Best attractions and places to see around Gossau, a town in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, offers a blend of tradition, nature, and culture. Nestled between the Alpstein mountains and Lake Constance, it serves as a gateway to the Appenzell region and the cantonal capital of St. Gallen. The area provides access to a variety of natural landscapes and historical sites.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
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Highlight • Historical Site
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The baroque old town boasts sights such as the town hall, built between 1747 and 1750, with its rich Rococo decorations, and the 14th-century Church of St. Pelagius. The Thur Bridge, built in 1487, is one of the most important late medieval bridges in Switzerland. In the 9th century, Bischofszell was given the name Episcopalicella by its founder, Bishop Salomo. This translates as "the bishop's cell." Bischofszell Castle was the bishop's castle and dates back to the 13th century.
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very nice, lots of pedestrians though
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When visibility is good, you have a great all-round view.
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If the weather is good, you will be rewarded for the climb (moderately difficult for inexperienced hikers). The view is fantastic. The inn is closed on Mondays, but otherwise you can enjoy simple but delicious meals on a wonderful terrace.
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Really great, varied, easily accessible hiking trails lead to the Höhi, from all sides of course. There is a barbecue area, a restaurant, and overnight accommodation is possible. When the visibility is good, you can see as far as Appenzellerland, Lake Constance, the Alpstein chain and the Bernese Alps.
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Beautiful cozy town with many restaurants and cafes as well as a wonderful monastery church.
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Breathtaking building substance It is absolutely worth it
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There is a lot to discover in the old town of St. Gallen, for example the monastery district, or you can eat well and shop or have a coffee and stroll. It also has a botanical garden in St. Gallen.
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Gossau boasts several historical landmarks. You can visit Hagenwil Moated Castle, an almost 800-year-old fortress that also houses an excellent restaurant. Other notable sites include Oberberg Castle, dating back to the 13th century, and the ruins of ancient fortresses like Helfenberg and Rosenberg. The Rosenberg ruins offer a discovery route after a steep ascent.
Yes, Gossau offers several cultural sites. The Henessenmühle Group is a beautiful complex of historical buildings representing various industrial branches. You can also explore several churches, such as Andreaskirche with its Renaissance elements and Bible garden, Haldenbüelkirche with its neo-baroque and Art Nouveau décor, and the Reformed Church of Gossau. For those interested in history, the Gossau Museum and the Hilti Motorbike Museum, showcasing approximately 140 exhibits, are worth a visit.
Gossau is surrounded by numerous hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. You can find routes through scenic ravines like the Wissbach Gorge, or paths leading to places such as Tannenberg and the Ramsenstock. For families, there's a 1.5 km adventure trail in the Buechenwald forest, suitable for baby buggies, featuring 'Gossi the dragon' and a barbecue spot. For more challenging routes, explore the Mountain Hikes around Gossau guide, which includes routes to Hundwiler Höhi and Kronberg Summit.
For breathtaking views, head to Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi, which offers a wonderful panorama of the Alps and is an ideal place for a break. Oberberg Castle also provides spectacular views towards the Säntis mountain. Additionally, the Rosenberg ruins offer a rewarding view after a climb.
Gossau is great for families! You can visit Walter Zoo, Switzerland's largest private zoo, home to over a hundred animal species, with play facilities and barbecue spots. The Buechenwald forest features a 1.5 km adventure trail with 'Gossi the dragon' that's suitable for strollers. The town also offers indoor and outdoor swimming pools and minigolf for recreational fun.
Yes, the area around Gossau offers diverse cycling opportunities. You can find various routes for gravel biking, mountain biking, and road cycling. Explore the Gravel biking around Gossau guide for routes like the Appenzell Route, or check out the Road Cycling Routes around Gossau for tours like the Magdenau Cistercian Abbey loop.
Gossau is nestled in a region rich with natural beauty. Its location between the Alpstein mountains and Lake Constance provides access to stunning landscapes. The area features the Buechenwald (Beech Forest), scenic ravines like the Wissbach Gorge, and the Thur River, which is crossed by the Thur Suspension Bridge near Thurau.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. Many enjoy the stunning views from places like Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi and the historical significance of sites like Hagenwil Moated Castle. The well-preserved Old Town Bischofszell and the winding streets of St. Gallen Old Town are also highly praised for their atmosphere and architecture.
Yes, Gossau itself has a historic Old Town with picturesque streets and traditional Swiss architecture. Additionally, the nearby Old Town Bischofszell is a must-see, featuring a graceful baroque town hall and well-preserved buildings. The St. Gallen Old Town is also easily accessible and offers countless shops, restaurants, and cafés amidst beautiful architecture.
Gossau offers a few unique local experiences. You can visit the Brunschwiler Fruit Press and Distillery, a small show distillery located in the heart of town. The Henessenmühle Group provides a glimpse into historical industrial practices. For motorbike enthusiasts, the Hilti Motorbike Museum showcases the entire history of motorbikes with a vast collection.
The best time to visit Gossau for outdoor activities generally depends on the specific activity. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage or blooming landscapes. Summer is ideal for enjoying the swimming pools and longer daylight hours. While the region is beautiful year-round, some higher-altitude trails might be less accessible in winter.


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