The city that slowed me down
How does it feel to move from a metropolis of millions to peaceful St. Gallen? A newcomer tells how she found a new rhythm here and discovered a place that has grown particularly dear to her heart. Source: City ticker of the Tagblatt newspaper.
The magical view from the hill above St. Gallen on a December morning. Source: St. Gallen City Ticker in the Tagblatt newspaper. Image: Olga Balsamo
Two and a half years ago, I moved from noisy and hectic Moscow to quiet and cozy St. Gallen. The contrast was striking: instead of endless traffic jams, shops open around the clock, and never-ending deadlines, there were shops closed on Sundays, businesses that take vacations in the summer, and the habit of living without rushing.
At first, this rhythm seemed old-fashioned and impractical to me. But over time, I came to understand that people here value relaxation and simple pleasures more than the race for success. And when I stopped "swimming at speed" myself, I discovered a whole new side to the city. My favorite place is the Menzlenwald forest, which can be reached on foot from almost anywhere in the city. Here you can watch the sunset with a view of St. Gallen, encounter deer or foxes – and even neighbors' cats roaming among the trees as if it were their own kingdom. In the forest, there are fire pits and paths that lead to farms where fresh produce is sold and you can cut your own flowers. The area is free of artificial backdrops and does not try to impress – this is precisely what gives it its special charm and appeal. This simplicity and naturalness touch the heart and make the forest truly unique.
However, my most memorable experience was one December morning when I climbed the hill behind the forest and saw the Säntis in the bright sunlight. Everything around me—fields, villages, hills—was covered in snow, and it felt like I was in a fairy tale. At that moment, I realized what an enchanting gift Switzerland had given me: I don't have to travel far to see such enchanting landscapes, I just have to step outside my front door.
St. Gallen has taught me not to rush and to appreciate the moment. And the Menzlenwald forest and its surroundings have become my quiet retreat, to which I always love to return.
