Sankt Gallen
Sankt Gallen is a canton in the north-eastern end of Switzerland, bordering Switzerland and Austria. The canton completely surrounds the two cantons of Appenzell Inner Rhodes and Appenzell Outer Rhodes. In geographical terms, the area is strongly dominated by the northern slopes of the Alps, but near the Austrian border and Lake Constance the terrain becomes flatter and more suitable for agriculture. The main thoroughfare is the river Rhine, which is also one of the leading tourist attractions of Sankt Gallen. Its broad valley is also famous for its excellent vineyards. An increasing number of visitors are attracted by the thermal spas in Bad Ragaz and St. Margrethen. The administrative centre is the city of Sankt Gallen, a thriving, modern city with a long history. Its most popular tourist sites include the Abbey of St. Gall, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the Baroque cathedral. The University of Sankt Gallen is the most prestigious educational institution in the German-speaking world.