St. Gallen - Where History Meets Textiles in the Embrace of the Alps

General Information

St. Gallen is the capital of the canton of the same name in Eastern Switzerland and the undisputed metropolis of the region. The city is located at an altitude of 675 meters, making it one of the highest cities in Switzerland with over 50,000 inhabitants. It is an important economic, educational, and cultural center whose influence extends far beyond the country's borders. The world-renowned University of St. Gallen (HSG) is one of the leading business universities in Europe and attracts students and faculty from all over the world, bringing a youthful and cosmopolitan energy to the city. Despite its economic importance and innovative potential, the city has managed to preserve its historical charm and cozy atmosphere, offering a high quality of life due to the perfect balance between urban environment and easy access to nature.

Location: Northeastern Switzerland, Canton of St. Gallen Altitude: 675 meters Population: ~80,000 Language: German (Swiss dialect) Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)

Why Visit St. Gallen?

UNESCO Heritage - Immerse yourself in history at the Abbey District, including one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.

Architectural Gems - Stroll through the Old Town and admire the 111 richly decorated oriel windows.

Textile History - Discover the secrets of the world-famous St. Gallen lace in the Textile Museum.

Urban Nature - Enjoy peace and greenery in the urban oasis "Drei Weieren" (The Three Ponds) above the city.

Ideal Starting Point - Use St. Gallen as a base to explore Appenzell, Lake Constance, and Mount Säntis.

Top 10 Attractions and Activities in St. Gallen

1. Abbey Library (Stiftsbibliothek)

Description: The heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site and the soul of St. Gallen. Founded in the 8th century, this is one of the oldest and most important monastic libraries in the world. The current hall, a masterpiece of Rococo architecture from the 18th century, will leave you breathless with its richly decorated woodwork, ceiling frescoes, and undulating balconies. It is home to 170,000 books, including 2,100 priceless medieval manuscripts, some of which are on display in rotating exhibitions. The most famous exhibit is the 2,700-year-old Egyptian mummy Shepenese. To protect the precious wooden floor, visitors must wear large felt slippers over their shoes.

Location: Klosterhof 6D Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00 Time for visit: 1-1.5 hours Tip: Photography is strictly forbidden inside. Take the time to simply absorb the atmosphere.

2. Abbey Cathedral (Stiftskirche)

Description: The twin-towered cathedral is the city's main landmark and a magnificent example of late Baroque architecture. Built in the mid-18th century on the site of the original monastery church, its interior is surprisingly bright and airy, decorated with intricate stucco work, pastel-colored frescoes, and a massive turquoise-green organ. The detailed carvings on the confessionals and the choir stalls are particularly impressive. The cathedral is still an active Catholic church and the seat of the Diocese of St. Gallen.

Location: Klosterhof 6A Opening hours: 09:00 - 18:30 Time for visit: 30-45 minutes Tip: Check the schedule for organ concerts to hear the magnificent instrument in action.

3. Old Town (Altstadt)

Description: The pedestrianized Old Town of St. Gallen is a living museum. Its charm lies in the hundreds of perfectly preserved burgher houses from the 16th to 18th centuries, but especially in its famous oriel windows. There are 111 of them, each one unique and richly decorated with carvings depicting mythological scenes, allegories, or symbols of the owner's trade. These were a status symbol for the wealthy textile merchants. The most beautiful streets for a walk are Spisergasse, Marktgasse, and Kugelgasse. The entire Old Town is a traffic-free zone, making it a pleasure to explore on foot.

Location: Between the Abbey District and the Market Square Time for visit: 1.5-2 hours Tip: Look up! The most beautiful details are on the upper floors.

4. Textile Museum (Textilmuseum)

Description: This museum is a must for anyone who wants to understand the soul and history of St. Gallen's prosperity. It traces the impressive history of the famous Swiss textile industry from the late Middle Ages to the present day, with a focus on the region. The collection includes over 56,000 exhibits – from Egyptian fabrics from the Coptic period, through handmade lace from the 19th century, to contemporary high-fashion creations from Swiss companies such as Akris, Forster Rohner, and Jakob Schlaepfer. You will see exquisite hand- and machine-made embroidery, fabrics, and historical clothing that showcase the incredible craftsmanship and innovation in the industry. The museum is housed in a beautiful building from 1886, called "Palazzo Rosso" (The Red Palace), and has a rich library with specialized literature and sample books.

Location: Vadianstrasse 2 Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00 Time for visit: 1.5-2 hours Tip: Don't miss the interactive displays that show the intricate process of embroidery.

5. The Red Square (Roter Platz)

Description: Officially named Bohl, this square is known as the "city's living room" (Stadtlounge). In 2005, artist Pipilotti Rist and architect Carlos Martinez transformed the gray urban space into a work of art. They covered the entire square, including benches, tables, chairs, loungers, and even a Porsche model, with red rubber granulate. The result is a surreal, soft, and bright red public space that invites relaxation, play, and socializing. It is a bold and successful example of modern art integrated into the urban environment and has become a favorite meeting place for locals and tourists. In the evening, the lighting, hidden in spherical lamps, gives the square a magical atmosphere.

Location: Bohl Time for visit: 20-30 minutes Tip: Take off your shoes and walk barefoot on the soft surface.

6. The Three Ponds (Drei Weieren)

Description: Just a few minutes by funicular (Mühleggbahn) from the center is this beautiful natural oasis, known as "The Three Ponds" (Drei Weieren). These artificial ponds were created in the 17th century as water reservoirs for the monastery, for fighting fires, and for the needs of the textile industry (for bleaching fabrics). Today, they are a favorite recreational spot for locals, offering incredible panoramic views of the entire city, Lake Constance, and even the German shore. In summer, the ponds become one of the most beautiful public swimming pools in Switzerland, with perfectly preserved Art Nouveau baths from the late 19th century. In winter, when they freeze over, they become a popular outdoor ice rink. The area is crisscrossed with numerous walking trails and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Location: Above the Old Town Time for visit: 1-2 hours Tip: Stay for sunset – the view is unforgettable.

7. Natural History Museum (Naturmuseum)

Description: Relocated to a new, modern, and ecological building in 2016, the Natural History Museum is an exciting place to explore the nature of Eastern Switzerland. It is extremely interactive and will appeal to both children and adults. The collections present everything – from the geology and minerals of the Alps to the diverse flora and fauna of the region. The biggest attraction is the huge, walk-through relief model of the cantons of St. Gallen and Appenzell, which gives a clear idea of the geography of the area. Other highlights include the impressive skeleton of a duck-billed dinosaur (Edmontosaurus), the largest bear on display in Switzerland, and detailed dioramas showing local animals in their natural habitat. The museum is located near the Botanical Garden, which allows for a combined visit.

Location: Rorschacher Strasse 263 Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (closed on Mondays) Time for visit: 1.5-2 hours Tip: The museum is free to enter.

8. Peter and Paul Wildlife Park (Wildpark Peter und Paul)

Description: Located on the sunny Rosenberg hill with a wonderful view of the city and Lake Constance, this park offers the opportunity to see alpine animals in spacious enclosures that resemble their natural habitat. Herds of ibexes, roe deer, red deer, wild boars, and curious marmots live here. The park plays an important role in species conservation, especially of the ibex, which was almost extinct in Switzerland. The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, and is completely free, making it an ideal place for a long walk, a picnic, and an educational experience for the whole family.

Location: Kirchlistrasse 92 Time for visit: 1-2 hours Tip: The best time to observe the animals is during feeding times (check the hours).

9. Schützengarten Brewery

Description: Schützengarten is the oldest still-operating brewery in Switzerland, founded in 1779, and is an important part of the city's identity. Visit their unique beer museum (Bierflaschenmuseum), which has an impressive collection of over 3,000 beer bottles from 140 countries, showcasing the history of brewing. You can then join a guided tour of the brewery to learn more about the traditional production process, which is still followed, and of course, finish with a tasting of different types of beer – from classic lager to special seasonal offerings – in the traditional beer hall "Zum Goldenen Krug".

Location: St. Jakob-Strasse 37 Time for visit: 1.5 hours Tip: Book a tour in advance.

10. Day Trip to Appenzell

Description: Just a 30-minute scenic train ride on the Appenzeller Bahnen from St. Gallen is the picturesque village of Appenzell, the capital of the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. This is a journey into the heart of traditional, pastoral Switzerland. Stroll down the main street (Hauptgasse) with its colorful, richly painted wooden houses without car traffic. Visit the demonstration cheese factory in Stein to discover (almost) the secret of the famous Appenzeller cheese, and try the local herbal liqueur Alpenbitter. The region is a paradise for hikers, with over 1,200 km of marked trails through the hilly landscape. Don't miss taking the cable car up to the iconic Aescher-Wildkirchli mountain restaurant, built into the cliffs.

Location: Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden Excursion time: Full day Tip: Combine with a trip up to the Ebenalp restaurant, built into the cliffs.

Practical Information

Best time to visit

Spring (April-June): Pleasant weather, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds. Summer (July-August): Warm and sunny, ideal for visiting the Three Ponds and excursions to Lake Constance. Autumn (September-October): Beautiful autumn colors, time for hiking in the Appenzell region. Winter (November-March): Cozy atmosphere in the Old Town, Christmas markets, and fewer crowds in the museums.

Transportation

Arrival: The most convenient way to get to St. Gallen is by plane to Zurich Airport (ZRH), which is about an hour away by car or train. Direct trains from the airport and from Zurich's main station are fast and regular. Of course, the most comfortable option is a private transfer from TripTransfer, which will meet you directly at the terminal.

Public transport: St. Gallen has an excellent and efficient network of buses (VBSG) and regional trains (S-Bahn) that cover the entire city and its surroundings. The Old Town is completely pedestrianized and most pleasant to explore on foot.

St.Gallen Bodensee Card: If you plan to visit more attractions and travel in the region (including to Lake Constance and Appenzell), this card is extremely good value. It offers free public transport in several zones and free or reduced admission to over 60 museums and attractions.

Train: The city is a major railway hub in Eastern Switzerland with direct connections to Zurich, Geneva, Bern, as well as to international destinations such as Munich (Germany) and Vienna (Austria).

Food and Drink

St.Galler Bratwurst (OLMA Bratwurst): This is the culinary emblem of the city and a protected geographical product. This fine white sausage made from veal and pork is so prized for its delicate taste that locals eat it without mustard so as not to spoil it. It is served simply with a piece of bread (Bürli) from street stalls or in restaurants. A must-try!

Biberli: A traditional honey pastry, similar to gingerbread, but with an almond marzipan filling. Each pastry is decorated with a stamped image, often related to the city or canton.

Appenzeller Cheese: A strong and aromatic hard cheese from the neighboring region, whose recipe for the herbal brine in which it is soaked is a closely guarded secret. It is available in several degrees of maturity.

Schüblig: Another popular local sausage, which is usually eaten boiled.

Erststockbeizli: Look for these unique and cozy restaurants located on the first floor of historic buildings in the Old Town. They are a legacy from the time when the ground floors were used for warehouses and shops.

Useful Tips

Wear comfortable shoes: The Old Town has cobblestones and hilly sections. Carry cash: While cards are widely accepted, it's always good to have some cash for small purchases at markets or street stalls. Learn a few German phrases: Although English is widely spoken in tourist areas, a few words in German like "Grüezi" (hello), "Danke" (thank you), and "Bitte" (please) will be appreciated.