Top Sights in St. Gallen
St. Gallen combines culture, history, and nature. The city is famous for its baroque Abbey Library, its old town, and its proximity to Lake Constance.
Abbey District with Cathedral and Library
The Abbey District of St. Gallen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of the city. The baroque cathedral impresses with its magnificent interior and elaborate frescoes. The Abbey Library is one of the oldest in Europe and holds manuscripts from the early Middle Ages. Visitors step into a space that reflects the intellectual history of Europe. A must-see for culture lovers wanting to experience the sights of St. Gallen authentically.
Old Town St. Gallen: Bay Windows and Alleys
St. Gallen’s Old Town enchants with around 100 ornate bay windows from the 16th and 17th centuries. Between market alleys, small boutiques, and cafés, the city's history can be discovered step by step. Many buildings reflect the wealth of the textile industry that once shaped the region. A stroll from the marketplace to Gallusplatz and on to the Abbey District is especially charming. Here, the sights of St. Gallen reveal their most picturesque side.
Textile Museum St. Gallen
The city has been a center of embroidery art for centuries. The Textile Museum St. Gallen showcases historical fabrics, intricately crafted lace, and contemporary fashion. International designers continue to draw inspiration from the exhibits. The museum impressively demonstrates why St. Gallen offers top Swiss sights for art and fashion enthusiasts. Those wanting to expand their cultural journey should also visit the Kunsthaus Zürich – one of Switzerland’s most important museums, with a collection ranging from classical modernism to contemporary art.
Drei Weieren: Recreation with a View
Just a few minutes from the Old Town lie the Drei Weieren, a popular local destination. In summer, the natural ponds invite you to swim; in winter, the area becomes a scenic walking path with panoramic views over the rooftops of St. Gallen. Sights near St. Gallen here blend nature and urban life.
Excursions in the Region: Lake Constance and Appenzell
The sights in and around St. Gallen also include destinations beyond the city limits. Lake Constance is just 20 minutes away and invites visitors to take boat trips or cycle along its shores. To the south, the Appenzell region offers gentle hills, traditional farmhouses, and historic cheese dairies. Those looking for sights near St. Gallen will find both nature and culture here.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Top sights in St. Gallen include the baroque Abbey District with its cathedral and library, the Old Town with its bay windows, and the Textile Museum. The Drei Weieren ponds complete the experience as a local recreation area.
Attractions near St. Gallen include Lake Constance with Rorschach and Lindau, the Appenzell region with its traditional cheese dairies, and the Toggenburg with hiking trails and mountain railways. All destinations are easy to reach in a short time.
One to two days are enough to see the main sights in the city of St. Gallen. If you also want to take trips to Lake Constance, the Appenzell region, or the surrounding areas, a long weekend is ideal.
