Diessenhofen: Old Town, Museums and the High Rhine

In Diessenhofen, on the High Rhine, a medieval old town meets a landscape of river, meadows and woodland. The old town is listed in the Swiss Inventory of Heritage Sites and is considered the largest in the canton of Thurgau. Discover its history through buildings, collections and themed trails, complemented by activities along the Rhine and in the Schaaren protected area.

Old Town and Architectural History

The Seal Tower is a striking landmark in the town’s history. It was built in 1545 by Martin Henseler from Stein am Rhein. Its clock mechanism also keeps a craft tradition alive: the striking mechanism is still powered by weights that are wound by hand every day. General and themed guided tours explore the town’s history. Check dates and booking details before making plans.

The town church is the earliest church in the canton of Thurgau to be documented in writing. Its reconstructed interior, dating from the late 14th century, is the only continuous stepped hall church in Switzerland. A dedicated town hall in Diessenhofen is first documented in 1415; the castle-like Oberhof was built around the middle of the 14th century. The present Rhine Bridge is a covered wooden bridge connecting Diessenhofen with the neighbouring German municipality of Gailingen; it was built between 1814 and 1816.

Those interested in different historical periods will find more points of interest in the town and its surroundings. The church of St. Katharinental Monastery was built by Johann Michael Beer between 1732 and 1734. In the 19th century, the Upper Amtshaus, now a museum, housed a red dye works and a textile printing works. The Museum kunst + wissen displays remnants of these businesses.

Museums and Special Collections

The Museum kunst + wissen has exhibition and event spaces on three floors, dedicated to art, culture, nature and local history. For a visit with a historical focus, the Haus zum Goldenen Leuen offers something different: its history of pharmacy collection includes an old pharmacy, historical utensils and a library. Visits are possible by prior arrangement. By appointment, Photobibliothek.ch provides access to original documents on the history of photography from 1600 to the present day.

The exhibition depot in the former granary of St. Katharinental Monastery spans four floors. Its collection of everyday folk culture comprises around 12,000 exhibits arranged by theme. A large collection of objects, clothing and accessories from the last century, housed in the former Bahnhof restaurant, offers a different perspective on everyday life. The studio of the artist couple Margrit and Carl Roesch-Tanner has also been preserved in its original condition. Check current visiting arrangements before your visit.

Rhine, Nature and Trails

The Schaaren area is a cantonal protected area shared by the municipalities of Diessenhofen and Schlatt. It includes a 13-hectare natural forest reserve and a 221-hectare special forest reserve. Riparian forests, former river channels and ponds provide suitable habitats for rare animals and plants. The navigable stretch of the Rhine between Schaffhausen and Diessenhofen is also listed in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments. It passes through natural areas that are home to many bird species and beavers.

Hiking trails explore the Diessenhofen region, passing through a varied landscape of meadows, woodland and water, as well as numerous sights. The High Rhine Route passes through Diessenhofen. The HochrheinKunstweg trail runs from the outlet of Lake Constance by Werd Island, via Stein am Rhein, Diessenhofen and Schaffhausen, to Neuhausen am Rheinfall. In Diessenhofen, three benches line the trail: near the boat landing, in Gries and at Schupfen.

There is also a specific route for a cycling tour: the 23.6-kilometre cycling route runs from the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen to Stein am Rhein on Lake Constance, with Diessenhofen as a stage destination. Pilgrims can obtain their Diessenhofen pilgrim stamp at the Museum kunst + wissen on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Check before travelling whether this service is available on the day of your visit.

Plan Your Visit and Journey

Rodenbrunnen bathing area is a river swimming spot with a jetty, steps and a small pebble beach. It is about 500 metres on foot from Diessenhofen railway station. Check the current status of the facility before visiting. A puzzle trail invites visitors to explore the town in a fun way. A children’s playground with a medieval setting offers a large lawn, numerous play structures and benches.

Diessenhofen is accessible by train, PostBus and boat; check the relevant timetables when planning your journey. If you are looking for a hotel in Diessenhofen, your travel plans can guide your choice of destination: the old town and its collections offer culture and history, while Schaaren and the High Rhine foreground nature and river experiences.

Discover more destinations

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

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