Thurgau: Lake Constance, Apple Trails and Culture

Gentle hills on the southern shore of Lake Constance, fertile fields and extensive orchards characterise Thurgau. The canton lies in eastern Switzerland; Lake Constance forms a natural boundary to the north and influences the climate. Apple growing is also part of the region’s character: Thurgau is often called “Mostindien” and referred to as the “apple canton”. You can shape your trip in many different ways, exploring lakeside landscapes, rural areas and cultural attractions.

Nature and culture sit side by side here: the canton combines experiences in the countryside with castles, monasteries and museums. The Bommer Weiher nature reserve provides a highly valuable habitat for amphibians, reptiles and dragonflies; the wildlife you may see can vary depending on the season. The Seebachtal is considered a natural gem of national importance.

Hiking and cycling in Thurgau

Around 1,000 kilometres of hiking trails criss-cross the canton, while cyclists can choose from around 900 kilometres of cycling routes. Many hiking routes pass through tranquil villages and open cultural landscapes, with views of Lake Constance. In the Altnau area, trails run between the Lake Constance Cycle Path and orchards. Check individual routes before your trip if you have a particular distance in mind.

One specific example is the Thurgau Fable Trail: it runs for eleven kilometres from Steckborn via Oberfruthwilen to Ermatingen and features 18 stops introducing visitors to the world of fables. Two barbecue and picnic areas are located halfway along the route. The Thurgau Thronfolgeweg offers a different experience: more than ten creatively designed thrones along the approximately 45-kilometre route invite you to stop and rest. The trail is well signposted; check the signs along the way.

Other ideas for shorter outings focus on the region’s distinctive features. The Altnau Apple Trail uses 24 information boards and puzzles about apple varieties, jokes and questions. Wine enthusiasts can follow the Weinfelden Wine Trail through vineyards; it includes a wine safe where you can sample wines. Check the availability of the tasting offer before your visit.

Museums, castles and monastery trails

Frauenfeld Castle explores historical upheavals in Thurgau during the Middle Ages and the early modern period. The exhibition brings the era to life with dialogues by four fictional castle characters, sound effects and light displays. At the Napoleon Museum in Arenenberg Castle, you can visit Queen Hortense’s carefully restored living quarters, furnished with original pieces. Arenenberg’s landscaped park complements a visit to the museum with winding paths that offer ever-changing views.

The Ittingen Charterhouse brings together a variety of themes and trails: the Forest Trail leads through the species-rich Ittingen Forest, while the Labyrinth Trail winds through a thyme maze. Above the monastery’s northern wall, the Ittingen Ranft Trail leads to a meeting with Brother Klaus in the Ittingen Ranft. The historic monastery walls house the Ittingen Museum; the charterhouse is also home to the Thurgau Art Museum, which hosts changing exhibitions.

The region’s technological and transport history is also represented in its museums. The Saurer Museum in Arbon displays around 20 historic vehicles, as well as commercial vehicles, engines, and embroidery and weaving machines from different generations, all manufactured in Arbon. The Lake Museum explores the history of shipping on Lake Constance and landscape painting of the Lake Constance region. Its collection includes items from the Jura, a steamship that sank in 1864.

Apples, wine and Lake Constance

The MoMö shows how apple traditions become an experience with a guided tour of its cider press, which explains how the Möhl family turns apples into juice. Check booking details in advance. At Iselisberg, a themed trail pairs artworks by Swiss artists with wines from the Iselisberg wine-growing region. Both experiences connect the region’s apple and wine culture with a visit.

For views of the water from the countryside, the Swiss Lake Constance Shipping Company offers discovery trips on and around Lake Constance. Its white fleet connects lakeside towns and attractions. Timetables and routes may change; check the current timetable if you plan to take a boat trip.

Discover more destinations: Frauenfeld, Kreuzlingen, Steckborn, Diessenhofen, Arbon, Weinfelden, Münchwilen, Bischofszell.

Go to the overview of destinations in Switzerland: Switzerland.