Our family recently visited the Abbey District (Stiftsbezirk) St. Gallen, aiming to see the world-renowned Abbey Library, but we were pleasantly surprised by the wealth of history and impressive exhibits throughout the UNESCO site. This area offers much more than just rare manuscripts; from the Vaulted Cellar to the Exhibition Hall, it’s an inspiring spot for families and history lovers alike. Plan for at least 2–3 hours, though much more time can easily be spent uncovering its treasures.
The History of the Abbey District St. Gallen
The Stiftsbezirk St. Gallen stands as a remarkable testament to Swiss and European heritage. Founded in the 7th century by the Irish monk Gallus, his modest hermitage soon grew into a Benedictine abbey by 747. Centuries of faith, scholarship, and artistry shaped the abbey complex, with significant Baroque expansions in the 18th century. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the entire district reflects the profound influence of monastic life and intellectual pursuits on Switzerland’s history.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Audio Guide, and Logistics
Tickets for the Abbey District can be purchased online or at the onsite gift shop. Entry includes access to three main exhibits: the Abbey Library, the Vaulted Cellar, and the Exhibition Space. Families can save with discounts from the Swiss Coupon Pass. Picking up an audio guide at the gift shop proved invaluable during our visit—it kept even our 7-year-old engaged as he hunted for numbered stops and listened to the stories. Before entering, be aware that backpacks, strollers, and water bottles must be left in the free locker area, which also has restrooms and a baby-changing table—very convenient for families.
Exploring the Abbey Library: Inspiration and Wonder
The Abbey Library in St. Gallen is an enchanting space steeped in centuries of literary tradition. Established in the 7th century, it’s one of the oldest libraries in the world and today houses a treasured collection of medieval manuscripts and rare volumes. Everyone, including children, dons slippers over their shoes before entering, which makes walking across the polished floors feel like gliding. We marveled at the reconstructed globe centerpiece—the original, taken during a conflict with Canton Zurich, now resides at the Landesmuseum in Zurich. Handwritten chant books and centuries-old monk-authored texts line the shelves, captivating both adults and children. Our son happily followed the audio guide while our daughter searched for Belle, as the space feels reminiscent of the library from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. We spent an unforgettable 30 minutes wandering through this breathtaking hall.
Discovering the Vaulted Cellar: Family-Friendly History
Beneath the Abbey Library lies the Vaulted Cellar, a fascinating collection of artifacts that trace the abbey’s long history. Accessible by elevator or stairs, this exhibit is included in the ticket. Each display is complemented by digital touchscreens with multilingual explanations—English included—plus a bear paw symbol marking kid-friendly facts. Note: these child-focused sections are in German only, so downloading the German language pack on Google Translate is useful for quick translations in areas where mobile reception is limited. For us, the highlight was the intricately carved ivory book covers, while comfortable benches gave the kids a place to rest. The audio guide continued to enhance the experience, and we spent about 30 minutes here.
Touring the Exhibition Space: Films, Artifacts, and the Plan of Saint Gall
Across the Abbey grounds lies the Exhibition Space, where additional lockers are available. Though smaller, this exhibit packs in engaging features: a video (in German with English subtitles) covering the abbey’s history, a coloring area for children, and, most impressively, the renowned Plan of Saint Gall. This extraordinary architectural drawing from 820–830 AD is introduced through a short documentary (German with English subtitles) before being briefly displayed in a darkened theater (only 20 seconds, but unforgettable). Our family lingered here for 20–30 minutes before the kids were ready for lunch.
The Cathedral of St. Gallen: Baroque Splendor
The Cathedral of St. Gallen is a dazzling showcase of Baroque design and artistry, open to the public free of charge. Its story begins with the Irish monk Gallus in the 7th century and culminates in the grand construction between 1755 and 1766. Twin towers and elaborate frescoes reflect the abbey’s spiritual and artistic legacy. After secularization, the cathedral became the seat of the St. Gallen diocese from 1847 onward. We explored for about 5–10 minutes, impressed by its scale and beauty, though our children’s energy levels limited our time.
Lunch in St. Gallen: Italian Comfort at Restaurant Facincani
St. Gallen’s Old Town is full of charm, with cobblestone streets and inviting restaurants. We enjoyed a leisurely meal on the shaded terrace of Restaurant Facincani. The beef filet with polenta and the various pasta dishes (some with bacon, others plain with Parmesan for the kids) satisfied everyone. While there is no dedicated kids’ menu, the staff were accommodating. One note for families—the restroom does not have a baby-changing table.
Arrival and Parking Tips
There is no parking directly at the Abbey District, but we found spaces at Parkgarage Oberer Garten, just a five-minute walk from the library entrance. The garage fit our larger SUV, although the spaces are quite compact. Public transit is an excellent alternative, especially during peak times.
More to Explore Near St. Gallen
A trip to the Abbey District can easily be expanded into a full-day adventure. After our visit, we drove just 25 minutes to the Chocolarium, a chocolate factory where we sampled unlimited varieties and even created our own custom chocolate bar—a definite highlight for the kids. For more family-friendly tips for a trip to the Chocolarium, click here. Other nearby attractions worth considering include the Appenzeller Schaukäserei, where visitors can watch traditional cheese being made; Säntispark Bäderwelt, a family-friendly waterpark; and the iconic Aescher Guesthouse, perched dramatically on a mountainside. All of these remain on our family’s bucket list for future excursions.
Final Thoughts
The Abbey Library of St. Gallen is an unforgettable destination—historic, magnificent, and surprisingly family-friendly. The Vaulted Cellar and Exhibition Space added depth to our understanding, while the kids especially loved the interactive touches throughout. St. Gallen itself is a charming town, perfect for strolling beyond the abbey grounds. We highly recommend a visit and only wish we’d had more time to discover all that this Swiss gem has to offer.