Things To Do
in Wittenbach

Wittenbach is a quiet Swiss municipality in the canton of St. Gallen, just a short ride from the city center of St. Gallen. It blends tranquil residential streets with green spaces, farms, and easy access to nearby lakes and the Alpine foothills. The area is ideal for day trips, cycling, and leisurely strolls along well-marked paths.

Visitors can easily explore the larger region by rail or bike, enjoying a blend of rural charm and urban accessibility.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Wittenbach
morning
:

Arrive in Wittenbach and check into your charming local hotel, taking a moment to appreciate the picturesque Swiss landscape surrounding you. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, sampling local pastries and coffee. Stroll through the quaint streets of the village, soaking in the serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture.

afternoon
:

Explore the local culture by visiting the historic buildings in the area, including the nearby St. Gallen Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a traditional Swiss lunch at a local restaurant, trying local dishes like rösti and fondue. Spend your afternoon wandering through the beautiful gardens and parks, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding nature.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a peaceful evening walk along the shores of Lake Constance, feeling the cool breeze and listening to the gentle lapping of the water. Treat yourself to dinner at a cozy Swiss restaurant, where you can indulge in delicious regional cuisine. Conclude your first day with a glass of Swiss wine while contemplating the day’s adventures.

day 2
Exploring St. Gallen
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading to the vibrant city of St. Gallen, just a short trip away. Visit the famous Abbey Library of St. Gallen, known for its stunning baroque architecture and historical manuscripts. Spend time exploring the charming old town, with its colorful painted frescoes and narrow streets.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a local eatery, sampling traditional Swiss dishes like Älplermagronen. Afterward, visit the Textile Museum, which showcases the rich textile heritage of the region. Stroll through the city’s beautiful parks and gardens, reveling in the vibrant flora and unique sculptures.

evening
:

Return to Wittenbach for a relaxing evening at your hotel or local guesthouse. Dine at a traditional restaurant, taking in the flavors of freshly prepared local ingredients. End your evening by sharing stories with fellow travelers or enjoying a quiet moment with a book.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
🥖Coffee and pastry$4-6
🚗Taxi 1 km$3-5
🛏️Hotel night (2 people)$120-220
🧺Grocery basket (1 week)$60-100

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Peaceful, safe, scenic surroundings close to St. Gallen
  • Excellent public transport and easy day trips to Lake Constance and Appenzell
  • Limited nightlife in Wittenbach itself
  • Can be pricey in tourist spots and services
  • "Grüezi" - Hello
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Wittenbach

Visit one of these nice places.

St. Gallen Abbey District

UNESCO-listed monastery complex with the Cathedral and Abbey Library; best photographed in the morning light.

Old Town of St. Gallen

Colorful facades, cobbled streets, and fountains ideal for street photography.

Rosenberg Viewpoint

Panoramic overlook over the city and surrounding countryside near Wittenbach.

Lake Constance Shoreline near Staad

Calm water reflections, boats, and sunset scenes along the lake.

Culinary Guide

Food in Wittenbach

Swiss cuisine in this region emphasizes seasonal produce, dairy, and hearty dishes that are filling yet refined. Expect fresh cheeses, rye breads, and comforting staples that pair well with regional wines.

Wittenbach Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Älplermagronen

Swiss macaroni with cheese, cream, and onions, usually served with applesauce on the side.

Must-Try!

St. Galler Bratwurst

A traditional sausage often enjoyed with mustard and bread during casual meals.

Rosti

Crispy fried grated potatoes, a staple in Swiss meals and widely available.

Appenzeller Käse

Local cheese with a distinctive aroma used in many regional dishes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

St. Gallen Market

Weekly market offering fresh produce, cheese, bread, and regional specialties.

Lake Constance lakeside markets (seasonal)

Seasonal stalls offering snacks and local bites along the lakeside towns.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons: mild summers, cold winters with occasional snowfall, and rainy springs and autumns. June to August typical highs around 20-25 C; winter temperatures around 0-5 C.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with Grfcezi or Grfcezi mitenand when meeting people.

Punctuality

Be punctual for meetings and public transport; Swiss value timeliness.

Environmental respect

Respect quiet hours, dispose of trash properly, and recycle when possible.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally very safe; typical urban safety considerations apply. Watch for crowded areas and train stations; emergency numbers are 112 (EU-wide), 144 (medical), 117 (police), and 118 (fire).

Tipping in Wittenbach

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Service charges are typically included; rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common if you are satisfied.

Payment methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash in CHF is common; contactless payments are standard.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with blooming landscapes; variable rain. Pack light layers and a waterproof jacket.

Summer

Warm days ideal for outdoor activities; long daylight hours. Stay hydrated and wear sun protection.

Autumn

Changing foliage and harvest markets; cool but pleasant for hiking.

Winter

Cold with occasional snow; good for winter walks or nearby ski areas.

Nightlife Guide

Wittenbach at Night

In Wittenbach, nightlife is low-key with cozy pubs and cafes. For more options, head to St. Gallen's city center for bars, live music, and clubs, typically open late on weekends.

Hiking in Wittenbach

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Ebenalp and Seealpsee (Appenzell Alps)

Classic day hike from Wasserauen to Seealpsee with views and a blue alpine lake.

Rorschacherberg Panorama Loop

Short to moderate hike with sweeping views over Lake Constance and the Swiss plain.

Säntis Mountain vicinity

Extensive alpine trails with options for cable car access and dramatic alpine scenery.

Walensee Lakeshore Trail (Quinten to Weesen)

Scenic lakeside route with striking cliffs and clear water.

Airports

How to reach Wittenbach by plane.

St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (ACH)

Small regional airport near Lake Constance, about 20-30 minutes from Wittenbach by car or train.

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Major international hub about 1-1.5 hours from Wittenbach by train or car.

Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH)

Smaller airport near Lake Constance, convenient for regional connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Wittenbach and the nearby city of St. Gallen are very walkable, with good signposted paths, pedestrian-friendly streets, and easy access to public transport for longer trips.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Residential community with schools and parks.

Commuters

Many residents travel to St. Gallen for work.

Students and young professionals

Proximity to universities and city amenities.

Seniors

Calm neighborhoods with good healthcare access.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular among locals; clubs and public fields available.

Skiing and winter sports

Nearby Alpine areas offer skiing and snow sports in winter.

Cycling

Extensive cycling routes in the region; road and mountain biking.

Hiking and trail running

Abundant trails in Appenzell, Säntis region and around St. Gallen.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport in the region is efficient, with regular trains and buses connecting Wittenbach to St. Gallen and beyond. Road traffic is generally light to moderate; parking in towns is available though restricted near center areas. Biking is popular and well supported with cycling lanes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Wittenbach.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for Rösti with vegetables, salads, and cheese plates. Ask for no meat where needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Switzerland has high-quality healthcare. In Wittenbach, you'll find GP clinics and pharmacies; the nearest hospitals and specialist services are in St. Gallen. Emergency services dial 144; general police 117; fire 118.

Discover Switzerland

Read more in our Switzerland 2025 Travel Guide.

Switzerland Travel Guide