Things To Do
in Uzwil
Uzwil is a small industrial town in the canton of St. Gallen known for its mix of modern industry and pastoral Swiss countryside. The town is home to global manufacturing firms but retains a compact, walkable center with local shops, bakeries and weekly markets. Uzwil sits within easy rail distance of larger cities like Wil and St. Gallen, making it a quiet base for exploring northeastern Switzerland.
Surrounding gentle hills, riverside paths and nearby Appenzell foothills provide good options for short hikes and scenic drives.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, where you can savor fresh Swiss pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through Uzwil's historic center, admiring the charming architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Stop by the local market to experience the community's culture and perhaps pick up some local delicacies.
In the afternoon, visit the Uzwil Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the local history and art. After exploring the exhibits, enjoy a peaceful walk in the nearby park, letting the serene environment rejuvenate you. Consider having lunch at a traditional Swiss restaurant, sampling local favorites such as fondue or raclette.
As the sun sets, head to a cozy pub for dinner, where you can enjoy hearty Swiss cuisine and perhaps a glass of local wine. Engage in conversations with locals and fellow travelers, soaking in the cultural exchange. End your day with a leisurely walk along the river, taking in the night views of Uzwil.
Begin your morning by enjoying breakfast at your accommodation or a nearby bakery, fueling up for a day of adventure. Afterward, head to the nearby nature trails, where you can hike while surrounded by stunning landscapes and fresh air. Take your time to appreciate the flora and fauna, spotting local wildlife along the way.
In the afternoon, find a scenic spot for a picnic lunch, enjoying the tranquility of nature. Continue your hike to a viewpoint that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss countryside and the distant mountains. Capture the moment with photographs and take a moment to reflect on the beauty around you.
Return to Uzwil and treat yourself to dinner at a restaurant known for its farm-to-table offerings. As you dine, indulge in seasonal dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. After dinner, enjoy a quiet evening at a local café, sipping coffee and relishing the charming ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| ☕Café (coffee and pastry) | $5-8 |
| 🚌Local public transport single ticket | $3-6 |
| 🍺Domestic beer at a bar | $5-8 |
| 🚕Taxi start/km or short ride | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, safe small-town atmosphere with easy access to larger cities
- Good rail connections and proximity to scenic countryside and Appenzell foothills
- High-quality food products, bakeries and local markets
- Clean, orderly environment and well-maintained public spaces
- Limited late-night entertainment within the town itself
- Fewer tourist-specific attractions — best as a base for regional exploration
- Costs can be higher than many other countries (typical Swiss prices)
- Some services and shops close on Sundays
- "Grüezi" - Hello (formal, Swiss German)
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
Places to Visit in Uzwil
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture everyday Swiss small-town life: tidy facades, local shops, bakeries and occasional markets—best in soft morning light.
Architectural and industrial photography opportunities—modern factory buildings set against green fields make for interesting contrasts (photograph from public vantage points only).
Riverside paths and small bridges provide tranquil compositions with reflections, especially at dawn or dusk.
Short drives or hikes lead to viewpoints where you can photograph rolling farmland and distant Alpine silhouettes on clear days.
Traditional farmhouses, meadows and seasonal scenes (spring blossoms, autumn colours) create strong rural images.
Food in Uzwil
Uzwil Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic Swiss melted cheese dishes popular in colder months — look for local variations using regional cheeses at traditional restaurants or seasonal festivals.
Must-Try!
Hearty meat-and-potato inspired plates common in local eateries; try them at family-run restaurants and gastro-pubs in town.
Daily breads and breakfast staples available from bakeries across Uzwil—perfect for morning sampling.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market days (check the municipal calendar) feature fresh produce, cheeses, breads and sometimes prepared foods — ideal for tasting regional specialties.
Scattered stands and seasonal farm markets offer fresh fruit, honey and baked goods; great for quick, authentic bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Being on time is important for business meetings, tours and social appointments—arrive a few minutes early where possible.
Respect quiet hours (evenings and night) and Sunday customs—many shops are closed on Sundays and loud noise is frowned upon.
Follow local recycling rules and separate waste correctly; municipalities are strict about rubbish disposal.
Address people politely (Sie in formal German) in shops or official contexts; a friendly 'Grüezi' or 'Guten Tag' is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Uzwil
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in bills in Switzerland; tipping is discretionary and often small—round up the bill or leave 5–10% for very good service. In cafés and for short taxi rides, rounding to the nearest franc/euro or leaving small change is common.
Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted and contactless payments are common; carry some cash for small vendors, market stalls and rural businesses. ATMs are readily available in town and nearby cities.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blossoming fields and fewer tourists — ideal for walking, cycling and enjoying markets. Weather can be changeable, so layers and a light rain jacket are recommended.
Warm, pleasant weather with long daylight hours; good for hiking, biking and outdoor cafés. Expect occasional thunderstorms—pack sun protection and a light waterproof layer.
Crisp air and colourful foliage in surrounding hills; harvest festivals and seasonal menus appear in restaurants. Cooler mornings and evenings call for warm layers.
Cold with occasional snow; town is quieter and ideal for cozy meals and regional winter dishes. Nearby higher-altitude areas offer winter sports—check local transport and road conditions for snow.
Uzwil at Night
Hiking in Uzwil
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, well-marked trails around Uzwil through farmland and small woodlands—suitable for half-day walks and family outings.
A variety of trails ranging from easy to moderate that offer panoramic views and access to traditional Appenzell villages; a short drive brings you to excellent day-hike options.
Riverside trails along nearby waterways provide easy walking routes with birdlife and pleasant picnic spots.
For a full-day excursion, head toward the Säntis region for alpine hiking and dramatic vistas (requires more transport and preparation).
Airports
How to reach Uzwil by plane.
Switzerland's largest international airport ~50–80 km away depending on route; excellent rail links to Uzwil via Zurich HB and regional trains—typical travel time around 1 hour by train.
Small regional airport on the eastern shore of Lake Constance; limited routes but convenient for regional connections and short transfers to Uzwil by car or regional transport.
German airport across Lake Constance with seasonal and regional flights; reachable by car or a combination of train and ferry for some itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population with Swiss German cultural background; families, commuters and local business employees form the core community.
Presence of international employees tied to local industry and manufacturing firms brings multilingual residents and some expatriate families.
People who live in Uzwil and commute to larger nearby cities for work, as well as rural residents in surrounding villages.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local clubs and youth teams are active and football is widely played and followed in the region.
Ice hockey is popular across the canton with local and regional teams, and many fans follow Swiss leagues.
Walking and mountain activities are popular among locals and visitors, with many marked trails in nearby hills and the Appenzell area.
Both road cycling and recreational biking are common on quiet country roads and dedicated paths.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Uzwil.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and restaurants (cheese-based dishes, salads, soups). Inform staff that you do not eat meat; many places will adapt side dishes or suggest suitable choices.
Vegan choices are more limited than in big cities but increasingly available—seek out cafés or larger restaurants and ask for vegetable-based dishes or salads without dairy.
Smaller restaurants may offer gluten-free options on request, but bakeries are predominantly wheat-based. If you have celiac disease, plan ahead and shop for packaged gluten-free items or visit larger supermarkets in nearby Wil or St. Gallen.