Alt Sankt Johann: Sound, the Churfirsten and Monastic History

Alt Sankt Johann is a village in the Toggenburg region in the canton of St. Gallen. The village brings together several themes: the Sound Trail starting from Alp Sellamatt, paths along the Thur and the Churfirsten, and a history stretching from the monastery to Starkenstein Castle. If you are planning a stay, these different highlights can shape your choice of excursions.

Trails with different highlights

The Toggenburg Sound Trail runs for around six kilometres from Alp Sellamatt, above Alt Sankt Johann, to Oberdorf near Wildhaus. From Alt Sankt Johann, you can reach Alp Sellamatt by chairlift and gondola; the trail starts there. As the lift’s operating hours may vary by season, check the timetable for your planned visit. The approximately six-kilometre distance is a useful guide when planning this trail as part of your day.

There is also a marked snowshoe trail on Alp Sellamatt, passing across open snowfields, through snow-covered fir forests and by traditional alpine huts. Here, the winter landscape and snow conditions shape the route; the latter vary by season. A route at the foot of the Churfirsten features twelve short stories on painted signs. The signs add a narrative element to the trail description.

The Churfirsten Trail starts on the plateau of Alp Sellamatt and leads through forests, expansive alpine pastures and karst landscapes into the Gluristal valley. It climbs to the Hinterrugg, which, at 2,306 metres, is the highest of the seven Churfirsten peaks. The Upper Thur Trail runs from Unterwasser through Alt Sankt Johann to Starkenbach, following the Thur and passing through villages with traditional architecture. Rustic waterwheels adorn some of the attractive wooden houses. The trails therefore differ in the landscapes described: forests, alpine pastures and karst are the focus on the Churfirsten Trail, while the Upper Thur Trail features the river and village architecture.

Sounds to try out

The Klangschmiede is located in Alt Sankt Johann, right by the Thur, in a typical Toggenburg house. In various themed rooms, you can explore sounds by experimenting for yourself. With expert guidance, visitors can also forge their own bells. The Klangschmiede thus brings together two different activities: trying out sounds in the rooms and getting hands-on with bells at the forge.

Monastery and local history

The monastery’s history dates back to the 12th century: St. Johann Monastery is mentioned in 1152, and its foundation by Benedictines contributed to the origin of the village’s name. After the fire of 1626, Alt St. Johann Monastery was rebuilt. In 1806, the monastery church became the parish church. These dates mark different milestones: the monastery’s first mention, its reconstruction after the fire and the church’s later use as a parish church.

Starkenstein Castle is also part of the area’s history. It was built around 1200 between Stein and Starkenbach and belonged to the Counts of Montfort and, respectively, Werdenberg.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lichtensteig, Mosnang, Ganterschwil, Wildhaus, Stein, Wattwil, Libingen, Brunnadern

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