In Toggenburg, sound has a route of its own: the Sound Trail leads from Alp Sellamatt via Iltios to Oberdorf. A total of 27 stations by renowned Swiss and international sound artists line the route. Here, hiking and sound art come together, without the trail being limited to a single attraction.
The landscape between the Churfirsten and the Alpstein forms a natural mosaic of hills, peaks, plains and valleys. Since 1 January 2003, the Toggenburg constituency has been an administrative unit of the Canton of St. Gallen. It covers 488.59 km² and ranges in elevation from 521 to 2,502 metres above sea level. This range provides the setting for very different landscapes and experiences.
Experience sound and discover culture
Klangwelt Toggenburg offers several highlights. Its upper floors form an experience centre where visitors are expressly encouraged to try things out and experiment. With modern audio technology, the Klangdom offers insights into three-dimensionally rendered natural soundscapes and sound environments. At the Peter Roth Resonance Centre, a sensory audiovisual presentation offers insights into the sound world of Toggenburg, the Klanghaus, and Peter Roth’s philosophy, work and ideas. Resonance, nature and culture are also among the themes. On the ground floor, visitors can learn about the traditional craft of forging cowbells.
A 2.5-kilometre section of the Sound Trail, taking approximately 1.5 hours, is designated as wheelchair accessible. It can be reached by mountain railway from Wildhaus and Alt St. Johann; operating timetables vary by season. Checking the timetable before your visit can help with planning.
The Toggenburg Museum, a regional museum dedicated to the culture and history of Toggenburg, offers further insights into the region. The Erlebniswelt Toggenburg is home to Europe’s largest model railway layout in 0 gauge, built to a scale of 1:45. There is also a collection of vintage motorcycles. Each museum and exhibition has its own focus, from regional history and crafts to technology and sound.
Hiking trails between raised bogs and peaks
The Toggenburg holiday region has several hundred kilometres of hiking trails. The selection ranges from easy paths to alpine hikes and includes trails by the water, along the Churfirsten and through raised bogs. For orientation, it is worth first considering the landscape and the level of difficulty you are looking for: the trails mentioned do not all pass through the same terrain.
The raised bog on the Wolzenalp is a distinctive natural feature. Plants found there include orchids, sundew, gentian, marsh grass-of-Parnassus and broad-leaved cotton grass; their visibility varies with the season. The hike to the bog starts at the mountain station of the cable car to the Wolzenalp. For a different perspective on Toggenburg’s forests, the Neckertal treetop walkway runs for 500 metres through the tree canopy. Its viewing platform reaches a height of 55 metres, and the walkway is open all year round. The Neckiweg, meanwhile, passes over meadows and through forests, crosses bridges and walkways, and follows streams and rapids to special spots in the Neckertal.
Water also shapes some of the region’s destinations. Schönenbodensee lies in a protected moorland landscape. A bathing facility with a large pier has been there since 1930, and pedal boats are available for hire. Seasonal offerings may vary. The Thur Waterfalls are about a ten-minute walk from the centre of Unterwasser. Three rock galleries can be entered with non-slip footwear; conditions may vary after weather events.
Architecture, customs and regional cuisine
In Toggenburg, living traditions, sound, crafts, Senntum and culinary traditions are part of everyday life. Cheese specialities are also part of the regional culture. In the Chäserrugg area, visitors can enjoy cuisine shaped by local specialities. Architecture is also part of the cultural experience there, including the summit building and the stations of the Stöfeli railway, designed by Basel architects Herzog & de Meuron. The Chäserrugg area is also listed in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments.
Discover more destinations: Krinau, Wildhaus, Alt Sankt Johann, Mosnang, Sankt Peterzell, Nesslau, Ebnat-Kappel, LĂĽtisburg, Brunnadern, Libingen, Stein, Wattwil, Hemberg, BĂĽtschwil, Lichtensteig, Mogelsberg, Oberhelfenschwil, Kirchberg, Nesslau-Krummenau, Ganterschwil
Back to the main travel overview: Sankt Gallen.
