Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Rapperswil-Jona (BFS 3340) sits at 408 m elevation in Wahlkreis See-Gaster, Saint Gallen, connecting travelers to Kloster Mariazell Wurmsbach and Kloster Rapperswil via Bahnhof Blumenau (1.5 km). Visitors pair alpine scenery and historic streets in Rapperswil-Jona (pop. 27,277) with regional specialties including Bircher muesli and Swiss artisanal chocolate.
Within Saint Gallen Region (Wahlkreis See-Gaster region), Rapperswil-Jona (Rapperswil-Jona (BFS 3340)) serves as a municipality (gemeinde / commune) in saint gallen region. Travelers exploring Saint Gallen often combine a stop in Rapperswil-Jona with regional highlights such as Historic Altstadt / Old Town, Panoramic mountain & lake views, Marked SwitzerlandMobility hiking trails, Local heritage museum.
| Fact | Details for Rapperswil-Jona (Rapperswil-Jona (BFS 3340)) |
|---|---|
| Switzerland Name | Rapperswil-Jona (BFS 3340) (Rapperswil-Jona) |
| Administrative Status | Municipality (Gemeinde / Commune) in Saint Gallen Region |
| Region & Capital | Saint Gallen Region (Capital: St. Gallen) |
| Region of Switzerland | Wahlkreis See-Gaster |
| Population | 27,277 residents |
| Total Area / Density | Regional km² · Urban/Town people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | Official Municipality |
| Coordinates | 47.2327°N, 8.8565°E |
Getting to Rapperswil-Jona & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (St. Gallen Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways)): Connected via hourly SBB CFF FFS rail and PostBus services; fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.
- Local rail & SBB EasyRide / transit cards: Once in Saint Gallen Region, SBB regional trains, narrow-gauge mountain railways, and yellow PostBuses connect St. Gallen with Rapperswil-Jona. The SBB Mobile app (EasyRide swipe) and Swiss Half Fare Card & regional transit passes cover trains, PostBuses, trams, and boats nationwide.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Saint Gallen have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Rapperswil-Jona en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with SBB Luggage Transfer.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Rapperswil-Jona are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways station or airport in Saint Gallen can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and high Alpine passes. Read our Renting a Car in Switzerland Guide.
What to Eat in Rapperswil-Jona & Saint Gallen
Rapperswil-Jona shares the culinary traditions of Saint Gallen Region and the wider Wahlkreis See-Gaster region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Cheese fondue — a signature specialty across Saint Gallen Region.
- Raclette — a signature specialty across Saint Gallen Region.
- Rösti — a signature specialty across Saint Gallen Region.
- Bircher muesli — a signature specialty across Saint Gallen Region.
- Swiss artisanal chocolate — a signature specialty across Saint Gallen Region.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Switzerland Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Switzerland dietary explanations at restaurants in Rapperswil-Jona.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Best time to visit Saint Gallen: Jun–Sep (summer trails), Dec–Mar (winter sports).
Regional highlights across Saint Gallen Region that pair well with a visit to Rapperswil-Jona include: Historic Altstadt / Old Town, Panoramic mountain & lake views, Marked SwitzerlandMobility hiking trails, Local heritage museum.
Practical Travel Tips for Rapperswil-Jona
- Tourist information office (Tourist Info): Look for the official Switzerland Tourism or local tourist office counter inside or right outside the main train station in Rapperswil-Jona (or at St. Gallen Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Rapperswil-Jona accept international cards and contactless / SBB EasyRide payment, smaller family-run restaurants, Alpine huts (Berghütten), and farm stands may prefer cash or Twint. Swiss PostFinance and cantonal bank (Kantonalbank) ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Rapperswil-Jona (Rapperswil-Jona (BFS 3340)) located in Switzerland?
Rapperswil-Jona (Rapperswil-Jona (BFS 3340)) is a municipality (gemeinde / commune) located in Saint Gallen Region in the Wahlkreis See-Gaster region of Switzerland (coordinates: 47.2327°N, 8.8565°E). It has a population of approximately 27,277 across an area of Regional km².
How do I get to Rapperswil-Jona by train?
Most visitors reach Rapperswil-Jona via the main prefectural gateway of St. Gallen Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways). Connected via hourly SBB CFF FFS rail and PostBus services; fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. From the regional hub, connect by SBB regional trains, PostBus (PostAuto), or lake steamer to Rapperswil-Jona. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways Fare Calculator.
What local food is Rapperswil-Jona and Saint Gallen known for?
In Rapperswil-Jona and across Saint Gallen Region, top local dishes include Cheese fondue, Raclette, Rösti, as well as Bircher muesli and Swiss artisanal chocolate. Look for traditional Swiss Stuben, Alpine cheese dairies, and weekly town markets near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Rapperswil-Jona?
Best time to visit Saint Gallen: Jun–Sep (summer trails), Dec–Mar (winter sports). Check our Switzerland Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: