St. Gallen remains a gem, culturally famous for its cathedral and the Abbey Library, which UNESCO lists as being in northeastern Switzerland. Beyond the city's historic charm, tiny towns are perfect for day excursions. Rich experiences await on day trips from St. Gallen, offering tranquil lakeside escapes and panoramic hikes amidst traditional Swiss culture.
Your ultimate guide for 7 of the Best Small Towns for Day Trips from St. Gallen features travel times and must-see attractions at each destination.
Distance from St. Gallen: 22 min (16.3 km) via Enggenhüttenstrasse
Travel Time: 25 minutes by a St. Gallen Airport transfer
Stroll through the traffic-free village center and admire the colorful old wooden houses lavishly decorated with ornate frescoes on their facades. Don't miss the Appenzell Museum inside the town hall, showcasing an assortment of traditional garb and obscure folk art.
Appenzell is a gateway to the Alpstein Mountains, where hiking trails offer breathtaking vistas around Seealpsee lake. Craving pungent Swiss cheese, you'll probably dig Appenzeller, a show dairy where locals showcase cheese-making and serve local varieties.
Distance from St. Gallen: 22 min (16.0 km) via Martinsbruggstrasse
Travel Time: 40 minutes by car, 1 hour by train
Heiden is above Lake Constance, boasting loads of Biedermeier-style architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross, lies here in his final resting place. Visitors can explore Henry Dunant's influential humanitarian legacy in rather obscure surroundings at the Henry Dunant Museum.
Heiden offers a relaxing day with stunning lake views below its fabulous spa and wellness offerings. Ride the Rorschach-Heiden cogwheel train and sip coffee inside the historic Kurhaus.
Distance from St. Gallen: 32 min (42.6 km) via A1 and A13
Travel Time: 30 minutes by a Zurich Chauffeur service.
Altstätten is in the Rhine Valley, a medieval old town with wooden-frame houses and cobblestone streets surrounding it. It’s best known for Altstätten Fasnacht, a most colorful Swiss carnival. Drop by Altstätten Museum and soak up town traditions that stretch back a long way.
Lush rolling hills surround Altstätten and serve as a stellar jumping-off point for rambling scenic walks or a jaunt into the Appenzell countryside. Its languid rhythm and unvarnished genuineness render it perfectly suited for a cultural excursion outside bustling city confines.
Distance from St. Gallen: 1 hr 14 min (72.5 km) via A1
Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes by train
Rapperswil, also known as Rapperswil-Jona, is a bit farther away from other towns on this list, but the journey there is worthwhile. Set on Lake Zurich's upper end, this quaint town is renowned for rose gardens blooming vibrantly in summer and a historic castle housing the Polish Museum.
Stroll across the Seedamm bridge made of wood or embark on a cruise across the lake. Rapperswil offers medieval charm and lakeside beauty, making it an ideal romantic day trip from St. Gallen.
Distance from St. Gallen: 13 min (8.6 km) via Umfahrungsstrasse
Travel Time: 15 minutes by a Zurich Limousine Service or 20 minutes by train
Teufen lies amidst the Appenzellerland hills. It's a destination perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline-packed day trip not too far away. You can hike from here towards panoramic spots like Gäbris or simply unwind in lush meadows gazing at breathtaking alpine vistas.
Culture seekers flock to Zeughaus Teufen cultural center for eclectic art exhibitions, esoteric lectures, and mesmerizing concerts. Teufen offers a superlative rural getaway with plenty of opportunities for trekking or languishing amidst lush surroundings.
Distance from St. Gallen: 1 hr 7 min (65.1 km) via A1
Travel Time: 1 hour 10 minutes by train
Schmerikon is at the southern tip of Lake Zurich, a village by the lake. Lakeside promenade seems perfect for a gentle morning stroll, and the surrounding wetlands teem with exotic birds and photographers snapping.
Biking trails through rolling hills and verdant countryside, while boat tours offer relaxed exploration of the lake waters. A lesser-known gem offers tranquil lakeside settings and plenty of outdoor pursuits ideally suited for recluses seeking serene getaways.
Distance from St. Gallen: 23 min (11.1 km) via Hauptstrasse 7/Route 7
Travel Time: 30 minutes by a St. Gallen Transfer service.
Gossau makes for a super-easy day trip from St Gallen, and it's great when cruising with tiny tots and youngsters. Walter Zoo houses over 120 animal species and offers entertaining educational programs for kids and grown-ups.
Gossau boasts lush parks and eateries beyond zoo grounds, making it convenient for family outings amidst winding nature trails. This place boasts an unexpectedly robust array of enticements and has decent accessibility options.
Many destinations can be easily accessed by train or a Swiss chauffeur service. Swiss Federal Railways operates scenic connections offering breezy travel across picturesque landscapes. A private chauffeur service from St Gallen provides a highly personalized travel experience, especially when covering multiple towns in one day.
Switzerland often gets lavish praise for majestic snowcapped mountains and cosmopolitan cities, but small towns offer real old-world charm. 7 of the Best Small Towns for Day Trips from St. Gallen showcases a different facet of Swiss life, from Appenzell's vibrant facades and Heiden's posh spa retreats. Based in St. Gallen, you're perfectly positioned, and each hidden treasure offers a story of scenic beauty and connection steeped in local culture.
For day trips from St. Gallen, these hidden gems in Switzerland deserve a spot on your travel map, whether for quick getaways or immersive explorations.
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