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Illustration: A lit steam train with a wreath crossing a snowy valley beside a Christmas tree
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Christmas

Samichlausfahrt — Appenzeller Bahnen

  • Run by Appenzeller Bahnen
  • St. Gallen station — St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland

Next: Dec 6, 2026

A Sunday trip in a Christmas-decorated special train from St. Gallen (boarding also at Teufen, Bühler and Gais) to the Rietli stop near Gais, Switzerland, to meet Samichlaus and Schmutzli in the forest.

Updated

Next edition

Dec 6, 2026

Sunday Dec 6 only. Special train from St. Gallen at 16:15 (Teufen 16:30, Bühler 16:38, Gais 16:55) to the Rietli stop; leaves Rietli at 18:45, back in St. Gallen at 19:35.

From CHF 13 (as published by the operator)

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About this event

The Appenzeller Bahnen run their Samichlausfahrt in cooperation with Gais Tourismus and the Verkehrsverein Altstätten. A special train takes families to the Rietli stop, where the operator says Samichlaus and Schmutzli are already waiting.

The booking page describes a short walk into the fir forest, where Samichlaus, Schmutzli and a donkey wait by a campfire. Families enjoy a warming drink and something to eat, and every child (and adult) may recite a verse to Samichlaus and collect a personal Samichlaus bag.

The price includes the return trip with the Appenzeller Bahnen and one token per person for a Samichlaus bag.

What to expect

A return trip in a Christmas-decorated special train to the Rietli stop, a visit with Samichlaus, Schmutzli and the donkey at the campfire, a warming drink and something to eat, and a Samichlaus bag exchanged for the token included in the ticket. Children and adults may recite a verse.

Practical info

The special train leaves St. Gallen and can also be boarded at Teufen, Bühler and Gais; it runs to the Rietli stop and brings passengers back to their starting station the same evening. Tickets are sold in the operator's online shop; the operator asks to phone 071 354 50 64 if a ticket category is sold out. Small children up to 2 years travel free, without their own seat and without a Samichlaus bag. Contact: Appenzeller Bahnen, Bahnhofplatz 20, 9100 Herisau, +41 71 354 50 60.

Where it happens

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Frequently asked questions

Where does the Samichlaus trip go?▾
The operator says it takes place at the Rietli stop, where Samichlaus and Schmutzli are waiting, in cooperation with Gais Tourismus and the Verkehrsverein Altstätten.
What is included in the ticket?▾
The return trip with the Appenzeller Bahnen and one token per person for a Samichlaus bag.
Which stations can I board at?▾
The operator lists St. Gallen, Teufen, Bühler and Gais for this special train.
What if my ticket category is sold out?▾
The operator asks you to contact it by telephone on 071 354 50 64.
Do small children need a ticket?▾
Small children up to 2 years travel free, but without their own seat and without a Samichlaus bag.
What happens at Rietli?▾
The booking page describes a short walk into the fir forest to a campfire where Samichlaus, Schmutzli and a donkey wait; children and adults may recite a verse and collect a bag.

Sources

Dates checked on Nov 8, 2026 from the official site: appenzellerbahnen.ch. Schedules can change — always confirm with the operator before you travel.

Official website: appenzellerbahnen.ch

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