Mühleggbahn & Drei Weieren (Three Ponds) (St. Gallen)

The Mühleggbahn is a small funicular that rises from the foot of the abbey district of St. Gallen to the hillside above, and it is the easiest way to reach the Drei Weieren, known in English as the Three Ponds. The line climbs steeply through the Mühleggschlucht, a narrow, wooded gorge, and in a few minutes you leave the busy old town and arrive at a quiet, open hillside with views over the roofs of the city. It is a short and somewhat old-fashioned ride, and it forms a nice contrast to the grand Baroque buildings of the abbey district below.

From the upper station it is a short walk, uphill and through woods, to the ponds. They were made in earlier centuries as reservoirs, when the water was useful for the textile industry that made St. Gallen rich. The city was one of Europe's centres of linen and later embroidery, and bleaching cloth needed plenty of clean water, while the ponds also served as a fire reserve for the city. Over time the ponds lost their industrial use and became a place for leisure, which they have remained.

Today the Drei Weieren are a popular swimming and sunbathing spot in summer. Traditionally the bathing areas were separated, with sections for men and for women and families, and the wooden bathing structures with their old-fashioned architecture add character to the site. The water is not heated and not treated like a pool's, so it is cool and soft, and the setting among trees makes it feel far from the city. Grassy banks allow picnicking and sunbathing, and a small kiosk usually provides drinks and snacks in season. In cold winters, the ponds can freeze, and locals sometimes go skating when the ice is safe, but this depends on the weather and local advice.

Walking trails lead from the ponds into the surrounding hills, so the visit can be combined with a hike through woods and meadows, with viewpoints looking back toward the city. The Peter and Paul Wildlife Park, which is another attraction in St. Gallen, lies on the same hillside, so families can combine the two on a longer outing. The abbey district, with the cathedral and the Abbey Library, is easy to include in the same day, and the Textile Museum tells the story of the industry that created the ponds.

The funicular runs through the day, and it is covered by some city and national travel passes, but fares and timetables can change, so check them before you go. Opening times and entry fees for the ponds are set by the operators and vary by season. The trip suits families, swimmers, walkers and anyone who wants a short escape from the city centre. Allow two hours for the ride, the walk and a swim, and bring a towel and sun protection in summer.