Altstatten(Switzerland) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

The best area to stay in Altstätten is the historic town center, where you'll find charming pedestrian streets and easy access to local cafes, shops, and the Lake Säntis viewpoint. For a peaceful retreat, consider staying near Alpsee Nature Reserve, which offers quiet mountain views and direct trails into the Säntis Mountain range.

Top hotel recommendations include Hotel Alte Schmiede, a boutique property blending traditional Swiss timber architecture with modern amenities, featuring panoramic windows overlooking the Alps and a cozy on-site restaurant serving regional dishes like Appenzeller cheese fondue. Alternatively, Ferienwohnung Alpsee, a converted farmstead guesthouse, provides a rustic-chic experience with private garden access and mountain-view balconies—ideal for nature lovers seeking authenticity.

Families visiting Altstätten should consider Ferienwohnung Alpsee, a spacious former farmhouse offering fully equipped apartments with three bedrooms, a kitchenette, and a private garden with play equipment. The property features child-safe furnishings, baby beds, and a dedicated outdoor activity zone perfect for young explorers.

Another excellent option is Hotel Alte Schmiede, which provides family suites with themed activity kits including nature scavenger hunt maps and DIY cheese-making workshops. Guests can also join guided tours of local alpine farms, where children learn about traditional dairy practices. The hotel’s proximity to Lake Säntis allows for safe boating, birdwatching, and picnic excursions—ideal for combining fun with educational experiences in a scenic Alpine setting.

Tourists visiting Altstätten should attend the St. Gallen Folk Music Festival, held annually in summer, featuring live performances of traditional Alpine zither music and folk dances in the historic town square. The event often includes craft stalls selling handmade wooden toys and regional textiles.

A must-visit is the Altstadt Museum, housed in the old clock tower, which showcases 19th-century looms, hand-drawn topographical maps, and ancestral genealogies that trace the region’s agricultural roots. For art enthusiasts, the Church of Mariä Himmelfahrt features stunning 20th-century frescoes depicting Alpine legends by renowned Swiss painter Emil Bürkli.

The adjacent Monastery Garden is open daily and offers a serene space for reflection, preserving centuries-old monastic traditions. These immersive experiences provide deep insight into the spiritual and cultural identity of Altstätten.

The best time to visit Altstätten is from May to September, when temperatures range between 12–20°C and skies are mostly clear. Spring (May–June) brings vibrant blooms of rhododendrons across the hillsides, while summer (July–August) offers ideal conditions for hiking and cycling along trails leading to Lake Zurich and Lake Säntis—passing through ancient stone bridges and grazing alpine meadows.

September is particularly beautiful, with golden-hued deciduous forests creating striking backdrops for photography. Although winter is cold, it’s a great season for skiing at nearby Glarus Mountains, which feature gentle slopes and uncrowded pistes. However, for most travelers seeking comfortable outdoor exploration, late spring through early autumn remains the optimal window.

Yes, most hotels in Altstätten provide free parking, especially those located in the town center such as Hotel Alte Schmiede and Ferienwohnung Alpsee, both of which have dedicated on-site parking lots with no additional charge. Some smaller guesthouses may require advance reservation for parking spaces—check during HopeGoo.

Note that central streets are narrow and restricted for public parking, so driving guests should prioritize accommodations clearly marked with "free parking." Additionally, many hotels partner with local transit authorities to offer guests complimentary regional bus passes, enabling unlimited travel on municipal buses to destinations like St. Gallen and Lake Zurich.

Overall, Altstätten is very accommodating for self-drive travelers, with reliable parking options and seamless integration with public transport networks.

Near Altstätten, the top natural attraction is Lake Säntis, a pristine alpine lake ideal for kayaking, fishing, and lakeside walking trails. The shoreline features a birdwatching platform where species like white egrets and herons are commonly spotted.

Another highlight is the Ehrenbach Trail, a 5-kilometer forest path winding through mossy ravines and crystal-clear streams, complete with interpretive signs detailing local flora and geological formations. For adventure seekers, the Zürichsee Viewpoint offers a moderate hike through ancient pine groves, culminating in panoramic vistas of the entire Alpine foothills and the distant Lake Zurich.

During summer, the Alpine Pastures of Altstätten open for public access, allowing visitors to observe traditional highland cattle grazing, participate in milking demonstrations, and sample fresh mountain cheese. These sites combine ecological preservation with hands-on nature experiences, making them perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.