Things to Do, Dining & Entertainment
Great Places to Explore Nearby
Ski slopes, snowshoe trails, cross-country ski tracks, hiking trails and bike routes are located nearby in Hemberg, Degersheim, St. Peterzell, Schönengrund and Schwellbrunn.
But there's plenty more to discover in the region.
Looking for day trips, attractions, local traditions, events or culinary experiences? We've put together a varied selection of our favourites for you – conveniently listed in alphabetical order.
Appenzell Show Dairy – Discover Switzerland's Most Famous Cheese
Ever wondered how Switzerland's iconic Appenzeller cheese is made? At the Appenzell Show Dairy in Stein, visitors can follow the journey from fresh milk to mature cheese, learn about the region's rich dairy traditions and sample a variety of local specialities. An enjoyable excursion for food lovers, families and anyone curious about Swiss culture.
Backery Hoernli Hemberg
Recently, the bakery has been taken over by the talented daughter of the family, Marina, who inherited her parents' gift for baking bread and cakes and has refined it through years of dedication and hard work.
It is one of the region's top addresses for outstanding bread, irresistible cakes and delicious ice cream – all of which can also be enjoyed on the restaurant terrace with views of the Säntis mountain.
This local gem is no longer much of a secret, so it's worth reserving ahead for brunch. Alternatively, grab a slice of cake and a coffee to go and enjoy them by the picturesque swimming pond in Hemberg, located along the Kneipp trail towards Scherb.
Balik Salmon Smokehouse Ebersol
What began as a small salmon smokehouse has grown into a globally recognised luxury food brand, with gourmet establishments now operating under its name around the world.
For a modest admission fee, visitors can tour the production facilities in Ebersol and – much to most people's surprise – the company's own recording studios. Please note that the tour does not include a tasting of the delicacies produced on site.
Bächli–Hemberg Hill Climb Race
The Bächli–Hemberg Hill Climb is a motorsport event with a unique countryside atmosphere, taking place every June. Unlike many larger racing events, visitors can get remarkably close to both the drivers and the cars, making it a memorable experience even for those who are not dedicated motorsport fans.
For two days, the air vibrates with the sound of powerful engines as the usually peaceful villages of Bächli and Hemberg are transformed into a lively hub of racing action.
And the best part? Our B&B is located right along the access route to the starting area, allowing you to experience the excitement up close while still enjoying the comfort of a relaxing stay.
Berggasthaus Aescher
Perched dramatically beneath a towering rock face, Berggasthaus Aescher is one of Switzerland's most iconic mountain inns and a favourite destination for hikers, photographers and nature lovers alike.
The restaurant can easily be reached by cable car followed by a short and relatively easy walk. More adventurous visitors with a good level of fitness and sure-footedness can choose one of the steeper hiking routes leading up to the Aescher.
A friendly tip from a local: Some of the hiking trails leading to the Aescher are classified as mountain hikes. Good footwear, a reasonable level of fitness and sure-footedness are highly recommended.
Combined with a visit to Ebenalp, the historic Wildkirchli caves and the surrounding hiking trails, it makes for an unforgettable day trip in the nearby Appenzell region.
Butchery P. Bühler
The local butcher's shop in Bächli offers its specialities around the clock from a self-service meat vending machine, conveniently located opposite Restaurant Rössli in the village centre.
Whether you're planning a barbecue, preparing a picnic or simply curious to try regional products, it's an easy and surprisingly popular way to sample local specialities outside regular shop opening hours.
Maestrani Chocolarium Flawil
Perhaps not an absolute must-do, but worth considering for chocolate lovers. The tour is well designed and is sure to put a smile on the faces of younger visitors.
The tasting opportunities are a little limited, though, so don't be surprised if you end up treating yourself to a few extra goodies in the shop afterwards.
Magic-Museum in Degersheim
Where magic props, Hollywood costumes, model railways and all sorts of odds and ends come together, it's a great place to spend a rainy afternoon with the kids.
Metamorfosis
The legacy of Pavel Beco, one of the initiators of ProSpecieRara, lives on through the organic nursery and tree nursery Metamorfosis in Dicken. With its impressive selection of native shrubs, perennials and fruit trees adapted to the local climate, it is a fascinating destination for gardeners, nature lovers and anyone interested in biodiversity.
Would you like to discover the remarkable diversity of traditional fruit varieties? Then take a stroll through the orchard created by Pavel Beco in Hemberg, located near the parking area on the way to the raised bog nature reserve Scherb.
Meyer Recorders
One of the world's leading recorder makers can be found right here in the region. If you're looking for a genuine professional-quality instrument rather than a simple beginner's recorder, a visit to Meyer Recorders on the Bendel is well worth the trip.
Afterwards, take some time to enjoy the stunning views and the unique atmosphere of the surrounding countryside with a walk through the nearby raised bog.
A word of caution: the ground can be wet throughout much of the year, so waterproof footwear – or even rubber boots – is highly recommended.
New Year’s Bell-Ringers: The Silvesterchläuse (31 December & 13 January)
(If either date falls on a Sunday, the celebration takes place one day earlier.)
One of the most fascinating winter traditions in Eastern Switzerland is the custom of the Silvesterchläuse. Every year on 31 December and again on 13 January (Old New Year's Eve), elaborately dressed groups of Chläuse travel from house to house, singing traditional blessings and welcoming the New Year with the sound of enormous cowbells.
While thousands of visitors gather in the famous Appenzell villages of Urnäsch, Schwellbrunn and Herisau, a more intimate and authentic experience can still be found in the small hamlet of Bächli, near Hemberg in Toggenburg.
Late in the evening of 31 December, two or three groups of Schö-Wüeschte Silvesterchläuse make their way through the village, bringing New Year's wishes to local residents. The echo of the bells in the winter night, the extraordinary costumes and the peaceful mountain setting create a truly unforgettable experience.
For visitors seeking authentic Swiss traditions, local culture and a glimpse of rural life in Eastern Switzerland, witnessing the Silvesterchläuse in Bächli is a magical alternative to the larger tourist hotspots.
Ochsen-Butchery Schönengrund
Ochsen Butchery has a shop and a self-service meat vending machine outside the local Landi, as well as Restaurant Ochsen in the centre of Schönengrund.
Be warned: after sampling the products from Ochsen Butchery, you may never look at mass-produced supermarket meat in quite the same way again.
Retirement Home for Parrots in Achsäge
What do parrots have to do with the Toggenburg? More than you might think.
The Parrot Retirement Home in Achsäge is home to more than 120 colourful feathered residents. Bird lovers and curious visitors alike may find it hard to resist joining one of the guided tours, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these remarkable birds – all for a very reasonable price.
Säntis
No visit to Eastern Switzerland is complete without a trip to the mighty Säntis, the region’s most iconic peak. Experienced hikers can reach the summit on foot via one of the many spectacular routes through the Alpstein massif, while others usually opt for the comfort of the cable car and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views from above.
Please note that the Säntis Cable Car is currently out of service due to a major modernization project. The cable car has been closed since May 2026 and is expected to reopen in late autumn 2026 with new cabins, improved wind stability, and upgraded technology. During this period, the summit remains accessible only on foot, while the mountain-top facilities are largely closed to visitors.
For those who prefer a less demanding mountain experience while the cable car is closed, the surrounding Schwägalp still offers beautiful walks, nature experiences, and impressive views of the mountain.
Sound Trail Unterwasser
High above, a woodpecker starts drumming when you pull a rope in the forest. The Sound Trail is not only a particularly beautiful walk, but also an entertaining one, thanks to its many interactive sound installations along the way.
St. Gallen Abbey Library – One of the World's Most Beautiful Libraries
A true hidden gem of Eastern Switzerland, the UNESCO-listed Abbey Library of St. Gallen houses centuries of knowledge, art and history. Its magnificent Baroque hall is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world and contains priceless medieval manuscripts dating back over 1,000 years. A must-see for culture lovers visiting the region.
Wili Schmid – Switzerland's Master Cheese Affineur
Anyone who loves cheese – and perhaps has seen the documentary Master of Cheese – simply has to stop by Wili Schmid's 24/7 self-service cheese shop in Lichtensteig. (Maybe you’ll have to aske someone to open the shop for you, if you haven’t got a Swiss ID.)
Here you'll find an exceptional selection of artisan cheeses crafted and refined by one of Switzerland's most renowned cheese affineurs. From award-winning specialities to seasonal creations, every visit is a feast for the senses.
And if you're looking for a personal recommendation: don't miss the truffle fondue. Rich, creamy and wonderfully aromatic, it's the perfect taste of Swiss comfort food after a day exploring the mountains and villages of Toggenburg.
Mmmh – truffle fondue at its finest.
Tamina Gorge – Where Thermal Waters Emerge from the Mountain
Hidden within a dramatic rock canyon near Bad Ragaz, the Tamina Gorge is the birthplace of the region's famous thermal waters. A scenic walkway leads visitors deep into the gorge, where warm water has been flowing from the mountain for centuries. Combined with the historic Old Baths of Pfäfers, this is one of the most impressive natural attractions in Eastern Switzerland.
Treetop Path Mogelsberg
For tree lovers and nature enthusiasts, a stroll among the treetops offers a fascinating opportunity to experience these green giants from a completely different perspective.