In this blog post, we will be sharing my experience of exploring St. Gallen and trying its local food, as well as providing you with an easy-to-follow recipe for making your own authentic Swiss fondue at home. So, let’s dive in and discover the best of what Switzerland has to offer!

My Experience in St. Gallen, Switzerland

St. Gallen, Switzerland, is a city full of surprises. I had the pleasure of exploring this breathtaking Swiss town, and it was an unforgettable experience.

Introduction

St. Gallen is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of eastern Switzerland, just an hour train ride from Zurich. When I first arrived, I was immediately drawn in by the stunning architecture and the picturesque landscape. The Alpine panorama, vibrant architecture, and exquisite embroidery, all make St. Gallen a place worth exploring.

Exploring the City

My first stop was the Stiftsbibliothek, a library renowned for its ancient manuscripts and incredible baroque interior. As an avid reader, I was impressed with the vast collection of books and the awe-inspiring architecture.

Next, I visited the Abbey of Saint Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Abbey has a rich history dating back over a thousand years, and the tour brought that history to life. The church’s ornate decor and paintings were simply breathtaking.

The city also has a cozy old town square and remarkable museum. It was easy to get lost in the alleys of the old town, popping in and out of boutiques and cafes, marveling at the centuries-old architecture.

Food in St. Gallen

Switzerland is widely known for its decadent, mouth-watering chocolate and cheese, and St. Gallen is no exception. I had the pleasure of trying Swiss Fondue at a local restaurant, and it was positively heavenly. Fondue is a bread and cheese dish that originates from Switzerland and is a dish popular with both locals and tourists.

Step-by-Step Fondue Recipe

Here’s my take on this classic Swiss dish:

Ingredients:

• 500g grated Swiss Gruyere cheese
• 500g grated Swiss Emmental cheese
• 1 cup of dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon of cornflour
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon of pepper
• Freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Rub an unpeeled garlic clove around the inside of a fondue pot.
2. In a large bowl, mix the grated Swiss Gruyere cheese, Emmental cheese, and cornflour together.
3. Heat the wine in the fondue pot until it starts to simmer.
4. Add the grated cheese mixture in small amounts gradually, and keep stirring until the cheese melts and becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Add lemon juice, pepper, and grated nutmeg.
6. Serve with crusty bread cubes, boiled sliced potatoes, and small pickles.

Eating Fondue is a truly communal dining experience where everyone gathers around the pot, sharing the cheese, bread and companionable conversation.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about visiting St. Gallen that you might be wondering:

1. What is the best time of year to visit St. Gallen, Switzerland?
   A: June to August is the peak tourist season in St. Gallen when the weather is warm, and there are numerous outdoor activities to enjoy. However, visiting in December when the town is decorated for Christmas is an unforgettable experience.
2. How expensive is it to visit St. Gallen?
   A: Switzerland, in general, is an expensive country to visit, but St. Gallen is slightly more affordable than Zurich, Geneva or Bern.
3. Can you get by with just English in St. Gallen?
   A: English is widely spoken in St. Gallen, so you’ll have no trouble getting around or conversing with locals.
4. What is the currency in Switzerland?
   A: The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc.
5. What is the most popular tourist attraction in St. Gallen?
   A: The Abbey of Saint Gall is the most popular tourist attraction in St. Gallen.

Conclusion

Overall, my experience in St. Gallen, Switzerland was nothing short of remarkable. From the architecture to the food, and the people, everything was truly unforgettable. Switzerland is well known for its beauty, and I can certainly say that St. Gallen lives up to this reputation. I highly recommend that you add it to your bucket list of places to visit. So pack your bags and head to St. Gallen.