Bischofszell: Roses, Old Town and the History of Paper

In Bischofszell, the city’s rose-growing tradition meets a long history of craftsmanship and technology. The old town, the Historical Museum and the PM1 paper machine offer different insights into the town, while the Rose Trail and CatWalk9220 provide two very different ways to spend time outdoors.

Old Town, Domestic Culture and the History of Technology

The Historical Museum is located in the old town, next to the Bogenturm, in two stately listed buildings dating from the mid-18th century. The Grubenmann brothers built the twin houses for linen merchant Zwinger after the town fire of 1743. The museum is about a five-minute walk from the train station. Inside, the domestic culture on display spans from the Late Gothic period to the 20th century. The collections and rooms include, among other things, ceramics, a chemist’s room, an old pharmacy and toys from the 19th and 20th centuries. This offers a way to explore the town’s history not only through its buildings, but also through objects from everyday life.

The Historic PM1 Paper Machine offers another perspective on technology. It operated as a versatile paper machine from 1929 to 1991. During guided tours, it is often started up again, though without making paper; check in advance whether a tour and demonstration are planned for your visit. The machine weighs 223 tonnes and is 37 metres long. It is considered the oldest surviving and probably the largest single-drive paper machine in Switzerland today. At the Typorama, meanwhile, hand typesetting, along with typesetting and printing machines from the 19th and 20th centuries, are used for daily production. The typography museum is also a commercial operation.

The townscape also reflects its architectural history. Built in 1487, the eight-bay bridge over the Thur is one of Switzerland’s notable late medieval bridges and is considered the largest of its kind still standing. Bischofszell received the Wakker Prize in 1987 for preserving its architectural heritage. Another highlight of art history is the treasury of St. Pelagius Church, with works by German and Swiss masters from the Late Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo periods.

Rose Gardens and Walking Routes in Bischofszell

The public rose gardens revive a rose-growing tradition dating back to the early 18th century. The Rose Trail connects numerous gardens with the historic old town: the circular route is two kilometres long and takes about an hour and a half. Its official starting point is at Bischofszell Stadt train station. The route is almost entirely suitable for strollers and wheelchair users; two rose gardens are inaccessible but can easily be bypassed. If you use mobility aids, check the accessibility information before your visit.

At around two to three hours, CatWalk9220 is a longer outing: this free family trail uses riddles to lead to a hidden treasure and includes 20 consecutively numbered checkpoints. It is open around the clock; check the trail’s condition before setting off. The two walks also differ in the time they take: about an hour and a half on the Rose Trail, compared with around two to three hours on CatWalk9220. If you are travelling by bike, you can also take note of the Mittelland Route No. 5: it runs from Lake Geneva to Lake Constance and passes through Bischofszell. Check the route conditions in advance.

The Sitter flows into the Thur just outside Bischofszell. The forest to the southeast and the riverbanks are popular recreational areas. This makes it easy to orient yourself around the riverside landscape and walking routes, as well as an old town whose history can be read in its bridge and museums alike.

Market Traditions and Seasonal Events

Bischofszell has held market rights for more than 750 years, and the market tradition is still very much alive. A weekly market is held at Grubplatz every Saturday morning from April to November. Check the market dates and times before your visit. Every year over Easter, the fountains are decorated and can be viewed on a self-guided walk; confirm the dates in advance.

Guided tours also explore the town’s history: monthly themed tours for locals and visitors are offered from spring to autumn. The night watchman’s tour starts at the Bogenturm and shares stories from the past; check the dates for both tours before travelling. After a tour of the rose gardens, visitors can make their own rose pesto under guidance. Confirm in advance whether booking is available. Every two years, during the last week of June, the historic old town hosts Switzerland’s largest rose show. It is also worth checking the events calendar before planning your stay.

Another recurring event is the raft race, held every May on the Sitter and Thur, with a history spanning more than 30 years. Check the date when planning your visit. Alongside the seasonal fountain decorations, Saturday market and themed tours, the event shows how Bischofszell is shaped not only by its historic buildings but also by recurring local happenings.

Discover more destinations: Hauptwil-Gottshaus, Bischofszell, Erlen, Zihlschlacht-Sitterdorf, Kradolf-Schönenberg, Steckborn, Weinfelden, Diessenhofen.

For the regional travel overview: Thurgau.