Steckborn on Lake Untersee: Old Town, Culture and Trails

Steckborn lies directly on Lake Untersee and has a lakeside promenade. In the Old Town, you’ll come across preserved remains of fortifications; the Steckborn-Turgi/Feldbach archaeological site reaches far back to the Neolithic period. The Museum im Turmhof, Haus zur Glocke and Phönix Theater offer further insights into the town’s history and culture.

Old Town and early history

Remains of former fortifications survive in the Old Town, including sections of the town wall and the Pulverturm. At Bachrain, a section of wall forms the largest continuous stretch of the western Old Town frontage. It is around 100 metres long and up to 10 metres high. Its dimensions give an impression of the extent of this part of the town wall.

The archaeological site of Steckborn-Turgi/Feldbach tells a much older story. It is a Neolithic lakeshore settlement, or pile-dwelling site, and an archaeological site of national importance. The settlement lies in the bay between the Steckborn delta and the adjoining delta to the west, near the former Cistercian monastery of Feldbach. Archaeological investigations uncovered a multi-phase layer complex of the Pfyn culture there.

Church tower and museum

The tower of Steckborn’s Protestant church has four storeys, a walkable gallery and an octagonal pointed spire. Built as a Neoclassical west-front tower, it dates from 1833 to 1835. The viewing platform is about 35 metres above the ground and can be reached via 176 steps. From there, the view extends across Steckborn, Lake Untersee, the Höri peninsula and the Seerücken ridge. If you plan to climb the tower, check the access arrangements before your visit.

The Museum im Turmhof presents culture, history and crafts; admission is free. Its prehistoric finds include artefacts from the Neolithic period at Turgi-Steckborn and Werd Island. Other special exhibition themes include Steckborn stove-making, bobbin lace and Bernina sewing machines. Archaeological finds are thus presented alongside a range of craft topics.

Contemporary art and theatre

While the museum also focuses on early finds and crafts, Haus zur Glocke is dedicated to interdisciplinary contemporary art and its interpretation. An overarching annual theme is explored in four group exhibitions, each with its own focus and a different approach to developing it. Guided tours and artist talks accompany the exhibitions, with individual interpretive activities varying.

Since the summer of 1990, Phönix Theater has been housed in the former heat-pump building on the Feldbach site. Today, it hosts around 30 events per season. If you’re planning a theatre visit, check the current event dates.

By the lake and along the trails

Strandbad Steckborn offers swimming and relaxation, as well as activities such as football, table tennis and volleyball; leisure facilities may vary by season. Boat trips also depart from Steckborn: the Swiss Shipping Company Untersee and Rhine offers trips from here. Its scheduled boats operate from April to October between Schaffhausen and Konstanz or Kreuzlingen. For specific planning, it’s worth checking the timetable.

The Steckborn circular hiking trail starts at the railway station and is marked throughout with yellow-and-blue trail signs. It is 13.5 kilometres long; the hike takes about four hours and has 263 metres of ascent. Along the way, the route offers views of the Lake Untersee landscape and the town of Steckborn. The Fabelweg trail runs via Oberfruthwilen from Steckborn to Ermatingen. This scenic high-level trail is eleven kilometres long. The routes therefore differ in both their course and length. When planning your hike, the circular trail details provide its duration and ascent; check current route information, trail conditions and signage before setting off.

The Härdli picnic area is right on the circular hiking trail and offers views of Stein am Rhein and Hohenklingen Castle. For a cycling tour, “Gartenkunst & Besenbeiz” starts at Steckborn Town Hall; route details may change. On the water, the Steckborn Rowing Club offers annual introductory courses for beginners. The club also runs regular training sessions and outings under the supervision of experienced rowers. Course dates and operating conditions may change; check with the club in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Pfyn, Homburg, Eschenz, Mammern, Steckborn, Müllheim Dorf, Berlingen, Wagenhausen, Hüttwilen

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