Things To Do
in Goldach

Goldach is a small, scenic town in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, located along the northern shore of Lake Constance. It blends rural charm with easy access to larger cultural hubs like St. Gallen and Rorschach. The area is known for its clean streets, pleasant lakeside walks, and friendly local hospitality.

Visitors can enjoy a relaxed pace, picturesque views, and convenient day trips around the Bodensee region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Goldach
morning
:

Start your journey with a peaceful morning stroll along the shores of Lake Constance. Enjoy the fresh air while sipping a cup of coffee at a local café, soaking in the serene views that the lake has to offer. Don’t forget to visit the nearby vineyards for a brief tour and taste of local wine.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, delve into the history of Goldach by visiting the quaint old town and its charming church. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a waterfront restaurant, taking in the beautiful views of the lake. After lunch, explore the nearby hiking trails or rent a bike to ride along the scenic paths that surround the area.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head back to the lakeshore for a magical sunset experience. Dine at a local eatery known for its traditional Swiss cuisine, indulging in dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. End the evening with a relaxing walk by the water, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves.

day 2
Day Trip to Appenzell
morning
:

Travel to the picturesque village of Appenzell, known for its stunning Alpine scenery and vibrant culture. After a hearty Swiss breakfast in Goldach, take a scenic train ride that allows you to admire the lush landscapes. Spend your morning exploring the charming streets filled with colorful houses and artisanal shops.

afternoon
:

After lunch in Appenzell, embark on a hike to the famous Santis mountain. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Alps as you ascend, offering incredible photo opportunities. Treat yourself to a traditional Appenzeller cheese platter once you reach your destination.

evening
:

Return to Goldach for a relaxing evening by the lake. Gather for a cozy dinner at a restaurant that offers local specialties paired with regional wines. Enjoy lively conversation as the stars twinkle above, creating a perfect end to a day of exploration.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee/Tea$3-6
🥗Lunch or light meal$15-25
🧀Local cheese or groceries$7-15
🚆Local transport (day pass)$8-14

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Easy access to Lake Constance and nearby cities
  • High safety and clean, efficient public transport
  • Beautiful lakeside scenery and easy day trips
  • Limited nightlife within Goldach itself
  • Requires rail travel for bigger cultural attractions at times
  • "Guten Tag" - Good day
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Ich hätte gern ..." - I would like to have...
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?

Places to Visit in Goldach

Visit one of these nice places.

Rorschach Harbour

Sunset reflections over Lake Constance with the hills on the far shore.

Rorschacherberg Viewpoint

Panoramic overlook of Lake Constance and the Swiss coastline.

St. Gallen Abbey District

UNESCO-listed Abbey and Library with ornate façades and historic interiors.

Lake Constance Shoreline at Dawn

Calm waters and soft light along the Bodensee coast near Goldach.

Culinary Guide

Food in Goldach

Swiss cuisine here highlights fresh dairy, lake fish, seasonal vegetables, and hearty favorites. In the Bodensee region you’ll find cheese-focused dishes, comforting rosti, and refined regional specialties, with many venues offering seasonal catches and local ingredients.

Goldach Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Älplermagronen

Swiss Alpine macaroni with potatoes, cream, cheese, and often applesauce on the side.

Must-Try!

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

Thinly sliced veal in a creamy mushroom sauce, typically served with Rösti.

Rösti

Crispy potato rösti, a Swiss staple that pairs with many dishes.

Fondue (Cheese Fondue)

Melted cheese served with bread for dipping; a classic Swiss experience.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Rorschach Lake Market

Saturday market by the lake offering fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and pastries.

Local farmers markets in St. Gallen region

Seasonal stalls with dairy products, breads, and regional specialties.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region has a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. Lake Constance moderates temperatures, yielding milder winters and cooler summers along the shore.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Be on time; punctuality is valued in both business and social settings.

Language and etiquette

Greet with 'Grüezi' or 'Grüetzi', use 'Sie' with strangers, and be polite in conversations.

Safety Guide

Safety

Switzerland has a very high safety standard with low crime rates. Keep an eye on belongings in busy tourist areas, follow water safety rules on the lake, and use licensed taxis or public transport at night.

Tipping in Goldach

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service charges are usually included; consider rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service.

Payment Methods

Cash in CHF and card payments widely accepted; many places accept TWINT mobile payments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days around 20–26°C; occasional showers. Ideal for lake outings, swimming, and outdoor dining.

Autumn

Crisp mornings and colorful foliage; harvest markets and fewer crowds.

Winter

Cold with possible snow; Christmas markets in St. Gallen; cozy cafés and museums.

Spring

Mild temperatures with rain showers; blossoms and greener landscapes.

Nightlife Guide

Goldach at Night

Goldach itself has limited nightlife; nearby St. Gallen offers bars, pubs, and venues. Seasonal lakefront events and clubs are common in the Bodensee region, especially in warmer months.

Hiking in Goldach

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Rorschacherberg Trail

Steep and moderate trails with panoramic lake views.

Seeboden Lakeside Walk

Relaxed lakeside path ideal for sunset walks near Rorschach.

Airports

How to reach Goldach by plane.

St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (ACH)

Regional airport near Altenrhein; quick access to the region.

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Major international hub; frequent rail connections to the Goldach area.

Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH)

German airport with connections to the Bodensee region.

Getting Around

Walkability

Goldach is very walkable in town with pleasant lakeside paths; for longer trips, trains connect quickly to St. Gallen and Rorschach, making exploring easy without a car.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

Predominantly Swiss German-speaking residents; families, retirees, professionals.

International residents

A mix of expatriates and seasonal workers in the canton nearby.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Sailing and rowing

Popular on Lake Constance with clubs and rentals.

Hiking

Extensive trails in the lake region and nearby hills.

Cycling

Bodensee-Radweg offers scenic lake-side rides.

Transportation

Traffic

Excellent public transport network (SBB) with trains and buses. Car travel is convenient but parking in towns can be limited; ferries connect across the lake. A Swiss Travel Pass is handy for unlimited travel if exploring beyond Goldach.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Goldach.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available; look for cheese-based dishes, seasonal vegetables, and salads.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Switzerland has a world-class healthcare system; health insurance is mandatory. In emergencies call 112; major hospitals are in St. Gallen (Kantonsspital St. Gallen) and nearby clinics in Rorschach and Goldach.

Discover Switzerland

Read more in our Switzerland 2025 Travel Guide.

Switzerland Travel Guide