Travel Guide

Ir Vae: St. Gallen → Luzern

By Robert Potschka
Route Type: Train Routes
Published on 2025-09-12 05:49:25

The IR VAE train route connecting St. Gallen and Luzern offers a scenic journey through northeastern Switzerland. While the train itself is a modern InterRegio service, the stations along the route provide access to some remarkable destinations. A quick look at the official railway map reveals several stops that are gateways to true cultural gems, from a historic abbey library to a picturesque lakeside town.

Interactive Map

Ir Vae: St. Gallen → Luzern

Hidden Gems

Ir Vae: St. Gallen → Luzern

St. Gallen Abbey Library 🔎 View Source

Best for: History buffs and architecture enthusiasts

Hidden Gem For You:

A stunning rococo hall housing ancient manuscripts, it's a UNESCO World Heritage site often overshadowed by larger cities.

Visitor Review:

"An absolute gem of a library. The rococo interior is breathtaking and the collection of ancient books is incredible. A must-see in St. Gallen."
- TravelEnthusiast23 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Best Season or Time of Day to Visit:

Spring or autumn mornings to avoid crowds

Personal Tips & Local Insights:

Purchase the combined ticket for the Library and the Cathedral to get the full experience of the Abbey District.

Safety and Accessibility:

The library has strict preservation rules; bags must be stored in lockers. Not fully wheelchair accessible due to historic building constraints.

Suggested Itineraries:

Combine with a visit to the St. Gallen Cathedral and a walk through the old town before continuing your train journey.

Packing Suggestions:

Carry a coin for the locker deposit. Photography is not permitted inside the library hall.

Cultural or Historical Context:

The library is one of the oldest and most important monastic libraries in the world. Its Baroque hall was constructed between 1758 and 1767.

Unique Photo Spots:

The exterior of the cathedral and the Abbey Square offer the best photographic opportunities, as the library interior cannot be photographed.

Fun Facts or Trivia:

The library holds over 170,000 documents, including a nearly 2,700-year-old mummy of Schepenese from Egypt.

Rapperswil-Jona (Lake Zurich) 🔎 View Source

Best for: A relaxing lakeside stroll and medieval town charm

Hidden Gem For You:

Known as the 'Town of Roses', this stop offers a beautiful medieval old town, a castle, and a long lakefront promenade that feels a world away from the busy cities.

Visitor Review:

"A perfect stop to break up the journey. The views of the lake from the castle are spectacular, and the old town is lovely to wander through."
- LakeLover (⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Best Season or Time of Day to Visit:

Late spring or summer to see the famous rose gardens in bloom

Personal Tips & Local Insights:

Get off the train and follow the signs to the wooden bridge (Seedamm) for a walk along the lake; it's a short and rewarding detour.

Safety and Accessibility:

The path to the castle involves some steep, cobbled streets. The lakeside promenade is flat and easily accessible.

Suggested Itineraries:

Stop for a few hours to explore the castle, rose garden, and have lunch by the water before catching the next train to Luzern.

Packing Suggestions:

Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the cobbled streets and a camera for the panoramic lake views.

Cultural or Historical Context:

Rapperswil Castle dates back to the early 13th century. The town is famously associated with roses, with over 15,000 rose bushes of 600 varieties.

Unique Photo Spots:

The view from the castle grounds overlooking the lake, the old town lanes, and the Capuchin monastery with its gardens.

Fun Facts or Trivia:

A wooden footbridge, one of the longest in Switzerland, connects Rapperswil to Hurden on the other side of Lake Zurich.

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