Sargans with its striking castle is an ideal departure point for hikes, inline-skating and cycle tours, or winter-sports fun at nearby Pizol and Flumserberg. And it also offers visitors many hidden treasures.

The medieval small town in Heidiland is a traffic intersection and regional commercial and cultural centre. It is a «double gate to the Alps» with access from the Seeztal and Rheintal valleys. Prehistoric, Roman, medieval and modern settlements have all left their traces in a compact area.

The landmark and symbol of the entire Sargans region is Sargans Castle, which houses the «Sargans Regional Museum». The museum was awarded the title of «European Museum of the Year» and added to the list of the world’s 37 museums that are most worth visiting. No dry and dusty museum but one that brings the Sargans region and its people to life in stimulating and informative fashion.

The Gonzen iron mine is well worth a visit. A working mine up to 1966, it can now be visited as a show mine on an underground tour. Fitted out with helmet and miner’s lamp, visitors begin with a ride on the «Tunnel Express».

The «small city» of Sargans was founded around 1250. In 1811, almost all its buildings were destroyed by fire but have been rebuilt. The narrow, romantic lanes are inviting to visit today. The St. Oswald Church dating from 1711 was built in baroque style.

Sargans is an ideal departure point for hikes in the near vicinity, through fertile forests and well-tended vineyards, to alps and mountain summits, excursions to the Bündner Herrschaft or to the nearby Principality of Liechtenstein. The well preserved Roman remains at Vild are also worth visiting. A 2.5- kilometre-long path leads from Sargans to Mels through the middle of vineyards. The mighty Gonzen mountain (1830 m) affording impressive views can be climbed in just three hours.

Neighbouring Bad Ragaz with its thermal springs, romantic Taminaschlucht gorge, Kursaal and Casino and all the facilities of a well-known spa resort is yet another attraction.

Highlights

• Flumserberg – high above the Walensee lake in an oasis of intact nature. Over 100 km of hiking trails in summer, 65 km of downhill runs and 19 km of cross-country skiing runs in winter.
• Geopark Sarganserland Walensee Glarnerland –a theme park combining touristic and commercial attractions in the fields of mining, underground technology and geology.
• Pizol – overwhelming views and attractive summer and winter attractions with hiking, Nordic walking, skiing, sledging etc.
• Magletsch Artillerie-Fort – built during World War II, the upper floors of this nationally important complex can today be viewed on a guided tour.