Switzerland will host the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. But which city in the Helvetic Confederation will welcome the thousands of artists, media people and fans? Geneva, Sankt Gallen, Basel and Fribourg have already expressed their interest. Other obvious options are Zurich and Bern. And why not Lausanne? Swiss broadcaster Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF) also sees Biel/Bienne and Lucerne as viable options. Combined, Danny and I have visited almost all of them. So let us introduce them. 

Sankt Gallen is eager to host the Eurovision Song Contest. 

Christine Bolt, head of the Olma agricultural exhibition told SRF she wants the Contest in Sankt Gallen. In her opinion, a perfect venue would be the new Olma-Halle, which was inaugurated at the beginning of March. It offers space for up to 12,000 people and would be a perfect venue.

Sankt Gallen?

Sankt Gallen (167,000 inhabitants in the greater Sankt Gallen metropolitan area), often referred to simply as St. Gallen, is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant educational institutions. 

Sankt Gallen offers visitors a unique blend of history and modernity. Nestled between Lake Constance (Bodensee) and the Appenzell Alps, this city is not only a cultural hub but also a gateway to some of Switzerland’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.

Sankt Gallen traces its origins back to the 7th century when the Irish monk Gallus established a hermitage in the area. This humble beginning eventually led to the founding of the Abbey of Saint Gall, a significant religious and cultural center during the Middle Ages. 

The abbey became renowned for its library, which housed one of the most comprehensive collections of medieval manuscripts in Europe. In 1983, the Abbey of Saint Gall and its library were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cementing their importance in European history.

Abbey of Saint Gall

The Abbey of Saint Gall is the city’s most iconic landmark. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the Baroque cathedral and the Abbey Library:

• Abbey Library: Often referred to as the ‘Pharmacy of the Soul’, this library is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. It houses around 160,000 documents, including rare medieval manuscripts, incunabula, and early printed books. The library’s Rococo hall, with its stunning ceiling frescoes and woodwork, is a highlight for visitors​​.
• Cathedral: The Baroque cathedral, completed in the 18th century, is renowned for its ornate interiors and twin towers. The cathedral’s intricate stuccoes and frescoes are masterpieces of Baroque art.

Old Town

Sankt Gallen’s Old Town or Altstadt is a maze of narrow streets, lined with well-preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings. 

Key attractions in the Old Town include:

• The Abbey District: Beyond the abbey itself, this area includes several historic buildings and gardens that are part of the UNESCO site.
• St. Lawrence Church: A Gothic church that offers insight into the city’s religious history.
• Waaghaus: A historic weigh house that now hosts various cultural events and exhibitions.

St. Gallen Textile Museum

Sankt Gallen has a long-standing tradition in the textile industry, dating back to the 15th century. 

The Textile Museum showcases this rich heritage with its extensive collection of fabrics, lace, and embroidery. The museum also highlights contemporary textile design, bridging the past and present.

Kunstmuseum St. Gallen

For art enthusiasts, the Kunstmuseum St. Gallen offers a diverse collection of Swiss and international art, ranging from the Middle Ages to contemporary works. The museum’s modern wing features rotating exhibitions, ensuring that there is always something new to see .

Wildpark Peter und Paul

Located on the outskirts of the city, the Wildpark Peter und Paul wildlife park is home to native Swiss animals, including deer, wild boars, and marmots. It’s a great place for families and nature lovers to explore the local fauna in a natural setting .

Activities in Sankt Gallen

In addition to the Textile Museum and Kunstmuseum, Sankt Gallen offers several other museums worth visiting:

• Historical and Folklore Museum: This museum provides a comprehensive overview of the region’s history, culture, and traditions.
• Beer Bottle Museum: A quirky museum that features a vast collection of beer bottles from around the world, highlighting the city’s brewing history.

Walking Tours

The best way to experience Sankt Gallen’s charm is on foot. Walking tours, either self-guided or with a local guide, can take you through the city’s historical sites, hidden alleys, and vibrant markets. 

Highlights include the beautifully decorated oriels (bay windows) and the colorful murals that adorn many of the old buildings.

Shopping

Sankt Gallen is known for its high-quality textiles and lace, which make for unique souvenirs. The city also offers a variety of shopping experiences, from luxury boutiques to local markets. 

The Marktgasse and Multergasse are popular shopping streets where you can find everything from fashion to gourmet foods.

Eating

The culinary scene in Sankt Gallen is diverse, offering everything from traditional Swiss dishes to international cuisine. Some local specialties to try include:

• St. Gallen Bratwurst: A distinctive sausage that is typically served without mustard, allowing its unique flavor to shine.
• Olma Bratwurst: Named after the annual Olma fair, this sausage is a local favorite.

Day trips and excursions

Sankt Gallen’s location makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. Some recommended day trips include:

• Lake Constance: Just a short drive from the city, this beautiful lake offers numerous recreational activities, including boating, swimming, and cycling.
• Appenzell Alps: The nearby mountains are perfect for hiking, skiing, and enjoying breathtaking alpine views.
• Schaffhausen and the Rhine Falls: Visit the largest waterfall in Europe and explore the charming medieval town of Schaffhausen.

Festivals and events

Sankt Gallen hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year that attract visitors from near and far:

• Olma Fair: One of the largest agricultural fairs in Switzerland, held every October. It features livestock shows, exhibitions, and plenty of food and drinks.
• St. Gallen Festival: A summer festival that offers a diverse program of opera, theater, and concerts, held in the unique setting of the abbey courtyard.
• Christmas Market: During the holiday season, the city transforms into a winter wonderland with festive lights, market stalls, and seasonal delicacies.

Practical information

Sankt Gallen is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to explore both the city and its surroundings. The city has an efficient bus and train network, and the main train station provides direct connections to major Swiss cities like Zurich and Lucerne, as well as international destinations.

The train station clock is peculiar. It’s binary. That may not be to Nemo‘s liking. 

The city offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. From luxurious hotels like the Hotel Einstein to charming boutique hotels and budget-friendly hostels, there is something for every traveler.

So?

Sankt Gallen is quaint and the Olma-Halle would be large enough. The ESC in St. Gallen would be the ‘charming choice’. But according to Chat GPT there are only 40 hotels but 3,000 hotel beds. Is that enough? 

Sankt Gallen is close enough to Zurich Airport and railway companies SBB-CFF-FFS and its competitors are magnificent. So the main issue is accommodation. 

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