St. Gallen
Sights, excursions around the eastern Swiss metropolis
The charming eastern Swiss city of St. Gallen lies at the foot of the majestic Alpstein massif. The city of St. Gall (Gallus) boasts a picturesque old town and historic Abbey District. The Abbey District, with its magnificent baroque cathedral and world-famous Abbey Library, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the city.
Highlights in St. Gallen
In addition to its rich cultural history, which lives on to this day, St. Gallen offers a wide range of leisure and adventure activities as a destination.
Monastery district with Abbey Library
The UNESCO World Heritage Abbey District is the centrepiece of St. Gallen. The magnificent Abbey Library, one of the oldest in Europe, impresses with its baroque ambience and a collection of valuable manuscripts.
Old town with oriel culture
A stroll through the old town takes you past picturesque facades and over 100 artistically designed oriels. These architectural gems make the city centre unique.
Three Weieren
The Drei Weieren above the city are a popular recreational area with magnificent views of St. Gallen and the surrounding area. Perfect for walks, picnics and bathing trips.
Tips for day trips
Drei Weieren: On a high plateau below the Freudenberg, there is a beautiful pond landscape. For city dwellers, the Drei Weieren are the ideal place for recreation. In summer, the landscape becomes a popular bathing spot and in winter - when the water is frozen - a skating rink. A relaxing walk with a beautiful panoramic view of the entire city is possible at any time of the year.
Peter and Paul wildlife park: The Peter and Paul wildlife park is located in the city of St. Gallen, on a hilltop near Rotmonten, on the eastern Rosenberg, 780 metres above sea level. It is embedded in a charming, diverse natural landscape and is an inviting place to relax and take a walk. Red deer, sika deer, fallow deer, chamois, ibex, marmots, wild boar, lynx and wildcats can be seen in their natural environment.
Old town of St. Gallen: The old town of St. Gallen enchants with its historical charm and winding alleys. The colourful oriels, which are among the city's landmarks, are particularly striking. These artistically designed porches mostly date from the 16th to 18th century and tell stories from times gone by. Gallusplatz combines history and life: here you will find historic buildings, cosy cafés and a vibrant atmosphere.
Events in St. Gallen
St. Gallen offers a wide variety of events throughout the year:
St. Gallen Festival: High-calibre opera and concert performances in front of the breathtaking backdrop of the monastery courtyard.
Olma: The largest public exhibition in Switzerland, with regional specialities and exciting experiences.
Christmas market in St. Gallen: during Advent, the old town is transformed into a winter wonderland with festive lights.
Weather in St. Gallen
St. Gallen offers a varied climate all year round. In summer, the surrounding mountains and lakes invite you to enjoy outdoor activities, while in winter the city is bathed in a fairytale ambience.