Wil Tower

Wil Tower in Wil (canton of St. Gallen) is a timber lookout tower standing in the forest on Hofberg, the town's highest hill. Its viewing deck sits 34 metres above the ground, and the site lies at 747 metres above sea level. Julius Natterer designed it, and it welcomed its first visitors on 8 July 2006.

What is Wil Tower?

The structure is built entirely of wood, much of it taken from nearby forests. Douglas fir forms the columns, and silver fir was used for the stairs. Six slanted columns rise from three anchor points, giving the tower a light, unusual silhouette. The covered deck clears the treetops by only a little, so the outlook mixes a wide panorama with the feeling of being inside the woods.

What can you see from the top?

A double spiral staircase of 189 steps winds up the centre of the tower. From the deck you look over Wil and the rolling hills of Thurgau and St. Gallen. On clear days the Churfirsten range and Säntis, the highest peak of the Alpstein massif, stand on the horizon.

How do you get to the tower?

The tower is reached on foot along marked forest paths. From Wil railway station the walk takes about 40 minutes. Drivers find a small number of parking spaces along Grundstrasse and Bergtalstrasse, 10 to 15 minutes from the tower. There is no road access to the tower itself.

When is the best time to visit?

Pick a day with good visibility, since the Alps show most sharply then. The climb to 34 metres takes a few minutes, which makes the tower a good goal for a short woodland walk. The tower was closed for renovation from November 2025 until summer 2026, so check its current status with the Stadt Wil info centre before you go ([email protected], tel. +41 71 913 53 00).

What else is nearby?

Wil is known for its medieval old town with colourful townhouses, Hof castle and the church of St. Nicholas. A walk from the centre up to Hofberg combines easily with a stroll through town, so the tower fits a day trip from Zurich or St. Gallen, both within reach of regional rail.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Wil Tower?

The viewing deck is 34 metres above the ground, and the tower stands 747 metres above sea level.

How many steps are there?

The climb is 189 steps on a double spiral staircase.

Can you drive up to the tower?

No. The nearest parking, on Grundstrasse and Bergtalstrasse, is a 10 to 15 minute walk away, and the walk from Wil station takes about 40 minutes.

What is the view like?

The panorama covers Wil and its surroundings, and on clear days the Churfirsten and Säntis as well.