Attractions and places to see around Jonschwil, a municipality in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, offer a blend of natural beauty and local cultural insights. The region provides diverse outdoor activities, including numerous hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. Visitors can explore natural features like gorges and waterfalls, alongside historical and cultural sites. This area is characterized by its varied landscape, from river valleys to elevated points offering expansive views.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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Very long, covered stairs, a bit strenuous uphill with a bike.
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Baroque Church of St. John the Baptist & St. John the Evangelist - Fischingen Monastery History and Architecture According to sources from around 1200, Abbot Waltram had the first church and monastery complex built between 1138 and 1144. This Romanesque church was followed by the Gothic church, probably after a monastery fire dated 1440. Before the convent chapter decided to begin construction of a new church in 1685, Abbot Joachim summoned the Einsiedeln architect Brother Kaspar Moosbrugger, whose contribution to the planning, however, is difficult to estimate. The northern nave underwent its first alteration in connection with the Idda Chapel, built from 1704 onwards. The arcades opening onto the chapel were decorated with stucco. The extension of the church to the east and the construction of the cheerful organ choir in 1753 onwards had a more dramatic effect. which forms the transition to the spacious Baroque convent buildings from the same period. Somewhat later, the chancel was remodeled in the emerging style of early classicism. The Fischingen monastery church underwent extensive renovations between 2000 and 2008. The parish could not possibly cover the high costs of this renovation, approximately CHF 8 million, alone. Text / Source: Catholic Parish of St. Idda Fischingen, Kurhausstr. 29a, 8374 Dussnang https://www.kath-fischingen.ch/de/unser-pastoralraum-0/unsere-kirchen/st-johannes-der-taeufer-st-johannes-der-evangelist
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Kloster Fischingen / A foray through history In 1138, Bishop Ulrich II of Constance founded a private episcopal monastery in his territory on the upper reaches of the Murg river and settled it with Benedictine monks from the Petershausen monastery in Constance. After an initial period of prosperity, the Fischingen convent numbered barely more than 10 monks until the 17th century. In addition to tending to monastic life, they were responsible for pastoral care in the incorporated parishes of Dussnang (with Au), Bichelsee, Sirnach, and Bettwiesen, as well as in Fischingen. The Reformation led to the extinction of monastic life in Fischingen for several years. Abbot Heinrich Stoll from Zurich converted to the new doctrine in 1526 and married; the remaining four monks soon followed his example. It was the Catholic cantons of the Imperial Diet who brought about the re-establishment of the monastery by postulating P. Markus Schenkli, the vicar of the Abbot of St. Gallen, as the new Abbot of Fischingen in July 1540 at the Diet in Baden. After initial personnel and financial difficulties, the spirit of reform prevailed in Fischingen, and the monastery experienced its long flourishing period throughout the Baroque era with an average of 30 monks. Under the pious Abbot Joachim Seiler of Wil (1672–1688), a prolific spiritual writer and sought-after preacher, monastic spirituality reached such a peak that it was praised in a visitation report with the words "more to be recommended than to be improved". The construction of the new monastery church (1685–1687) also falls within Abbot Joachim's time. Abbot Nikolaus Degen of Lachen (1747–1776) is considered Fischingen's great Baroque building abbot. He extended the church with the Upper Choir in the ornate Rococo style and had the symmetrically designed, beautifully shaped monastery buildings erected to the east and south of the quadrangle. To the west, due to the monastery's high debt burden, the earlier buildings from 1577 and 1635 remained. Abbot Augustin Bloch of Oberbuchsiten (1776–1815) skillfully guided the monastery through the turmoil of the French Revolution and had the Lower Choir of the church remodeled in the early Classical style. Text / Source: Verein Kloster Fischingen, old website https://www.benediktiner-fischingen.ch/unsere-geschichte/
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Brauerei Kloster Fischingen AG Enjoy beers in the only Swiss monastery brewery The Brauerei Kloster Fischingen AG is the first and only Swiss monastery brewery. It brews a range of high-quality beers in the Ökonomiegebäude under the PILGRIM brand – a reference to the countless pilgrims who came to Fischingen over the centuries on the Way of St. James. Text / Source: Kloster Fischingen, 8376 Fischingen https://klosterfischingen.ch/
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St. Katharinakapelle - Kloster Fischingen Built in 1635 - Restored from 1998 - 2000 and placed under federal protection. Behind this door lies a true gem. Step inside and let yourself be enchanted by the atmosphere. Meditations, evening prayers, or early masses regularly take place there. Text / Source: Kath. Pfarrei St. Idda Fischingen, Kurhausstr. 29a, 8374 Dussnang https://www.kath-fischingen.ch/de/unsere-kirchen-4/st-katharinakapelle-fischingen-kloster
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Baroque Church of St. John the Baptist & St. John the Evangelist - Fischingen Monastery History and architecture According to sources from around 1200, Abbot Waltram had the first church and monastery complex built between 1138 and 1144. This Romanesque house of God was followed, probably after a monastery fire dated 1440, by the Gothic church construction. Before the convent chapter decided in 1685 to begin construction work on a new church, Abbot Joachim brought in the hermit architect Brother Kaspar Moosbrugger, whose contribution to the planning is difficult to assess. A first modification was made to the northern nave in connection with the St. Id a Chapel, built from 1704 onwards. The arcades opening to the chapel were adorned with stucco. The extension of the church to the east and the construction of the cheerful organ choir in 1753 onwards had a more decisive effect, forming the transition to the spacious Baroque convent buildings of the same period. Somewhat later, the chancel was reshaped in the emerging style of early Classicism. The Fischingen monastery church had to undergo a comprehensive renovation between 2000 and 2008. The high costs of this conversion, around 8 million Swiss francs, could not possibly be borne by the parish alone. Text / Source: Kath. Pfarrei St. Idda Fischingen, Kurhausstr. 29a, 8374 Dussnang https://www.kath-fischingen.ch/de/unser-pastoralraum-0/unsere-kirchen/st-johannes-der-taeufer-st-johannes-der-evangelist
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Kloster Fischingen History / 900 Years of Monastery History Since 1879, the monastery properties have been owned by the Kloster Fischingen Association. The monastery is home to a small Benedictine community, which is a tenant. Furthermore, the association ensures that the national monument is accessible to a wide audience. Thus, for more than one hundred and forty years, it has been responsible for the maintenance and revitalization of the historic complex. Before 1138, Bishop Ulrich II of Constance founded Fischingen Monastery. It experienced its heyday in the Baroque period and was dissolved by the Thurgau government in 1848. In 1879, the St. Iddazell Association acquired the monastery complex, and an educational center was established there in 1982. It remains in their possession to this day. From 1943 onwards, monks from Engelberg came to Fischingen to look after the children's home. In 1977, they were able to re-establish the old Benedictine abbey. Text / Source: Kloster Fischingen https://www.pilgerinfischingen.ch/im-kloster/lageplan-kloster/
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Fischingen Monastery / A journey through history In 1138, Bishop Ulrich II of Constance founded a proprietary monastery in his territory on the upper reaches of the Murg River and settled it with Benedictine monks from the Petershausen Monastery in Constance. After an initial period of prosperity, the Fischingen convent numbered hardly more than 10 monks until the 17th century. In addition to tending to monastic life, they were responsible for pastoral care in the incorporated parishes of Dussnang (with Au), Bichelsee, Sirnach, and Bettwiesen, as well as in Fischingen. The Reformation led to the monastic life in Fischingen being extinguished for several years. Abbot Heinrich Stoll from Zurich converted to the new doctrine in 1526 and married; the remaining four monks soon followed his example. It was the Catholic cantons of the Swiss Diet that brought about the re-establishment of the monastery by postulating P. Markus Schenkli, the vicar of the Abbot of St. Gallen, as the new Abbot of Fischingen in July 1540 at the Diet in Baden. After initial personnel and financial difficulties, the spirit of reform prevailed in Fischingen, and the monastery experienced its long period of prosperity throughout the entire Baroque era with an average of 30 monks. Under the saintly Abbot Joachim Seiler of Wil (1672–1688), a prolific spiritual writer and sought-after preacher, monastic spirituality reached such a peak that it was praised in a visitation report with the words "rather to be recommended than to be improved." The construction of the new monastery church (1685–1687) also falls within Abbot Joachim's time. Text / Source: Verein Kloster Fischingen, old internet presence https://www.benediktiner-fischingen.ch/unsere-geschichte/
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Jonschwil and its surroundings are rich in natural beauty. You can visit the impressive Giessenfall Waterfall, where the Giessenbach stream plunges about 40 meters. Another highlight is the Wissbach Gorge Trail, a wild and romantic side valley with a covered wooden walkway. For expansive views, head to Wildberg, the highest point in the municipality, offering vistas of the Toggenburg, Churfirsten, and Alpstein mountain ranges. The Bettenauer Weiher, a small lake, also provides pleasant walking trails.
Yes, several attractions are great for families. The Wissbach Gorge Trail is considered a paradise for families with children, featuring a covered wooden walkway and numerous barbecue and resting areas. The Giessenfall Waterfall is also accessible via a path, and its base offers a small bathing area. Additionally, the Thur Suspension Bridge near Thurau is an easy-to-ride trail suitable for beginners and families.
For a glimpse into history and culture, consider visiting Fischingen Abbey, a historical religious building where you can take a break, dine at its restaurant, or even spend a night in a former monk's cell. Within Jonschwil itself, the Chronikstube preserves images, objects, and documents related to the municipality's past, offering insights into its local history.
Jonschwil offers a variety of hiking trails for different preferences. The Bänkliweg extends across the municipality, featuring benches at scenic viewpoints. You can also explore circular paths like the Jonschwiler Rundweg and Schwarzenbacher Rundweg, which take about an hour each. For more options, check out the hiking guide for Jonschwil, which includes routes like the 'Wildberg – St. Martin's Catholic Church loop' and the 'Bettenauer Weiher – Bettenauer Pond loop'.
Yes, the area around Jonschwil is suitable for cycling. The Thur Suspension Bridge near Thurau is part of an area with nice bike trails, including easier forest paths. While the Wissbach Gorge can be explored by bike, some sections may require carrying or pushing. For dedicated routes, refer to the road cycling guide for Jonschwil, which features routes like the 'Pilgrim Brewery – Fischingen Abbey loop'.
The Wildberg, as the highest point in the municipality, offers extensive views of the Toggenburg, the Churfirsten, and the Alpstein. Additionally, the Bänkliweg hiking trail is designed with numerous benches at various viewpoints, inviting visitors to pause and enjoy the scenic surroundings across the municipality.
Yes, Fischingen Abbey offers a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal, and it also provides the unique option to spend the night in a former monk's cell. The Wissbachschlucht also has numerous barbecue and resting areas along the river, perfect for a picnic.
The landscapes along the Thur River provide well-maintained hiking opportunities for nature enthusiasts. You can find circular routes like the Schwarzenbacher Rundweg, which leads from Schwarzenbach to the Thur river and through the Thur landscape in Benzenau. For running, the running guide for Jonschwil includes a 'Thur River Near Wil loop from Jonschwil'.
Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty and the well-maintained trails. The Wissbach Gorge Trail is loved for its wild and romantic atmosphere and its suitability for families. The Giessenfall Waterfall is noted for its impressive appearance and the picturesque views from below. Many also enjoy the peaceful and scenic breaks offered at historical sites like Fischingen Abbey.
Jonschwil has gained recognition as a 'concert village,' notably hosting the OpenAir St. Gallen festival, a significant annual music event. The first open-air concert was held at the foot of the Wildberg in 1996, marking the '1200 Years of Jonschwil' anniversary festival. This highlights the region's connection to music and community celebrations.
For easy hikes, the Bänkliweg offers relaxed strolls with scenic benches. The Jonschwiler Rundweg and Schwarzenbacher Rundweg are circular paths, each taking approximately an hour, providing accessible recreation in nature. The hiking guide for Jonschwil also lists 'Forest Cottage – Thur River Near Wil loop from Schwarzenbach SG' as an easy option.
While not directly in Jonschwil, the broader St. Gallen region offers several notable attractions. You could visit the Abbey of St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Baroque cathedral and ancient library. For a unique experience, the Baumwipfelpfad Neckertal offers a treetop walk with unique perspectives of the forest.


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