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

The best areas to stay in Gossau are along the Säntis Valley and near the historic St. Gallen Abbey Church, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Appenzell Alps and immerse yourself in authentic Swiss village life. For scenic stays, Hotel Alpenblick offers breathtaking mountain vistas from its hillside location, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the ever-changing alpine landscape. The hotel’s traditional Swiss architecture blends seamlessly with modern comforts, including cozy fireplaces and locally sourced breakfasts featuring regional cheeses and jams.

For a more intimate experience, consider Gutshof Gärdi, a restored 19th-century farmstead offering rustic-chic guest rooms with exposed wooden beams and stone walls. This boutique retreat hosts seasonal events like the Alpine Shepherd’s Dinner, where guests enjoy hearty dishes such as Bergkäse Frittata (alpine cheese omelet) made with ingredients from nearby farms. Both accommodations provide easy access to hiking trails, cycling routes, and the charming village center, making them ideal bases for exploring the cultural and natural highlights of Canton St. Gallen.

For families visiting Gossau, Hotel Alpenblick stands out with spacious family suites equipped with bunk beds, kids’ toiletries, and a dedicated play area. The hotel features a children’s playground and a mini horse-riding corral, perfect for young explorers. Just a 10-minute walk away lies Radstadt Lake, where families can rent paddle boats or enjoy a picnic by the water—ideal for creating lasting memories.

Additionally, the hotel organizes weekly Family Nature Walks led by local museum guides, teaching children about native flora and fauna in the surrounding forests. These interactive sessions combine education with adventure, making it a favorite among parents. Located in the peaceful southern residential zone near Gossau Primary School and community green spaces, this area ensures safety and quiet for all ages. Nearby access to hiking trails and bike paths also makes it easy to explore the scenic Säntis Valley and Appenzell Alps on two wheels or foot.

Visitors to Gossau can participate in the annual Canton St. Gallen Traditional Festival, a vibrant celebration showcasing folk music, heritage costumes, and artisan crafts from the Appenzell Alps region. Locals don handwoven traditional attire and perform age-old dances while demonstrating skills like wood carving and wool weaving.

For a deeper connection, join hands-on workshops at the Gossau Folk Museum, where you can craft your own Swiss wooden bowl or learn to knit winter gloves using local sheep’s wool. Another unforgettable experience is staying overnight in a restored Herdenschafthaus (old alpine pasture house), where guests take part in a "Shepherd’s Night" event. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner prepared by local farmers, listen to oral histories about high-altitude herding traditions, and share stories around a campfire under a star-filled sky. These authentic, community-driven experiences reflect the soul of rural Switzerland and offer a rare glimpse into living heritage.

Photography enthusiasts should visit Radstadt Lake at sunrise, where the still waters perfectly mirror the distant Appenzell Alps and morning mist create dreamlike reflections. Use a tripod for long exposures to capture the subtle gradients of light and shadow across the lake’s surface. Low-angle shots from the lakeside benches enhance depth and perspective.

Another must-visit is the Cloud Sea Viewing Platform along the highland trail, which offers surreal views after rain when valley fog rises like an ethereal sea, framed by quaint villages and church spires. For candid street photography, head to the historic Old Town Center of Gossau, with its 18th-century stone houses, narrow alleys, and daily rhythms of local life—perfect for capturing authentic moments without crowds or commercial interference. All locations are accessible on foot, preserving their untouched charm for true visual storytellers.

In Gossau, must-try dishes include Bergkäse Frittata (Alpine Cheese Omelet) and Black Bread with Mountain Honey. The frittata is a regional staple made with locally produced St. Gallen Alpine cheese, fresh eggs, and served with homemade sauerkraut—reflecting the hearty, simple cuisine of the highlands.

The signature Gossau Black Bread is crafted from whole-grain flour fermented for over 48 hours with natural yeast, resulting in a dense, chewy texture that pairs perfectly with raw honey harvested from alpine wildflowers. Many guesthouses, like Gutshof Gärdi, feature these items on their breakfast menus. During summer, don’t miss the Farm Table Dinner, where visitors dine alongside local farmers, enjoying seasonal vegetables, handmade sausages, and freshly baked bread—offering a genuine taste of the "from field to fork" tradition. This immersive culinary experience captures the heart of Swiss rural life.

Yes, Gossau is highly accessible for independent travelers. The town has a well-connected public bus station linking directly to St. Gallen and Zurich, with frequent services every 30 minutes—travel time is about 45 minutes. From St. Gallen railway station, a short light rail transfer takes just 20 minutes through scenic countryside, and tickets are valid with the Swiss Travel Pass.

Within Gossau, most attractions—including Radstadt Lake, the Folk Museum, and the Old Town Center—are within walking distance or reachable via free bicycle rentals offered by hotels and guesthouses. The town’s wide, quiet streets make it ideal for exploring on foot or by bike. With excellent public infrastructure, helpful locals, and minimal car dependency, Gossau is perfect for self-guided trips focused on nature, culture, and slow travel—especially appealing to those seeking authenticity and tranquility.