Visitors from EU, UK, U.S., Australia, and many other countries enjoy visa-free entry to Switzerland for stays up to 90 days under Schengen rules. Others should apply for a Schengen short-stay visa via their national consulate.
Post-race legs enjoy more than event halls: stroll through UNESCO-listed Old Town, sip coffee in Patershof square, or savor bratwurst with local beer by the canal. For active recovery, head to lush Sitterpark or take a scenic riverside walk. This race-cation fuses Swiss precision with cozy Alpine charm.
St Gallen is a relatively affordable Swiss city. Mid-range hotels cost CHF 80–150 (~USD 85–140), while budget hostels and B&Bs run CHF 40–70.
Street eats like bratwurst or fries are CHF 8–15; café meals ~CHF 20–30. Public transport is punctual and ticket prices (~CHF 2.50 per ride) are reasonable. Cultural attractions and park walks are low-cost or free.
• Novotel Gent Centrum (walkable or tram link to OLMA Messen)
• Hotel Gravensteen in Old Town offers historic character
• Budget travellers often opt for B&Bs near St Gallen Hauptbahnhof, with direct tram connections to the venue
Distance to Venue: ~86 km from Zurich (ZRH) to St. Gallen (~1 h by train), while St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport ACH (for regional connections) is just 45 km away Average Travel Time: ~1 hour by train from Zurich HB to St Gallen Hauptbahnhof, then ~15 min walk or bus to OLMA Messen
Use St Gallen’s tram and bus network—line 3 or 4 connects Hauptbahnhof to OLMA Messen in under 15 minutes. Tickets (~CHF 2.50) are valid for an hour and can be purchased via app or vending machines. The city is highly walkable and flat; many athletes opt to jog between Old Town and the venue.
Frame your weekend memory along the cobblestone lanes of Patershof, or with the baroque Abbey Library backdrop. At dusk, the pastel facades of the Korenmarkt glow—ideal for selfies and social posts.
January in St Gallen brings winter’s bite: layer wool and waterproofs. Early mornings feel frostier, and light rain or mist can linger—plan indoor warm-ups and stay dry. Locals tend to stay active — the city stays walkable even when damp.
Savor local flavor at Bratwurststand near OLMA or try hearty stoofvlees in district cafés. For lighter, wellness-focused fuel, Yogurt Barn near Korenmarkt serves bowls with fresh fruit and protein. Don’t miss tasting local St Gallen beers or picking up Swiss chocolate souvenirs.
Train with HYROX precision at Well Come Fit St Gallen West or the Einstein branch, both official event partners. They simulate event stations and feature race prep classes. For general drop-in strength access, many locals train at affiliated studios in nearby Frauenfeld or St Gallen centre.
On-site recovery zones at OLMA make initial cooldown easy. For deeper care, head into town where Tree Studio Spaoffers cryotherapy and massage. Citadel Park and riverside trails provide open-air options for walking or gentle stretching after race day.
