UNESCO World Cultural Heritage
The monastery district was the spiritual centre of the European West. The Abbey Library is the oldest library in Switzerland and one of the oldest monastery libraries in the world.
The park, which covers three hectares, was designed with respect for the spirit of the place. It was carefully embedded into the existing landscape. Colourful, natural-looking shrubs and extensive lawns provide a gentle contrast to the magnificent old stock of trees – one of the oldest in St. Gallen incidentally – including beech trees, plane trees and majestic linden trees. Many cosy spots and garden benches invite you to linger a while.
The special healing power of gardens has been known since antiquity and is mentioned in numerous medieval texts about the Garden of Eden. The beautiful park surrounding the Oberwaid was consciously designed with this in mind.
The park, which covers three hectares, was designed with respect for the spirit of the place. It was carefully embedded into the existing landscape. Colourful, natural-looking shrubs and extensive lawns provide a gentle contrast to the magnificent old stock of trees – one of the oldest in St. Gallen incidentally – including beech trees, plane trees and majestic linden trees. Many cosy spots and garden benches invite you to linger a while.
The special healing power of gardens has been known since antiquity and is mentioned in numerous medieval texts about the Garden of Eden. The beautiful park surrounding the Oberwaid was consciously designed with this in mind.
The Oberwaid Park is a paradise for bees and insects due to the planting of wild flowers. This represents a sustainable contribution to nature, especially in times of significant bee mortality.
Slightly secluded, the Oberwaid lies on a hill to the east of St. Gallen, with a view of the entire Lake Constance region. St. Gallen has lots of culture, history and variety to offer, including the impressive abbey complex, the abbey library (Stiftsbiliothek) – a stunning world heritage site – and the medieval city centre with its boutiques and cosy cafés. The Textile Museum, famous far beyond Switzerland's borders, contains one of the most important textile collections in Switzerland. Numerous exhibits illustrate the history of the Swiss textile industry. A part of this history can also be seen at the Oberwaid. Those who like to roam the countryside can cycle and hike along designated trails stretching for kilometres and enjoy a view that stretches from the Alpstein area to the imposing expanse of Lake Constance.
Slightly secluded, the Oberwaid lies on a hill to the east of St. Gallen, with a view of the entire Lake Constance region. St. Gallen has lots of culture, history and variety to offer, including the impressive abbey complex, the abbey library (Stiftsbiliothek) – a stunning world heritage site – and the medieval city centre with its boutiques and cosy cafés. The Textile Museum, famous far beyond Switzerland's borders, contains one of the most important textile collections in Switzerland. Numerous exhibits illustrate the history of the Swiss textile industry. A part of this history can also be seen at the Oberwaid. Those who like to roam the countryside can cycle and hike along designated trails stretching for kilometres and enjoy a view that stretches from the Alpstein area to the imposing expanse of Lake Constance.