Discover See-Gaster: Nature, Culture and Hotels

See-Gaster is an electoral district in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen. It covers an area of 245.91 km², with elevations ranging from 404 to 2,101 metres above sea level. At the eastern end, around Lake Walen, settlements are rural and small-scale. The region’s landscape is characterised by its links to Lake Zurich and the Säntis mountain range, as well as gentle hills, quiet forests and nature reserves. Nature, trails and culture shape the region in different ways.

Nature and trails by the water

Kaltbrunner Riet is the last remnant of the marshes that once characterised the area between Lake Walen and Lake Zurich. The Kaltbrunner Riet area and its two observation towers are accessible year-round. The flat walking trail is well suited to family outings with young children—a specific option for an excursion centred on a wetland area.

At Betlis on Lake Walen, the Seerenbach Falls form a cascade of three waterfalls with a total height of 585 metres. The Rin spring also emerges there in the gorge. The lakeside trail runs along the shores of Lake Obersee from Schmerikon to Rapperswil-Jona, through a shoreline landscape. Schmerikon can be reached by S-Bahn or boat. The options for walking and hiking in See-Gaster range from easy strolls to challenging tours, covering both short outings and more demanding routes.

There are also different ways to enjoy time on the water: the Schmerikon local community rents out spaces for boats, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. The shoreline landscape, a walking route and the availability of boat spaces each appeal to different travel interests.

Museums and history

museUm Uznach is divided into five sections: Old Uznach, industry and commerce, transport by road, rail and water, culture, and nature. The “Old Uznach” section includes an original engraving of Uznaberg Castle. A visit to the museum brings together different aspects of local history, while the engraving highlights a specific historical artefact.

In Rapperswil, Rapperswil Castle offers a visitor tour exploring the castle’s history; it was built in the early 13th century. Fallow deer have lived on the northern slope of the castle hill since 1871. The Rapperswil-Jona City Museum tells 800 years of local history, using a 14th-century tower and a 15th-century town house as exhibition spaces. You can explore the history of the castle and the town in different historic buildings and exhibition settings.

Kunst(Zeug)Haus presents contemporary Swiss art in a former arsenal. Its changing exhibitions feature works by contemporary Swiss artists and artists from past decades, including paintings, installations and photography. Alte Fabrik Rapperswil offers a different cultural experience: once the first production site of the Geberit Group, now active worldwide, it is now a cultural centre. Visual arts, design, activities for children, literature, music, dance, theatre and clubs all come together under one roof.

More things to explore

Mariazell Wurmsbach Abbey is located right on the shore of Lake Upper Zurich in the municipality of Rapperswil-Jona. Groups can take guided tours of the Cistercian abbey; some tours also include the option of attending a service in the abbey church. The service is an option on selected tours, not part of every tour.

Knies Children’s Zoo offers pony rides and rides on two-humped camels. At the “Himmapan” elephant park, you can watch the elephants from a wooden bridge. Visitors can also learn more about around 380 animals and biodiversity at the zoo. The animal experiences and the region’s nature and culture offer different ways to plan your trip around your own interests.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Amden, Ernetschwil, Hintergoldingen, Weesen, Gommiswald, Rapperswil-Jona, Goldingen, Schänis, Uznach, Schmerikon, Eschenbach, Benken.

See the overview of destinations at the next level up: St. Gallen.