Tucked away in the North of Switzerland, just before reaching Lake Constance, is a little gem of a town called St Gallen. Steeped in history, and only an hour away from Zurich, this cultured town is perfect for a relaxing day excursion, easily reached from nearby Austria and Germany as well! To help you get the most out of your visit to St Gallen, we’ve put together a list of 5 unmissable things to do here, for a memorable time in this picturesque city.
- Take in the world-renowned historical sites
Walking through St Gallen’s half-timbered buildings and winding cobbled streets you instantly get the feeling that it’s a town steeped in history. In fact, St Gallen Abbey, located at the heart of the town, is a Unesco World Heritage listed site, due to its immense historical significance. Venture to the Abbey’s square to take in the stunning architecture, and make sure to visit the High Baroque library, one of the richest and oldest libraries in the world. Worth a visit is also the Textile Museum to discover the intrinsic part textiles played in the city’s past.
- Go for an invigorating panoramic walk
Situated in a valley, while also being one of Switzerland’s highest cities, St Gallen boasts some spectacular views. The town’s unique location between Lake Constance and the mountains of Appenzell makes the scenery all that more impressive. A great way of taking it all in is joining a local for a scenic walk, who can show you all the secret paths to get to the best viewpoints. An unmissable one is the scenic path leading up to the three lakes- on a clear day, you can see lake Constance and even Germany on the other side!
Home to one of the best Business Schools in Europe, St Gallen has made a name for itself as an academic hotspot many young entrepreneurs are drawn to. Experience a different side of the city by joining professor Simon, the Academic Director of the MBA programmes at the University of St. Gallen and a specialist International Trade and Economic Development for an eye-opening discussion. Learn how young business can prosper in this turbulent economic environment and see for yourself where St Gallen gets its outstanding academic and entrepreneurial reputation from.
If you’re a first-time visitor in Switzerland, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much green there’s to be seen. Make the most of it by enjoying a delicious picnic in Stadtpark, the city’s beautiful green park, that is also home to a magnificent botanic garden. For a fully authentic experience, you can book a picnic experience with a local, who will bring along a traditional Swiss homemade meal, and tell you all about the region’s distinct cuisine.
- Check out Switzerland’s first open-air public lounge
Innovation is a key word when it comes to St Gallen, as the city is in the constant process of re-inventing itself and attracting more youths to its culture-rich centre. An outstanding example of such innovation is the Red Square- an open air city-lounge designed by artist Pipilotti Rist and architect Carlos Martinez. Furnished with sofa, couches and tables, the square at the heart of St Gallen’s cultural district invites passersby to take a break, sit down, and enjoy their vibrant surroundings. A definite must if you’re visiting St Gallen.
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