Sargans lies at the heart of the Sarganserland region at an altitude of around 500 metres. Thanks to its location between the Seez Valley and the Rhine Valley, the town has long been an important hub for road and rail traffic. The Sargans Cultural Trail offers a guiding thread for exploring the town’s history: it leads to houses and hamlets, churches and chapels, squares and industrial heritage sites. The stops are marked with information boards and can be explored independently.
Old Town, Castle and Regional History
The historic Old Town is associated with the annual Sargans Medieval Days. The highlight is a re-enactment of a market day from the 1250s. Another chapter of history can be seen at the Städtli Torkel: it was built after the town fire of 1811 on the southern side of the town wall, together with a residential building and a stable.
Sargans Castle is regarded as the municipality’s landmark and as a symbol of the Sarganserland region. The former castle and fortress complex dates back to the 1280s. The Sarganserland Museum is housed in its tower: spread across six floors, it presents exhibitions on regional local history and offers insights into the history, attractions and customs of the Sarganserland region.
The castle grounds include a courtyard with terraces that is open free of charge, picnic areas and a garden restaurant. Check local conditions before your visit. The museum’s children’s trail has 15 stations featuring activities such as trying on a knight’s helmet, making a flag and dressing up in medieval clothing. As availability may vary, it is advisable to check shortly before your trip.
Sargans also has a Roman past. The estate in Malerva was considerable in size; extensive sections were excavated in 1967–68 and opened to the public at the time. The estate can be visited at any time in the glasshouse, and guided tours are available on request. As archaeological work has continued in Malerva, check local conditions before your visit.
Mining History and Trails Through the Region
Individual visitors and small groups can visit the Gonzen Mine on scheduled dates. General public tours last 3.5 hours, while holiday tours take around two hours. On the standard tour, an introductory film is followed by a two-kilometre ride on the mine railway through the main adit to the main station, and a guided walk around the main station, which is illuminated. Check the current tour dates in advance. The Gonzen Mining Museum also offers an insight into the miners’ work without a guided tour; check current access arrangements for the museum and possible dates.
Two trails offer different highlights. The Jubilee Trail starts at Splee Chapel, passes Sargans Castle and follows the Wine Trail before ending in Heiligkreuz. Its 15 information boards cover the region’s history, including the Gonzen Mine and the town of Sargans. The 2.5-kilometre Wine Trail runs from Sargans to Mels through vineyards and across a meadow; it also starts at Splee Chapel and ends at the vineyards of Mels-Heiligkreuz. From March to October, visitors can learn about wine along the way. Check the current trail conditions for both routes.
The Wine Trail is complemented by a described one-hour tasting of five wines at a Torkel of your choice. Check in advance whether this option can currently be booked. This adds a wine-themed focus to the route without implying that a tasting is guaranteed.
Events and Seasonal Activities
The Festival of Cultures has been held in Sargans every two years since 2010. The programme includes international music and food stalls from around the world; local associations and participants showcase their cultures, traditions and culinary specialities. The programme may vary from one edition to the next, so check the current dates and details.
From October to March, the Sargans Werdenberg Jazz Club has hosted around 20 live concerts each year since 1986 in the jazz cellar of the Zunfthaus zum Löwen, featuring jazz, Dixieland, boogie-woogie and blues. Check the current concert calendar before making plans. Since 1986, the Sargans Jazz Festival has brought music, get-togethers and a festive atmosphere to the Old Town.
Seasonally, the mobile Sarganserland ice park at the Riet sports complex adds to the range of activities. The rink is used by recreational skaters, junior ice hockey players, recreational hockey teams, ice-stock sport players and curlers, among others. Check the current operating season and the availability of individual programmes before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Tannenheim, Flumserberg, Bad Ragaz, Quinten, Flums, Quarten, Pfäfers, Walenstadt.
Back to the regional travel overview: Sarganserland.
