Mammern on Lake Untersee: Trails, Churches and History
Accommodation in Mammern
Mammern lies on the southern shore of Lake Untersee; the border between Germany and Switzerland runs through the lake. Stein am Rhein is 4 kilometres to the west. For those who enjoy hiking, there are trails with views of the lake and surrounding countryside; churches, stained-glass windows and the medieval ruins of Neuburg Castle add to the character of the village. Mammern and the Eschenz basin are listed in the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites.
Hiking around Mammern
The «Auf dem Höhenweg» hiking trail starts at Mammern railway station. It first climbs through the vineyards and into the forest; along the way, there are repeated views of Lake Untersee. The route is 9.6 kilometres long and takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
Another option is the Klingenzell-Hochwacht circular trail: from Mammern, it climbs to Klingenzell, continues to the Hochwacht picnic area and then returns to Mammern. There are plenty of places to sit along the route, as well as a public fire pit near Hochwacht. Views extend north over Lake Untersee and the Rhine as far as southern Germany; on a clear day, the panorama also takes in the Alps to the south. This circular route, with its views of both shores, differs from the Höhenweg, which winds through vineyards and forest.
The «Seven Sorrows of Mary» pilgrimage church in Klingenzell offers views across Lake Untersee. The medieval ruins of Neuburg Castle lie above Mammern. They are considered the most significant and largest castle complex on the southern shore of Lake Untersee, and also the best-preserved. The ruins can only be reached on foot; two information panels explain their history. There is a barbecue area and play equipment on site.
Churches, stained-glass windows and architectural history
The main structure of the Catholic Church of St. Blaise has survived largely intact to this day; the church is legally protected and classified as particularly valuable. It was consecrated in 1915. The interior features delicate Neo-Gothic elements and figures. The St. Blaise window was created by Carl Elmpt in 1913 and depicts Saint Blaise holding two crossed candles.
The Protestant church also combines architectural history and art. It was built in 1910/11 in the Heimatstil style, after the old shared church had burned down and the shared arrangement was dissolved. The master builders were Gustav BĂĽhler and Friedrich Gilg of Amriswil. Its stained-glass windows include standing figures of Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli, as well as ornamental windows based on designs by Carl Roesch from 1911. The church is open during the day; hymnals, Bibles and a guestbook are available inside.
Another stop is Mammern Castle Chapel, built in 1749–50 by Michael Beer von Bildstein on behalf of Rheinau Abbey. The New Castle’s main building has survived largely intact. Together with the pilgrimage church in Klingenzell, the chapel reveals the area’s different periods of construction and religious connections. In the Catholic church, it is worth looking at the figures and stylistic details as well as the window; in the Protestant church, the figurative and ornamental windows tell the story of its early 20th-century furnishings.
The Anna and Mary window depicts Saint Anne teaching Mary. Anne holds a book and rests her left hand on Mary’s shoulder. An even earlier historical connection can be found at the «Langhorn» field in Mammern, where prehistoric pile dwellings were discovered. Since 2011, the site has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site «Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps».
Lake Untersee and seasonal excursions
Scheduled boats operated by the Lake Untersee and Rhine Shipping Company (URh) run daily from April to October between Kreuzlingen and Schaffhausen, stopping at Mammern. Check the current timetable before travelling. In summer, Mammern’s outdoor swimming pool is a popular place to swim and sunbathe; the bathing area offers particularly lovely views at sunset. Check seasonal access before visiting. The tourist information centre in Mammern provides visitors with ideas and practical information about the region.
Discover more destinations: Pfyn, HĂĽttwilen, Berlingen, MĂĽllheim Dorf, Steckborn, Wagenhausen, Eschenz, Homburg
Back to the main travel overview: Steckborn.
