Nesslau is a municipality in the Toggenburg district of the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. The municipality was created on 1 January 2013 through the merger of the former municipalities of Nesslau and Krummenau. It is situated in the northeastern part of the canton, within the Alpine foothills, and lies on the upper reaches of the River Thur.
Geography
Nesslau covers an area of approximately 92 km² (35.5 sq mi), encompassing valleys, forested hills, and agricultural land. The municipality is bordered by the cantonal municipalities of Wildhaus-Alt St. Johann, Sennwald, and Oberhelfenschwil, among others. The region experiences a temperate continental climate, with cold winters and mild summers.
History
The name “Nesslau” is of Alemannic origin, likely derived from a personal name combined with the Old High German suffix -lau (meaning “meadow” or “clearing”). Historical records mention Nesslau as early as the 9th century, when it formed part of the Abbey of St. Gallen’s landholdings. Over the centuries, the settlement developed as a modest agricultural community, later incorporating small-scale industry such as textile production in the 19th century.
Demographics
As of the latest federal census (2020), Nesslau had a population of roughly 3,400 residents. The majority language is German, with a small minority of Italian and Serbo‑Croatian speakers. The population is characterized by a balanced age distribution, though like many rural Swiss municipalities, it experiences modest out‑migration of younger inhabitants to urban centers.
Economy
The local economy is diversified across agriculture, small enterprises, tourism, and services. Traditional dairy farming and livestock breeding remain important, while the surrounding landscape supports hiking, skiing, and other outdoor recreational activities that attract seasonal visitors. Small manufacturing firms in the area focus on precision engineering and niche metalwork.
Infrastructure
Transportation links include the Rorschach–Wattwil–St. Gallen railway line, providing regional rail service, and a network of cantonal roads connecting Nesslau to neighboring municipalities and the cantonal capital, St. Gallen. Educational facilities comprise a primary school and a secondary school (Sekundarschule), with higher‑education institutions located in larger towns such as St. Gallen.
Governance
Nesslau operates under the municipal council (Gemeinderat) system typical of Swiss communes, with an executive council headed by a mayor (Gemeindepräsident). The municipality participates in inter‑communal collaborations within the Toggenburg district for regional planning and public services.
Cultural and Natural Sites
Prominent landmarks include the historic church of St. Georg, dating to the 15th century, and the local heritage museum that documents traditional Toggenburg life. Natural attractions feature the Säntis mountain vista, the Thur valley’s scenic trails, and several protected wetlands that support diverse flora and fauna.
References
- Federal Statistical Office (FSO), Swiss Municipal Register.
- Canton of St. Gallen, Official Geographic Information System.
- Historical archives of the Abbey of St. Gallen.
All information presented is based on publicly available, verifiable sources as of 2024.