Best attractions and places to see around Uzwil, a municipality in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, offers a blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. The region is characterized by the Thur River and its floodplains, providing picturesque landscapes for outdoor activities. Uzwil serves as a starting point for exploring various natural and cultural landmarks in its immediate surroundings.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
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Highlight (Segment) • Gorge
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Highlight • Religious Site
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Very long, covered stairs, a bit strenuous uphill with a bike.
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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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Brauerei Kloster Fischingen – PILGRIM Pilgrimage Station - founded in 1138 by Bishop Ulrich II of Constance as a pilgrimage station A SIP OF HEAVEN ON EARTH! In the Benedictine monastery Fischingen, we brew handmade gourmet beers according to traditional recipes with modern knowledge and technology. The beers are made from the best monastery water, select malt, aroma hops, wild herbs, and spices. The use of rare yeasts and extensive maturation creates a unique, full flavor. Text / Source: BRAUEREI KLOSTER FISCHINGEN AG, Im Kloster, CH-8376 Fischingen https://www.pilgrim.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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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. In addition, the association ensures that the national monument is open 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 the Fischingen monastery. It experienced its heyday in the Baroque period and was abolished in 1848 by the Thurgau government. In 1879, the St. Iddazell association acquired the monastery complex, where a training center was established in 1982. It remains in its 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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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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Kloster Fischingen / A Stroll Through History In 1138, Bishop Ulrich II of Constance founded a proprietary episcopal monastery in his dominion on the upper reaches of the Murg and settled it with Benedictine monks from the Petershausen monastery in Constance. After an initial period of flourishing, the Fischingen convent numbered barely more than 10 monks until the 17th century. In addition to maintaining 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 itself. The Reformation led to a multi-year cessation of monastic life in Fischingen. 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 flourishing period 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 upon." The construction of the new monastery church (1685–1687) also falls within Abbot Joachim's time. Text / Source: Verein Kloster Fischingen, old website https://www.benediktiner-fischingen.ch/unsere-geschichte/
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The Uzwil region is rich in natural beauty. A must-visit is the Wissbach Gorge Trail, a wildly romantic side valley of the Glatt River, featuring a covered wooden walkway and numerous barbecue spots. The Thur River and its floodplains also offer picturesque landscapes, ideal for hiking and cycling. You can also find the Thur Suspension Bridge near Thurau, which is part of many scenic trails.
Yes, Uzwil and its surroundings boast several historical sites. The Old Town Bischofszell is a well-preserved historical site known for its 18th-century town hall. Further afield, the nearby town of Wil features one of Eastern Switzerland's best-preserved old towns with half-timbered houses. You can also visit Fischingen Abbey, a historic Benedictine monastery.
Uzwil is an excellent starting point for various outdoor activities. Hiking and cycling are particularly popular, with routes along the Thur River and through areas like the Nieselbergwald. You can find numerous hiking trails around Uzwil, as well as MTB trails and running routes for all skill levels.
Absolutely! The Wissbach Gorge Trail is considered a paradise for families, offering a safe covered wooden walkway and plenty of barbecue and rest stops. The Thur Suspension Bridge near Thurau is also part of family-friendly trails. Additionally, the nearby Walter Zoo in Gossau and MutaWorld in Flawil offer unique experiences for children.
The Wissbach Gorge is best explored on foot. A covered wooden walkway guides hikers safely through the gorge, allowing you to enjoy the wild and romantic scenery. There are also numerous barbecue and rest stops along the river, making it ideal for a leisurely day out. You can also visit the Wissbach Gorge and Historic Power Plant to see the narrow forest trails and the historic power plant.
Yes, Uzwil offers several easy hiking options. For instance, the 'Sonnentaler Footbridge – Henau Fire Pit loop from Hauser & Wirth Collection' is an easy 4.8 km route. Another easy option is the 'Trail along the Thur – View of the River Thur loop from Uzwil', which is just over 5 km. You can find more easy trails in the Hiking around Uzwil guide.
Beyond the historical sites, you can immerse yourself in culture by visiting the Ortsmuseum Oberuzwil, a local museum. The nearby city of St. Gallen is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Abbey of Saint Gall and its magnificent Abbey Library, offering a profound cultural experience.
Uzwil is home to the remarkable Villa Waldbühl, an Arts and Crafts Movement country house built by English architect Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott. It's a Swiss heritage site of national significance, known for its Jugendstil interior and blend of Tudor and Swiss Heimatstil architecture. While public access may be limited, its architectural importance is notable.
The Uzwil region is excellent for cycling. Popular routes include those along the Thur River, such as the 'Along the Thur River – Huserfelsen Pass loop from Uzwil' (56.8 km) or the 'View of the River Thur – Thur Riverside Trail loop from Uzwil' (35.4 km). There are also various MTB trails around Uzwil suitable for different skill levels.
The Hauser & Wirth Collection Henau, located in the Uzwil municipality, is recognized as a Swiss heritage site of national significance. While Hauser & Wirth is an international art gallery, this specific location is identified as an institution rather than a publicly accessible gallery with regular opening hours. It holds cultural importance within the region.
Yes, the region offers several scenic spots. The Thur Suspension Bridge near Thurau provides great views over the river and surrounding landscape. The Thur River floodplains themselves offer picturesque vistas, especially along the various hiking and cycling routes. Additionally, the nearby Nieselbergwald provides elevated perspectives.
Yes, for instance, Fischingen Abbey offers a restaurant and the unique experience of spending a night in a former monk's cell. The nearby towns like Wil and Bischofszell also provide various dining options and accommodations.


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