The Sound Smithy

The sound smithy is located in Alt St. Johann, on the banks of the Thur, and is found in a typical Toggenburg house.

Adults and children get to experience sound for themselves in various themed rooms and explore it through their own experimentation. Groups, schools and clubs are very welcome, and we offer tours of the adventure museum and the forge upon request. You can even try your hand at forging bells under expert guidance.

At the entrance to the smithy, you see an impressive array of bells, sorted by Swiss region. These bells serve various purposes. For example, Weidschellen (pasture bells) help farmers to keep track of their cows in the pasture. Their sound reveals what the cows are doing and where they are. On the workbench, you will find bells in many shapes and sizes. You can watch how the blacksmith forms bells out of glowing iron. Or sign up for one of our courses and forge your own bell.

Klangschmiede
Sonnenhalbstrasse 22
9656 Alt St. Johann

Opening hours

Closed on Mondays
Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 - 12:00 / 14:00 - 17:00
Saturday / Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

The sound trail will be open from 30th May 2025

The Klangschmiede is closed on the following days

• Easter: Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.
  Open on Saturday, 19th April 2025, from 10:00 - 17:00.

• Ascension Day: Thursday 29th May 2025

• Whit Monday: 9th June 2025

• 1st August 2025

• All Saints' Day: Saturday, 1st November 2025

• Christmas: 24th - 26th December 2025

• New Year's Eve: 31st December 2025 - 02nd January 2026

From November to December (last weekend before Christmas), the Sound Smithy is closed on Sundays. 

Due to special requirements, dogs are unfortunately not permitted on our premises - unless they are service dogs. In this case, please contact us to find a suitable date.