St. Gallen is a city located in the southern part of Lake Constance in north-eastern Switzerland. The city is home to Abbey of St. Gall, a monastery that features various architectural designs, including baroque. St. Gallen is an olden city, and there is so much history that the city has, in the 612 an Irish missionary named Gallus started a hermitage and this is where the town currently sits. Throughout history, the city has developed significantly into one of the historic towns in Switzerland. In the middle ages, St. Gallen was an essential hub for education and culture in Europe.
However, in later years St. Gallen has developed to encompass various aspects into its history, making it the number one tourist destination in eastern Switzerland. Some of the features that have made the city to stand out include embroideries, arts, gallery, among others. The city has gained international recognition, and it continues to grow.
So let’s dive and learn about awesome things to do in St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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How to Get to St. Gallen
If you’re planning to arrive in Switzerland by plane, then chances are you’re going to land in Zurich. Zurich international airport is well-connected and offers flights from around the globe including the rest of Europe, Asia, the USA, and the Middle East. There are direct trains from the airport to St. Gallen and they run twice an hour. The best way to catch a train from Zurich is by booking your train ticket beforehand on the Swiss Railways official site.
On the other hand, if you choose to get to Switzerland using a train, then you are sure that you can arrive on time since the city is hooked up to the significant European train system. St. Gallen is 500 meters from the train station, and you can never miss a train traveling to a major European city.
However, you must check the schedule of the train to make the experience amazing. Besides, you can also get to St. Gallen by bus there is a central hub for buses from European destinations to St. Gallen and the surrounding environs.
What to Do in St. Gallen
Now when you know how to easily get to beautiful St. Gallen, it’s time to discuss all the beautiful things to do in St. Gallen. I must say there are too many activities (the majority are free of cost), so it’s a tough task to make a balanced itinerary if you’re short on time. Anyways, you can explore St. Gallen and check all the activities below in two days. So, let’s start.
p.s. If you’d like to know how my day trip to St. Gallen looked like, feel free to read my experience.
#1- Abbey of St. Gall
Abbey of St. Gall is a favorite destination to many people visiting St. Gallen, and it earned its UNESCO status in 1983 because of its vital role in religious history. The story of this historic site began in the 8th century during the Carolingian period. In the past, the Abbey was considered an entire complex, a city-state, or a separate municipality.
The Abbey is super amazing because it has some exceptional features of construction, including ornate interiors and mind-blowing baroque architecture. The intricate sculptures, frescoed ceiling, and the turquoise color scheme sets this building from all grand cathedrals across the globe.
Learn more about this stunning place here.
#2- Explore Abbey Library
Abbey library is one of a kind because it has earned its own UNESCO world heritage status. The library has a rich history, and in the year 937, the library was consumed by fire; however, most work and literature books survived the menace.
In this historic structure, some of the oldest swiss manuscripts and literature date back to the 8th century. Many of the documents are considered exceptionally valuable. These include the rule of St. Benedict. It was considered one of the most exceptional features in the lives of medieval monks.
The historical significance of the structure cannot be underestimated because it also has a magnificent Rococo style in architecture. Inside the library are some of the medieval works that date back to the 8th century. There is also a library model that shows some of the ancient work and these are essential in the growth of the city.
Learn more about this stunning place here.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Stiftsbibliothek St.Gallen, Klosterhof 6D, 9004 St Gallen
#3- Stroll Around the St. Gallen’s Old Town
St. Gallen’s old town is one of the unique towns in Europe. The old town is a car-free zone, and it has some of the exceptional features of a town. It is a perfect way to spend your outdoor time without straining.
Medieval architecture has been preserved over time, and this makes it a unique destination. There are numerous cafes and pubs along the streets of the old town, and you are sure that you will enjoy your stroll around the town.
The oriel windows and unique structures make the town one of the individual cities in Switzerland. During the Christmas period, the streets are decorated with Christmas decorations, and over 800 stars are shining in the road. It is fantastic to have a good time strolling in the streets of the old town.
#4- St. Gallen Textile Museum
The textile museum in St. Gallen is more than just a collection of galleries and artists. It symbolizes the town’s prosperity and the changes that it has undergone over time to where it is currently. The museum houses historical embroideries laced together with contemporary textile art. There are over thirty thousand items, and some include fabrics from the Egyptian gravesites and handmade crafts that are quite exquisite to see.
Some of the amazing ethnographic textiles, art, and historical embroideries that date back to the 14th century. The museum is widely known worldwide because of the development of needlework in Switzerland and across the globe.
Opening hours for the museum: Monday – Sunday; 10 AM – 5 PM
Opening hours for the library: Wednesday – Friday (10 AM – 5 PM), Saturday (10 AM – 12 PM)
Location: Vadianstrasse 2, CH-9000 St.Gallen
For more information, feel free to check their official site.
#5- Explore Peter and Paul Wildlife Park
The Peter and Paul wildlife park is open to visitors of all ages. It is a location that gives you a chance to view the alpine wildlife, and it is found in the northern hill’s outskirts of the city.
The park is a perfect location where you can enjoy the exquisite views of Lake Constance. You will get to explore the beautiful hiking paths and see animals that are in the location.
If you are traveling with your young ones, this is a perfect location because the park is highly educational and you will find lots of details and information about the animals and their behavior. In the park, you will see lynx, ibex, deer, wild cat, and wild boar.
#6- Visit Kunstmuseum St. Gallen
The Kunstmuseum St. Gallen is a top-notch museum in Switzerland because of its unique features and its collections. It is home to some of the historical masterpieces from the middle age to the 20th century.
It is imperative to note that the exhibits are done on a rotational basis because they do not have adequate space to display everything at the same time.
Every visit to the museum is always fresh, and you will see exhibitions from the renaissance and work from the 20th and 19th centuries. The museum is located in a beautiful park, and it is a perfect destination that you can enjoy a quiet afternoon.
Don’t forget to check at their admission fees and schedule at their official site.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday (10 AM – 5 PM), Wednesday (10 AM – 8 PM)
Location: Museumstrasse 32, CH-9000 St.Gallen
#7- Lokremise St. Gallen
Just right beside the Kunstmuseum, there is Lokremise St. Gallen, and this is a multidisciplinary cultural center that is equipped with a cinema, dance area, theater, and a restaurant. You are sure that you will have an excellent time in this location because of all the unique features that it presents.
Besides, you can get a combined ticket for Lokremise and Kunstmuseum to complete a fantastic journey that St. Gallen has to offer.
There are multiple shows that you can catch every day, and be sure to check out the schedule before your visit.
Don’t forget to check their official site to learn about the awesome events and cultural experiences.
#8- Explore the Maestrani Chocolarium
Switzerland is an accessible location for some of the best chocolates in the world. Your trip to the country cannot just end without exploring some of the finest chocolates the country offers. St. Gallen prides itself as a location for the best chocolate, and you can get some chocolate at Chocolarium.
They have some of the best chocolates in the world and adding to this experience, the entire interior of the factory is made whimsical with unique features that date back several centuries as well as modernized versions.
In conclusion, you should explore St. Gallen because of its unique features, and you are not limited to the places listed above. You can be more adventurous and explore other local sections.
Don’t forget to check their official site for awesome events and more.
What are your favorite things to do in St. Gallen? Please share your tips and experiences below.
