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There are great many things to do in Italy, and so are in Saint Gallen.
Nestled in the heart of Switzerland lies a hidden gem, a city whose charm and allure rival that of its more renowned counterparts.
Welcome to Saint Gallen, where the streets are lined with colorfully painted buildings, the air is alive with the sounds of music and laughter, and the opportunities for adventure and exploration are as boundless as the Alpine horizon.
Join us as we uncover the countless treasures of this enchanting city, where every corner is a new discovery and every experience is unforgettable.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Saint Gallen:
1. Abbey Library of Saint Gall
The Abbey Library of Saint Gall is a famous historic library in Saint Gallen, Switzerland. It contains a vast collection of ancient manuscripts, incunabula, and early printed books.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the grand Baroque-style hall of the library, which contains over 170,000 books and manuscripts, some of which date back to the 8th century.
The library also houses a stunning collection of antique globes, maps, and artworks.
Don’t miss: One of the most impressive features of the library is the Rococo-style ceiling fresco, which depicts the divine wisdom of God and was painted by Austrian artist Josef Wannenmacher.
The library also contains a secret passage that was used by monks to move between the library and the abbey church.
Insider travel tips: – The library can get busy, so it’s best to book your tickets in advance.
2. Old Town (Altstadt)
The Old Town (Altstadt) is a charming district located in the heart of Saint Gallen, Switzerland. It is known for its well-preserved historical architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
What to see or do: Stroll along the cobblestone streets and admire the colorful medieval buildings that line the streets. There are also numerous shops and boutiques selling handmade crafts, souvenirs, and local products.
Visitors can also explore several museums, including the St. Gallen Art Museum and the Historical and Ethnographical Museum.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the impressive Abbey of St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The abbey is known for its stunning baroque architecture, ornate frescoes, and extensive library.
Insider travel tips: -Visit during the summer months to enjoy the vibrant outdoor cafes and street performers.
3. Abbey of Saint Gall
A UNESCO World Heritage site and a medieval abbey that holds immense religious and historic importance.
What to see or do: Admire the intricate Baroque architecture, explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, marvel at the priceless manuscripts in the library, and visit the Baroque-style cathedral that houses an astounding collection of artworks.
Don’t miss: The Abbey Library, which is home to over 170,000 books, including many rare and priceless manuscripts. The Rococo-style hall and ceiling frescos are breathtaking and a must-see.
Insider travel tips: Buy tickets in advance to avoid long queues. Take a guided tour to truly appreciate the history and architecture of the abbey.
Visit during the Saint Gallen Fest, a popular local festival that takes place in June and July, when the entire town comes alive with music, food, and festivities.
4. Three Ponds (Drei Weieren)
A picturesque lake triad located in the eastern part of Saint Gallen, Switzerland.
What to see or do: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine and clear waters of the three ponds.
Take a leisurely stroll along the walking trail that surrounds the lakes, or simply bask in the peaceful and tranquil setting while enjoying a picnic with family and friends.
Don’t miss: Don’t forget to visit the historic Abbey of Saint Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located just a few kilometers away from the Three Ponds.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds, and bring along your favorite snack and drink to fully enjoy the serene atmosphere.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try some local Swiss delicacies at the nearby restaurants and cafes. Additionally, bring comfortable shoes for the walking trail surrounding the lakes.
5. Wildpark Peter & Paul
A wildlife park located in Saint Gallen, Switzerland.
What to see or do: Visitors can see a wide variety of animals including bears, wolves, lynxes, foxes, wild boars, deer, ibexes, and more.
There are also numerous walking trails that wind through the park, offering beautiful views and opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography.
Don’t miss: The bear exhibit is one of the highlights of the park, as visitors can watch these magnificent creatures up close and learn about their behavior and habitat.
The park also features a children’s playground, picnic areas, and a small restaurant serving regional specialties.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, as the park is located on a hillside and the weather can be unpredictable.
If you’re visiting with children, consider bringing along a pair of binoculars or a camera to capture all the amazing wildlife.
Also, be sure to check the park’s website for information on special events and seasonal activities.
6. Kunstmuseum St Gallen
The Kunstmuseum St. Gallen is a renowned art museum located in the city of St.
Gallen in Switzerland.
What to see or do: The museum boasts an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, and Max Ernst.
The museum also features temporary exhibitions of both Swiss and international artists.
Don’t miss: A highlight of the museum is the exquisite collection of works by Swiss artist Johannes Itten. The museum also houses a café with an outdoor terrace overlooking the city.
Insider travel tips: The museum is closed on Mondays, but open late on Thursdays. Visitors can take advantage of the museum’s free audio guides in multiple languages.
7. Textile Museum St Gallen
The Textile Museum in St. Gallen is a museum dedicated to the history and art of textiles.
What to see or do: The museum features a wide range of fabric collections, including ancient textiles, embroidery, and contemporary fabrics.
Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the history and production of textiles or explore the different exhibitions and displays.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the embroidered textiles collection, which includes over 700 pieces from the 13th to the 20th century.
Additionally, be sure to check out the beautiful tapestries and lace collections, which are also housed in the museum.
Insider travel tips: – The museum offers workshops and courses on textile design and production, for those interested in learning more about the craft.
8. Red Square (Roter Platz)
Red Square, also known as Roter Platz, is a public square located in the heart of Saint Gallen, Switzerland.
What to see or do: – Admire the unique architecture of the buildings surrounding the square.
Don’t miss: – The elaborate frescoes adorning the facades of some of the buildings.
Insider travel tips: – Visit Red Square early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful stroll through the area.
9. Olma Messen St Gallen
Olma Messen St Gallen is the largest trade fair and events center in eastern Switzerland.
What to see or do: The center hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from trade fairs and exhibitions to concerts and sporting events.
Don’t miss: The Olma Fair, an annual event showcasing Swiss agriculture, food, and cultural traditions.
The fair attracts visitors from all over Switzerland and features livestock displays, food and drink stalls, and a variety of entertainment options.
Insider travel tips: Check the Olma Messen St Gallen website for event listings and ticket information. The center is conveniently located near the St.
Gallen train station and is easily accessible by public transportation.
Plan ahead and book your accommodations early if you are attending a popular event, as hotels in the area can fill up quickly.
10. Museum im Lagerhaus
Museum im Lagerhaus is a contemporary cultural center housed in a former textile warehouse in Saint Gallen, Switzerland.
What to see or do: Explore fascinating exhibitions of contemporary art, photography, design, and architecture. Discover the works of local and international artists across various mediums.
Attend concerts, films, lectures, and workshops in the museum’s modern event space.
Don’t miss: The rooftop terrace offers stunning views of Saint Gallen’s old town, the Abbey of St. Gall, and the Alps.
Also, keep an eye on the museum’s website for upcoming events and exhibitions.
Insider travel tips: The museum is located next to the train station and is easily accessible by public transport. Admission is free on Saturdays, which is a great opportunity to visit without breaking the bank.
Remember to bring a jacket or dress warmly on cooler days if you plan to enjoy the rooftop terrace.
11. St Laurenzen Church
St Laurenzen Church is a historic church located in the center of Saint Gallen, Switzerland.
What to see or do: The church features stunning gothic and baroque architecture with intricate details both inside and outside. The interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes, statues, and stained glass windows.
Don’t miss: The impressive pipe organ is a must-see for music lovers. It is considered to be one of the largest baroque organs in Switzerland and Europe.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to check the church’s schedule for concerts and events, which are often held here due to its exceptional acoustics.
The courtyard outside the church is a lovely spot for a picnic or to relax with a book.
12. Abbey precinct
The Abbey precinct in Saint Gallen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the most important monastic libraries in the world.
What to see or do: Explore the impressive baroque cathedral with its ornate interior and frescoed ceiling. Visit the Abbey Library, which houses over 170,000 books, manuscripts and documents, dating back to the 8th century.
Marvel at the meticulous craftsmanship and intricate designs of the Rococo-style stucco work in the Library’s dome room.
Don’t miss: Take a stroll through the beautiful Abbey Gardens, where you can enjoy a peaceful and serene atmosphere, surrounded by ancient trees and blooming flowers.
Be sure to visit the Pharmacy Museum, which is located within the Abbey precinct and showcases the history of medicinal plants and its role within the monastery.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to spend a few hours here to fully appreciate the beauty and historical significance of the site.
13. Rosenweiher
Rosenweiher is a small, tranquil lake located in the Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland.
It is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular spot for swimming and hiking.
What to see or do: Swim in the clear waters of Rosenweiher and soak up the sun on the gorgeous sandy beach. Go for a refreshing hike on the surrounding trails and enjoy the stunning views of the lake and the mountains.
Additionally, spend the day fishing in the lake, where you may find trout, perch, pike, and many other fish species.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to rent a paddleboard and explore the lake from a different perspective.
Birdwatchers will also want to keep an eye out for the wide variety of bird species that are found around Rosenweiher.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent as there can be quite a few mosquitoes during the summer months.
Additionally, be aware that the parking lot at Rosenweiher can fill up quickly, so it may be best to arrive early or use public transportation.
14. Walter Zoo
Walter Zoo is a family-friendly zoo in Saint Gallen, Switzerland that is home to over 200 species of animals.
What to see or do: Visit the African Savannah exhibit to see giraffes, zebras, and ostriches up close. The Monkey House is also a must-see, featuring a variety of primates hopping around.
The zoo also has a large bird aviary, a nocturnal animal exhibit, and a petting zoo where you can interact with goats, donkeys, and other friendly animals.
Don’t miss: Make sure to see the sea lion show, where highly trained sea lions show off their acrobatic skills. The zoo also has a playground and a carousel for kids to enjoy.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to visit early in the day to avoid the crowds.
15. Sitter Viaduct Trail
Sitter Viaduct Trail is a picturesque hiking trail in Saint Gallen, Switzerland.
What to see or do: The trail runs across the impressive Sitter Viaduct, which offers stunning views of the valley and the surrounding Swiss Alps. The hike itself is easy and family-friendly, stretching just over 6 miles.
Don’t miss: Make sure to stop and take in the breathtaking views of the Sitter Viaduct, a striking stone bridge that spans across the Sitter River.
You don’t want to miss snapping a photo of this incredible feat of engineering.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning views of the valley and the Swiss Alps from the Sitter Viaduct.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring snacks and water for the hike. We recommend visiting during the fall for the best views and hiking conditions.