Nestled between Lake Constance and the Appenzell region, this city in the east of Switzerland boasts a charming, traffic-free old town. The city is famous for its colourfully painted bay windows. The Abbey District, with its cathedral and library, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the same time, nature is just a stone’s throw away in any direction.

Stadtlandkind is an online shop for the whole family specialising in sustainable and fair trade products. The owners, Roberta and Tobias Zingg, chose to set up their shop on Unterstrasse in the heart of St. Gallen. This is no coincidence, as St. Gallen is home to a young and dynamic start-up scene.

At the same time, the city of St.Gallen is a perfect place for families. The Red Square urban lounge is right next to the Stadtlandkind offices. Switzerland’s first public lounge is the creation of artist Pipilotti Rist and architect Carlos Martinez. Roberta Zingg describes St. Gallen as her “safe haven” – she grew up in this region and spent her youth here.

The Abbey District, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, is another area where the Zingg family enjoys spending time. They like to stop for lunch here – preferably with a St. Gallen bratwurst, the unofficial Holy Grail for the entire region.

The Steinach river plunges into the Mülenen Gorge with a roar. The narrow gorge stretches from the Abbey District right up to Mühlegg in the St. Georgen district. Often in shadow and always following the river, a wonderful footpath leads from the monastery directly into the countryside.

If you climb a little higher above Mühlegg, you’ll come to Drei Weieren (Three Ponds), a delightful landscape stretching out across a kind of high plateau. This oasis of peace and calm is a popular destination, and not just in summer. During the warmer season the Art Nouveau bathing hut, which is part of the open-air swimming pool, exudes a very special charm.