We start our excursion heading up above the rooftops of St. Gallen after lunch at 14:00 and expect to return back no later than 17:00.

From our conference venue in Hotel Einstein, which was built in 1830, a short walk will lead us right through the old town of St. Gallen, past the St. Gallen Cathedral, which dates back early middle ages, as well as past the building hosting the world famous Abbey Library, and finally towards the Mühleggbahn.

Opened in 1893, this historic cable car takes us from the old town of St. Gallen up the hill to St. Georgen, where the machine factories were built in the heyday of embroidery. Because the ascent through the gorge used to be too arduous – and continues to be today – the Mühleggbahn was a solution to get comfortably from the city to St. Georgen. Its rails run right next to the Steinach, which plays a major role in the founding history of the city of St. Gallen. This is where around 612 A.D. Saint Gallus is said to have stumbled and fallen into thorns. He viewed this as a sign from God and built a hermitage, which later became the city of St. Gallen.

Following the short ride on the Mühleggbahn, we will begin our hike from the mountain station to the Drei Weieren, the Three Ponds. These ponds were artificially created in the 17th century to ensure water supply to the textile bleachers and fire brigades. Until 1910, the oldest brewery in all of Switzerland – the Schützengarten Brewery – used ice from the Three Ponds to cool their beer. Today, the Three Ponds are some of the most popular natural swimming destiantions in Switzerland. Our hike will follow along the ponds and will offer a spectacular view over the roofs of the monastery, the old town, all the way to Lake Constance and bordering Germany.

After approximately 30-40 minutes, we will reach the Notkersegg Monastery, which was founded in 1381. Since its founding, this monastery has been run by Franciscan nuns. Currently, the Notkersegg Convent consists of six nuns following the Gospel. Our walk will lead us around the monastery and will later offer another view of the rooftops of St. Gallen.

A few minutes later, we will reach the Scheitlinsbüchel Restaurant, where coffee and cake will be served. After the break, we will start our hike back again around the Three Ponds – this time from the other side – and will inally reach the mountain station of Mühleggbahn. Those who want can then venture on a descent through the gorge (which will take approximately 15 minutes), or simply take the Mühleggbahn down to the city. This is where our excursion ends.

The walk around the ponds including the restaurant break is an easy walk of a total of around 2 hours. We encourage participants to wear comfortable shoes and clothing during the excursion.

Hiking Route

The planned hiking route starting Mühleggbahn mountain station:

Text written by Denise Eigenmann. Map and elevation profile made on https://map.geo.admin.ch/