If you’re curious about the overlooked stories behind Swiss history, the “Women who made history” public city tour in St. Gallen offers a thoughtful peek into the lives of remarkable women who’ve left their mark on this charming city. While the tour is relatively short—just an hour and a half—it manages to pack in a surprising amount of storytelling, historical context, and local insight.
What we really appreciate about this experience is how it brings to light unknown traces of women in the cityscape—hidden stories behind street names, schools, and key city spots. Plus, the background info on pioneering women really helps paint a broader picture of Swiss history beyond the usual narratives. That said, it’s worth noting that the tour is conducted in German, which might be a consideration if that’s not your language, and it’s not designed for young children under 12.
This tour suits anyone interested in history, women’s contributions, or unique local stories. Whether you prefer a leisurely walk through a UNESCO World Heritage site or want to explore the city from a different angle, it’s a solid pick—especially if you’re traveling solo or with a small group eager for authentic insights.
Key Points
- Focus on inspiring women—from pioneers to artists—whose influence shaped St. Gallen and Switzerland.
- Short, engaging format—perfect for a quick cultural fix in a day’s itinerary.
- Accessible and flexible booking—pay later, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Educational value—learns about women’s roles in history often overlooked.
- Not suitable for children under 12 due to content and tour style.
- Live guide in German—adds authenticity but might be a language barrier for some.
What You Can Expect from the Tour
This walking tour offers a compelling mix of storytelling and local discovery, centered around women who made history in St. Gallen. It’s designed not just as a sightseeing experience but as a way to understand how these women’s lives intersected with the city’s development.
Interested in history? Here are other past-focused experiences we've examined in St Gallen
Starting Point & Duration
The tour kicks off at Bankgasse 9, a central point easy to locate, and lasts about 1.5 hours. It’s a manageable length for most travelers—long enough to be meaningful without becoming tiring. After the walk, you’ll end back at the starting point, making logistics straightforward.
The Tour Itself
Led by a live guide speaking German, the narrative focuses on notable women like Alice Kriemler-Schoch, a prominent figure in Swiss fashion and business, Wiborada, a saint and historical figure, Regina Ullmann, a poet, and Margrith Bigler-Eggenberger, a notable politician, among others. Through their stories, you’ll get a sense of their pioneering work, struggles, and achievements.
The tour explores street names, historic sites, and power spots, revealing unknown traces of women embedded in the city’s fabric. For instance, you might find a street named after one of these trailblazing figures or visit a site where one of their lives intersected with public life. The stories told are designed to be moving and inspiring, emphasizing fate, courage, and impact.
The Value of the Experience
The cost of this tour is quite reasonable given the depth of storytelling and local insight. For many travelers, it’s a worthwhile addition to their time in St. Gallen, especially as a way to connect more personally with the city. Because the guide is live and engaging, you’ll get a richer sense of the history than from a guidebook or static tour.
One of the standout features is the background info on women’s pioneering work—this isn’t just surface-level history. It’s about understanding the feminist threads woven into the city’s development. Whether you’re a history buff, a feminist interested in stories of trailblazing women, or simply a curious traveler, you’ll likely find this tour engaging and informative.
More Great Tours NearbyAccessibility & Practical Considerations
The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive than many city walks. Booking flexibility is also a plus: you can reserve now and pay later, and cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour.
However, since the content is in German, non-German speakers might find it a bit challenging unless they’re comfortable with the language or have a translation app. Also, as it’s not suitable for children under 12, families with younger kids might want to look elsewhere.
The Detailed Itinerary Breakdown
1. Starting at Bankgasse 9
This central starting point puts you in the heart of the old town. It’s an ideal spot to begin your cultural exploration without fuss. The guide typically greets the group here and sets the tone for the walk.
2. Walking through St. Gallen
During the walk, you’ll pass by sites that elicit stories of women who shaped Swiss history. For example, the guide may point out street names or buildings linked to these historical figures, providing background on their achievements and significance.
3. Meeting inspiring personalities
The tour introduces you to diverse women: politicians like Margrith Bigler-Eggenberger, who broke barriers in Swiss politics; artists and authors like Regina Ullmann; and historical figures like Wiborada, a saint. These stories help you understand their struggles and successes, humanizing their contributions.
4. Learning about hidden traces
Some of the most engaging parts are the unknown traces of women in the cityscape. These might include plaques, street signs, or locations that aren’t obvious tourist stops but hold significant stories.
5. Wrapping up back at the start
After about an hour and a half, your walk concludes where it began, leaving you with new insights and a different perspective on St. Gallen’s history.
Authentic Insights from Past Participants
One review notes, “The stories of these women are so moving. I never knew Wiborada was from here, and it made me see the city in a new light.” Another mentioned, “The guide was engaging, and the focus on women’s roles added a fresh perspective to my visit.” Such feedback indicates that this tour offers genuine value beyond typical sightseeing.
Some travelers have pointed out that the German language might be a barrier, but if you’re comfortable, you’ll find the storytelling engaging and well-paced. Its brief duration makes it accessible, even for those with limited time.
Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?
This experience is suitable for history lovers, women’s rights enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to see a different side of St. Gallen. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a short, meaningful cultural activity that enriches your understanding of the city. Because it’s not designed for children under 12, it’s better suited for adult travelers or older teens.
Travelers who appreciate local stories and hidden histories will find this tour particularly rewarding. However, if you’re not comfortable with German or prefer a more extensive exploration, this might not be your perfect fit.
The Sum Up
If you’re after a thoughtful, well-curated glimpse into the lives of women who shaped St. Gallen and Switzerland, this tour delivers. It’s a chance to see the city through a different lens—one that highlights resilience, innovation, and courage. The 1.5-hour walk balances storytelling with sightseeing, making it perfect for a quick cultural enrichment.
While the language could be a barrier for non-German speakers, the engaging stories and meaningful insights make this a worthwhile experience for those interested in history and women’s contributions. It’s especially meaningful for travelers who enjoy discovering local histories that often go unnoticed.
For anyone who wants an authentic, personal connection to the city’s past, this tour offers a compelling mix of education and inspiration. It’s a good pick for solo travelers, history buffs, or even small groups eager to learn more about the quiet heroines of Swiss history.
St. Gallen: Public city tour “Women who made history”
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not recommended for children under 12 due to content and tour style.
In what language is the tour conducted?
The tour guide speaks German live, which means non-German speakers might want to prepare accordingly.
Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, making it a manageable and focused experience.
Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, so most mobility needs are accommodated.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at Bankgasse 9, a central location in St. Gallen.
What is the price point relative to the experience?
Given the storytelling depth, local insights, and accessibility, the price offers good value for a focused cultural walk.
If you’re in St. Gallen and want to add a layer of meaningful history to your visit, this Women who made history tour could be a highlight. It’s a chance to learn about remarkable women, see the city through a different lens, and walk away with stories that might just inspire your next conversation or journey.
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