St Gallen offers everything that Switzerland is famous for: a wide selection of historical attractions, natural beauty, European cuisine, well-groomed streets. Tourists are attracted by the magnificent Old Town with elegantly painted bay windows, many historical wooden houses. This part of the country will allow you to get to know Switzerland better.
History of St. Gallen
The history of St. Gallen dates back to 612 AD, when the Irish missionary monk Gallus founded a chapel that became a monastery and a city grew up around it.
In the Middle Ages, St. Gallen became a center of culture, art, education, which brought it prosperity. Having survived raids and attacks by various factions, as well as numerous fires, the famous abbey grew, underwent radical changes over the centuries. St. Gallen became famous throughout Europe for the textile industry, which delights to this day.
The University of St. Gallen is world-renowned for its quality of teaching and rich history. The city is extremely diverse, culturally attractive: the St. Gallen Theater, several museums, and historical buildings offer tourists hundreds of opportunities to immerse themselves in the authentic Swiss atmosphere.
Climate
The climate of St. Gallen is moderately warm, with a large amount of rainfall even in the driest month. The best time to visit is from June to August: pleasant temperatures and little rain. The highest average temperature is 23°C (July) and the lowest is -3°C (January); the weather and climate are suitable for winter sports.
What to visit in St. Gallen?
St. Gallen offers tourists a huge amount of entertainment, the sights here are numerous, diverse, many events are held. Tourists have to solve the pieces of the historical puzzle that forms St. Gallen.
- St. Gallen Abbey has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. It is one of the most important Swiss Baroque monuments with stunning paintings and ornaments. The abbey library will provide an opportunity to get acquainted with the oldest library collection in Switzerland - 2100 manuscripts dating from the VIII-XV centuries.
- There are many museums in the city. The development of the local textile industry can be explored at the Textile Museum. The Beer Bottle Museum at the Schützengarten Brewery (the oldest in Switzerland!) tells the story of the largest local producer of premium beer. The Art Museum and art gallery of St. Gallen are suitable for art lovers.
- St. Gallen is known for its architecture, which won the prestigious Wakka Prize in 1992 for its efforts to create a unified structure and appearance in current and future construction. 28 objects are included in the list of Swiss heritage sites of national importance, all of them are available for tourists. Drei Weieren (Three Ponds) form a water park open in summer and winter; it is a favorite place for young people to spend time and swim.
- The OpenAir Festival has been held since 1977 – an annual musical festival is organized every summer near the city. The event has already attracted more than 110,000 people, attracted such stars as Kings of Leon, Macklemore, Alt-J, Lorde.
- Sports fans will love the football club "St. Gallen", which plays in the Swiss Super League. Their home stadium is AFG Arena, or Kybunpark. The club's team is the oldest in continental Europe, existing since 1879.
- In winter, St. Gallen turns into a winter wonderland. With a huge Christmas tree, magnificent decorations on the picturesque streets, a bright Christmas market, it creates a festive mood.
Day trips from St. Gallen
St. Gallen is just one of hundreds of beautiful places in eastern Switzerland, which is ideal for adventure, day trips. Appenzellerland and neighboring towns provide an opportunity to look at European life in all its glory.
- Appenzellerland is distinguished by magnificent architecture of the XIII-XIV centuries. It is easy to get to with a tram or bus pass. Visit the 2501-metre-high Säntis: it is the highest mountain in the Alpstein district. You can get to the mountain by tram (from Schwägalp). The Berggasthaus Äscher-Wildkirchli is a stunning hotel located in Appenzell Innerrhoden. Enjoy traditional dishes, rösti or fondue, admiring the breathtaking views.
- Seealpsee – a day trip to Lake Seealpsee is also worth your time. You can visit the lake in summer and winter; in summer - to enjoy the warmth, and in winter - snow-capped mountains. On the lake there are several hotels where you can have a snack, drink soft drinks in the summer or hot chocolate in the winter.
- From St. Gallen it is easy to reach the canton of Glarus. It is a village in the mountains, not far from the town is the beautiful lake Klentahlersee. If you want to experience one of the oldest forms of direct democracy in the world, visit Landsgemeinde in April-May: here voters decide the fate of the issues that local members of parliament bring to the table. The first officially registered Landsgemeinde was held in 1294. The same procedure is performed in Appenzell.
- If you want to climb further, the Lake Constance area is full of adventure. On the Swiss side of the lake there are many attractive towns with walking routes. In summer you can swim, and in winter - visit Christmas markets, taste the local mulled wine. If you decide to cross the border by ferry or train, the cities of Konstanz (Germany) and Bregenz (Austria) regularly attract thousands of Swiss tourists thanks to the low prices. During the trip to the Vorarlberg region (Austria), visitors will be able to go skiing. Schruns is the perfect gateway for a short trip.
Transport in St. Gallen
Getting to St. Gallen is very easy, the easiest way is to fly to Zurich Airport.
- Thanks to the developed railway connection, most of the main routes of Swiss trains pass through St. Gallen. The city is an hour's drive from Zurich Central Station, the train passes through Zurich Airport. A one-way ticket from Zurich costs around 100 CHF. It is more profitable to buy a railway pass with an unlimited number of trips throughout Switzerland, which also operates within the city. The Voralpen Express train runs from Lucerne to St. Gallen and offers breathtaking views. International trains depart from the city to Munich or Kiel in northern Germany (with stops along the way).
- Several bus routes arrive/depart to/from St. Gallen.
Getting around St. Gallen
The transport system of St. Gallen corresponds to the general Swiss system – it is efficient, fast, punctual.
Buses are the main means of transportation around the city and its surroundings. There is a ticket system, you can buy a common pass at the station or in the bus itself. Buses run regularly from Bahnhof Station in the city centre and offer free Wi-Fi.
There are also trams in St. Gallen and its surroundings, the route runs from the city center to the town of Appenzell. Tickets are sold at train stations, the Swiss pass is valid on trams.
A walk is the easiest way to get to your destination, it is the best transport in the Old Town, where it is easier and more pleasant to walk along the cobbled streets.
Taxis are waiting for tourists at the main station.
Best dishes in St. Gallen
The food of St. Gallen has served as a source of inspiration for many travelers. The cuisine of Switzerland is diverse, but there are classic dishes and desserts that are a must try.
- Bratwurst veal is an iconic Swiss sausage with a beautiful texture, elegant soft taste. Fried or grilled, it is always popular, especially when served with mustard.
- Cheese fondue remains a favorite among Swiss tourists - everyone likes to dip pieces of bread, sausage, meat or mushrooms in melted cheese.
- Bieber is a traditional gingerbread with honey, nuts.
- Cinnamon cake.
Communication in Switzerland
There are three main operators in the country: Swisscom, Salt Mobile and Sunrise Mobile,and the number of MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) that operate on the basis of three main networks is growing. If you need home Internet and TV, then pay attention to the operators who offer discounts for package connection.
Popular Swiss mobile operators:
- Swisscom
- Sunrise
- Salt
- Aldi Mobile
- M-Budget Mobile.
