Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Buchs (SG), St. Gallen and Rapperswil-Jona, St. Gallen

Are you looking for a scenic drive with breathtaking views? Look no further than the route from Buchs (SG), St. Gallen and Rapperswil-Jona, St. Gallen. The drive is approximately 2 hours long, but it will be worth every minute when you see the hidden gems along the way.

The halfway point of the drive is Quinten, SG – a small village nestled between the mountains and a serene lake. Known as the “Pearl of Lake Walen”, Quinten is a must-see destination for anyone driving through this region.

Without further ado, here are five unexpected places to add to your itinerary and make this road trip an unforgettable experience.

1. Neu St. Johann - A Historical Village

Neu St. Johann is a small village with centuries of history. It has a beautiful castle that dates back to the 13th century and a church that was built in the 9th century. Visitors can explore the cobblestone streets and enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the cozy cafés. Don’t forget to visit the village bakery and try their famous bread.

Favorite food to eat: Freshly baked bread from “Bäckerei-Konditorei Café Hug”.

2. Elm - A Skier's Paradise

Situated at the foot of the Sardona World Heritage Site, Elm is a charming town known for skiing. It has plenty of ski slopes, snowshoeing trails and cross-country skiing paths for all skill levels. During summers, it transforms into a hiker's paradise with many scenic trails and bike routes. Do not forget to visit Panorama Restaurant Alpenblick and enjoy the spectacular views while having a delicious meal.

Favorite food to eat: Schnitzel with fries from Panorama Restaurant Alpenblick.

3. Walensee - A Scenic Waterfront

The clear turquoise-blue water of Walensee will leave you spellbound.It is the 7th largest lake in Switzerland, and the views from the shoreline are awe-inspiring. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the lake, or rent a paddleboat to explore its beauty. If you are passionate about hiking, you can opt for a hike around the lake shore and enjoy the panoramic views of the Alps.

Favorite food to eat: Grilled trout from Restaurant Schifflände.

4. Rapperswil-Jona - A Venture into the Past

Rapperswil-Jona is a charming town that takes you back in time, with its picturesque streets and medieval castle. It is also a paradise for bookworms, with over 100,000 books available at the Jona Public Library. Take a stroll through the promenade to see the famous eleven wooden bridges and enjoy the view of Lake Zurich. Before leaving, grab some homemade chocolates from Läderach Chocolatier.

Favorite food to eat: Cinnamon rolls from Confiserie Speck.

5. Wildhaus - A Paradise for Nature Enthusiasts

Wildhaus is a charming town surrounded by the verdant hills of the Toggenburg region. It offers activities like paragliding, bungee jumping and zip-lining. You can take a guided tour of the Thur bridge and learn about the town's history, or hike the Thurweg Trail to immerse yourself in nature. Make sure to visit “Cafe Stop” for a refreshing cup of coffee.

Favorite food to eat: Apple strudel from Cafe Stop.

This road trip will be an unforgettable experience, with the breathtaking views, historical landmarks, and mouth-watering food. The route may be unexpected, but so are the towns along the way. Take a step out of your comfort zone and discover the hidden gems of the Buchs (SG), St. Gallen, and Rapperswil-Jona. Happy travels!