St. Gallen

🏨 The Hostel

The St. Gallen Youth Hostel is situated on a peaceful hillside above the city, offering a stunning panoramic view over the rooftops of St. Gallen and all the way to Lake Constance. The modern building combines comfort with practicality and is ideally suited for school groups. With 87 beds in total, the hostel provides a mix of spacious dormitories for 4 to 6 students, as well as some family and double rooms. Several rooms include private bathrooms, while others are equipped with a sink and share clean, well-maintained facilities in the hallway.

Inside, students will find a cozy lounge area, a small library, and a seminar room – perfect for group activities, studying or simply unwinding. The outdoor area is especially inviting: a large garden with table tennis, a playground, and even a fire pit for campfire evenings makes it easy for the group to bond and enjoy time together. Meals are freshly prepared by the in-house kitchen team and include a generous breakfast buffet, optional lunch and dinner, and packed lunches upon request. Vegetarian and seasonal options are always available.

🌆 The City

St. Gallen is a captivating blend of history and modern life. The heart of the city is the magnificent Abbey District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that impresses with its baroque cathedral and world-famous Abbey Library – one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, home to ornate manuscripts and centuries of knowledge.

But St. Gallen isn’t just for history buffs. Right behind the youth hostel, the scenic hills lead up to the Three Ponds (Drei Weieren) – a historic swimming area surrounded by nature, ideal for a refreshing break. The old town features beautifully preserved half-timbered houses, quaint cafés, and boutique shops, while also offering access to modern museums, theaters, and public squares that invite exploration and interaction.

Thanks to its location between Lake Constance, the Appenzell region, and the Alpstein mountains, St. Gallen is the perfect base for day trips and adventures. It’s a place where students can discover a rich cultural heritage while enjoying the beauty of Swiss landscapes – the perfect setting for an inspiring, educational, and memorable school trip.

🎯 Activities & Excursions

St. Gallen and the surrounding area offer a wide range of experiences tailored to school groups. Whether it's nature, sports, science, or art – there's something for every interest.

🚴 Biking Adventures: Guided class bike tours through the countryside, in cooperation with the Bike2school initiative – great for team spirit and environmental awareness.

🌿 Botanical Garden: Over 8,000 plant species await discovery – with greenhouses, outdoor learning trails, and even a "planet path" that links astronomy and ecology.

👣 St. Gallen Bridge Trail: A scenic 8 km hiking trail across historic bridges and along rivers, perfect for a half-day nature and history excursion.

🏞️ Mühlenenschlucht Gorge: A hidden natural gem just outside the city center – exciting for geology and environmental science groups.

🧼 Soap Museum: A quirky, hands-on museum with over 10,000 types of soap from all over the world – ideal for creative workshops.

🎭 Art & Theater: The Kunstmuseum St. Gallen offers a high-quality art collection from medieval to contemporary works. The local theater presents a wide program from opera to modern dance and youth-oriented performances.

Additional local attractions include the open-air pool at Drei Weieren, a modern indoor swimming complex, minigolf, tennis courts, and even a cinema – ensuring plenty of options for leisure and bonding time.

✅ Conclusion

The St. Gallen Youth Hostel is an excellent base for school trips that aim to combine learning, culture, and shared experiences in nature. With a comfortable, group-friendly setting, a culturally rich city on its doorstep, and a wide range of activities in the area, it offers the perfect environment for an unforgettable class trip. Whether you’re looking for adventure, education, or relaxation – in St. Gallen, your class will find all three.

Culture meets nature – a class trip to one of Switzerland’s most charming cities.