St.Gallen-Bodensee

St. Gall close to Lake Constance

Discover, experience, know.

In the hilly, pre-Alpine landscape set against the imposing backdrop of the Alpstein massif by Lake Constance lies the St. Gallen-lake Constance region. With its UNESCO World Heritage abbey district, the city of St. Gallen is a must for cultural travellers. On the shores of Lake Constance between Rorschach and Altenrhein, the lake attracts visitors with open-air pools, water sports and fascinating museums. The rural area around St. Gallen is a wonderful hiking and cycling area with never-ending views over Lake Constance and the mountains.

Pictures & Videos

Current weather St.Gallen-Bodensee

today
25°
25°
20°
slightly cloudy
amount of rainfall
0 l/m²
hours of sunshine
7h
tomorrow
26°
27°
17°
the day after tomorrow
28°
29°
18°

Must-dos in the St-Gallen Lake Constance region:

  • visit the St. Gallen abbey district, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • take the cog railway from Rorschach to Heiden
  • marvel at the artists’ sand sculptures in August
  • Visit the textile museum in St.Gallen
  • try a St. Gallen Bratwurst (without mustard)
  • visit the Forum Würth in Rorschach right on the lake shore
  • linger in Switzerland’s largest outdoor living room - the “roten Platz” in St. Gallen
  • stroll around the “Drei Weieren” in St. Gallen
  • marvel at the collection of books in the abbey library in St. Gallen
  • take a boat trip up the old Rhine to Rheineck

The right place at the right time of year:

  • Spring tip:
    enjoy the view over the city and Lake Constance  from the Drei Weieren above St. Gallen.

  • Summer tip:
    visit the cultural festival in St. Gallen’s most beautiful courtyard and embark on an exciting journey through different musical worlds.

  • Autumn tip:
    get to know the Rhine valley wine on the wine growing way in Thal.

  • Winter tip:
    marvel at the abbey library in St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Selected attractions in St.Gallen-Lake Bodensee

Museum in the Kornhaus (Granary)

Interactive exhibition with numerous replicas relating to the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps."

UNESCO Site Technikum

The Obersee site was recently discovered in 1998 followed by archeologic investigations in 1999, 2006 and 2011. The 100 meter settlement is located on a shoal, surrounded by several palisade rows....

Walter Zoo, Gossau SG

Experience the diversity of around 120 animal species in semi-natural enclosures. Immerse yourself in the world of the jungle and savannah, watch lions in one of the most modern enclosures in Europe,...

Selected events in St.Gallen-Lake Bodensee

Top event

St.Gallen Festspiele

20. June until 04. July

Every year, the cloisters of the St.Gallen abbey district with the its magnificent baroque cathedral serves as the backdrop for an opera drama. Additional dance and concert highlights will be...

Top event

European Colorectal Congress (ECC) 2026

28. November until 02. December

The European Colorectal Congress is a leading international medical congress in colorectal surgery, bringing together experts from healthcare, research, and clinical practice in St. Gallen.

Strandfestwochen Rorschach

31. July until 31. August

The Strandfestwochen Rorschach is a multi-week summer festival on the lakeshore, offering a diverse programme of music, culture, food, and leisure activities for all ages.

Selected tours in St.Gallen-Lake Bodensee

Birnau abbey church at Lake Constance

Travelling through Baroque Heaven

3 days
© Photo: Dagmar Schwelle | Marketing und Tourismus Konstanz GmbH

Lake Constance City Hopping

1-3 days
Lindau Harbour Christmas

Christmas Magic at Lake Constance

6 days

Bookable experiences in St.Gallen-Lake Bodensee

Bratwurst Degustation St.Gallen | © St.Gallen-Bodensee Tourismus

Bratwurst Degustation

Individual: 49.00 CHF per person

Contact address

St.Gallen-Bodensee Tourismus, Bankgasse 9, 9001 St.Gallen, Switzerland