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Eastern Switzerland

St. Gallen, Schaffhausen, Thurgau, Appenzell, Glarus

Train, Boat and Bus Experiences Throughout the Region

Discover scenic train routes, lake cruises, and unique experiences — perfect for weekend trips, day outings, and seasonal adventures.

Image by Kseniia Zapiatkina
Image by Max Böttinger

Eastern Switzerland brings together a varied mix of cities, lakes, hills, mountains, and traditions across St. Gallen, Schaffhausen, Thurgau, Appenzell, and Glarus. Thanks to the Ostwind fare network, trains, buses, boats, funiculars, and cableways connect many parts of the region under one simple zone-based system, making it easy for locals to commute and for visitors to plan relaxed day trips. From the Abbey District of St. Gallen and the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen to Lake Constance, Appenzellerland, the Alpstein, and the Glarus mountains, public transport offers a convenient and scenic way to discover eastern Switzerland without relying on a car.

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Main Transport Operators in Eastern Switzerland

St. Gallen, Thurgau

Bus Ostschweiz

Regional Bus Alliance for Eastern Switzerland

Visit Operator Website
St. Gallen, Thurgau, Schaffhausen

Thurbo Regionalbahn

Serves St. Gallen, Thurgau, Schaffhausen - tickets available on SBB.ch

Visit Operator Website
Appenzell

Appenzeller Bahnen

Transport Operator throughout Appenzell, buy tickets through SBB.ch

Visit Operator Website

This Week's Feature

Thurgau

Until 27 Sept

Art Cruises on Lake Constance to Germany

Experience "hänne und däne: Der Untersee als Kunstraum (Lake Constance as an Art Space)" on an inspiring journey through the Lower Lake region.


Explore 14 unique art installations located across the municipalities of Berlingen (Switzerland), Gaienhofen (Germany), and Steckborn (Switzerland). 


Discover the artworks at your own pace or join an exclusive art cruise with a guided tour for a deeper insight into the project.


Guided Art Walks - On selected Sundays and Thursdays from May to September, join a guided art walk departing from Steckborn or Gaienhofen. Each tour includes two scenic boat crossings, offering a unique way to experience both the landscape and the artworks.


Fares starting at CHF 7 with half fare card

Art cruises operate daily until 27 September

Visit the website for departure times and full details

Find Out More

Current Deals in Eastern Switzerland

Links to external websites are included for your convenience. Switzering is not affiliated with these organisations.

Eastern Switzerland

Until 31 Aug

From 20 francs to St. Gallen or Chur

Return journey on the Alpenrhein-Express between Herisau, St. Gallen and Chur or vice versa, as well as Sargans–Unterterzen

See the Offer

Seasonal Highlights

Limited Time Experiences and Offers

Links to external websites are included for your convenience. Switzering is not affiliated with these organisations.

St. Gallen

Until 31 Aug

Alpenrhein Express Summer Hit from CHF 20

Round trip on the Alpine Rhine Express between St. Gallen and Chur or vice versa, as well as Sargans–Unterterzen, discounts on selected leisure activities, 1 coffee, tea, or hot chocolate on the Alpine Rhine Express

See the Offer

St. Gallen

Until 6 Sept

FREE Bäderbus Dreilinden

Departs every half hour from St. Gallen train station, traveling via Marktplatz, Spisertor, Schülerhaus, and the Dreilindenstrasse parking lot directly to Dreilinden and back

See the Offer

Thurgau

Until 27 Sept

Art Cruises on Lake Constance to Germany

See art installations around Lake Constance with a cruises from Switzerland to Germany


See the Offer

Gastronomic Experiences

Not just getting there - make it part of the journey

Links to external websites are included for your convenience. Switzering is not affiliated with these organisations.

Thurgau

5 Sept

Thurgau Beer Train Journey

Hop on and off and sample beers at various stops

See the Offer

Schaffhausen

12 Sept

Rhinefalls at Night with Dinner at a Castle

4-course dinner while experiencing the Rhinefalls up close

See the Offer

Thurgau

Year Round

Sunday Brunch Cruise Lake Constance

3-hour cruise from Romanshorn, Rorschach or Kreuzlingen


See the Offer

Unique Experiences

Links to external websites are included for your convenience. Switzering is not affiliated with these organisations.

Schaffhausen

15 August

Enjoy the Rhinefalls by Boat at Night

With dinner at a castle - 4-course dinner plus experience the Rhinefalls up close


See the Offer

Bad Ragaz

Until 30 Nov

Day Spa at Tamina Therme in Bad Ragaz

Train and spa deal from various Swiss locations to Bad Ragaz and Tamina Therme - from CHF 95

See the Offer

Plan Your Next Day Out

Easy Ideas for Spontaneous Trips and Weekends in Central Switzerland

Major Annual Events
in Eastern Switzerland

Links to external websites are included for your convenience. Switzering is not affiliated with these organisations.

Appenzeller Alpfahrt

May & September
To the Event

Openair St. Gallen

June
To the Event

Sandsculpture Festival - Rorschach

August
To the Event

Relevant Blog Posts

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