Zuzwil: Trails, Nature and History

Zuzwil combines a hiking trail around 17 kilometres long with the Zuzwil Riet, a wetland of national importance, a sculpture trail and historic buildings. The traditional village fair, held regularly in the village centre, is another local event. When planning your trip, you can choose between hiking and nature, cultural history and an event at the end of August.

Hiking and sculpture trails

The “Around Zuzwil” hiking trail is around 17 kilometres long. There are 40 benches along the route, and parking options for visitors from outside the area are marked. These details provide a practical basis for planning your tour: the distance is approximate, while the benches and marked parking options offer additional useful reference points. You can experience the Zuzwil Riet along the way, combining your hike with a visit to an area of natural interest.

Another route is the “Zwotusiger” sculpture trail. It connects Züberwangen, Weieren and Zuzwil. The sandstone sculptures by artist Roland Guggenbühler are a key feature. The trail ends at Leuberg Castle Hill, the historic site where the municipality originated. While an approximate length is given for the circular trail, the “Zwotusiger” has specific reference points: the places it connects, its sculptures and its endpoint at Leuberg.

Nature in the Zuzwil Riet

The Zuzwil Riet is a wetland and amphibian spawning area of national importance, and a habitat for many animal and plant species. Information boards in the area tell visitors about the local flora, fauna and conservation measures. A small viewing platform offers a view of the main pond; it was built in spring 2021. The habitat and the pond are both key points of interest during a visit to the Riet.

Dogs must be kept on a leash in the nature reserve; this requirement has been in force since 2003. If you are visiting with a dog, take the leash requirement into account when planning your trip. The connection between the area and the “Around Zuzwil” trail also makes the Riet part of the hiking option described above.

Building history and cultural heritage

The “Red House” was built in 1706 in a unified style, with its original building and room layouts still intact today. Since 2017, it has been listed as a cultural property of cantonal importance. According to tradition, the building is believed to have been a former abbey tithe house. Its construction date, preserved structures and traditional historical attribution offer different insights into the history of the house.

The Catholic parish church of St Joseph in Zuzwil is listed as a protected archaeological site and is an early modern church. Its history includes several clearly dated changes: the Chapel of St Joseph was consecrated on 21 September 1661. In 1677, Zuzwil became an independent parish and the chapel became a parish church. During the expansion in 1933, a completely new nave was built; the choir and the lower part of the tower of the old church were retained. The consecration, elevation to parish status and expansion thus mark different stages in the building’s history and that of the village.

Village fair and getting here

The traditional Zuzwil village fair takes place in the village centre at the end of August each year. The exact dates vary from year to year. Activities organised by village associations and market traders are a feature of the event; alongside attractions, there is a wide range of food and drinks. If you are planning to visit specifically for the fair, check the dates for the relevant year in advance. This will help you plan your stay around the village festival.

The 2026 timetable for PostBus route 80.726 lists the stops Industrie, Gemeindehaus, Schule and Grünegg in Zuzwil SG. Check the timetable before travelling if any of these stops are relevant to your plans. This gives you an overview of the stops listed for Zuzwil when travelling by PostBus.

Discover more destinations: Niederbüren, Degersheim, Flawil, Wil, Oberuzwil, Uzwil, Rossrüti

Go to the main travel overview: Wil.