Discovering the Charm of St. Gallen: Top Places to Visit in Switzerland

Discovering the Charm of St. Gallen: Top Places to Visit in Switzerland

St. Gallen, located in the northeastern part of Switzerland, is a picturesque city that offers visitors stunning scenic views, historical monuments, and various cultural events. With its unique beauty and rich history, St. Gallen has become a well-known travel destination that draws tourists from all over the world. No matter your interests—history, fine art, or outdoor recreation—St. Gallen has something to offer for everyone. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the must-visit places in St. Gallen that you simply cannot afford to miss. So pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to explore this enchanting city. Here are places to visit in St. Gallen, Switzerland

1. St. Gallen’s Abbey Library and Museums

Anyone interested in history, literature, or culture must visit the St. Gallen’s Abbey Library and Museums. The Abbey Library holds over 170,000 manuscripts, incunables, and early prints, many of which are handwritten and over a thousand years old. Visitors can marvel at the beautiful Rococo hall, considered one of Switzerland’s most beautiful, and see precious works such as the Rule of St Benedict and Manuscript B of the epic poem Nibelungenlied. The adjacent Lapidarium showcases Carolingian art and stonework, with carved capitals and imposts from the Early Medieval era. The Abbey also boasts several museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Historical and Ethnographical Museum, which provide fascinating insights into St. Gallen’s history and culture. 

2. History of St. Gallen’s Abbey and its Importance

The Abbey of St. Gallen played a significant role in European cultural history. Saint Othmar founded the abbey in the eighth century, and between the ninth and thirteenth centuries it developed into a separate principality. With a comprehensive library and scriptorium, the abbey was one of the most significant Benedictine abbeys in all of Europe. It served as a center of art and knowledge, and the successive restructurings of the monastic space attest to its ongoing religious and cultural function. Its architecture represents almost all the major periods from High Middle Ages to historicism and is a typical and outstanding ensemble of a large Benedictine convent. The manuscripts of the St. Gall school and documents concerning the history of the origins of Alemannic Switzerland are of exceptional importance. Due to all these reasons, St. Gallen’s Abbey is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

3. St. Gallen’s Baroque Cathedral and UNESCO World Heritage Site

St. Gallen’s Baroque Cathedral is a magnificent landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Switzerland. Its stunning architecture comprises of a classic Baroque design with two towers flanking the ancient abbatial church, which currently serves as the cathedral. The cathedral is a prime example of the Baroque style of monumental church construction that was popular in the West during the 18th century. The cathedral is also part of the vast monastic enclave that includes St. Gallen’s Abbey Library. Along with its unique architectural beauty, the library features an impressive collection of hand-written documents that date back over a thousand years, making it a significant attraction for visitors interested in architecture and history alike.  

4. St. Gallen’s Benedictine Rule and Middle Ages Importance

St. Gallen’s rich history is intertwined with its Benedictine Rule and importance during the Middle Ages. The town’s monastery began following the Benedictine Rule in 747, which emphasized the contemplative study of books and required the presence of a library. St. Gallen quickly became an important center of culture and education in Europe during the Middle Ages. The town’s famous Baroque cathedral and Abbey Library, which houses over 170,000 documents including some that are over a thousand years old, were built during this time. Today, the Abbey precinct has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site, cementing the town’s lasting cultural significance. 

5. St. Gallen’s Embroideries and Cultural Significance

One of St. Gallen’s most significant cultural contributions is its renowned embroideries. These exquisite pieces of art have gained international recognition and brought prosperity to the town during the Middle Ages. The St. Gallen embroideries are distinguished by their intricate designs and precise execution, making them sought-after for high-end fashion and interior décor. Visitors can explore the history of this unique art form at the Textile Museum, which houses an extensive collection of St. Gallen embroideries from different time periods. St. Gallen’s embroidery industry was an essential component of the town’s economy for centuries, and today, it continues to be an integral part of the town’s cultural identity. Embroideries are not just a product of history but also a significant part of St. Gallen’s contemporary culture.  

6. St. Gallen’s University and Economic Sciences

St. Gallen is a vibrant university town that is known for its exceptional focus on economic sciences. The town is home to top-tier universities and institutions that offer quality teaching and research facilities in the field of economics. Students from around the globe come to St. Gallen to pursue their higher education and have access to world-class resources. The town provides an intellectual and culturally stimulating environment where ideas and knowledge are exchanged regularly. St. Gallen’s strong academic community attracts notable conferences, events, and workshops, which provide opportunities for networking and collaboration. In addition to academic excellence, St. Gallen is thriving economically, making it a great place to cultivate a career path for those interested in economic sciences. 

7. St. Gallen’s Dreilinden-Weiher Open-Air Pool

Located in St. Gallen, Switzerland, the Dreilinden-Weiher Open-Air Pool is a must-visit destination for those who want to escape the heat and enjoy a swim. This romantic art-nouveau pool offers a spectacular view of the town, making it a popular spot for visitors. The pool is perfect for swimming laps or just lounging by the water. With its excellent location and stunning scenery, visitors can spend an entire afternoon here. The pool is open during the summer, making it the perfect destination for a hot day. Whether you are traveling alone, with family, or friends, Dreilinden-Weiher Open-Air Pool is a great way to take a break from exploring the town and enjoy a refreshing swim. 

8. St. Gallen’s Location and Excursions to Appenzellerland and Lake Constance

St. Gallen’s location in the four-country corner makes it an ideal starting point for excursions into some of Switzerland’s most beautiful regions. The Appenzellerland, with its rolling hills and charming villages, is just a short distance away, as is Lake Constance, Europe’s third-largest lake. One can quickly reach the lake along the Lake Constance Cycle Path, which is popular among cyclists and inline skaters. Visitors can explore the nearby villages, enjoy a swim in the romantic art-nouveau Dreilinden-Weiher open-air pool, or take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The combination of rail and bike allows for captivating tours that cross national borders. With an excellent location and plenty of activities, St. Gallen is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Switzerland. 

9. St. Gallen’s Hiking and Walking Trails, including Bridge Trail and Route of St. James

St. Gallen is a hidden gem for hiking and walking enthusiasts. The Bridge Trail and Route of St. James are two of the best hiking and walking trails in the area. The Bridge Trail spans over 8.2 km and offers 18 bridges of varied designs and ages that are perfect for photo opportunities. It is marked as No 960 on signs and posts, making it easy to follow. The Route of St. James, on the other hand, is a more robust trail that spans over 1,600 km, starting from Switzerland and ending in Spain. It is a pilgrimage trail that many people across the world travel to complete. Both trails offer breathtaking views of the countryside and the opportunity to experience nature at its best. 

10. St. Gallen’s Voralpen-Express Train and Scenic Route Through Alps

St. Gallen’s Voralpen-Express Train offers a scenic route through the stunning Swiss Alps that train enthusiasts and nature lovers would enjoy. Visitors have plenty of time to take in the beauty of the Alpine landscapes because the train runs every hour. Even without panoramic windows or step-by-step guides, taking the train is a must for anyone who wants to experience the Swiss landscape. Visitors can get off at small villages along the way to appreciate the traditional Swiss handicraft, green mountains, cows grazing, and even snow-capped mountains. At the last stop, St. Gallen, visitors can explore the lovely town of Appenzell before heading back. While it may have some drawbacks, the route between Lucerne and St. Gallen is undoubtedly worth the trip.