Sargans: Culture, History and Excursions

Sargans lies in the heart of the Sarganserland region at an elevation of around 500 metres. For a stay shaped by historic sites and a range of sightseeing opportunities, the town offers several different points of interest: a cultural trail, the history of its castle and museum, mining and Roman archaeology. There are also wine and history trails, as well as seasonal cultural and leisure activities. When planning your stay, consider whether you mainly want to explore the town itself, take a mine tour or set aside time for a themed trail.

Cultural Trail, Castle and Museum

The Sargans Cultural Trail leads to houses and hamlets, churches and chapels, squares and industrial monuments in Sargans. Information panels accompany the stops, which you can visit independently. Along the way, you can discover different aspects of the town, from religious buildings to traces of industry. One historic site along the route is the Städtli Torkel: it was built after the town fire of 1811 on the south side of the town wall, together with a residential house and a stable.

Sargans Castle is considered a former castle and fortress complex dating from the 1280s, and is a landmark of the municipality and a symbol of the Sarganserland region. The inner courtyard and its terraces are free to access; picnic areas and a garden restaurant add to what is on offer. As visitor services may change, check the conditions before your visit.

The Sarganserland Museum is located in the castle tower. Across six floors, it presents information about the history, sights and customs of the Sarganserland region; its exhibitions also focus on local regional history. Historic museum objects and modern exhibition methods offer parents and children an engaging way to explore regional history. The children's trail includes 15 stations, with activities such as trying on a knight's helmet, making a flag and dressing in medieval clothes. Check in advance whether the children's trail is available during your visit.

Roman Traces and Mining

The Roman villa at Malerva was of considerable size. Extensive sections were excavated in 1967–68 and opened to the public. The site can be viewed inside the glasshouse at any time; guided tours are available on request. As archaeological work has continued at Malerva, check local conditions before visiting.

The Gonzen Mine also offers different ways to explore the history of mining. Individuals and small groups can visit on scheduled dates. Public tours last 3.5 hours, while holiday tours take about two hours. The standard tour includes an introductory film, a two-kilometre ride on the mine railway through the main adit to the main station, and a lit walk around the main station. The mine railway and the walk that follows give the standard tour its distinctive itinerary; allow the stated duration. The Gonzen Mining Museum offers an insight into the miners' work even without a guided tour. Check tour dates in advance, and check access and registration requirements for museum visits.

History and Wine Trails

The Jubilee Trail starts at the Splee Chapel in Sargans, passes Sargans Castle and follows the wine-growing trail before ending in Heiligkreuz. Its 15 panels explore the region's history, including the Gonzen Mine and the town of Sargans. The Wine-Growing Trail focuses on something different: this 2.5-kilometre route from Sargans to Mels passes through vineyards and across a meadow. It starts at the Splee Chapel and ends at the vineyards of Mels-Heiligkreuz. From March to October, you can learn about wine along the way. An approximately one-hour tasting of five wines at a Torkel of your choice can be combined with the Wine-Growing Trail; check booking arrangements in advance. Also check trail conditions for the Jubilee Trail.

Festivals and Seasonal Activities

The historic old town is the setting for the annual Sargans Medieval Days. The highlight is a re-enactment of a market day from the 1250s. The Festival of Cultures, held in Sargans every two years since 2010, features international music and food stalls from around the world. Local associations and participants showcase their cultures, traditions and culinary specialities. The programme varies with each edition, so check the latest dates and what is on offer before making plans.

Since 1986, the Sargans Jazz Festival has brought music, get-togethers and a festival atmosphere to the old town. From October to March, the Jazzclub Sargans Werdenberg hosts around 20 live concerts in the jazz cellar of the Zunfthaus zum Löwen, featuring jazz, Dixieland, boogie-woogie and blues. Check the latest event dates for both offerings. A seasonal leisure option is the mobile Sarganserland ice rink at the Riet sports complex. The rink is used by recreational skaters, junior ice hockey players, amateur hockey teams, ice stock sport players and curlers. As the ice rink operates seasonally, check the current operating season in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Flumserberg, Tannenheim, Vilters-Wangs, Vättis, Pfäfers, Flums, Oberterzen, Walenstadt.

To the overview of the wider travel region: Sarganserland.