Things To Do
in Sankt Gallen
Sankt Gallen is a charming Swiss city known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is famous for its stunning Baroque cathedral and beautifully preserved medieval old town. Sankt Gallen is also home to the renowned St. Gallen Abbey Library, a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing a vast collection of ancient manuscripts.
The city's picturesque setting in the foothills of the Alps makes it a popular destination for visitors seeking a mix of history, nature, and Swiss hospitality.
- "Grüetzi" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please
- "Adieu" - Goodbye
- "Wie geht's?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $20 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $3 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $60 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $50 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through Sankt Gallen's charming Old Town, where you can admire the colorful baroque buildings. Don't miss the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Abbey of Saint Gall, and its stunning library.
Enjoy lunch at a local café before wandering through the beautiful city gardens. Take time to visit the St. Gallen Cathedral and appreciate its impressive architecture.
Dine at a restaurant in the Old Town, savoring local Swiss cuisine. Consider finishing the evening with a relaxing walk along the River Sitter.
Begin with an energizing breakfast, then head to one of the nearby trails like the Wildpark Peter and Paul. The fresh air and beautiful scenery will set the pace for an adventurous day.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at a scenic viewpoint after your hike. You can also explore the local wildlife at the nearby animal park.
Return to the city and treat yourself to dinner in a cozy mountain restaurant. Reflect on your day's adventure over a glass of regional wine.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful scenery and picturesque landscapes
- Rich cultural heritage with historical architecture
- High quality of life and safety
- Excellent public transport and accessibility
- Strong educational institutions and research facilities
- High cost of living and accommodation
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Cold winters with heavy snowfall
- Language barrier for non-German speakers
- Job market can be competitive with a focus on specific industries
Best Activities in Sankt Gallen
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the breathtaking mountain scenery and picturesque trails in the Appenzell Alps near Sankt Gallen. With routes catering to all skill levels, this area is perfect for hikers seeking outdoor adventure.
Enjoy a scenic cycling tour along the shores of Lake Constance, which offers stunning views of the water and the surrounding countryside. There are well-maintained cycling paths suitable for riders of all abilities.
Experience the thrill of paragliding while taking in panoramic views of the Rhine Valley. This exhilarating activity provides an unforgettable perspective of the picturesque landscapes below.
Places to Visit in Sankt Gallen
Visit one of these nice places.
The Abbey Library offers stunning architectural and historical views, making it a perfect spot for great photos.
This beautiful natural area features three interconnected ponds, providing picturesque settings for photography.
This historic church and its surroundings offer lovely views for photography enthusiasts.
Food in Sankt Gallen
Sankt Gallen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A grilled sausage made from pork and veal, typically seasoned with a blend of spices. You can savor this local favorite at the Olma Bratwurst Stand in Marktplatz.
Must-Try!
A air-dried beef specialty from the canton of Graubünden, often served thinly sliced as an appetizer or in sandwiches. It can be found at traditional Swiss restaurants such as Restaurant Einstein.
Thin strips of veal served in a creamy mushroom sauce, usually accompanied by Rösti (Swiss-style grated and fried potatoes). Try this dish at Restaurant Pfändli for an authentic taste.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in the heart of the city, this market offers a wide array of fresh local produce, cheeses, and artisanal foods. Don't miss the chance to sample homemade pastries and breads.
An annual event featuring a diverse selection of international street food vendors. From gourmet burgers to exotic vegan dishes, there's something to satisfy every palate.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Sankt Gallen, it is customary to greet people with a firm handshake and maintain direct eye contact. In more formal situations, a verbal greeting along with a handshake is expected.
Punctuality is highly valued in Swiss culture, so it is important to arrive on time for social and business appointments in Sankt Gallen. Being punctual is seen as a sign of respect for others' time.
Swiss people, including those in Sankt Gallen, generally value their personal space and privacy. It is important to respect this by maintaining an appropriate physical distance when interacting with others, especially during initial interactions.
Safety
Tipping in Sankt Gallen
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Sankt Gallen, Switzerland is not mandatory, but it is generally appreciated for good service. In most restaurants and cafes, a service charge is included in the bill, so additional tipping is not required. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip as a gesture of appreciation is common.
In Sankt Gallen, Switzerland, cash is widely accepted, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used for payments. Contactless payment methods are increasingly popular, and most establishments including shops, restaurants, and hotels accept card payments. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case of any establishments that do not accept cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Sankt Gallen as the weather begins to warm up, flowers start to bloom, and the city comes alive with outdoor events and lively cafes.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Sankt Gallen, with warm temperatures perfect for exploring the city's historic sites, enjoying outdoor activities, and attending festivals and events.
Autumn in Sankt Gallen brings beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures, making it a great time for scenic walks, enjoying local harvest festivals, and savoring the seasonal local cuisine.
Winter in Sankt Gallen is a magical time, with the city adorned in festive decorations, Christmas markets, and opportunities for winter sports in the nearby mountains.
Sankt Gallen at Night
Hiking in Sankt Gallen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located near the town of Wangs, Pizol offers a variety of hiking trails with stunning views of Lake Pizol and the surrounding mountains. The 5-lake hike is particularly popular.
This picturesque region is known for its rolling hills, traditional Swiss farms, and beautiful views. There are many hiking trails, suitable for all skill levels.
The Säntis mountain is the highest peak in the Alpstein range. Hikers can enjoy breathtaking panoramas and well-maintained trails that cater to both experienced and novice hikers.
Accessible from alternate routes, the Görbisser Hut provides a cozy stop for hikers in the region, along with scenic trails leading up to the surrounding peaks.
A popular destination for hikers in the Appenzeller region, Kronberg offers hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty and stunning views of the Bodensee and the Alps.
Aiports
How to reach Sankt Gallen by plane.
The largest international airport in Switzerland, located approximately 80 km northwest of Sankt Gallen. It serves as a major hub for numerous international and domestic flights.
An international airport located approximately 100 km to the northwest, serving the tri-national area of Switzerland, France, and Germany.
Located about 200 km to the east of Sankt Gallen, Munich Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe, offering numerous international connections.
Situated around 250 km to the north of Sankt Gallen, this airport serves both international and domestic flights and is a major hub for southern Germany.
Located approximately 75 km to the north of Sankt Gallen, this smaller airport offers regional flights and is close to the shores of Lake Constance.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group in Sankt Gallen, comprising most of the local population.
One of the significant immigrant groups, particularly those who have settled in Sankt Gallen for work and familial ties.
This group consists of expatriates and workers from Germany, contributing to the multicultural fabric of the area.
A notable community due to migration patterns, especially during the Balkan conflicts.
A longstanding community that has been established for several decades in Sankt Gallen.
This demographic group has been present due to historical labor migration to Switzerland.
Includes individuals from various EU countries, attracted by work opportunities.
Includes immigrants from countries outside of the European Union, contributing to the diversity of the population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Sankt Gallen, with several local clubs and a strong following among fans.
Ice hockey enjoys significant popularity in Sankt Gallen, home to several youth and adult leagues, and the EHC St. Gallen team.
Athletics is widely practiced in Sankt Gallen, with various clubs offering track and field events for all ages.
Cycling, both road and mountain biking, is popular in Sankt Gallen due to the scenic routes and trails available in the region.
Handball has a strong presence in Sankt Gallen, with local clubs participating in regional and national competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sankt Gallen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Swiss cuisine leans heavily towards meat and dairy, many restaurants in Sankt Gallen offer vegetarian and vegan selections. Look for establishments like Little Istanbul, Lokal St. Gallen, and Spiga Ristorante, which cater to plant-based diets.
Visitors with gluten intolerances can also find accommodating options at various eateries. Restaurant Einstein and Lokal St. Gallen are known for their gluten-free menu items, ensuring that all diners can enjoy the local culinary delights.