Saint Gallen Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Saint Gallen, Switzerland. Plan your perfect trip with our detailed travel guide.


Introduction to Saint Gallen

Saint Gallen is a charming city located in Eastern Switzerland, in the canton of St. Gallen. The city is known for its well-preserved old town, baroque architecture, and stunning natural landscapes. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions, Saint Gallen is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a unique and authentic Swiss experience.

List of Places to Visit in Saint Gallen

Saint Gallen has no shortage of must-see attractions. Here are some of the top places to visit in the city:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Abbey Library of Saint Gall: This world-renowned library is home to over 170,000 books, manuscripts, and documents, including some of the oldest surviving copies of the Bible.
  • St. Gallen Cathedral: A stunning example of baroque architecture, this cathedral boasts a beautifully painted ceiling and impressive pipe organ.
  • Textile Museum: Saint Gallen has long been known for its textile industry, and this museum showcases the city’s history and innovation in textile production.
  • Red Square (Roter Platz): This historic square is home to several notable buildings, including the Rathaus (town hall) and the Domplatz (cathedral square).

Natural Attractions of Saint Gallen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Santis: The highest peak in the Alpstein range, this mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular destination for hiking and skiing.
  • Lake Constance: Located just a short distance from Saint Gallen, Lake Constance (Bodensee in German) is a stunningly beautiful lake that is shared by Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.
  • St. Gallen Municipal Park: This beautiful park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, with walking paths, a pond, and lovely flower gardens.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Saint Gallen

Saint Gallen is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Alpstein: Hoher Kasten to Brülisau: A challenging hike that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Alpstein range and the Rhine Valley.
  • Bregenzer Ache Bike Tour: This bike tour takes riders along the beautiful Bregenz Ache river, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Appenzell - Gais - St. Gallen: This scenic hike takes you through picturesque Swiss villages and lush green meadows.

Best Things to Do in Saint Gallen: Activities and Tours

From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, Saint Gallen offers something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do in the city:

  • Take a city walking tour: A guided walking tour is an excellent way to explore Saint Gallen’s charming old town and learn about the city’s rich history.
  • Visit the Abbey Library of Saint Gall: One of the top attractions in the city, the library is a must-visit for history buffs and book lovers.
  • Go on a scenic train ride: The Appenzeller Bahnen train offers stunning views of the countryside, with routes that take you through charming Swiss villages and lush green valleys.

Week-Long Itinerary for Saint Gallen

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long stay in Saint Gallen:

Day Activity
1 Explore the city’s historic old town, including the Abbey Library and Cathedral
2 Go on a scenic train ride on the Appenzeller Bahnen
3 Take a hike in the Alpstein range
4 Visit the Textile Museum and learn about Saint Gallen’s rich history in textile production
5 Spend a day at Lake Constance, exploring the charming lakeside villages
6 Take a bike tour along the Bregenzer Ache river
7 Relax in the St. Gallen Municipal Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery

Food and Drink Scene of Saint Gallen

Saint Gallen is home to some delicious local dishes and beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bürli: A traditional Swiss bread that is often served with cheese or butter.
  • Bratwurst: A type of sausage that is a staple in Swiss cuisine.
  • Älplermagronen: A hearty dish of pasta, potatoes, and cheese that is popular in the mountains.

Local Beverages

  • Brewery LägereBräu: A local brewery that produces a variety of beers, including traditional Swiss beers and craft brews.
  • Appenzeller Alpenbitter: A popular herbal liqueur that is made from a secret blend of herbs, flowers, and roots.

Where to Stay in Saint Gallen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Saint Gallen has a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style. Here are some top picks:

  • Sorell Hotel City Weissenstein: A centrally located hotel that offers modern amenities and comfortable rooms.
  • Youth Hostel St. Gallen: An affordable backpacker-friendly hostel that offers dorms and private rooms.
  • Hotel Eastside: A budget-friendly hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms in a quiet location.

What to Buy in Saint Gallen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for unique souvenirs or gifts to bring home, Saint Gallen has plenty of options. Here are some top picks:

  • Embroidered textiles: Saint Gallen has a long history of textile production, and the city is known for its high-quality embroidered textiles.
  • Swiss chocolate: What trip to Switzerland is complete without trying some delicious Swiss chocolate? There are plenty of chocolate shops throughout Saint Gallen.
  • Appenzeller Alpenbitter: The local herbal liqueur is a unique and tasty souvenir to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Saint Gallen

Switzerland is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and Saint Gallen is no exception. Here are a few customs and traditions to keep in mind when visiting the city:

  • Swiss punctuality: The Swiss are known for their punctuality, so be sure to arrive on time for any appointments or events.
  • Respect for nature: Switzerland is a country that values and respects nature, so be sure to take care of the environment when hiking or exploring the outdoors.
  • Public behavior: Swiss society places a high value on politeness and courtesy, so make sure to say please and thank you, and be mindful of noise levels in public areas.

Best Time to Visit Saint Gallen

The best time to visit Saint Gallen depends on what you’re looking for. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Summer: The summer months (June-August) offer warm weather, plenty of outdoor activities, and festivals.
  • Winter: The winter months (December-February) offer skiing and other winter sports, as well as the opportunity to enjoy cozy apres-ski activities.
  • Spring/Fall: The shoulder seasons (April-May, September-November) offer milder weather and fewer crowds, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Saint Gallen

Here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Saint Gallen:

Do:

  • Do try the local cuisine
  • Do respect nature and the environment
  • Do be punctual

Don’t:

  • Don’t be loud or disruptive in public places
  • Don’t litter or damage the environment
  • Don’t dress too casually for formal events

Safety and Health

Switzerland is a safe and healthy country to visit, with excellent healthcare and low crime rates. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Safety in Saint Gallen

Saint Gallen is a safe city with low crime rates, but it’s still a good idea to take basic safety precautions, such as:

  • Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas
  • Avoid walking alone at night in unlit areas
  • Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts

Health in Saint Gallen

Switzerland has excellent healthcare, but it’s still a good idea to have travel insurance. Here are a few other health tips:

  • Drink bottled water
  • Use sunscreen and protect your skin from the sun
  • Be aware of the altitude if you plan to hike in the mountains

Getting to Saint Gallen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Saint Gallen is easy, thanks to its proximity to several major transportation hubs. Here are some options:

Airports Near Saint Gallen

  • Zurich Airport: The largest airport in Switzerland, Zurich Airport is located about an hour and a half away from Saint Gallen by train.
  • Altenrhein Airport: A smaller airport located about 20 minutes from Saint Gallen by car or taxi.

Bus and Train Stations Near Saint Gallen

  • St. Gallen Hauptbahnhof: The main train station in Saint Gallen, with connections to major Swiss cities and neighboring countries.
  • Flixbus Station St. Gallen: A bus station with connections to several major European cities.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Renting a car is a great option if you plan to explore the surrounding countryside and smaller villages.
  • Bike rental: Renting a bike is an affordable and eco-friendly way to explore the city and surrounding areas.

How to Get Around in Saint Gallen

Saint Gallen is a compact city that is easy to navigate on foot, but there are also plenty of transportation options for getting around. Here are a few options:

  • Public transportation: Saint Gallen has an efficient public transportation system, with buses and trains that run frequently throughout the city and surrounding areas.
  • Bike rental: Renting a bike is an affordable and eco-friendly way to explore the city and surrounding areas.
  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Saint Gallen, but they can be quite expensive.

Where to Go Next from Saint Gallen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Saint Gallen is located in a beautiful region of Switzerland, with plenty of nearby destinations and excursions to explore. Here are a few ideas:

  • Appenzell: A charming Swiss village located just a short distance from Saint Gallen, with beautiful scenery and traditional Swiss architecture.
  • Rheinfall: Located about an hour and a half away from Saint Gallen, Rheinfall is one of the largest waterfalls in Europe and a popular day trip destination.
  • Lucerne: Located about two hours away from Saint Gallen, Lucerne is a beautiful Swiss city that is known for its stunning architecture and picturesque location on Lake Lucerne.

Conclusion

Saint Gallen is a beautiful and unique Swiss city that offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich history and culture, immersing yourself in nature, or simply relaxing and taking in the scenery, Saint Gallen is an excellent destination that is sure to leave you with lasting memories.

St. Gallen at night St. Gallen at night