Toggenburg
Toggenburg is a holiday region in eastern Switzerland, in the canton of St. Gallen, stretching along the Thur and Necker rivers between the Churfirsten and Alpstein mountain ranges. The landscape is rural and pre-alpine, combining high valleys, gentle hills and open moorland, with the Säntis and Speer as defining peaks. The region is shaped by tradition, sound and craftsmanship, with a deeply rooted singing and music culture. It is divided into sub-regions such as Wildhaus–Alt St. Johann, Nesslau–Ebnat-Kappel, the lower Toggenburg around the historic town of Lichtensteig, and the Neckertal. Nature dominates, with extensive hiking, cycling and winter sports, while villages and the historic town of Lichtensteig provide cultural hubs. The Churfirsten, a chain of seven peaks, are the region's landmark and a stage for living customs.
Summer activities
In summer, Toggenburg is a hiking and cycling destination. Several hundred kilometres of trails range from easy valley walks to alpine summit tours, including themed and long-distance routes along the Thur and Necker rivers and around the Churfirsten. Road, gravel and mountain bike routes, a pump track and skills park, plus the Bike Academy Toggenburg courses, cater to cyclists of all levels. Trail running routes between the Churfirsten and Säntis, mountain lakes and the Neckertal treetop walk add further variety.
Winter activities
Toggenburg is a versatile winter sports region. The ski areas of Wildhaus, Chäserrugg and the family-friendly Wolzenalp offer downhill skiing and snowboarding, with ski schools, children's areas and fun parks. Cross-country skiing is a highlight with over 140 kilometres of trails, including classic and skating tracks and a panorama trail. More than 200 kilometres of winter hiking and snowshoe routes, toboggan runs, and ski touring on the slopes between the Churfirsten and Alpstein round out the winter offer.
Culture and entertainment
Culture and tradition are deeply rooted in Toggenburg. The region is known for its living singing and music culture, brought together in the Klangwelt Toggenburg, with sound trails, a sound house and a resonance centre. Museums, a puppet theatre, the birthplace of Huldrych Zwingli and the historic town of Lichtensteig with its stages and galleries reflect the region's craftsmanship and history. Seasonal customs such as the autumn cattle shows and the summer summit fires on the Churfirsten are living traditions.
