Salenstein on Lake Untersee: Trails and Castles

The political municipality of Salenstein lies on the southern shore of Lake Untersee, opposite Reichenau Island, and comprises the villages of Salenstein, Mannenbach and Fruthwilen. The village of Salenstein itself is situated on a terrace of the Seerücken ridge between Berlingen and Ermatingen. This distinction helps with orientation: the municipality comprises several localities, while the terrace describes the location of the village of Salenstein.

On foot along the Thurgau Napoleon Trail

The Thurgau Napoleon Trail runs from Siegershausen to Mannenbach-Salenstein and is signposted in both directions. It passes through a mosaic of fields and orchards and offers spectacular views of Lake Untersee. Along the way, the trail passes Schloss Salenstein and then continues to Mannenbach-Salenstein railway station. When planning, you can take into account the stated endpoints and direction of travel, as well as the character of the route: the trail connects agricultural landscapes and lake views with a historic building along the way.

Castles and historic sites

Schloss Eugensberg is located within the municipality of Salenstein on the southern shore of Lake Untersee, opposite Reichenau Island. The castle is protected by a legally binding designation and classified as particularly valuable. It stands in an extensive English-style park with gravel paths, a terrace, fountains, a water lily pond, an ice cellar, a woodland pond and a golden chain tree avenue. The park combines paths and a terrace with water features and a striking avenue; the castle’s protected status and the garden landscape offer two different perspectives on the site.

Other castles also contribute to the municipality’s historic landscape. Schloss Salenstein dates from the 11th century and gave the municipality its name and coat of arms. Schloss Hubberg, first mentioned in 1377, is located in Fruthwilen. Schloss Louisenberg is in Mannenbach on Lake Untersee. The information emphasizes different aspects: for Schloss Salenstein, the focus is on the history of its name; for Hubberg, on its dated first mention; and for Louisenberg, on its connection to Mannenbach and the lake. The buildings thus differ in their respective connections to place and history.

Swimming spots on Lake Untersee

For swimmers, there is the public Badi Salenstein on Lake Untersee, with a sunbathing lawn, a small beach and a swimming island. There is also a public swimming spot in Mannenbach, Badi Mannenbach. If you are choosing between the two locations, Badi Salenstein offers specific features for spending time by the water; Badi Mannenbach is another public swimming spot in the village. Individual facilities at Badi Salenstein may change, so it is advisable to check their current status before your visit.

Landscape and former land use

Agriculture is also part of the landscape’s history. Thanks to the mild climate, vineyards, fruit crops including cherries, and gardens were historically established in Salenstein. This former land use adds an agricultural perspective to the picture of the lake, trails and castles: vineyards, fruit crops and gardens represent different forms of cultivation in the municipality’s history.

Discover more destinations: Mannenbach, Kreuzlingen, Gottlieben, Ermatingen, Güttingen, Altnau, Lengwil, Langrickenbach.

Go to the main travel overview: Kreuzlingen.