st gallen free walking tour

Getting to Know St. Gallen, Switzerland- A Tour of St. Gallen’s Old Town

Purchases made through links earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

St. Gallen, a city in northeastern Switzerland, was a place I didn’t know much about until I arrived.

What I discovered was an elegant city with a long and interesting history, growing from a small hermitage into an influential urban centre.

With only one evening and a morning to explore, I decided to join a walking tour of St. Gallen to maximize my time and make sure I visited all the best places to see in St. Gallen. My sightseeing tour of St. Gallen focused on the Old Town and St. Gallen Abbey Precinct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

Before I share highlights from my tour of St. Gallen’s Old Town, here’s a brief history of the city.

Getting to Know St. Gallen- A Brief History

The history of St. Gallen dates back to 612 when Gallus, an Irish missionary monk, established a hermitage here. After his death, priest Otmar (Saint Othmar) founded an abbey on the same site in 719. As the monastic community grew, an adjoining settlement was established that would later evolve into the city of St. Gallen.

St. Gallen continued to grow thanks to a thriving textile industry that specialized in linen, embroideries and lace. Today, St. Gallen is a compact urban area and cultural, educational, and economic centre of eastern Switzerland.

Things to See and Do in St. Gallen- Tour of St. Gallen’s Old Town

Since the Old Town of St. Gallen is compact and easily walkable, you can see all the main attractions in just half a day. Here are my recommendations for things to see and do in St. Gallen’s Old Town!

Abbey of St. Gall

The Abbey of St. Gall has stood in the heart of St. Gallen’s Old Town for over 1200 years. This Carolingian era, Benedictine monastery was one of Europe’s most important spiritual and intellectual centres from the 8 th century to 1805 (when it was secularized) and is still attracting admirers today.

The St. Gallen Abbey precinct is a large ensemble of buildings reflecting numerous architectural periods. Its main features are the Baroque cathedral and Abbey Library, both which are top attractions in St. Gallen.

St. Gallen Cathedral (Abbey Cathedral of St. Gall)

The St. Gallen Cathedral is not only a symbol of the city, but it’s one of the last great churches of the Baroque era.

What I liked best about the inside of St. Gallen Cathedral was how open and bright it was, with a pastel colour scheme I hadn’t seen in a church before.

Tall white pillars were embellished with lacy-looking decorations and golden sculpted angels, highlighted by natural light shining through the large side windows. I thought the delicate, lace-like appearance of the ornaments was a nice incorporation of St. Gallen’s textile industry, as the city is known for its embroidery.

In contrast to the colourful, frilly adornments, the ceiling was covered in dark paintings of religious scenes. It added the dramatic intensity one expects from a Baroque style church.

Abbey Library of St. Gall

The Abbey Library of St. Gall is known for being one of the oldest, most important, and beautiful libraries in the world.

Since its founding in 719, the library has amassed about 170,000 works including handwritten manuscripts, early prints, and books that date back to the 8 th century. Some notable pieces in the collection are illuminated manuscripts by Irish and St. Gall monks, and the Plan of St. Gall (830 AD), an architectural drawing of the monastery believed to be the only remaining major architectural plan from that time. The collection also includes works on literary and musical history, the Old High German language, and the history of medicine and law.

Unfortunately, I can’t show you just how pretty the library’s Rococo hall was because pictures weren’t allowed. It felt warm and inviting with exquisite woodwork, stucco moldings, and ceiling frescoes. I was especially fond of the large globe and was surprised to see a 2,700 year old Egyptian mummy on display.

The library also features special exhibitions of historic works displayed in glass cases. During my visit I got to see some ancient texts from Ireland.

Gallusplatz

My favourite part of St. Gallen’s Old Town was Gallusplatz and vicinity. This picturesque square features a fountain with a statue of Gallus (St. Gall), the patron saint of the city.

Surrounding the square and along Gallusstrasse are brightly painted timber-framed homes from the 16 th century. This type of architecture always captivates me, making me feel like I was dropped into a whimsical fairy tale!

Oriel Windows 

At the start of my two week trip to Switzerland , I fell in love with the bay windows in Schaffhausen , so was happy to discover that St. Gallen also has many beautiful oriel windows decorating the buildings.

There are 111 oriel windows in St. Gallen’s Old Town, each one a work of art. Intricately carved and lavishly decorated, these windows were a sign of worldliness and wealth, adorning burgher houses in the 17 th and 18 th centuries.

St. Gallen’s oriel windows often tell a story, representing legends and mythical figures, historic events, and tales of riches. My favourite windows were travel and geography themed (of course), depicting adventures to exotic lands and beliefs about the continents.

Some of St. Gallen’s most magnificent oriel windows can be found on Spisergasse and Kugelgasse, so be sure to visit these alleys during your walking tour of St. Gallen’s Old Town.

Dinner at Gaststuben zum Schl össli

A wonderful way to end a trip to St. Gallen is with dinner in the Schlössli, a 16 th century small castle.

Gourmet meals made from regional ingredients can be enjoyed in different rooms in the mansion, combining history and cuisine with a lovely ambiance. The house specialty is blue potato soup, made from the blue St. Gallen potato. I almost let the unique, purple hue turn me off of trying it, but it was very delicious!

Final Thoughts About My Visit to St. Gallen

I’m not much of a city person, but historic districts always charm me and St. Gallen’s Old Town was no different.

I loved the half-timbered buildings and the burgher houses with their oriels. Between the elevated oriel windows, soaring towers of St. Gallen Cathedral, and other decorative touches, much of my sightseeing in St. Gallen was spent looking up!

Although my trip to St. Gallen was brief, the guided walking tour of St. Gallen’s Old Town showed me all the main sights, giving me a great introduction to city’s history, culture, and traditions.

Tips for Visiting St. Gallen

Location: St. Gallen is located in northeastern Switzerland between Lake Constance and Appenzellerland in the canton of St. Gallen.

Getting There: St. Gallen is about 1 hr 15 min train ride from Zurich.

City Tours: Guided tours of St. Gallen’s Old Town, including the Abbey Library, start from the St. Gallen Tourist Information Office on Bankgasse (across from the cathedral). Tours are 90 minutes long and are available in English and German. The schedule is as follows ( confirm here ):

• January to April: Saturdays from 11.00 am to 12:30 pm
• May to October: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11.00 am to 12:30 pm
• November to December: Saturdays from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Abbey Library : The Abbey Library of St. Gall is open 7 days a week from 10:00 am- 5:00 pm (confirm current hours here ). Audio guides are available for an extra fee. Visitors are prohibited from bringing in bags and strollers. There are lockers where you can store your belongings during your visit.

Abbey Cathedral: The St. Gallen Cathedral is closed to visitors on Sunday mornings and during services. Audio guides are available for a fee at the Abbey Library counter.

Information was correct at the time of publishing but can change without notice. Please confirm directly with service providers.

Accommodations in St. Gallen

For your convenience, here is a list of hotels in St. Gallen . Please consider booking your Switzerland accommodations through the included link. It costs nothing extra and helps support this website. Thank you!

I had a lovely stay at Einstein St. Gallen and definitely recommend it if you want a modern, first-class hotel close to the Abbey District.

I was hosted by Switzerland Tourism in order to bring you this story.   As always, I speak only the truth and hosts have no editorial influence on articles .

More Switzerland Destinations and Travel Guides

• Things to Do in Thun- Gateway to the Bernese Oberland
• 7 Wonderful Things to Do in Schaffhausen
• What to Expect on Your First Trip to Switzerland- A First Time Visitor’s Guide
• Swiss Travel Pass Guide- How to Buy and Use the Swiss Travel Pass

Follow Us On Social Media

Facebook | Instagram | X | Pinterest

Join the Facebook Group

Old Town walking tour in St. Gallen

Description

It is as if the houses suddenly began to speak. Our tour guides are charming and educated and they know almost everything about the history of St.Gallen. With them, a guided tour becomes an exciting trip of discovery.

Please note : The maximum number of participants is 20. Please book a private tour for groups of 6 or more.

Meeting point

Tourist Information, Bankgasse 9, 9000 St. Gallen

More information

Important information: As a new resident, please bring your voucher with you and hand it in at the Tourist Information.

If you have an Oscar Card, show it at the Tourist Information Centre when you collect it and you will receive the Old Town Tour free of charge.

The tour is offered in German and English. This means that depending on the registration, it will take place either monolingually or bilingually.

• Duration : one hour
• Monday, 10th of April 2023 (Easter Monday) 11 a.m. -12 p.m.
• every Tuesday & Thursday 11 a.m.-12 p.m. (Exception: on the first Tuesday of each month, the guided tour of the old town of St.Gallen including Textile Museum takes place between 11 a.m.-12.30 p.m.)
• every Saturday 14 p.m.- 15 p.m.

Old Town Walking Tour in St.Gallen With Textile Museum

Exploring St. Gallen’s Old Town through a walking tour is like peeling back layers of history to reveal the intricate threads that have shaped this city’s cultural tapestry.

As visitors meander through cobblestone streets, the whispers of the past beckon, weaving a narrative that intertwines with the present.

The promise of uncovering hidden gems, encountering architectural wonders , and immersing oneself in the textile legacy of St. Gallen awaits those who embark on this enriching journey.

• Explore St. Gallen’s textile heritage and importance of oriels.
• Discover architectural wonders and cultural significance in the old town.
• Learn about textile techniques shaping St. Gallen’s identity.
• Blend past and present through informative guides and museum visit.

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Private Car Rental For 3 Hours From St. Gallen

Activity Details

Discover the intricacies of the Old Town Walking Tour in St. Gallen through its engaging activity details that include free cancellation, a 1.5-hour duration , and live tour guides available in English and German.

This tour offers a unique blend of historical significance and cultural exploration , providing a deep dive into the textile past of the city. Participants will learn about the importance of oriels in St. Gallen and navigate through narrow streets and spacious squares of the old town.

Magnificent buildings showcasing the city’s heritage and relevance will be highlighted, intertwining the textile history with its present fabric. With informative guides leading the way, this tour promises an enriching experience for those interested in delving into St. Gallen’s rich cultural tapestry.

Experience Highlights

Enjoy the vibrant tapestry of St. Gallen’s history and culture as you uncover the captivating Experience Highlights of the Old Town Walking Tour.

Textile Heritage : Dive into the rich textile heritage of St. Gallen as you learn about the city’s historical significance in the textile industry.

Architectural Marvels: Marvel at the architectural wonders of St. Gallen, especially the significance of oriels, as you stroll through narrow streets and spacious squares of the old town.

Cultural Exploration : Set out on a cultural exploration through the tour, discovering magnificent buildings that showcase the city’s importance and the intertwining of textile history with the present fabric of St. Gallen.

Included in the Old Town Walking Tour in St. Gallen is a visit to the old town itself and entrance to the textile museum, providing a comprehensive experience of the city’s history and culture.

The textile museum offers a fascinating insight into the textile techniques that have shaped St. Gallen’s identity over the centuries. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the historical significance of these techniques, delving into the rich heritage of the city’s textile industry.

Exploring the old town alongside a visit to the museum allows for a unique blend of past and present, where the tour intertwines the city’s textile history with its modern fabric, offering a deep understanding of St. Gallen’s evolution through time.

Select Participants and Date

Participants interested in the Old Town Walking Tour in St. Gallen can now proceed to book their spot and check availability for specific dates at the meeting point located at Bankgasse 9, St. Gallen.

Here are some key points to consider before booking:

• Book Now : Secure your place on the tour by booking in advance.
• Group Discounts : Groups of more than 6 people can inquire about potential discounts.
• Rain or Shine: The tour runs regardless of the weather, so come prepared.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the textile history of St. Gallen with a knowledgeable guide while exploring the charming streets of the old town.

Reservation Details

For those ready to secure their spot on the Old Town Walking Tour in St. Gallen, let’s now explore the reservation details at the Textile Museum St. Gallen.

The reservation process offers the convenience of a pay later option, allowing visitors to book their experience without immediate payment. Plus, there’s a gift option available for those looking to treat a loved one to this unique tour.

The product ID for this activity is 475084, and it takes place in the charming location of St. Gallen, Switzerland , specifically at the Textile Museum. By choosing this tour, participants can look forward to exploring the rich textile history of the city, guided by knowledgeable experts in English and German.

To navigate to the meeting point for the Old Town Walking Tour in St. Gallen at Bankgasse 9, visitors can follow these straightforward directions.

• From St. Gallen train station, head east on Bahnhofplatz.
• Turn left onto Multergasse and continue straight.
• Once you reach Bankgasse, the meeting point at Bankgasse 9 will be on your left.

Exploring the old town on foot provides a unique opportunity to marvel at the intricate architecture and charming details of St. Gallen’s historic buildings. After the tour, visitors can indulge in the local cuisine at nearby restaurants, seeing the culinary delights of the region.

Common questions

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

Photography restrictions during the tour ensure respect for cultural etiquette . Visitors must adhere to guidelines set by the tour guide. Understanding and following these restrictions will help maintain the integrity and experience of the historical sites.

Is There Any Specific Dress Code Recommended for the Tour?

For the tour, there isn’t a strict dress code, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Respect for local customs is appreciated. Tourist attire should be respectful and considerate of cultural etiquette and fashion norms .

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available Along the Tour Route?

Restroom facilities are not available along the tour route. Participants are encouraged to use facilities before the tour commences. This ensures a smooth and comfortable experience exploring the old town of St.Gallen and the Textile Museum.

Can Participants Interact With the Exhibits at the Textile Museum?

Participants can indeed interact with the exhibits at the textile museum. The museum offers hands-on activities and interactive displays, allowing visitors to engage with the history and culture of textiles. Educational workshops and tactile experiences enhance the overall learning experience.

Is There a Recommended Age Limit or Suitability for Children on the Tour?

The tour is family-friendly, with no strict age restrictions. Children can enjoy the stroll through the old town and the textile museum visit. It’s a kid-friendly option to discover St.Gallen’s textile past with the whole family.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• St. Gallen – Historic Walking Tour
• St. Gallen Private Walking Tour
• Express Walk of St. Gallen With a Local
• St. Gallen: Private History Tour With a Local Expert
• Private Transfer From St. Gallen to Any Place In St. Gallen
• St. Gallen: Guided University Art Tour
• St. Gallen: Guided Old Town Walking Tour
• St. Gallen’S Art and Culture Revealed by a Local
• St. Gallen: Private Architecture Tour With a Local Expert
• Christmas Tour in the City of Stars
• St. Gallen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour

Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the fascinating history of St. Gallen through the Old Town Walking Tour with a visit to the Textile Museum.

Enjoy the charm of the city’s streets, learn about its cultural significance, and delve deeper into its textile heritage.

Book your spot now and embark on a captivating journey through time in St. Gallen.

Similar Posts

FastTrack Eiffel Tower Paris 1st-Floor Tickets, Tour, Dinner

Have you ever wondered if the Eiffel Tower truly lives up to its reputation as a must-see destination in Paris?…

Transfer High-end – Kia Quoris

Travelers seeking a seamless blend of luxury and convenience in Cartagena will find the Transfer High-end – Kia Quoris to…

Tenerife Island Tour: Los Gigantes, Icod De Los Vinos & La Orotava

As the warm rays of the sun dance on the rugged cliffs and the sweet aroma of ancient vines fills…

Sri Lanka Round Tour

Set out on an unforgettable journey through the mesmerizing landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka with the renowned…

Get to Know the Teide National Park and the North of Tenerife on a Private Tour

Discover the charm of Tenerife’s northern wonders on a private tour that promises an immersive experience like no other. As…

Barcelona: Interactive Art Installation by IKONO

While some may argue that traditional art lacks interactivity, Barcelona’s Interactive Art Installation by IKONO challenges this notion by seamlessly…

St. Gallen Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide

• Local Guide who will be with your group only
• Private guided Tour
• Possible customizing on tour with your local guide on the spot
• Entrance fees
• Bankgasse 9, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland In front of the Tourist Information
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Bankgasse 9 Bankgasse 9, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland In front of the Tourist Information See address & details
• Pass by St. Gallen
• You'll return to the starting point

More to explore in St. Gallen

Buy it with

St. Gallen Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide provided by Global Guide Services