Free Eastern Switzerland Travel Guide & Mobile App

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Eastern Switzerland
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Explore Eastern Switzerland for St Gallen heritage, Appenzell traditions, Lake Constance landscapes and Alpine adventures across varied cantons.

Eastern Switzerland is a varied region of lake shores, pre-Alpine hills, high mountain valleys and historic towns extending from the Rhine and Lake Constance towards the Alps. Its character changes markedly across a relatively compact area: St Gallen combines commercial history, textile heritage and a celebrated monastic library; the Appenzell countryside is shaped by green foothills, scattered farmhouses and distinctive regional customs; while the cantons of Glarus and Graubünden lead into more rugged Alpine landscapes. Thurgau, along Lake Constance, offers orchards, cycling routes and quiet shore settlements rather than dramatic mountain scenery.
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St Gallen is the region's principal urban centre. Its old town is known for colourful oriel windows, narrow lanes and the former Abbey District, whose cathedral and Stiftsbibliothek reflect the importance of medieval learning. East of the city, the Alpstein range rises abruptly above Appenzell, with routes leading towards Hoher Kasten, Säntis and the Seealpsee area. These mountains are accessible through a mixture of cable cars, trains, postbuses and walking trails, although conditions and transport arrangements vary with the season.
The region's cultural identity is closely connected with rural economies and skilled manufacture. Appenzell is associated with dairy farming, embroidered textiles and a strong tradition of local dress and music, while St Gallen's textile industry once supplied international markets and continues to influence the city's design culture. Glarus developed around manufacturing and trade in its narrow Alpine valley. In Graubünden, German, Romansh and Italian-speaking communities create one of Switzerland's most linguistically varied landscapes, with places such as Chur, Disentis and the Engadine expressing different architectural and cultural traditions.
Lake Constance gives the north a gentler rhythm. Towns such as Arbon and Romanshorn have Roman, medieval and maritime connections, while the surrounding countryside is marked by orchards, vineyards and farm shops. The Rhine valley, stretching between the Alpstein and the Graubünden Alps, provides a useful east-west travel corridor and a contrast to the steep valleys farther south. Visitors can combine museums, monasteries and historic town centres with hiking, cycling, skiing, scenic rail journeys and lake-based recreation, but should plan around the region's substantial changes in altitude and weather.
Food is an important part of the experience, from Appenzeller cheese and St Gallen bratwurst to Bündnerfleisch, nut tart and regional wines. Eastern Switzerland rewards travellers who allow time for smaller towns and rural landscapes rather than treating it solely as a route between Zurich and the high Alps. Distances may look modest on a map, yet mountain roads and public-transport connections can make journeys slower than expected, particularly in winter.

When is the best time to visit Eastern Switzerland?

Best: July–September · 17–21°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January160
February255
March765
April1175
May1590
June19105
July (best)21100
August (best)2095
September (best)1780
October1270
November565
December260

Getting to and around Eastern Switzerland

How to get there

Eastern Switzerland is most commonly reached by rail from Zurich, with frequent long-distance connections towards St Gallen, Chur and the Lake Constance corridor. Zurich Airport, outside the region, is the principal international gateway and connects with eastern Swiss towns by rail. EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is farther away and generally less convenient. St Gallen-Altenrhein Airport lies in the Rhine valley and handles limited scheduled and charter aviation, but it is not a substitute for Zurich's international network. From Austria, Germany and Liechtenstein, road and rail approaches enter through the Lake Constance and Rhine valley corridors; Liechtenstein is a neighbouring country rather than part of Eastern Switzerland.

Transportation

Railways provide reliable links between St Gallen, Winterthur, Chur, the Lake Constance area and major Swiss cities, while regional trains and postbuses reach smaller towns and mountain valleys. Mountain railways and cable cars serve many walking and winter-sports areas, but their operation is seasonal and weather-dependent. A car is useful for dispersed villages, lakeside areas and remote Alpine valleys, although some roads are narrow and winter equipment may be required. Urban St Gallen and the larger towns are manageable without a car. Cycling is particularly practical around Lake Constance and in selected Rhine valley corridors; steep mountain routes require preparation and suitable fitness.

Top city travel guides in Eastern Switzerland

The cities of Eastern Switzerland, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Eastern Switzerland

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Eastern Switzerland

Eastern Switzerland offers a broad mixture of cultural, natural and outdoor attractions. St Gallen's Abbey District and historic centre provide the region's strongest concentration of art, architecture and scholarship, while museums in the city and elsewhere explore textiles, local history and design. Around Lake Constance, visitors can combine cycling, swimming and lakeside walks with Roman and medieval heritage in towns such as Arbon. The Appenzell and Alpstein landscapes are suited to hiking, panoramic excursions and traditional rural experiences, with routes ranging from gentle foothill paths to demanding mountain trails. Glarus offers steep valley scenery, geology and industrial history, while Graubünden extends the region into high Alpine terrain, scenic rail routes, winter sports and culturally distinctive valleys. Historic monasteries, village churches, farmhouses, museums and craft traditions add interest between outdoor activities. The attractions are spread across a large area, so an itinerary should be organised around a few connected districts rather than assuming that every highlight can be visited from one base.

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Best landmarks in Eastern Switzerland

The Abbey District of St Gallen is Eastern Switzerland's most distinguished historic landmark, bringing together the Baroque cathedral, former monastic buildings and the celebrated Stiftsbibliothek, whose manuscripts embody the city's medieval intellectual importance. In Appenzell, brightly painted town buildings and traditional farmhouses express a rural architectural identity shaped by dairying and local craftsmanship. The Alpstein's Hoher Kasten and Säntis are major natural landmarks, rising sharply above the surrounding hills and offering distinctive silhouettes from the Rhine valley and Appenzell countryside. Lake Constance forms the northern landscape with a broad, open horizon, while the Rhine valley provides a contrasting corridor between mountains. Chur's cathedral quarter and old town mark the long history of the Alpine capital, and Glarus is notable for its planned nineteenth-century townscape, rebuilt after the devastating fire of 1861. Farther south, the Rhine Gorge in Graubünden is an important geological and visual feature, with pale rock formations and a river corridor shaped by erosion and Alpine uplift.

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Explore Eastern Switzerland on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Eastern Switzerland

Dining in Eastern Switzerland reflects its transition from Lake Constance and the Rhine valley to the high Alps. Appenzeller cheese is central to local food culture and appears in traditional dishes, while St Gallen is closely associated with its pale veal-and-pork bratwurst, usually served simply rather than heavily garnished. Lake and river districts offer orchard produce, seasonal vegetables and wines from eastern Swiss vineyards, and rural inns often serve hearty regional cooking. In Graubünden, specialities include air-dried Bündnerfleisch, capuns in parts of the canton, barley soup and Bündner Nusstorte, a caramelised walnut tart. St Gallen has the widest choice of contemporary restaurants, cafés and international food, while village dining focuses more on inns, bakeries and family-run establishments. Mountain restaurants and huts are useful for walkers and skiers, but service hours can be seasonal. Farmers' shops and markets are good sources of cheese, bread, fruit products and regional wine.

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Best bars in Eastern Switzerland

Evening life in Eastern Switzerland is centred on St Gallen and the larger towns rather than on a continuous nightclub scene. St Gallen's compact centre contains traditional Swiss pubs, modern bars, cafés, live-music spaces and restaurants, with the university population contributing to a younger atmosphere during term time. Chur provides another substantial evening hub, combining bars, restaurants and cultural venues before visitors head into the surrounding Alpine valleys. In Appenzell, Glarus, Thurgau and smaller Graubünden communities, nightlife is more commonly found in local inns, hotel bars, breweries, seasonal events and occasional live-music venues. Historic taverns and village restaurants remain important social settings, while lakeside evenings around Lake Constance are often quieter and seasonal. Visitors should check current arrangements locally, since rural venues may operate limited hours and mountain resorts can have very different winter and summer rhythms.

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Best nightclubs in Eastern Switzerland

Evening life in Eastern Switzerland is centred on St Gallen and the larger towns rather than on a continuous nightclub scene. St Gallen's compact centre contains traditional Swiss pubs, modern bars, cafés, live-music spaces and restaurants, with the university population contributing to a younger atmosphere during term time. Chur provides another substantial evening hub, combining bars, restaurants and cultural venues before visitors head into the surrounding Alpine valleys. In Appenzell, Glarus, Thurgau and smaller Graubünden communities, nightlife is more commonly found in local inns, hotel bars, breweries, seasonal events and occasional live-music venues. Historic taverns and village restaurants remain important social settings, while lakeside evenings around Lake Constance are often quieter and seasonal. Visitors should check current arrangements locally, since rural venues may operate limited hours and mountain resorts can have very different winter and summer rhythms.

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Best shops in Eastern Switzerland

Shopping in Eastern Switzerland ranges from urban design and independent retail in St Gallen to farm products, crafts and practical outdoor goods in smaller communities. St Gallen is the region's main centre for fashion, books, galleries, Swiss design and the continuing legacy of textile and embroidery production. Its markets and specialist food shops are useful for regional cheese, baked goods and confectionery. Appenzell offers locally made food, traditional craft products, textiles and souvenirs connected with the surrounding farming culture, while towns around Lake Constance are good places to look for orchard products, wine and small-scale food producers. Chur combines a historic centre with everyday shops, galleries and outdoor retailers serving the Alpine hinterland. In Glarus and rural valleys, shopping is more dispersed and practical, with bakeries, village stores and direct-from-producer sales rather than large retail districts. Markets and opening arrangements vary, so visitors should check local days and seasonal schedules before making a dedicated trip.

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Eastern Switzerland essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Swiss franc, written CHF or Fr. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in towns, hotels, rail stations and established attractions, although small rural businesses, farm shops, mountain huts and some public facilities may prefer cash or have minimum card amounts. Swiss francs are useful in villages and mountain areas. Euros may be accepted in some places near international borders, but change and exchange rates are not always favourable. Switzerland is not in the European Union, so visitors should check foreign-card fees and understand that card terminals may offer a choice of currencies.
Safety
Eastern Switzerland is generally well organised for visitors, but ordinary precautions remain appropriate in towns, stations and busy attractions. Mountain safety deserves more attention: follow marked paths, check weather and route conditions, and do not underestimate steep terrain, exposed ridges or early snow. Lake and river activities require care around changing conditions and unguarded water. In winter, use proper equipment and respect avalanche and piste information. Drivers should expect winding roads, cyclists, farm traffic and occasional narrow Alpine routes. Weather can change rapidly around Säntis, Glarus and Graubünden, even when conditions are mild in St Gallen or beside Lake Constance.
Emergency Situations
The Swiss emergency number 112 provides general assistance. Police can be reached on 117, fire services on 118 and ambulance services on 144. In mountain areas, contact the relevant emergency service through 112 or 144 and give precise information about the route, last known position and visible landmarks; mobile coverage is not universal in remote valleys. For incidents on Lake Constance or other waterways, follow local signposted arrangements and provide the exact shore or landing point. Travel insurance covering mountain rescue and medical treatment is sensible for hiking, skiing and other outdoor activities.
Do's and Don'ts
Keep to marked paths, close gates, respect grazing animals and avoid entering private farm areas when walking through rural landscapes. In churches, monasteries and memorial sites, dress and behave respectfully and observe photography restrictions. Swiss public transport rewards quiet, orderly boarding and prompt movement away from doors; queueing is expected where lines form. Tipping is not compulsory, but rounding up or adding a modest amount for good service is customary. Do not assume that all mountain restaurants, village shops or museums remain open throughout the day, and avoid photographing people in traditional dress or private settings without permission.
Local Tips
Plan Eastern Switzerland by landscape rather than by canton alone: a lakeside day around Lake Constance, an urban heritage day in St Gallen and a separate Alpine day make more sense than rapid cross-region travel. St Gallen works well as a base for Appenzell and the Alpstein, while Chur is a practical gateway to southern valleys and Graubünden. In rural areas, check the final return connection before beginning a walk. Farmers' shops and local dairies can be excellent places to buy regional products, but opening arrangements are often seasonal. Learn whether a locality is German- or Romansh-speaking in southern areas, and use a few simple greetings accordingly.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloGrüezi[GROO-e-tsee]
GoodbyeAde[AH-day]
YesJa[YAH]
NoNein[NINE]
Please/You're welcomeBitte[BIT-teh]
Thank youDanke[DAN-keh]
Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung[ENT-shool-dee-goong]
How are you?Wie gaht's?[VEE gahts?]
Fine. And you?Guet. Und dir?[GOOT. OOND deer?]
Do you speak English?Sprecht ihr Englisch?[SH-precht eer ENG-lish?]
I don't understandIch verstehe nicht[IKH fer-SHTAY-eh nikht]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte die Karte sehen, bitte[IKH MERK-teh dee KAR-teh ZAY-en, BIT-teh]
I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch[IKH ES-seh KINE FLYSH]
Cheers!Prost![PROHST]
I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bezahlen, bitte[IKH MERK-teh beh-TSAL-en, BIT-teh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hilfe![HIL-feh]
Go away!Geh weg![GEH veg!]
Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei![ROOF-en zee dee POL-its-eye!]
Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt![ROOF-en zee EYE-nen ARTZ!]
I'm lostIch bin verloren[IKH bin fer-LO-ren]
I'm illIch bin krank[IKH bin KRAHNK]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...[IKH MERK-teh KAU-fen...]
I'm just lookingIch schaue nur[IKH SHAU-eh noor]
How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?[VEE feel KOST-et ess?]
That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer[DAS ist tsu TOY-er]
Can you lower the price?Könnten Sie den Preis senken?[KERN-ten zee den PRYSS ZEN-ken?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wie spät ist es?[VEE SH-payt ist ess?]
It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr[ESS ist EYE-n OOR]
Half past (10)Halb elf[HALB ELF]
MorningMorgen[MOR-gen]
AfternoonNachmittag[NAHKH-mit-tahg]
EveningAbend[AH-bent]
YesterdayGestern[GES-tern]
TodayHeute[HOY-teh]
TomorrowMorgen[MOR-gen]
1Eins[EINS]
2Zwei[ZWEI]
3Drei[DRY]
4Vier[FEER]
5Fünf[FUENF]
6Sechs[ZEX]
7Sieben[ZEE-ben]
8Acht[AHKT]
9Neun[NOYN]
10Zehn[TSAYN]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/eine...?[VO ist EYE-n/EYE-neh...?]
What's the address?Wie lautet die Adresse?[VEE LOW-tet dee AH-dress-eh?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Könnten Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?[KERN-ten zee meer TSY-gen (AUF der KAR-te)?]
When's the next (bus)?Wann fährt der nächste (Bus)?[VAN FEERT der NAYSH-te (BOOS)?]
A ticket (to ....)Ein Ticket (nach ....)[EYE-n TICK-et (NAKH ....)]

History of Eastern Switzerland

Prehistoric lake settlements and Alpine communities

The shores of Lake Constance and the Alpine valleys of eastern Switzerland have supported settlement since prehistoric times. Archaeological evidence includes lakeside communities, tools and burial remains, while later populations used valley floors, passes and upland pasture. The landscape encouraged a mixture of farming, seasonal movement and exchange between the Swiss Plateau, the Rhine valley and the Alps. These early patterns help explain the region's long-standing relationship with dairying, pasture and transalpine routes. The archaeological heritage is often less visually imposing than the region's castles or monasteries, but it provides the earliest evidence of sustained human adaptation to eastern Switzerland's contrasting environments.

Roman roads and the Rhine frontier

Rome incorporated much of the area into its provincial system from the first century BC and AD. The settlement at Arbon, known in Roman times as Arbor Felix, developed beside Lake Constance, while roads and military sites connected the Rhine frontier with the interior. Chur, known as Curia Raetorum, became an important centre in the Alpine province of Raetia and a gateway towards mountain passes. Roman influence brought administrative structures, new forms of agriculture and long-distance trade. Remains in and around Arbon, Chur and other settlements show how the region functioned as a meeting point between the Roman world and communities beyond the imperial frontier.

Monastic learning and medieval territorial power

The foundation of the Abbey of St Gall in the early medieval period transformed the settlement into one of Europe's important centres of religious scholarship and manuscript production. Its library tradition remains central to the city's identity. Other monasteries, churches and lordships shaped the valleys and lake districts, while the bishops of Chur exercised influence across parts of the Alpine east. Medieval castles and fortified sites reflected competition among ecclesiastical authorities, noble families and emerging urban communities. Trade routes through the Rhine valley and Alpine passes helped towns grow, linking eastern Switzerland with neighbouring regions and with markets farther south.

The Swiss Confederation and the Appenzell Wars

Eastern Switzerland was not absorbed into the Swiss Confederation through a single event. St Gallen, Appenzell, Glarus and the territories around them developed different political relationships with neighbouring powers and the Confederation. The Appenzell Wars of the early fifteenth century were fought against the territorial ambitions of the Abbey of St Gall and its allies; Appenzell's victory strengthened its autonomy and later connection with the Confederacy. The period also saw towns, rural communities and ecclesiastical landlords negotiating authority over land, taxation and pasture. Those political histories continue to shape the distinct identities of the eastern cantons.

Textile manufacture and early industrialisation

From the eighteenth century onwards, textile production became one of eastern Switzerland's defining industries. St Gallen developed an international reputation for embroidery, while homes and workshops in Appenzell, Thurgau and the Rhine valley participated in spinning, weaving and finishing. Mechanisation altered production during the nineteenth century, bringing factories, new transport links and periods of prosperity as well as severe vulnerability to global downturns. Glarus also became an important manufacturing centre, particularly in textiles, using water power from its confined Alpine valley. Historic factory buildings, museums and urban architecture preserve the material legacy of this industrial transformation.

Railways, tourism and modern regional identity

Railway construction in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries connected St Gallen, Lake Constance, the Rhine valley and the mountain cantons more efficiently with the rest of Switzerland. Lines climbing towards the Rigi? No: in eastern Switzerland, mountain railways and routes into the Alpstein, Glarus and Graubünden opened Alpine landscapes to organised tourism, while Chur became a major gateway to high valleys and resorts. Tourism developed alongside agriculture, manufacturing and services rather than replacing them entirely. Today the region's identity combines historic towns, surviving craft traditions, modern design and outdoor recreation across German-, Romansh- and Italian-speaking parts of eastern Switzerland.

Eastern Switzerland in Photos

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Neighbouring regions of Eastern Switzerland

The closest regions to Eastern Switzerland, if you have time for more than one.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Eastern Switzerland

Discover the best of Eastern Switzerland with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and hotels
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Explore Eastern Switzerland like never before with Evendo. Find detailed information, local tips, and easy booking for attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more—all in one free app.

  • History and travel essentials for Eastern Switzerland
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel companion for exploring the enchanting region of Eastern Switzerland. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, our app offers everything you need to make the most of your trip. From the historic charm of St. Gallen's Abbey Library to the breathtaking views from Säntis Mountain, Evendo provides comprehensive details on all the must-see attractions, landmarks, and hidden gems.

Looking to indulge in local cuisine? Discover the finest restaurants in Chur or enjoy a cozy meal at a traditional Swiss inn in Appenzell. Our app also features top-rated bars and nightclubs for those looking to experience the vibrant nightlife. With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, and unique experiences, ensuring a hassle-free and enriching travel experience.

Navigate Eastern Switzerland effortlessly with our user-friendly maps and 'Near Me' feature, which highlights attractions and amenities in your vicinity. Get insider tips and travel essentials to help you explore like a local. And don't worry about costs—Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or hidden fees.

But that's not all! Evendo's global coverage spans over 7,000 destinations worldwide. So, whether you're planning a future trip to another part of Switzerland or a completely different corner of the globe, Evendo has you covered.

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