Despite the fact that at first glance, St. Gallen looks more like a non-noticeable provincial town, lost among the mountains, if you look good, you can find that there is something to do, and it is very interesting and exciting.
Of course, the most simple and, perhaps, a useful way of pastime in St. Gallen can be a walk through the surrounding town. Hills and mountains . They are cut through pedestrian trails, a walk through which the indescribable pleasure of fans of outdoor activities and connoisseurs of the magical alpine nature will be delivered. Honestly, from my point of view, this is one of the first things that you just need to do, having arrived in this Swiss city. And if you are completely lucky and you will find yourself in St. Gallen in the summer, do not be lazy to go to the area of three lakes DREI WEIHERN. From the shores of which the city and its surroundings are opening at the shores. By the way, in two of these lakes, you can even swim - the water is clean there, it is constantly monitored for its state, so it is quite possible to combine pleasant with useful and refreshing right during the walk. True, one of these two lakes is fenced and the entrance is paid there (there are souls, toilets and locker rooms), but the swimming in the second will not affect your budget, and the pleasure will be no longer.
But if the time will allow (especially in the presence of your own transport) can be advised and to drive at all to the shores of the stunning Bodensky Lake , located right on the border of Switzerland and Austria and forcing her guests to tremble at the sight of its picturesque shores and magic water stroit.
Also, fans of nature (including families with children) I recommend to turn your attention to the city of Wildlife Wildpark Peter & Paul (Kirchlistrasse 92), in which you can see animals in an approximate environment. In addition to considering the animals themselves (deer, mountain goats, boars and others), you can get acquainted with the main information about them, as well as arrange a small picnic on the slope of one of the hills or sit in the restaurant and walk in the shade of trees. In general, an excellent option for visiting the whole family.
As for more traditional places, which can be visited in St. Gallese at any time of the year (and not only in good warm weather), then this is, first of all, the pride and glory of the city - unique Vintage abbey library under the monastery of St. Gallus. The library of abbey, which refers to the 16th century is not only one of the oldest libraries in the world, but also the extensive of the most valuable primitive books and manuscripts.
At least the fact that it is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List is one of the most real pearls of the Swiss nation. The library building itself, built in the 18th century, is one of the most beautiful buildings of the country and attracts thousands of tourists annually from around the world. There is a library of abbey in the summer (from April to October) from 10.00 to 17.00 (until 16.00 on Sunday) and from 10.00 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 17.00 (16.00 on Sunday) in the winter (from November to March). As for the abbey, it is open to visitors from 9.00 to 17.00 or 18.00 on weekdays, from 9.00 to 15.30 on Saturday and from 12.00 to 19.00. True, during the service, access to it will be limited. In addition, it is worth considering that to meet this amazing place it will be necessary to purchase an entrance ticket, the cost of which fluctuates within 10-15 CHF for adults and a little less for students and pensioners. Children entrance are free.
You can also visit the most interesting Textilmuseum. (Textile Museum), the exposition of which tells about the rich past city as a textile center and provides the opportunity to admire the best samples of tissues, lace and real artistic works from textiles. In addition, ready-made products, you can also learn about the process of manufacturing tissues, as well as trace the fate of the most successful of St. Gallen samples.
There is a museum at Vadianstrasse 2, it works daily from 10.00 to 19.00, and the input ticket is worth 12chf for adults, 5 for students. For children, the entrance is free.
In addition, lovers of history maybe I will like the idea to look into the local Historical and Ethnographic Museum Located at Museumstrasse 50 and telling the history, customs and culture of the city and the region as a whole. It works from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 17.00 at the cost of the ticket in 12 Swiss francs for adults and 6 for children.
But if you are a fan of art, especially modern, if you do not miss the opportunity and take a look at Art Museum , located on Museumstrasse 32. In its collections, samples of painting and sculptures are represented from the era of the late Middle Ages to modernity. It works from 10.00 to 17.00 from Tuesday to Sunday (on Wednesdays until 20.00) at the cost of a ticket with similar previous museums.
Of course, you can also spend the night in one of the nightclubs of the city. But it should be remembered that it is a pretty fresh city, the majority of decent nightly entertainment establishments are concentrated in popular resorts in the Swiss standards of St. Gallen, and in larger cities. So a particularly significant similar event here is unlikely to be. But sit in the evening in one of the cozy local restaurants - the idea is quite good. In addition to tasting local dishes, you will probably have a cozy urban atmosphere and a feeling of calm.
Well, finally, if you don't have much time on a close acquaintance with St. Gallen, but I want something unusual and memorable, you can at least stroll along Roter Platz. - a pedestrian area covered with a special coating and made in one, surrealistic style and red tones.
The view that has an area is so extraordinary that it suffers attention to himself and crashes into memory, forcing the city to admire the city, which brought the love of the past and bold steps forward to the future.