The power of water

Especially for the urban, stressed and time-pressured business world, the conscious feeling of water is valuable. Lake Constance and Lake Walen are virtually the boundary waters of the "MICE Region Eastern Switzerland" and offer precisely such "water activities" for employee events. Two of the leading all-round providers are on the one hand the team of the St. Gallen-Lake Constance Convention Bureau in St. Gallen and on the other hand the private providers of Outivity in Flums.

"Floating All Senses"

Around Lake Constance there are many rather touristy offers, such as a visit to the Rhine Falls or a nice boat tour. Suitable for corporate events for the latter is especially the "MS Sonnenkönigin" with its home port Bregenz. It was put into service in 2008 and, according to the manufacturer, is one of the largest passenger ships on European inland waters. The silhouette is unconventionally forward facing; an impressive means of transportation.Inside the congress hall is an open space, with the two upper decks serving as a gallery. On the main deck, there is a height-adjustable grandstand and four bars are available. The "Sun Queen" is marketed with the advertising slogan "Floating All Senses" as a charter ship in the premium event sector.

These senses also come to the fore when canoeing around Arbon. The employees get to know each other in an unfamiliar situation and take many positive experiences back into their everyday working lives.Once again, you need more of your own strength on a bike tour around Lake Walen. But the ride is quite comfortable and straightforward; past lush meadows and rushing streams. And with a fantastic view of the chain of the Churfirsten. Somewhere in the green you treat yourself to a snack, and it can be quite simple: such as Cervelat with bread and a fine glass of "Maiensässer" Pinot Noir. You could call such events "Reduce to the max".

Destination Heidiland

Under the title "Hiking, Wine and Lake Walen", the specialized event agency Outivity offers full-day framework programs for 8 to 60 people. People meet in Walenstadt and travel by bus from there to Walenstadtberg. On the terrace of the cozy "Bergbeizli" you fortify yourself with coffee and a homemade pear bread. This is followed by a leisurely hike to the shore of Lake Walen 400 meters below - then along the lakeshore to the wine village of Quinten. Situated directly on the water, a fine lunch awaits you in the fish restaurant.

And it goes on to the rustic Weintorkel in the same village, where you can hear a winegrower explain the local Quintner wine. Various local wines are available for tasting.The program concludes with a boat trip back to Walenstadt. The cost, including the bus ride to Walenstadtberg, coffee and pear bread, wine tasting, boat trip and accompanying person, is 95 francs per participant. Lunch will be charged separately.Outivity is a still young company that has set itself the goal of expanding the unique nature and mountain world of the Heidiland region with exciting offers. Thomas and Nina Kessler are the responsible persons and explain to their product: "With us the experience stands in the foreground. Under professional guidance, we guarantee our corporate guests unforgettable moments in nature. "Around 100 orders are realized each year. Sailing tours on Lake Walen, for example, are in great demand; they can be organized for a maximum of 24 participants. "Our big advantage is that we grew up in the region and therefore know every stone in Heidiland respectively are closely networked with all regional service providers."

Highlight Tamina Gorge

The topic of water then brings us to the Tamina Valley in the canton of St. Gallen. Between Valens and the hamlet of Bonadivis, water has dug up to 200 meters into the ground over the last 15,000 years. The narrow crevice is about 750 meters long and 70 meters deep. At Bad Pfäfers, the gorge widens to such an extent that there is barely room for a single-lane road next to the Tamina. This is the way to the Calfeisen Valley hydroelectric power plant. Here, groups of companies can vividly experience the economic importance of hydropower.

Framed by the thousand-meter-high rock walls of the Ringelspitz massif stands the Gigerwald dam. After the welcome, an employee guides you through the corridors of the dam for about 90 minutes. With many facts, figures and stories about the construction and operation of the facility, he conveys the complex subject. Then a narrow road leads through tunnels to the far end of the reservoir. Lunch is served in the Walser settlement of St. Martin. Outivity offers this program for 95 francs per guest, including a guided tour of the dam wall, a small aperitif, lunch in St. Martin and a professional guide. The impressive region can also be experienced in other ways, for example during a visit to the old baths in Pfäfers or at the source of the hot thermal water. Thomas and Nina Kessler are happy to provide further tailor-made offers.www.sonnenkoenigin.ccwww.st.gallen-bodensee.ch/de/kongresse-seminarewww.outivity.ch