Enjoy St. Gallen Before Travelling to the Appenzell Alps

If you're setting off on a Swiss hiking holiday, St. Gallen should be your first port of call - it's known as the ‘Gateway to the Appenzell Alps', after all. With cathedrals, art galleries, and museums, there's a lot more to this picturesque city than its convenient location, just waiting to be discovered by anyone who can tear their eyes away from the mountains.

St. Gallen's baroque Abbey of Saint Gall is one of the most beautiful sights in the city, but as it is every summer, you might find yourself paying more attention to the sounds. Since 2004, open-air operas have been performed against the stunning backdrop of the Abbey from the last weekend of June to the first weekend in July. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the cathedral is just a five-minute walk away from the Radisson Blu Hotel, St. Gallen and the abbey also boasts a historic library with an unrivaled collection of medieval literature. If you're looking for a more relaxed day to spend, the beautifully blue Lake Constance is just a 15 minute drive away.

This cosy restaurant in St. Gallen's old town is beloved by locals and returning visitors alike, so tables here are highly sought after. Even in a town famous for fondue, Fondue Beizli has an impressive selection, ranging from simple Appenzeller cheese with fresh herbs to a more adventurous cheese with mushroom and Kirsch. The bread is freshly baked on the premises - patrons seated at the bar can even watch it coming straight out of the oven. its best to plan your visit in advance and book a table as this restaurant is famously popular among the local community.

There are two leading lights of Swiss cuisine: fondue and chocolate. After covering one, it would be unfair to neglect the other. St. Gallen has plenty of boutique chocolate shops, but true devotees should drive 20 minutes to the picturesque town of Flawil, home of the Maestrani Chocolarium, their own chocolate factory. Guided tours are scheduled everyday with insights into live production from Monday to Friday, and chocolate making courses available for people of all ages!

With a museum dedicated solely to beer bottles, you'd expect to find some stellar breweries in this city. If you follow the locals to Birreria, you won't be disappointed. Don't be put off by the heavy rock music blaring out of the speakers: this is the coolest place in town at the moment. They have a huge selection of beers from around the world as well as local brews, while non-beer drinkers can work their way through an extensive cocktail menu.

With the Appenzell Alps ever-present on the horizon, every visitor to St. Gallen really should venture into the mountains at least once. Even less active types can take a cable-car ride up to the top of Mount Säntis, with panoramic views at the top stretching out over six different countries. However, once you've explored the Alps to your heart's content, don't be surprised if you find yourself returning to the peaceful city of St. Gallen.

Whether you want to read all about medieval literature in the library situated in the Abbey of Saint Gall, or full yourself with cheese and chocolate, the Radisson Blu Hotel, St. Gallen is your perfect base in the city. With 123 guest rooms to choose from, equipped with free WiFi and in room coffee and tea making facilities, even a quiet day in your room with a view over the city is a perfect setting.