The Late Gothic parish church and the three-day Buchstein Loop reveal two very different sides of Sankt Gallen: architectural history in the village and a 144-kilometre mountain bike tour through the nature park and national park around the Buchstein. Other attractions include Gallenstein Castle Ruins, trails along the GroĂźer Billbach and additional leisure activities. You can tailor your stay to culture, scenery or exercise instead of trying to fit everything into a single excursion.
Church Architecture and Art
The parish church in Sankt Gallen was rebuilt between 1515 and 1523 by master builder Bernhard Polhaymer. Between 1736 and 1740, it was extended in the Baroque style according to plans by master builder Jakob Prandtauer. The two construction phases can be distinguished in the building: the Late Gothic reconstruction was followed by a Baroque extension.
The high altar also makes its own statement. At its centre is Martin Johann Schmidt’s 1782 painting of the Assumption of Mary. Alongside the building’s history, a specific work of art and the year it was created are therefore highlights of the cultural offerings.
Gallenstein Castle Ruins
The Benedictines of Admont Abbey used Gallenstein Castle Ruins as a refuge and fortress when the abbey was no longer safe during times of war. This historical context gives the ruins a clear connection to the history of the abbey. They also offer views of the Gesäuse Mountains; how far you can see depends on the conditions.
Nature and Exercise
The Auszeitsteig trail runs through a ravine forest along the GroĂźer Billbach. It also includes the MilchstraĂźenrunde, Zinkgrabenrunde and Tankstellenrunde running and walking trails. Alongside the stream and forest, there are named routes for running and walking.
Gesäuse National Park is near Sankt Gallen. In the landscape between Sankt Gallen and Wildalpen, orchards, forests, rivers and idyllic alpine pastures shape the scenery.
Leisure Activities and Cycling
Gesäuse Adventure Golf has 18 large-format XXL holes and is located right next to Sankt Gallen Water Adventure Park. The facility is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, with good access throughout. If accessibility is important to your plans, check the facility’s current conditions before you travel.
The swimming pool in Sankt Gallen has a large sunbathing lawn, a terrace and a catering area. Together with Adventure Golf, it adds leisure options alongside the running and walking trails and the cycling tour.
The Buchstein Loop starts and ends at Gasthof Hensle in Sankt Gallen. This 144-kilometre mountain bike tour takes three days and runs through the nature park and national park around the Buchstein. At three days and 144 kilometres, it is a multi-day highlight for a stay, not just a short, one-off activity.
Cultural Programme and Trip Planning
The Sankt Gallen Festival programme includes piano recitals, world music and readings. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the dates for the relevant edition; specific events may vary.
Tailor your search to the kind of stay you have planned.
Discover more destinations: Landl, Fleiss, Gatschberg, St. Leonard, Donnersbach, Gößl, Zlem, Bad Aussee.
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