in the museum, including a Nile crocodile captured in 1623, a relief map of St. Gallen and Appenzell cantons, and the life and achievements of international conservationist Emil Bachler.

9) Maestrani Chocolarium – Indulge your sweet tooth

It’s no secret that Switzerland is known for some of the world’s best chocolates. In St. Gallen, their pride and joy in the chocolate arena is Maestrani. Located in Flawil, 20 minutes outside of St. Gallen, the Chocolarium puts many chocolate factories to shame. The production of chocolate from raw material to packaging is fascinating to watch.

Adding to that experience, the entire interiors of the factory are whimsical and sometimes crazy. It’s not exactly Willy Wonka come to life, but this tour is fun for kids and adults. The tours last for an hour with ticket prices ranging from CHF 8-17. You can sample the many products you’ll see during the tour, and even be able to make your own bar of chocolate.

10) Chill at the Stadtlounge

Stadt Lounge St Gallen

For a relaxing day in the middle of the city, take to one of the sun lounges at Stadtlounge. It’s located in the commercial district of Bleicheli where fabrics used to be left out in the sun to bleach. This was the heart of St. Gallen’s textile manufacturing, so surrounding stores also displayed a wide array of textile products. Stadtlounge was created in 2000 as an art installation.

Now, it’s one of the town’s favorite hangouts, popular among university students. The ground is covered with small red rubber balls that give the look of lounging on a carpet. At night, the orbs around the square are illuminated giving a different look and feel to Stadtlounge.

11) Take a nature walk at the Botanical Garden

Botanical Gardens in St Gallen

The peaceful St. Gallen Botanical Garden is located close to the Naturmuseum. It houses over 8,000 plants from all over the world and all are methodically labeled. In the garden are two greenhouses that simulate different climate zones for different plants. The greenhouses are filled with orchids, palm trees, and cacti. There are also several ponds filled with water lilies outdoors that bloom beautifully in the summer.

12) Schützengarten Bier

Photo by Poiseon Bild & Text on Foter.com / CC BY

Schützengarten was established in 1779 making it the oldest beer brewery in Switzerland. It currently stands on Sankt Jakob-Strasse and blends very well in Old Town. The brewery remains largely independent and is very popular across Eastern Switzerland. Schützengarten has won several brands for its brews, including many beer varieties from IPA to wheat beers.

The brewery holds daily tours around its facility conducted in German. There’s also a museum that exhibits over 3,000 bottles from 140 different Swiss breweries.

13) Drei Weieren

Drei Weieren in St Gallen

At the heart of St. Gallen city is a great place to have fun under the sun. Drei Weieren is a popular spot for locals and tourists who wish to swim in cool waters during the summer. Meaning “Three Ponds” in German, Drei Weieren was built in the 17th century for the practical needs of the monastery and as a bathhouse.

The best time to visit Drei Weieren is obviously in the summer when it becomes a great place for quality time with friends and family. While you’re splashing around the ponds, you can also bask in great views of the city and learn more about the interesting origins of the ponds. In the winter, the ponds freeze over and become a fantastic place for ice skating.

14) See chimpanzees at the Walter Zoo

Photo by Tambako the Jaguar on Foter.com / CC BY-ND

The Walter Zoo is Switzerland’s largest privately run zoo. It currently houses 500 animals and 100 different species, but the star of the show is the chimpanzee enclosure. The habitat houses a colony of 17 chimpanzees. Another popular attraction is the Serengeti enclosure which features lions.

Walter Zoo is internationally certified and manages several breeding programs in partnership with other zoos. Within the zoo are many playgrounds for children to exhaust their energy. The petting zoo also allows kids and kids-at-heart to interact with adorable animals as well as enjoy pony and camel rides.

15) Have a blast at Säntispark

A mere 15 minutes outside of the city of St. Gallen is Säntispark . Once here, visitors enjoy every sport imaginable, from badminton to mini-golf, squash, tennis, bowling, and swimming. The leisure park is easily accessible via public bus and is open all year round.

There are many ways to keep kids and adults busy, including water slides and warm pools even in the winter. There’s also a wellness area for spa treatments and massages as well as a gym for those who want to work out.

For those wanting to be more adventurous, they continue on a hike to the top of Säntis mountain. At 2,502 meters, the peak of the mountain rewards hikers with gorgeous views of Switzerland’s picturesque natural landscape.

16) Head up to Säntis

Photo by Der Ohlsen on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND

The Säntis is a local landmark at St. Gallen that has always been a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. In 1935, the Säntis cableway from Schwägalp was opened in 1935, and this ride alone is already worth the experience. The cable ride ends at a viewing platform where visitors can identify the surrounding peaks.

This is also the site of a weather station, which was put up in 1882. From the platform, mountaineers can take the Lisegrat. This route is secured by steel cables and leads to the Rotstein pass. Another path leads to the Schäfler Mountain restaurant and continues to the Ebenalp or to the Tierwis Mountain restaurant.

17) St. Laurenzen Kirche

Photo by Ronile35 on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA

The St. Laurenzen Kirche is a beautiful church featuring neo-Gothic architecture. It was built in the 15th century and underwent reconstruction in the 19th century. The interiors of the church are worth a visit, but the tours of the tower make the experience a bit more memorable. Tours are held every 10 am and 3 pm where a guide speaks about the history of the church.

St Lawrence Church View from the tower

The tour ends at the top of the tower where visitors can enjoy a complete view of the Old Town, the Abbey Precinct, and the whole of St. Gallen. On clear days, you can even see the borders of the canton in the distance.

18) Sample great cheese at the Appenzeller show-dairy

Photo by Cycling Jim on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA

As with any place in Switzerland, cheese plays an important role in Swiss cuisine. St. Gallen is no different, and the city has its own place for delicious Swiss cheese. The Appenzeller show-dairy is a bus ride away from St. Gallen towards Stein.

Cheesemakers use traditional customs paired with innovative technology that results in amazing cheese and cheese specialties. A trip to the show dairy is a sensorial experience for cheese lovers made more special by the beautiful landscapes of Appenzellerland.

In the show dairy, visitors can make their own mixture of herbs and try to guess the closely guarded recipe of Appenzeller cheese. Visitors can pay a visit to the impressive cheese cellar and look into cheese vats as the show dairy creates their product.

19) Enjoy the City

Photo by prinzipal on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA

There are many excursions to take from St. Gallen, but simply enjoying the city is a worthwhile experience. Drop by the tourist office and take your pick from the many walking and hiking trails that won’t even require you to go out of city limits. The tourist office also conducts different public and travel tours in different languages.

Public walking tours are held every Saturday during the off-season (except December), while daily tours are done in July and August. There are also several themed tours available, or self-directed tours with a pocket PC and a 90-minute audio-visual city tour.

20) Take in the beauty of Lake Constance

Photo on Foter.com

The canton of St. Gallen boasts of an impressive backdrop of Alpine mountains and wonderful views of Lake Constance. Lake Constance is where the Obersee, Untersee, and Seerhein gather at the northern foot of the Alps. It’s bordered by Switzerland, Austria, and Germany and is arguably one of the most impressive bodies of water in Europe.

The lake is 24 kilometers away from St. Gallen and makes for a great day trip or cycling circuit for those who want to be one with nature. There are many tours that leave from St. Gallen, but you can simply ride a bus or a train to Rorschach and make your way to the lake.

About the Author Roger Timbrook

Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!

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How to Spend 1 Day in St. Gallen, Switzerland

• June 6, 2023 November 28, 2023

Last Updated on November 28, 2023 by Darla Uhl

* Disclosure: By clicking on our affiliate links, you may support TouringSwitzerland.com while incurring no additional costs. We appreciate your support!

One day in St. Gallen , Switzerland’s eighth-largest city, will definitely be worth your time. Besides its charming old town, St. Gallen is famous for the St. Gallen Abbey Quarter – a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Founded by the Irish monk Gallus, St. Gallen lies among the rolling green hills of northeastern Switzerland, between Lake Constance and the mountainous region of Appenzell . I highly recommend that you spend one day in St. Gallen.

Here are four of the top tours to do in one day in St. Gallen , Switzerland to make the most of it:

• TextilWeg St. Gallen (free, St. Gallen Bodensee Tourism)
• Food Trail St. Gallen (paid, FoodTrail.ch)
• FoxTrail St. Gallen (paid, FoxTrail.ch)
• Spielweg St. Gallen (free, Spielweg.ch)

St. Gallen is a charming Swiss city that offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. Visitors can easily spend one to two days exploring the city’s museums and landmarks. However, if you only have one day to spare, you might want to focus on the best things to see and do in St. Gallen.

Here you will find information about St. Gallen, its history, as well as things to see and do in the region.

Whether you’re looking for a 1-day itinerary or a list of things to do in St. Gallen, this article is for you. Here are a few ideas for how you can spend one day in St. Gallen , Switzerland .

St. Gallen One Day Itinerary: What can you do?

1.  start your day with a cozy breakfast.

In case your hotel doesn’t offer a breakfast option, you can walk around St. Gallen to find a café . There are a number of cafes and restaurants that serve hot coffee with delicious pastries. Some options are the following:

• Confiserie Roggwiller (Multergasse 17, 9000 St. Gallen) – This coffee shop and confectionery is one of the most beautiful traditional coffee shops in Switzerland.
• g’nuss (Lämmlisbrunnenstrasse 4, 9000 St. Gallen) – The name g’nuss comes from the Swiss-German word meaning enjoyment, and this place epitomizes that. G’nuss is known for its delicious baked goods and friendly staff.
• Barista – Specialty Coffee & Bar (Blumenbergpl. 1, 9000 St. Gallen) – With delicious roasted coffee and homemade cakes, this cozy place is highly recommended.
• Bäckerei, Cafe und Restaurant Gschwend (Goliathgasse 7, 9000 St. Gallen) – This bakery is one of the best in St. Gallen and offers a wide selection of products. Also, it opens earlier than most other places.

After breakfast, you can walk around the Old Town before heading over to the Abbey.

2. Walk Around St. Gallen’s Old Town

St. Gallen’s Old Town is a charming and picturesque neighborhood that is perfect to start your day of exploration. With a maze of narrow streets and alleys lined with pretty buildings, ornate facades, and historic landmarks, St. Gallen’s Old Town is nice to visit. I like it most during Advent when they start hanging little stars around the Old Town and set up the Christmas Market.

Highlights of the Old Town

Exploring the Old Town of St. Gallen is a delightful way to spend your morning in St. Gallen. With its charming shops and cafes, it’s no wonder that this neighborhood is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. These are the highlights of the Old Town:

• Gallusplatz – Surrounded by beautiful buildings is this place where you can see the city’s patron Saint Gallus
• Haus Oceanic (St. Leonhardstrasse 20) – Artistic Belle époque building from 1904
• Multergasse – Pedestrian road for shopping. Haus zur Waage is a beautiful building that shows people from five continents
• Haus zum tiefen Keller (Hinterlauben 10) – Residence of the reformer, mayor, and doctor Joachim von Watt who is also known as Vadian. There is also a monument to remember him to be found in Vadianplatz.
• Haus zum goldenen Apfel (Hinterlauben 8) – A beautiful baroque building
• Haus zur Kugel (Kugelgasse 8) – Beautiful oriel windows featuring angels and fruits
• Haus zum Schwan (Kugelgasse 10) – Beautiful oriel windows featuring a swan and angels
• St. Laurenzen Church (Marktgasse 25, 9000 St. Gallen) – This reformed church is the second-most important church in the city. They offer guided tours twice a day at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. If you climb the 187 steps up the church, you will get a nice view of St. Gallen’s Old Town.

For those interested in shopping , you won’t be disappointed here. You can find plenty of shops in Marktgasse , Multergasse , and Spisergasse that sell everything from clothing to jewelry, cosmetics, and souvenirs. There is also a weekly market selling fresh produce in the market center.

The most famous brand from St. Gallen is the international fashion house Akris . You can find their shop on Felsenstrasse 40.

St. Gallen Specialties

The Old Town is not only home to a number of boutiques worth discovering, but also charming cafes and restaurants with local specialties . They are particularly proud of their specialties in St. Gallen. You might want to try out the following St. Gallen specialties:

• Olma Sausages – white veal sausages with crispy skin
• St. Gallen monastery cake – cake made with brown almond dough and jam spread
• St. Gallen Biber – a brown honey biscuit with almond mass baked with a motif

After finishing your stroll, I suggest that you head over to the Abbey of St. Gallen .

3.   Visit St. Gallen Abbey and Library

The ultimate highlight of St. Gallen is the Abbey of St. Gallen , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Abbey of Saint Gall was built on the site where the Irish monk Gallus lived. Following Gallus’ death,  Charles Martel , the founder of the Carolingian dynasty, entrusted a different monk,  Saint Othmar , with taking care of his relics. Saint Othmar then established the monastery.

The  Abbey of Saint Gall  was founded in 719 by Saint Othmar. This Abbey with its medieval library was one of the most important Carolingian monasteries in Europe.

The  Abbey of Saint Gall  soon became known for its arts, letters, and science. During the 9th century, the church and library were expanded. The Cathedral of St. Gallen also withstood the Reformation and the French Revolution. It would be one of the biggest cultural centers in Europe before it went into a slow decline in the late medieval ages.

Together with the Convent of St. John at Müstair and the Old Town of Bern, the Abbey of St. Gall was added to the  UNESCO World Heritage  list back in  1983 .

Visitors are welcome to enter the cathedral daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM for free. While inside, you can enjoy the Baroque architecture, with its ornate stucco work, mint green and white colors, gold leaf decorations, and intricate frescoes.

The  Abbey Library  ( Stiftsbibliothek  in German) and its archives are among the oldest, richest, and most beautiful in the world. It was founded by  Saint Othmar  and built between 1758 and 1767. The library houses an incredible collection of illuminated manuscripts from the early and late Middle Ages. 

Over the years, the Abbey Library has become a center for academic and religious studies thanks to its almost  160,000 volumes . For most visitors, the main attraction of the library won’t be the books themselves, but the main hall, with its beautiful, ornate Rococo style.

If you would like to learn more about the Abbey of St. Gall, you can check out Abbey of Saint Gall: UNESCO World Heritage Site in St. Gallen, Switzerland .

4.   Discover the Textile History of St. Gallen

St. Gallen flourished not only because of its monastery but also because of its textile heritage. The quality of St. Gallen lace and embroidery was known throughout the world. During its heyday, eastern Switzerland’s textile industry contributed up to a sixth of all Swiss exports 1 . They had embroidery machines and a skilled workforce available in the city. Textile manufacturing had a huge impact on the region.

St. Gallen’s textile history can be seen in buildings in Davidstrasse , old houses in Spisergasse , and opulent villas in Rosenberg .

Textile Museum of St. Gallen

If you are interested in textiles and the history of this trade in the context of St. Gallen, you can visit the Textile Museum in the heart of the city. You can walk to the Textile Museum from the Abbey Quarter.

The Textile Museum has various exhibits that detail the history of the textile industry, from traditional Swiss lace to contemporary fabrics. There are also interesting temporary exhibits such as textiles worn by powerful women, textiles in shades of white, AKRIS collections, textile raw materials, and more.

The images presented here come from the temporary exhibit Robes politiques – Women Power Fashion exhibit that ran from March 2021 to February 2022.

The museum also offers guided tours and workshops in German. Another highlight of the museum is the functional hand embroidery machine from 1890 that is put into operation on Thursdays and Fridays from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM by Mrs. Weber.

Textile Trail St. Gallen

In case you are done with the Textile Museum but still want to learn more about textiles, you can do the Textile Trail in downtown St. Gallen. It is a 5-kilometer trail that will bring you around the most important textile buildings in downtown St. Gallen.

You can visit the website https://textilweg.ch/ for more information about the Textile Trail in St. Gallen .

Here are some labels that you can find in St. Gallen:

• Akris (Felsenstrasse 40 9000 St. Gallen) – a well-known, international fashion label with modern geometric and graphic design
• aéthéréé (Bahnhofstrasse 15, 9000 St. Gallen) – a boutique located in the heart of St. Gallen that offers exclusive advice and tailored service
• Bischoff Textil AG (Bogenstrasse 9, 9001 St. Gallen) – High-quality, exclusive embroideries that are sold worldwide for the fashion market
• Christian Fischbacher (Mövenstrasse 18, 9015 St. Gallen) – Excellent bed linens made of classic satin and fine silk, exclusive bath rugs and towels made of Giza cotton or designed with elaborate embroidery

5. Explore St. Gallen’s Indoor and Outdoor Gems

St. Gallen offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities that visitors can enjoy. Whether it’s hiking, biking, or discovering more museums, there is something for everyone.

In case you have finished discovering the Abbey Quarter, Old Town, and Textile Museum, here are other interesting places in St. Gallen that you might want to enjoy:

• OLMA Messen (Splügenstrasse 12, 9008 St. Gallen) – The biggest public fair in Switzerland is a colorful folk festival with more than 800,000 visitors. Usually held in October, the fair takes place every year. The pig race in their arena is legendary.
• Natural History Museum (Rorschacher Str. 263, 9016 St. Gallen) – Explore the wonders of nature through a diverse collection of exhibits and specimens at the Natural History Museum in St. Gallen. There is also a large 3D relief of Eastern Switzerland on display.
• Drei Weieren (Bitzistrasse 65, 9011 St. Gallen) – Enjoy the tranquility of three picturesque ponds nestled in the St. Georgen District above the city center, offering scenic beauty and recreational activities for visitors. From here, you can view the city and on a clear day even all the way up to Lake Constance. It is considered one of the most beautiful natural bathing areas in Switzerland.
• Wildpark Peter und Paul (Kirchlistrasse 92, 9010 St. Gallen) – Encounter local wildlife up close and personal at Wildpark Peter und Paul, a stunning nature reserve featuring various species of animals such as deer, marmots, and alpine ibex. It has short, but beautiful walking trails and is accessible for free daily.
• Lokremise Cultural Center (Grünbergstrasse 7, 9000 St. Gallen) – Immerse yourself in art, theater, music, and more at the Lokremise Cultural Center. This vibrant hub for creative expression and cultural events also has a French restaurant called Brasserie Lok .
• Open Art Museum (Davidstrasse 44, 9000 St. Gallen) – Previously known as Museum im Lagerhaus , the Open Art Museum has contemporary art exhibitions. It is housed in a historic warehouse building.
• Botanic Garden (Stephanshornstrasse 4, 9016 St. Gallen) – Discover 8,000 plants from Europe, Asia, America, and the Alpine region in its greenhouses and gardens.

Hotels in St. Gallen

Should you need some assistance choosing a hotel in St. Gallen , here are some suggestions:

• Einstein St. Gallen (4-star) – This luxury hotel enjoys a peaceful location at the edge of the pedestrian zone, but is still close to the center of St. Gallen. There is an excellent restaurant on site that serves creative cuisine. The hotel offers a gym, indoor pool, massages, and body treatments.
• Hotel Walhalla (4-star) – Centrally located opposite St. Gallen Train Station, this lovely hotel features modern rooms, a 24-hour reception, private on-site parking, and an excellent breakfast buffet. A convenient location, combined with a very reasonable price, makes it a great choice.
• Sorell Hotel City Weissenstein – Boutique Hotel (4-star) – Close to the old town and main railway station, this hotel has individually decorated rooms, an artistic lounge, and is within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
• Hotel Säntispark (4-star) – Despite not being exactly in St. Gallen, this hotel is only a 10-minute drive away by car. An attractive feature of the hotel is its extensive public swimming pool and spa area with a children’s adventure world, a wave pool, an indoor area and an outdoor area, a hot tub, and a variety of saunas and steam baths. Sports such as badminton, squash, tennis, bowling, and table tennis can also be played for an additional fee. The bus leaves every 10 minutes and takes about 20 minutes to reach St. Gallen.

How to Get to St. Gallen, Switzerland

St. Gallen is a beautiful city located in the eastern part of Switzerland. The city is well-connected to major cities in Switzerland and other European countries, making it easy to reach by different modes of transportation. The nearest airport is Zurich Airport.

St. Gallen is well-connected to major cities in Switzerland by train. Visitors can take a train from Switzerland’s major cities. The train station in St. Gallen is located in the city center, making it easy for visitors to reach their destination.

Here are some of the estimated travel times from other Swiss cities to St. Gallen :

Summary: 1 Day in St. Gallen , Switzerland

Before ending your day in St. Gallen , you have several choices for a sumptuous dinner. Restaurants like Hotel Einstein, Genuss Manufaktur Neubad, Restaurant Alte Post, Restaurant am Gallusplatz, Gaststuben zum Schlössli, and Restaurant Corso are just some of the highly-rated choices for you.

My favorite places in this region are the St. Gallen Cathedral (one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cathedrals) and t he Textile Museum (because I love fashion). 

As you can see, you will not run out of options on what to do in St. Gallen in one day. In fact, you can stretch the St. Gallen One Day Itinerary offered here easily to another 1 or 2 more days or discover the nearby places in Eastern Switzerland such as Appenzell.

If you’ve already enjoyed your 1 day in St. Gallen and are interested in discovering more ideas for your next adventure in Eastern Switzerland or beyond , we invite you to browse through our related articles below:

• Best Places to Go to in St. Gallen
• 10 Best Day Trips from St. Gallen
• 10 Beautiful Towns Near St. Gallen
• Wonderful Towns To Visit on Lake Constance
• 12 Best Things To Do in Appenzell Region, Switzerland
• Is Appenzell Worth Visiting?
• Kronberg: 5 Best Things To Do (With Epic Hiking Trails)
• The Beautiful Village of Lichtensteig, Switzerland

What I would personally recommend after exploring St. Gallen is also visiting Appenzell . I highly recommend spending at least a day, if not a week in Eastern Switzerland. We live near St. Gallen and have been here, as well as many places in Eastern Switzerland several times, and yet we still haven’t seen everything. Enjoy your stay!

• Kritzmöller, Monika. Auf textiler Entdeckungstour. 612 #LOVESTGALLEN, St. Gallen-Bodensee Tourismus. June 2019.

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• Zurich to St. Gallen Train: All You Need to Know
• Abbey of Saint Gall: UNESCO World Heritage Site in St. Gallen, Switzerland
• Textilmuseum St. Gallen And The World Of Textiles
• Olma St. Gallen Review: From Cattle Shows to Swiss Folk Music

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Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.

Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.

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