I have been working in the tourism industry for over 15 years. During this time, I have built strong partnerships with leading service providers — from car rentals and insurance to hotels, airlines, local guides, and the best attractions around the world. I specialize in creating personalized itineraries, paying attention to every detail to ensure that each traveler has unforgettable experiences. Additionally, I actively run a travel blog, sharing my knowledge with a wide audience of travelers worldwide. If you are planning your trip and want it to be comfortable, well-planned, and truly memorable, I am here to help you turn your dream into reality.
St. Gallen
St. Gallen is a destination that works quietly and confidently for families. The city is compact, green, and well organised, with a rhythm that feels comfortable when travelling with children. You get a walkable city centre, nature that begins almost at the city’s edge, and enough highlights to interest both adults and kids without creating pressure or overload. The appeal of St. Gallen lies in balance rather than spectacle, making it easy to enjoy without rushing.
How do you get around St. Gallen, and do you need a car?
St. Gallen is well connected by train to other Swiss cities, and the main railway station is straightforward and easy to navigate. Within the city, walking and local public transport are generally sufficient, especially for central sights and daily activities. That said, when travelling as a family and planning to explore nature areas or nearby towns, renting a car makes a clear difference. A car saves time, adds flexibility, and turns short regional trips into relaxed outings rather than logistical exercises.
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Tip from the Itinerary Expert: I always rent a car for at least two or three days. The first day works well on foot in the city, while the following days are much easier with a car when heading into nature or visiting nearby destinations.
When is the best time to visit St. Gallen with children?
Spring and summer are the most comfortable seasons for family travel in St. Gallen. In spring, the city feels fresh and colourful, with greenery throughout the streets and public spaces. Summer is ideal for walking trails, bridges, riverside breaks, and relaxed picnics outdoors. Autumn is quieter and visually appealing, though daylight hours are shorter. Winter offers a classic Swiss atmosphere, but access to outdoor routes becomes more limited.
From up here, St. Gallen reveals its full charm—church towers, rooftops, and warm light.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: For families with children aged 5–10, late May to July offers the best combination of mild weather, long daylight hours, and accessible outdoor activities.
What can you see in St. Gallen city centre without overloading your day?
St. Gallen’s historic centre is compact and easy to explore at a relaxed pace, which makes it especially suitable for families. Distances are short, streets are calm, and it’s easy to pause when children need a break. You can cover the main highlights without feeling like the day is tightly scheduled or overly structured.
Abbey of St. Gall and Abbey Library of Saint Gall
This is the city’s most important landmark and the one cultural stop that truly matters on a first visit. Even families who usually avoid museums tend to find this visit worthwhile, as the space is visually impressive and the experience is not too long. The library itself creates a strong sense of place and feels special without requiring detailed background knowledge. At the entrance, visitors are given protective overshoes, which children often find amusing and surprisingly memorable.
Combined ticket: 18 CHF per adult, children under 16 enter free with a parent. Audio guide: 5 CHF.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert (first-hand): I arrived about an hour before closing time. It was noticeably quieter, and the children stayed focused much better. When attention spans are limited, I focus only on the library and skip additional exhibition areas.
Distance/Time: Average visit time: 60–120 minutes
Cathedral of St. Gallen
Entry to the cathedral is free (0 CHF), and the interior is bright, open, and easy to take in quickly. A short stop of 10–15 minutes is enough to appreciate the space without slowing down the rest of the day. This works well for families who want to see the essential site without spending too much time indoors.
Entry: free (0 CHF).
Distance/Time: Time needed: 10–15 minutes
Old Town streets and bay windows
St. Gallen’s Old Town is known for its decorative bay windows, small fountains, and side streets that invite unplanned wandering. This area works best without a fixed route. Ice cream stops, short shopping breaks, and simple exploration come naturally here, making it one of the most family-friendly parts of the city.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: I do not plan a precise walking route in the Old Town. Letting the city unfold naturally keeps children relaxed and makes the experience feel effortless.
Where can you experience nature in St. Gallen without driving far?
One of St. Gallen’s strongest advantages for families is how quickly the city transitions into open nature. You do not need long drives or complex planning to reach rivers, bridges, and walking paths. Within a short time, you are surrounded by landscapes that feel spacious and calm, which is ideal when travelling with children.
Haggen Bridge and the bridge trails
The Haggen Bridge area is a favourite with active families. The bridge itself is high and visually dramatic, with open views over the surrounding landscape. The nearby walking paths follow the river and allow you to choose how much or how little you want to walk, which helps keep the day flexible.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: There is no need to complete the full trail. I select one scenic section, walk out and back, and stop there. This keeps the experience impressive without tiring the children.
Distance/Time: Difficulty: easy to moderate. Best for: children 7–8 years and older. Strollers: not recommended on most sections.
Sitter Viaduct and the Sitter River
This open natural area combines bridges, riverside paths, and quiet spots near the water. It works well for short walks, relaxed picnics, or simply sitting by the river on warmer days. The space allows children to move freely, explore safely, and enjoy nature without a strict schedule or fixed goals.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert (first-hand): We spread out a blanket, shared snacks, and stayed for nearly two hours without doing anything structured. That unplanned time by the river became one of the most enjoyable moments of the trip.
Which easy day trips from St. Gallen work best with a car?
With a rental car, St. Gallen becomes a very practical base for short family-friendly outings. Distances are short, and moving between city streets, countryside, and lake scenery feels smooth rather than tiring. This flexibility is especially valuable when travelling with children and planning relaxed, low-pressure days.
Rorschach and Lake Constance (Bodensee / Lake Constance)
A short drive brings you to the wide shores of Lake Constance, where promenades, open water, and a strong sense of space define the experience. This is an excellent option for a calm family day that combines walking, water views, and casual meals near the lake. The atmosphere feels open and unhurried, making it easy to adapt the pace to children’s energy levels.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: I leave St. Gallen earlier in the morning for lake days. Parking is easier, and the lakeside feels noticeably calmer before midday.
Rapperswil-Jona
Rapperswil-Jona offers a comfortable mix of urban space and nearby nature. It works particularly well as a half-day outing, which suits families who prefer not to commit to a full day away. Walking areas are compact, and it is easy to combine a short exploration with time to relax rather than rush between points.
Heiden and surrounding villages
Heiden and the surrounding countryside focus less on defined attractions and more on atmosphere. Open views, gentle walking, and a calm rural setting make this area ideal for slowing down. It suits families who value scenery and fresh air over structured activities.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: I choose only one destination per day. Even though distances are short, leaving space for free time makes the day far more enjoyable for children.
How does food and daily rhythm work for families in St. Gallen?
St. Gallen is not overloaded with tourist-focused restaurants, which actually works in favour of families. The city offers many cafés, bakeries, and supermarkets that make it easy to plan flexible meals without rigid schedules. This supports a relaxed daily rhythm, especially when travelling with children who benefit from regular breaks and simple food options.
A typical simple family meal costs 20–30 CHF per person, while a coffee and pastry usually falls in the 5–8 CHF range. Ice cream is widely available and generally costs 3–5 CHF, making it an easy reward during walks through the city.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: I plan one sit-down meal per day and rely on bakeries and picnics for the rest. It reduces waiting time, keeps costs under control, and helps children stay relaxed and energised throughout the day.
Is shopping in St. Gallen worth planning around?
Shopping in St. Gallen works best as a secondary activity rather than a main goal. The city is well suited to small purchases such as clothing, chocolate, and local gifts. There are no large shopping malls, which often makes exploring with children easier and less overwhelming.
Short shopping stops fit naturally into city walks and do not require dedicated planning. This approach allows families to enjoy browsing without turning shopping into a time-consuming activity.
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What limitations should families know about St. Gallen?
St. Gallen is not a destination built around high-energy attractions. Families looking specifically for large amusement parks, water parks, or constant action may find the city too quiet. Some nature trails around the city are not suitable for strollers, especially in areas near bridges and river paths. Evenings are generally calm, with limited nightlife or organised evening entertainment.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: St. Gallen works best when approached with the expectation of calm scenery, walking, and outdoor time. Families who arrive with this mindset tend to enjoy the experience much more.
Who is St. Gallen especially suitable for?
St. Gallen is particularly well suited to families who enjoy walking, nature, and open spaces rather than structured attractions. It appeals to travellers looking for a quiet and uncrowded Swiss city, as well as those who want to combine a small urban centre with easy access to rivers, bridges, and nearby countryside. Families who value flexibility, slower pacing, and simple daily routines will feel especially comfortable here.
Family-Friendly Itinerary for St. Gallen – 4 Days
Trip Duration: 4 days
Day 1 – St. Gallen City Essentials (on foot)
Morning (10:00–12:30)
Begin in St. Gallen Old Town (St. Gallen City Centre) and walk toward Abbey of St. Gall and Abbey Library of Saint Gall. The visit is compact enough for children while still feeling meaningful.
Visit time: 1.5–2 hours
Tickets: 18 CHF per adult, children under 16 free; audio guide 5 CHF
Lunch (12:30–13:30)
Lunch in the city centre, a 5–10 minute walk from the abbey area. Keep it simple to avoid long waiting times.
Afternoon (13:30–16:00)
Relaxed wandering through bay-window streets, fountains, and small shops. No fixed route is needed; pauses for ice cream or short breaks fit naturally.
Evening (16:00–18:00)
A short walk back toward the hotel with a final snack or dessert stop.
Day 2 – Bridges and River Nature (public transport + walking)
Morning (10:00–12:30)
Use public transport to reach Haggen Bridge (Haggenbrücke). Walk a selected section of the bridge trail and enjoy open views over the landscape.
Walking time: 1.5–2 hours, easy to moderate pace
Lunch (12:30–13:30)
Picnic near the trail or a simple café stop close to the route.
Afternoon (13:30–16:30)
Continue along Sitter Trail (Sitterweg) toward Sitter Viaduct. Walk slowly, stop near the river, and allow time for rest.
Time needed: 2–3 hours at a relaxed pace
Evening (16:30–18:00)
Return to St. Gallen by public transport and keep the evening quiet.
Day 3 – Lake Constance Day Trip (by car)
Morning (10:00–11:00)
Drive 30–40 minutes from St. Gallen to Rorschach on Lake Constance (Bodensee / Lake Constance). The route is straightforward and works well for a relaxed start to the day.
Lunch (11:30–14:00)
Lakeside walk followed by lunch near the promenade. The open space and water views allow children to move freely while adults enjoy a slower pace.
Afternoon (14:00–16:30)
Free time by the water, short walks, and unstructured play near the lake.
Evening (16:30–18:00)
Drive back to St. Gallen and keep the evening low-key.
Day 4 – Villages and Open Views (by car)
Morning (10:00–11:00)
Drive to Heiden, enjoying the gradual transition from city to countryside.
Lunch (11:30–14:00)
Easy village walk, viewpoints, and lunch in the area. The focus here is scenery rather than structured activities.
Afternoon (14:00–16:30)
Scenic drive through surrounding villages, stopping when something catches your interest.
Evening (16:30–18:00)
Final stroll and small shopping in St. Gallen city centre.
Traveler Reviews
Daniel M., July 2019
I visited St. Gallen with my wife and two children and immediately appreciated the calm pace. The city felt compact and easy to navigate. What stood out was how quickly we reached nature. One morning we were in the old town, and by lunchtime we were walking near the river. Quiet evenings worked well for our family rhythm.
Laura K., August 2021
St. Gallen surprised me with how green it is. We spent a full day around the bridges and the Sitter river without feeling crowded. Our kids, aged 9 and 12, loved having space to move freely. Some paths were not stroller-friendly, so choosing short sections made a big difference.
Michael T., June 2022
We chose St. Gallen as a base and it worked perfectly. The Abbey Library felt impressive without being overwhelming. After that, we wandered slowly, stopped for ice cream, and kept the pace relaxed. It is not a city of constant attractions, but that is exactly why it felt comfortable with children.
Sarah L., September 2018
St. Gallen is quiet, especially in the evenings. For our family, this was a positive. Renting a car made all the difference for trips to Lake Constance. Without it, we would have missed many of the surrounding landscapes that became highlights of our trip.
James R., May 2023
What I appreciated most was balance. In the morning we explored the city, and in the afternoon we were already in nature. Distances are short, so days never felt tiring. There are not many big activities for very young children, but for ages seven and up it worked well.
Emily W., July 2024
We used St. Gallen as a calm base, returning every evening after nature walks or lake time. Starting outdoor days early made a noticeable difference. Paths were quieter, and parking was easier. The city itself felt relaxed and easy to return to at the end of the day.
Thomas B., April 2025
Visiting in spring gave the city a fresh and colourful feel. We did not follow a strict plan and simply explored. St. Gallen does not try to impress loudly. With children, it felt safe, manageable, and genuinely pleasant rather than overly tourist-oriented.
Tips from the Itinerary Expert
- I always rent a car for part of the stay. Walking works well inside St. Gallen, but a car makes trips to Haggen Bridge, the Sitter river area, and Lake Constance much easier with children.
- I plan the Abbey Library visit later in the day. Arriving about an hour before closing felt calmer, and children stayed focused longer.
- I never try to complete the full Sitterweg. Choosing one scenic river section and walking out and back keeps the experience enjoyable.
- At Haggen Bridge, I slow everything down. Stopping in the middle and taking time to look around turns the crossing into a meaningful moment.
- I rely more on picnics than restaurants. Bakeries and supermarkets make this easy and give children space to move rather than wait at a table.
- Evenings are intentionally simple. Ice cream, a short walk, and an early return help maintain energy over several days.
- I separate city days from nature days. Alternating the focus prevents overload and keeps children engaged.
- For Lake Constance days, leaving early improves parking and keeps the lakeside experience calmer.
Insights from the Itinerary Expert
I visited St. Gallen in May 2024 as a family-focused itinerary planner, and what stood out immediately was balance. This is not a destination that overwhelms with constant highlights. Instead, it offers space to slow down. Mornings in the compact city centre and afternoons in nature created a rhythm that worked naturally with children.
The strongest aspect of St. Gallen is how seamlessly the city blends into the outdoors. One day we explored Abbey Library of Saint Gall, and a few hours later we were walking near the river or crossing Haggen Bridge (Haggenbrücke). Transitions felt effortless, keeping children engaged without overstimulation. Evenings are quiet, which supports rest and steady energy levels.
From a practical perspective, renting a car made a clear difference. It opened access to Lake Constance (Bodensee / Lake Constance) and nearby villages without pressure or rigid timing. The main limitation is the lack of high-energy attractions, so expectations matter.
Overall, St. Gallen suits families seeking a calm, green, and authentic Swiss experience. It is an excellent place to design a personalised route, and we invite you to create a tailored itinerary here—and across Switzerland—together with us.
Price Table
| Name | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget hotel (per couple, per night) | 90–130 CHF | Basic double room, simple standard |
| Mid-range hotel (per couple, per night) | 140–220 CHF | Comfortable standard, good location and services |
| Luxury hotel (per couple, per night) | 250–450 CHF | Premium hotels; prices vary strongly by season |
| Apartment for a family (5 people, per night) | 200–380 CHF | Usually 2 bedrooms + living area; location and size matter |
| Car rental (per day) | 45–90 CHF | Small–mid size car; fuel, insurance upgrades often extra |
| Public transport | 17 per day CHF | Oskar Guest Card (with participating accommodation, 2+ nights): free public transport in Ostwind zone + selected attractions |
| Restaurant meal (per person) | 20–30 CHF | Simple main dish + soft drink |
| Parking | 2–4 per hour / ~10 per day CHF | City parking garages or street parking; Blue Zone may apply |
| Basic supermarket shopping for 2 people | 45–75 CHF | Bread, dairy, fruit, snacks, basic picnic or light meals |
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