Ten winter experiences in St. Gallen

A trip to St. Gallen is worthwhile at any time of year. Even in winter. The St. Gallen and Lake Constance Tourist Office gives ten reasons to visit the region between Lake Constance and Säntis.1) City of starsJust in time for the 1st Advent, the city center of St.Gallen is illuminated. 700 stars shine over the Swiss "city of stars" and bathe the Christmas market, squares and alleyways in magical light. At the Christmas market itself, Swiss handicrafts and local specialties are on sale at around 70 beautifully decorated gabled houses. An additional highlight is the Christmas tree with 18,000 lights on the monastery square in the middle of the abbey district.2) The coolest sliding experience in SwitzerlandIt's not just the water that flows here, but also the adrenaline: with eight new slides and the staging of a mountain and cave world, the Säntispark in Abtwil, St.Gallen, creates a unique swimming experience. With the "Säntispipe", for example, guests slide down a six-metre-high steep face - there is no other slide like it anywhere else in Switzerland. In addition to the elaborate staging of the slide tower with light show and sound, the "nosedive" is also a highlight - after a free fall, guests are transported into a horizontal loop.3) Torchlight tour through the Mülenen GorgeDuring Advent, St.Gallen-Lake Constance Tourism offers atmospheric evening torchlight tours through the Mülenen Gorge up to the Drei Weieren, where punch and mulled wine are served. Along the way, the guides tell stories of bears, legends and New Year's Eve customs.4) Ice skating over the rooftops of St. GallenWhen it gets really cold, the Drei Weieren - the local recreation area for the people of St.Gallen - is a great place to go ice skating in winter. If you like, you can enjoy an aperitif at the ice bar at the Dreilinden afterwards, accompanied by the impressive panorama of the city and Lake Constance.5) Laternli trail at the foot of the SäntisOn the romantic Laternli trail, guests walk through snow-covered forests on a prepared path illuminated by countless kerosene lamps. In between, they can warm up with a hot punch and round off the evening with a cozy fondue or raclette at the Gasthaus Passhöhe or Hotel Säntis. The Laternli trail is illuminated after dark from November 17, 2016 to March 2017.6) The bear is on the move hereMore space for nature: The new St.Gallen Nature Museum opened its doors in November. In addition to larger exhibition rooms and a more diverse range of exhibits, a nature park has also been created with experiences for all the senses.7) Ski destination St.GallenWith its World Heritage Site, St.Gallen is a popular destination for city breakers. But the St.Gallen region is much more than that. There are seven ski resorts within an hour's drive. In Liechtenstein, Austria and Switzerland, skiers and snowboarders have a variety of slopes to enjoy winter sports. A city skiing experience in a class of its own.8) Cross-country skiing through the cityCross-country skiing has become a real trend sport in recent years. Ski resorts are increasingly focusing on cross-country skiing guests, but elegant gliding is also booming in the cities. This is also the case in St.Gallen. The city offers five cross-country ski trails of varying lengths. All of them can be reached by car or public transport.9) Ice arena with fondue restaurantAn old tradition reinterpreted: in January 2017, an ice rink with an eight-centimetre-thick layer of ice will be created at the Seepavillon in Rorschach directly on the shores of Lake Constance. In addition to the ice arena, there will be a skate rental service and a kiosk selling hot and cold drinks. The Rorschach network also runs a fondue restaurant in a heated, rustic and cozy alpine hut from 6 pm in January and February.10) New mineral spaAfter three years, the St.Gallen-Lake Constance region near the border with Austria now has a mineral spa again. The new building includes steam baths, Finnish saunas, bio saunas, experience showers, meeting and relaxation zones. There is also a plunge pool. The bathing area extends over the indoor and outdoor areas, which make up two thirds of the bathing landscape. In addition to a steam grotto, guests can enjoy massage jets, bubble loungers and a tile pool.