St Gallen is a city that packs surprises into its charming streets. Known for its UNESCO-listed abbey and lively old town, it’s also a place where you can explore unique themed tours that go beyond the usual sightseeing. We especially like the Christmas tour in the city of stars, which captures the holiday spirit with a touch of magic and local traditions. Whether you’re into history, culture, or darker stories, St Gallen offers tours that fit different interests and travel styles.
What makes these tours stand out? They’re not just walk-and-see options—they’re immersive experiences, each with its own flavor. From Christmas cheer to medical history, stories of pioneering women, and even crime scenes, these tours give you a real taste of the city’s character. We’ve carefully selected four of the best, each with its own appeal and a little something extra.
Below, you’ll find our top picks, complete with details on what they include, what makes them special, and who they’re best suited for. Let’s dive into the best city tours St Gallen has to offer.
1. christmas tour in the city of stars
At number one, the Christmas Tour in the City of Stars shines brightly during the festive season. This 1.5-hour walk is perfect if you want to experience St Gallen’s holiday atmosphere with a local touch. The tour takes you through the illuminated streets, where you’ll learn why Father Christmas wears a red coat and discover the significance of Advent in Swiss tradition. The highlight is being guided “by the stars,” adding a cozy, fairy-tale element to your stroll.
This tour is rated 4.7 out of 5 based on reviews, indicating many visitors love its authentic holiday charm. The guide’s storytelling makes history fun and accessible, especially for families or anyone wanting a warm, nostalgic experience. The tour is ideal if you’re visiting during Christmas time and want a short but meaningful way to grasp local customs and legends.
What sets this tour apart is its seasonal focus and the chance to see St Gallen through a festive lens. It’s a perfect choice for travelers seeking a short, immersive holiday experience rather than a lengthy tour. The tour price is not listed, but check availability for starting times.
Bottom Line: A cozy, festive walk that’s great for families, couples, or anyone wanting to soak in St Gallen’s Christmas magic.
2. St. Gallen: Public city tour “Medicine in old St. Gallen”
Next, at number two, this Medical History Tour explores the fascinating world of healthcare in St Gallen. Lasting 1.5 hours, it takes you through the city’s historic center, including Switzerland’s oldest hospital. As you walk, your guide shares both serious and funny anecdotes about how residents tried to stay healthy over the centuries.
This tour is perfect for those interested in how medicine evolved locally, with stories about past practices that seem bizarre today—like herbal remedies and early surgical techniques. It’s a great way to see the city’s historic buildings while learning about its health-related past. The guide’s storytelling is engaging, making complex history accessible and entertaining.
While the reviews aren’t listed here, the tour’s focus on medicinal history and its inclusion of iconic sites make it a good choice for history buffs and curious travelers alike. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy learning while walking through a city with centuries of stories.
Bottom Line: An engaging way to combine sightseeing with a deep dive into Switzerland’s medical past, ideal for history lovers and university students alike.
3. St. Gallen: Public city tour “Women who made history”
Number three on our list is the Women Who Made History tour, a 1.5-hour walk that shines a spotlight on the influential women from St Gallen’s past. Starting at Bankgasse 9, this tour brings to life stories of women whose contributions have often been overlooked. It explores women’s roles in shaping the city and reveals unknown traces of women in the urban landscape.
The guide shares stories of pioneers, innovators, and unsung heroines, giving context to how women influenced education, commerce, and social change. The tour also touches on background info about their pioneering work, making it a compelling experience for those interested in gender history and social progress.
Rated for its storytelling, this tour is accessible and engaging, though it’s not suitable for children under 12. It’s especially appealing for travelers keen to explore women’s history in a city tour setting. The tour is flexible, with live guides speaking German, and offers the chance to learn about these figures in the very streets they walked.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history enthusiasts and advocates interested in gender stories, this tour offers a fresh perspective on St Gallen’s past.
4. St. Gallen: public crime scene city tour
Finally, for those intrigued by the darker side of city life, the Crime Scene City Tour offers an eerie journey through St Gallen’s criminal past. Lasting 1.5 hours, this tour takes you through historical locations linked to real crime stories and uncovers the justice system of the past.
Led by a guide sharing real crime stories, the tour reveals how crimes were investigated and how justice was meted out in earlier centuries. The tour’s focus on dark history and eerie insights makes it ideal for fans of true crime and history buffs who prefer their stories with a bit of a chill.
Though reviews aren’t listed here, the tour’s focus on historical crime scenes and local legends makes it a memorable experience for those interested in the city’s less-polished stories. Suitable for adult audiences, it offers a different perspective on St Gallen’s past.
Bottom Line: For a unique, suspenseful look at St Gallen’s darker history, this tour delivers a compelling narrative and a little thrill.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a tour in St Gallen, consider your interests, time availability, and budget. If you’re visiting during the Christmas season, the Christmas tour offers festive cheer and cultural insights. If history is your thing, the Medical History Tour provides an in-depth look at local health practices, while the Women’s History Tour shines a light on often-overlooked figures. For a darker, more unconventional experience, the Crime Scene Tour uncovers the city’s shadowy stories.
Think about your mobility and preferences—most tours are 1.5 hours long and suited for adults. Check availability and booking policies early, especially during busy seasons like Christmas. Each tour offers a different lens on St Gallen, making it worthwhile to match your interests with the right experience.
Final Thoughts
St Gallen’s variety of city tours means there’s something for all—whether you want to celebrate Christmas, explore medical advances, highlight women’s contributions, or uncover the city’s darker stories. The festive Christmas tour is a delightful way to enjoy the holidays, while the Women’s history tour offers inspiring insights into overlooked figures. For fans of mystery and crime, the Crime scene tour reveals the city’s more sinister side.
Booking early is advisable, especially for seasonal tours, to secure your spot. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or just passing through, these tours will deepen your understanding and appreciation of St Gallen’s rich, diverse stories. Pick the one that speaks most to your curiosity, and enjoy exploring this Swiss city from a new perspective.
