St. Gallen Abbey

What to Do in Konstanz and St. Gallen in Just 48 Hours

Dear travelers,

Are you planning a quick getaway to Konstanz and St. Gallen in Switzerland? In just 48 hours, you can explore two beautiful destinations packed with history, gorgeous lakeside views, and unforgettable experiences. I first visited over a decade ago, and this was my second trip. Even though some places were closed during the holidays, they still made an impression. Here’s a simple two-day itinerary to help you make the most of both cities.

Konstanz Germany
Lake Constance, also known as the Bodensee in German, is a beautiful lake situated at the borders of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It’s one of the largest lakes in Central Europe. There are many towns you can visit around the lake, such as Konstanz, Meersburg, Lindau, Bregenz, and Stein am Rhein. Additionally, ferries and speedboats are available to take you from one place to another.
 

We have decided to visit Konstanz and we made this trip by car from Germany and also crossed and continued our trip in Switzerland. Here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Switzerland:

  • The official currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF).
  • Remember to turn off your mobile data, as Switzerland is not part of the EU, and roaming charges may apply.
  • A vignette (toll sticker) is required for driving on Swiss highways. The vignette costs CHF 40 and is valid for 14 months (there isn’t any shorter duration like in Austria or Slovenia). There is also electronic vignette (e-vignette), which is digitally linked to the vehicle’s license plate. You can buy it here.
vignette Switzerland

Exploring Konstanz

Konstanz is the largest city located on the shores of Lake Constance, at the border of Germany and Switzerland. The lake is perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities, from sailing and swimming to biking and hiking. If you’re flying in, here are your best airport options:

    1. Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH)
      • Distance: 26 km (16 miles)
      • Travel Time: ~1 hour by ferry/train.
    2. Zurich Airport (ZRH)
      • Distance: 52 km (32 miles)
      • Travel Time: ~1 hour by direct train.
    3. St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (ACH)
      • Distance: 47 km (29 miles)
      • Travel Time: ~1.5–2 hours by train.
    4. Memmingen Airport (FMM)
      • Distance: 87 km (54 miles)
      • Travel Time: ~2–2.5 hours by train/bus.
    5. Stuttgart Airport (STR)
      • Distance: 115 km (71 miles)
      • Travel Time: ~2.5–3 hours by train.
    6. EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP)
      • Distance: 123 km (76 miles)
      • Travel Time: ~2.5–3 hours by train.

Here are some highlights about Konstanz:

Old Town (Altstadt)

Walk around to admire the historic architecture, like the Imperia statue at the harbor, the Rosgartenmuseum, and The Konzilgebäude (Council Building), where the famous Council of Constance took place. 

Konstanz Old Town

Constance Cathedral

A Gothic church with a tall bell tower offering panoramic views of the city.

Konstanz Cathedral

The Imperia Statue

The statue turns slowly (once every 4 minutes) and the woman in the statue is a representation of Imperia, a famous courtesan from the 15th century. According to the legend, she had relationships with both the pope and the emperor, which contributed to her symbolic representation of the balance of power between church and monarchy.    

Imperia Statue Konstanz

Lakefront promenade

There are plenty of cafes and benches where you can relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere. You can also take a boat trip around the lake to explore nearby towns and enjoy the scenic views from the water.

Sea Life Konstanz

If you’re traveling with family or have an interest in marine life, Sea Life Konstanz is a fun and educational stop. It’s home to a variety of aquatic creatures, including sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish. The highlight is the tunnel aquarium, which allows you to walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by water.  

Konstanz lake promenade

Kreuzlingen-Konstanz Border Crossing

Since Konstanz sits right on the border of Switzerland,  a popular spot to visit  is the Kreuzlingen-Konstanz Border Crossing. The border is marked by  a unique series of art installations known as the Kunstgrenze or “Art Border.” There are 22 metal sculptures representing tarot cards, symbolizing various aspects of human existence.   

Kreuzlingen-Konstanz Border Crossing

From Konstanz, you can reach St. Gallen in about an hour by car or 1.5 hours by train. It is also well connected by train from Zurich, which takes about 1 hour.

The city’s name comes from Saint Gallus, an Irish monk who lived as a hermit in the area around the 7th century. Legend says he stumbled upon this spot after tripping over a thorn bush—and decided to stay. His small hermitage eventually grew into the Abbey of St. Gall!

Where to Stay in St. Gallen

We stayed at the Hotel Walhalla, and it was absolutely fantastic. Conveniently located right by the main station, it offers easy access to everything within a 10–15 minute walk. The rooms were clean, spacious, and modernly equipped, with the added bonus of a stunning view from the window. Breakfast was included, and the selection was impressive, featuring a wide variety of both sweet and savory options.

Exploring St. Gallen

St. Gallen Abbey (Stiftsbibliothek)

The Abbey of St. Gall is one of the most important cultural sites in Europe. It was a center of learning and art during the Middle Ages. Also, the Abbey Library is especially famous. It has books and manuscripts over 1,000 years old, including beautifully illustrated ones. Visitors even have to wear soft slippers to protect the floors!

St. Gallen Abbey

Quirky Bay Windows

St. Gallen’s Old Town is famous for its bay windows (called “Erker”). There are more than 100 of them, each with unique designs. In the past, they were a sign of wealth and status. Keep an eye out for the quirky details, like dragons, flowers, and other carvings on these windows!

A University with a Global Reputation

The University of St. Gallen (HSG) is one of the top business schools in Europe. It attracts students from all over the world and adds a youthful, international vibe to the city.

Textile History

St. Gallen has a rich history of textile production, especially embroidery. In the 19th century, it was a global leader in lace and embroidery, exporting luxurious fabrics worldwide.

You can still see this heritage at the Textile Museum, which showcases exquisite fabrics and designs.

The Red Square

The Red Square (Roter Platz) in St. Gallen is a modern urban art installation designed by Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist and architect Carlos Martinez in 2005. Located in the Bleicheli District, near the train station, it’s a bright red, rubber-floored space with quirky furniture and special lighting, creating a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere.

Known as the City Lounge, it connects residential, shopping, and business areas, offering a unique spot to relax, meet, or enjoy the artistic vibe. 

Be prepared for higher prices compared to Konstanz, with meals averaging CHF 20-30. Plan ahead to avoid any surprises.

While in St. Gallen, I found a Greek restaurant Greco that turned out to be an unexpected gem. We spent the evening enjoying big portions of tasty, flavorful food. The gyros pita with fries was around €23, and honestly, it was so good that it was worth every cent!

Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring or summer for lake activities and pleasant weather. Winter is ideal for Christmas markets.

  • Holidays: Be aware that some museums and restaurants may be closed during public holidays, so plan ahead.

That’s a wrap on your quick trip to Konstanz and St. Gallen! These two spots are the perfect mix of history, beauty, and fun, even when you’re short on time. From charming streets to soaking in lakeside views, there’s plenty to enjoy. Whether it’s your first visit or not, these places have a special way of sticking with you. So, grab your bags and go—adventure is waiting!

Truly yours,

The Creation of Us

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