Weekend in St. Gallen: what to see in a Swiss gem

Weekend in St. Gallen: what to see in a Swiss gem

April 11, 2025

St. Gallen, a picturesque city located in eastern Switzerland, is a true gem that delights with its rich history, culture and charming architecture. It's the perfect place for a weekend getaway, where you can combine sightseeing with relaxation surrounded by beautiful nature. There is something for everyone in St. Gallen - from history buffs to architecture enthusiasts to families looking for a quiet getaway. Get ready for a fascinating trip back in time as you stroll through the streets of the old town, admire the world-famous monuments and enjoy Swiss hospitality. In this article, we will take you on a tour of St. Gallen's most interesting sites that will make your weekend unforgettable.

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St. Gallen Abbey and Library. Gallen - the heart of historic St. Gallen

Start our journey with St. Gallen's most famous and impressive monument - the Abbey of Saint Gall. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true gem of Baroque architecture and is the heart of the historic center of the city. The abbey, founded in the 7th century, impresses with its monumental facade and richly decorated interiors. It is worth taking the time to thoroughly explore the complex, which includes not only the church, but also other monastery buildings.

One of the most fascinating features of the abbey is undoubtedly the St. Gall Abbey Library (Stiftsbibliothek). This is a place that takes us back in time to the medieval and Renaissance eras. The library, considered one of the most beautiful and oldest in the world, impresses not only with its appearance, but above all with its extraordinary collection of manuscripts and books. The interior of the library, with its richly decorated frescoes and sculptures, is a true work of art in itself.

Visitors can admire unique volumes, some dating back as far as the 9th and 10th centuries, making it a true treasure trove of knowledge and culture. It is worth noting the system of protecting the books - all valuable exhibits are secured, and visitors must wear special felt shoe protectors to protect the historic parquet floors.

Comparing the two places, it is worth noting that while St. Gall's Abbey offers a more comprehensive experience with the opportunity to explore different parts of the complex, the Library focuses on a single but extremely rich aspect of history and culture. The Abbey has a higher rating (4.7) than the Library (4.6), which may be due to the greater variety of attractions offered. However, both places are an absolute must-see for anyone visiting St. Gallen.

Keep in mind that both the Abbey and the Library have their own opening hours, which can change depending on the season. It's worth checking for up-to-date information before visiting. In addition, photography is prohibited in the Library, which may be a bit of a restriction for social media enthusiasts, but certainly helps to preserve the unique atmosphere of the place.

Visiting these two gems of St. Gallen is not only a history lesson, but also an unforgettable aesthetic experience. Baroque interiors, breathtaking frescoes and the atmosphere of centuries of history make a visit to the St. Gallen Abbey and Library a memorable experience.

Nature and relaxation in the heart of the city

After an intense tour of the historic center, it's time to relax and get in touch with nature. St. Gallen, despite its urban character, offers many green spaces where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the Swiss landscape. Two places of particular note are Wildpark Peter und Paul and Drei Weieren.

Wildpark Peter und Paul is a charming nature park located on a hill with a beautiful view of the city. It is an ideal place for families with children and nature lovers. The park offers the opportunity to observe various species of animals in their natural habitat, including deer, chamois or wild boar. The walking paths are well-marked and suitable for different fitness levels, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

One of the biggest advantages of Wildpark Peter und Paul is its accessibility - admission to the park is free, making it an attractive option for travelers on a tight budget. The park has a high rating of 4.6, indicating visitor satisfaction. It is worth noting that in addition to animal observation, the park also offers a picnic area and a restaurant where you can enjoy local specialties.

Drei Weieren, on the other hand, is a complex of three picturesque ponds located on a hill above the city. It is the perfect place for those looking for peace and relaxation surrounded by beautiful nature. Drei Weieren not only offers stunning views of St. Gallen and the surrounding area, but also offers swimming during the summer months. It's a popular destination for locals who enjoy spending their free time here.

The three ponds have different purposes - one is for swimming, another for relaxing, and the third offers beautiful views. A rating of 4.7 for Drei Weieren proves that the place is very popular and appreciated by visitors. It's worth mentioning that there are also food and beverage outlets nearby, where you can dine after an active vacation.

Comparing the two places, it is worth noting that while Wildpark Peter und Paul offers a more educational animal-watching experience, Drei Weieren focuses on relaxation and water recreation. Both sites are easily accessible from the city center, but Drei Weieren may require a bit more effort due to its hilltop location.

Both Wildpark Peter und Paul and Drei Weieren are great choices for spending an afternoon in touch with nature. The choice between the two depends on individual preference - whether you prefer active sightseeing and animal watching or quiet relaxation by the water with beautiful views. Regardless of your choice, both places offer the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the city and allow you to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the St. Gallen area.

Cultural end to the weekend

At the end of our weekend in St. Gallen, it's worth once again immersing ourselves in the city's cultural atmosphere with a visit to the Church of St. Laurenzen. This Gothic church, located in the heart of the old town, is not only an important architectural monument, but is also the center of St. Gallen's cultural life.

St. Laurenzen Church, with a rating of 4.6, attracts attention with its impressive architecture and rich history dating back to the 13th century. The interior of the church impresses with its beautiful stained glass windows and rich decorations, a testament to the craftsmanship of medieval artisans. Of particular note is the richly decorated ceiling, which is a true work of art.

However, St. Laurenzen is not just a monument - it is a lively place where concerts and cultural events are regularly held. The church is famous for its excellent acoustics, making it a popular venue for classical and choral music concerts. If you're lucky, you may end up at one such concert during your stay in St. Gallen.

When comparing St. Laurenzen with the previously discussed places, it is worth noting that it offers a slightly different experience. While the St. Gallen Abbey and Library focus on history and heritage, and the parks on getting in touch with nature, St. Laurenzen combines elements of history with vibrant contemporary culture. This makes it an ideal place to end a weekend stay in St. Gallen.

The location of St. Laurenzen is also worth mentioning - the church is right in the center of the old town, making it easily accessible and an ideal starting point for further exploration of the area. After visiting the church, you can stroll through the picturesque streets of the old town, admiring the colorful facades of the houses and savoring the atmosphere of this charming Swiss town.

To sum up our weekend in St. Gallen, it's hard not to notice how much this small city has to offer. From its impressive UNESCO-listed monuments to its relaxing parks to its vibrant cultural center, St. Gallen is a true gem of eastern Switzerland. Each of the sites visited - St. Gallen Abbey, the Library, Wildpark Peter und Paul, Drei Weieren and St. Laurenzen Church - offer unique experiences and allow you to see the city from different perspectives.

Whether you are a lover of history, nature or culture, St. Gallen has something to delight you. The city is the perfect combination of Swiss precision, cultural richness and natural beauty. A weekend stay in St. Gallen is not only an opportunity to visit the main attractions, but more importantly a chance to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this charming city.

Remember that St. Gallen is a city that is best explored by walking. That's why we encourage you to explore its charms on foot, get lost in the narrow streets of the old town and discover hidden gems. A weekend trip to St. Gallen is sure to leave you with unforgettable impressions and make you want to return.

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