Gossau lies west of the city of St. Gallen in the St. Gallen electoral district. Its landscape ranges from gentle hills and farmland to mixed residential areas, green spaces, forests and smaller bodies of water. Good transport links and a temperate climate, with warm summers and fairly mild winters, are also useful to know when planning a trip. Culture, landscape and a special market day give the town several distinct highlights.
History between church and castle
Gossau’s documented history dates back to 824. At the time, the settlement was called “Cozesaua”; the area was characterised by agriculture. A parish church in Gossau is first documented at Kirchplatz in 910. St. Andrew’s Church defines the town centre today and serves as a place of worship for Catholics. These historical landmarks belong to different periods and should not be confused with one another.
Oberberg Castle also tells the story of several building phases: its origins date back to the 13th century, but the present-day castle was not built until the mid-16th century. It is considered Gossau’s oldest surviving residential building. Anyone interested in architectural history will find a clear distinction here between its early origins and the later castle that stands today.
Biblical garden and Henessenmühle
Around 50 of the 130 plants mentioned in the Bible grow in Gossau’s biblical garden. The garden is open to visitors, and guided tours are also available for those interested. You may need to get in touch in advance to arrange one. The garden offers a distinct way to explore a particular topic: its selection of plants shows how many different species are associated with biblical stories, without requiring an extensive programme.
The Henessenmühle ensemble offers a different kind of highlight. About half a dozen buildings are arranged around a square there. Henessenmühle is also known today as a restaurant; as the business may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting. For trip planning, the site thus combines an architectural ensemble with a dining option, though these are two different experiences.
Chläusler: a date for your calendar
The Chläusler takes place on the second Monday after 15 November each year. The market is open on Sundays and Mondays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; check the date for the year of your visit before travelling. As the oldest and largest goods market in Eastern Switzerland, it features around 240 stalls. This approximate number gives an idea of the market’s scale, while its specific layout may change from year to year. If the market is the reason for your trip, checking the date is particularly worthwhile.
Landscape and species conservation
Beyond individual historical buildings, Gossau also offers a landscape of hills, fields, residential areas, forests and smaller bodies of water. Walter Zoo introduces visitors to biodiversity and species conservation. This adds a distinct focus to the cultural and historical themes: here, the emphasis is on ecological diversity and protecting species rather than architectural history or biblical plants.
When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the timing and conditions of the different attractions: the biblical garden is open to visitors, guided tours are available for those interested, and the Chläusler takes place on a recurring date that should be checked each year. This makes it easier to decide whether to shape your stay around a particular market weekend, cultural themes, or landscape and species conservation.
Discover more destinations: Eggersriet, Abtwil, Waldkirch, St. Gallen.
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