Politics · Switzerland · 9 hrs ago
Study proposes bringing St. Gallen’s Steinach stream back above ground
A new feasibility study proposes bringing part of the Steinach back above ground in St. Gallen, Switzerland.
The plan would uncover about 600 metres of the stream, from Mühlenenschlucht past the monastery to Lämmlisbrunnenstrasse.
The proposal comes from the Grünes Gallustal association and revives an idea considered since the 1990s but never carried out.
The stream helped supply water and shape the city, but it was put underground from 1867 after pollution caused bad smells and hygiene problems.
The proposed design replaces part of the road space with a park featuring trees, benches, small bridges and outdoor seating.
Supporters say the stream could improve public spaces and cool the area.
Planned district-heating pipe work may create an opportunity to coordinate the project with roadworks, but the study does not mean the plan has been approved or will be built.
A feasibility study proposes reopening about 600 metres of the Steinach stream in St. Gallen.
The proposed route would run from the Mühlenenschlucht gorge along the monastery to Lämmlisbrunnenstrasse.
The study was prepared by the Grünes Gallustal association and revives an idea considered since the 1990s but never carried out.
Supporters say planned district-heating pipe work could create an opportunity to combine street works with reopening the stream.
The stream was buried from 1867 as the city grew and it was used as a wastewater channel, causing odours and hygiene problems.
- Who
- The Grünes Gallustal association prepared the feasibility study. Its project lead is Jasmin Kaufmann.
- What
- The study outlines how about 600 metres of the Steinach could be brought back above ground.
- When
- The study was reported on 1 November 2026. Supporters point to district-heating works planned in the coming years.
- Where
- St. Gallen, Switzerland, from the Mühlenenschlucht along the monastery to Lämmlisbrunnenstrasse.
- Why
- Supporters say reopening the stream could improve public spaces and cooling. The opportunity may coincide with planned street works for district-heating pipes.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
According to legend, the monk Gallus encountered a bear on the stream’s bank.
The city began putting the Steinach underground in sections.
Initial ideas to bring the stream back into St. Gallen’s cityscape emerged.
SRF reported on a new feasibility study by the Grünes Gallustal association.
District-heating pipes are due to be laid along the possible stream route.
- Proposed length
- About 600 metres
- Proposed route
- Mühlenenschlucht to Lämmlisbrunnenstrasse, along the monastery
- Study author
- Grünes Gallustal association
- Burial began
- 1867
- Earlier proposals
- First considerations arose in the 1990s
What people are saying
Das gibt Aufenthaltsqualität, es kühlt, und man möchte gerne hier sein
stinkenden Kloake