Famed for its Unesco-protected Abbey District and textiles beloved by the biggest names in fashion, the Swiss city has much more to enjoy on a weekend break, from fab hiking trails to a vibrant bar scene
Dating back to 719, the Abbey of St Gallen complex is a Unesco World Heritage Site and an unmissable part of any city visit. Alongside the imposing baroque cathedral, the stunning rococo Abbey library with its exquisite curved reading room and 170,000 volumes will make your jaw hit the floor. And don’t forget to say hello to Schepenese, the seventh-century BCE Egyptian mummy the library has owned since 1836.
St Gallen’s textiles have been famous since the Middle Ages and local fabric designers such as Jakob Schläpfer continue to inspire fashion giants such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton to this day. Those interested in exploring the city’s haute couture heritage should book the Textilland Classic Tour, which takes in the Textile Museum, a vintage bus ride to see the Saurer Museum’s embroidery machines and a boat trip to the Forum Würth’s art collection.
Looking for an autumn escape to the country? The forests, lakes and mountain views around the St Gallen-Lake Constance region are a weekend hiker’s paradise. And if you like the idea of a ramble with refreshment en route, the 3.5km wine hike through the Bernecker vineyards is for you. Not only will you learn tons about wine-making, but you’ll also be able to sample Rhine Valley wines in restaurants and wineries on the way.
First choice for a night out has to be St Gallen’s own
Bermuda Triangle of bars around Engelgasse, Augustinergasse, and Metzgergasse (www.bermuda3eck.ch). Be warned: once you step inside on a Saturday night, you may never escape! Other top spots include the laid-back Blumenmarkt café for great coffee, organic lunches and evening drinks, cosy and modern Baracca and rock ’n’ beer bar Birreria. Meanwhile, Süd Bar’s blend of cocktails and cultural events make it the place to be.
Children and sweet-toothed grown-ups alike will lick their lips at the chance to enter the magical world of Swiss confectioner Maestrani’s Chocolarium. You’ll get to learn chocolate-making secrets, see a 100-metre-long chocolate machine in action, as well as sample the goodies along the way. For the really cocoa-loco, there’s also the chance to create your own custom-designed chocolate bar!
Rising up 2,502m, Mount Säntis is the highest mountain in the area and a Lake Constance-region landmark. Take the Schwägalp-Säntis cable car to the summit to enjoy lunch at the scenic Panorama Restaurant, begin a breathtaking mountain tour or hike, or enjoy the stunning views over six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy.
Siberian tigers, chimpanzees, zebras, alligators – there are over 700 animals belonging to 120 species for you and your family to meet at Walter Zoo. These also include the lions, which have just made their return to the zoo in a new facility that offers them plenty of space. Other awesome on-site activities include camel and pony rides and kids' theatre shows beneath a big top. An adventure for the whole family!
With its spa facilities, private clinic and locally sourced gourmet cuisine, this luxury hotel in the countryside outside St Gallen provides a uniquely energising mix of health and hedonism.
With its own leisure park featuring pools, slides, saunas and a host of sporting activities, this place is perfect for both relaxed getaways and action-packed family fun.
A smart hotel next to the Abbey District with strong links to the city’s textile industry, plus a fitness park with spa and a two-Michelin-starred restaurant. The English-style bar and the Davidoff Cigar Lounge invite you for a cosy evening.
To discover more about these and other great things to do in the St Gallen and Bodensee region, and to book your brilliant weekend getaway, visit www.st.gallen-bodensee.ch/en.
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