St Gallen Switzerland Travel Guide

St. Gallen is a city of roughly 80,000 people in northeastern Switzerland, sitting at around 670 metres above sea level in the foothills south of Lake Constance (Bodensee). It serves as the capital of the Canton of St. Gallen and functions as a regional centre for commerce, education, and culture in a part of Switzerland that tends to be overlooked by visitors rushing between Zurich and the Alps.

The city's identity is shaped by two enduring legacies: the Benedictine Abbey, founded in the 7th century by the Irish monk Gallus, whose library is one of the oldest and most significant in the world; and the lace and embroidery industry that made St. Gallen wealthy in the 18th and 19th centuries and still gives the region its distinctive craft identity.

The old town (Altstadt) is compact and walkable, lined with oriel windows (Erker) decorated in painted or carved styles that served as status symbols for merchant families. Despite its modest size, St. Gallen has a lively university community, a credible restaurant scene, and efficient public transport connections that make it easy to combine with day trips to Lake Constance, Appenzell, or the Rhine Valley.

Note on the prompt: St. Gallen is located in Switzerland, not in Austria. The Austrian state of Vorarlberg borders the canton to the east, which may be the source of confusion. This guide covers St. Gallen, Switzerland.

Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, though it participates in the Schengen Area. Entry requirements, visa rules, and passport validity conditions vary by nationality. Do not rely on this guide for visa information — check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (sem.admin.ch) well before you travel.

Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF), not the Euro. While some tourist-facing businesses near the German and Austrian borders may accept euros, you will generally receive an unfavourable exchange rate if you pay in euros. ATMs are widely available and usually the most practical way to obtain local currency.

Health care in Switzerland is high quality but expensive for visitors who require treatment. Travel insurance that includes medical coverage and, if relevant, mountain rescue is strongly recommended. Verify what your policy covers before departure.

What to pack

• St. Gallen's weather is changeable year-round; layers and a compact rain jacket are advisable in any season.
• Comfortable walking shoes are useful for the cobblestone streets of the Altstadt.
• If you plan day trips into Appenzell or higher terrain, check trail conditions and dress accordingly.

By air

The nearest major international airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH), approximately 75–80 km to the west. Direct train connections run from the airport to St. Gallen; verify current journey times and schedules on the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) website at sbb.ch. Friedrichshafen Airport in Germany and Altenrhein (St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport) serve limited regional and seasonal routes — check airline options and ground transport links before booking.

By train

St. Gallen is well connected on the Swiss and European rail network. Direct InterCity and InterRegio services link it with Zurich, Chur, and Romanshorn, from where connections to the Lake Constance region are available. From Germany, trains run via Constance (Konstanz) and Romanshorn, and from Austria via Bregenz and Rorschach. The main station (St. Gallen Bahnhof) sits at the edge of the old town and is the practical hub for all onward travel.

By road

St. Gallen is accessible via the A1 motorway from Zurich and the A13 from Chur. A Swiss motorway vignette (toll sticker) is required for use of Swiss motorways; these are sold at border crossings, petrol stations, and post offices. Verify current requirements and prices locally or through the Swiss customs authority.

The old town and most visitor attractions are within comfortable walking distance of the main railway station. St. Gallen has a local tram and bus network operated by VBSG; single tickets, day passes, and multi-day passes are available from ticket machines at stops. Validate tickets before or as you board.

For day trips, the regional SwissPass and Swiss Travel Pass products can offer good value depending on the number of journeys you plan; compare options on sbb.ch. The Ostwind transport zone card covers regional buses and trains across St. Gallen canton and into Appenzell — useful if you plan to explore beyond the city.

Cycling is feasible for getting around the flatter parts of the city. Rentals and e-bike options are available; verify current providers locally. Driving within the old town is restricted, and parking is limited and paid — walking or public transport is more practical for central sightseeing.

St. Gallen has accommodation options ranging from budget hostels to mid-range hotels. The most practical area to stay is within walking distance of the main station, which keeps the old town and public transport connections within easy reach.

For a short visit or day trip from Zurich, staying overnight in St. Gallen is not essential but adds time for early-morning or evening exploration when the old town is quieter. Budget travellers should look at hostel options; verify availability and current prices on standard booking platforms.

If you plan to use St. Gallen as a base for exploring the Appenzell region or Lake Constance, a two-night stay is more comfortable than trying to cover all directions in a single day. There are also accommodation options in nearby Appenzell and along the lake shore if you prefer a rural or waterside setting.

Abbey of St. Gallen and the Stiftsbibliothek

The Abbey precinct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, is the city's defining attraction. The Abbey Library (Stiftsbibliothek) holds one of the world's finest collections of early medieval manuscripts and is considered among the oldest libraries still in operation anywhere in the world. Opening hours and admission fees change seasonally — verify current information on the official Stiftsbibliothek website (stiftsbibliothek.ch) before visiting. Note that the library sometimes closes for special events or conservation work.

Old Town (Altstadt)

St. Gallen's pedestrianised old town rewards unhurried exploration. The oriel windows (Erker) on the Gallusstrasse and surrounding lanes are a genuine architectural highlight — over 100 survive from the medieval and early modern periods. The Marktgasse and Spisergasse form the backbone of the shopping and cafe quarter.

Textile Museum (Textilmuseum)

Given the city's deep roots in the lace and embroidery trade, this museum offers meaningful context. Collections cover the evolution of Swiss textile production from hand embroidery to industrial manufacture. Verify admission fees and hours at textilmuseum.ch.

Kunst Halle St. Gallen and Kunstmuseum

For contemporary and fine art respectively, the city has two distinct institutions worth checking for current exhibitions. Both are within easy reach of the centre.

Day trips

• Appenzell: A 30–40 minute train ride leads to one of Switzerland's most traditional cantons, known for its painted farmhouses, Appenzeller cheese, and folk customs.
• Lake Constance (Bodensee): Rorschach on the lakeshore is a short train journey away, with boat connections to the German and Austrian shores in season.
• Säntis: The highest peak in the Alpstein massif (2,502 m) is accessible by cable car from Schwägalp; verify seasonal operation and current schedules before visiting.

St. Gallen is associated with a few regional specialities worth seeking out. St. Galler Bratwurst — a pale, fine-textured veal and pork sausage — is a civic institution; locals traditionally eat it without mustard, and doing otherwise is considered mildly eccentric. It is widely available at markets and dedicated sausage stands in the old town.

Appenzeller cheese, produced in the surrounding canton, appears on menus across the region and is worth trying in its several varieties, which range from mild to strongly aromatic. Rösti, raclette, and fondue are available as expected Swiss staples.

The restaurant scene extends well beyond traditional Swiss fare, reflecting the university-city demographic. The streets around the main station and the Marktgasse offer a range of options including Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. The city has a modest but genuine craft beer culture and several wine bars.

For groceries and self-catering, Migros and Coop supermarkets are reliable options. Local weekly markets (verify current days and locations) offer regional produce including cheese, cured meats, and seasonal vegetables.

Emergency contacts

In Switzerland, the general emergency number is 112 (EU-standard, works on mobile). Police: 117. Fire: 118. Medical emergencies / ambulance: 144. These are widely known and reliable numbers; verify them on arrival.

Pharmacies

Apotheken (pharmacies) are common in the city centre. A duty rota ensures at least one pharmacy is open outside regular hours; a notice posted on any closed pharmacy door indicates the nearest open one.

Connectivity

Free public Wi-Fi is available at the main railway station and in some public spaces. Swiss SIM cards are available from major providers; alternatively, check whether your home plan includes roaming in Switzerland (Swiss roaming costs can differ from EU roaming rules for travellers from EU countries).

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory in Switzerland — service charges are included in restaurant bills by law. Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is a common and appreciated gesture but is entirely discretionary.

Accessibility

The main railway station and many public spaces have been updated for accessibility. The historic old town has cobblestone surfaces that may be challenging for wheelchair users or those with mobility difficulties. Contact individual venues or the local tourist office for specific accessibility information.

St. Gallen is a generally safe city with low rates of violent crime. Standard urban precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure in crowded areas such as markets and public transport, and avoid leaving luggage unattended.

The area around the main station can see some activity related to drug use in certain spots, as is the case in several Swiss cities; this is typically not dangerous to visitors but is worth being aware of if you are travelling with children.

For medical emergencies, Switzerland's healthcare infrastructure is excellent. Keep travel insurance documentation accessible. The Swiss emergency number for mountain rescue (relevant for day trips to Säntis or Appenzell highlands) is 1414 (Rega, Swiss Air-Rescue) — verify this number locally before heading into high terrain.