A semicircular town, founded around 1200 by the Counts of Toggenburg on a rocky spur above the Thur, the town depended from 1468 on the Abbey of St. Gallen; since 1803 it has been the capital of the district of Neutoggenburg.

Lichtensteig is located in the Thurtal. The old town huddles in a semicircle around the mountain and was originally defended by moats and walls. The gates were demolished in 1828. When a river carves its way, after thousands of years, there are not always only valleys left. For sometimes the water meets tougher opponents, as in Steigrüti. Here, surrounded by fields and forests, lies the Äulischlucht (Aeolian Gorge). It is possible to stay in the Äulischlucht for a whole day. The old town hall, mentioned in 1534, underwent renovations in the 17th century. The Türmchenhaus and the ‘Glocke’ were originally parts of a patrician house in Hauptgasse, dating from 1583. The renovation dates back to 1766. Staircase at the back of the ‘Glocke’. To the north of the town, the Loreto Chapel, built in 1677-80, is a Baroque complex with a prothyrum crowned by turrets.

The historic centre of Lichtensteig is unique. Since the 13th century, residential and commercial buildings have grown into an organic whole that inspires architecture lovers: in the alleys, almost a dozen shops, restaurants and cafés invite you to stroll and browse. And during events such as jazz days or the Christmas market, the old town does not become a backdrop, but remains a central part of the events. The historic old town of Lichtensteig was honoured in 1975 by the Council of Europe for exemplary maintenance of the site. The preservation and beautification of the townscape is still very important today.