The best running trails in the Thurgau

Thurgau offers a diverse range of terrain for runners. You'll find largely flat routes along the 70 kilometers of Lake Constance and Rhine River shoreline, ideal for relaxed runs. The region also features gentle, undulating hills and wide river valleys, such as the Thur Valley, providing varied terrain from easy paths to more challenging ascents. Extensive orchards and vineyards offer idyllic, fragrant paths, especially during apple blossom. The Seerücken hills provide a mix of inclines and rewarding panoramas.

Yes, Thurgau caters to all fitness levels. The region offers a wide variety of routes, from easy, flat lakeside paths to more challenging trails with moderate ascents through rolling hills and nature reserves. For instance, the Seeschloss – Kreuzlingen Lake Tower loop from Kurzrickenbach Seepark is a moderate option, while the Fischingen Abbey – Groot Summit Marker loop from Fischingen presents a more difficult challenge with significant elevation gain.

Thurgau is rich in natural beauty. You can run along the shores of Lake Constance and the Rhine River, through vast orchards and vineyards, and explore nature reserves like Seemoosriet near Arbon or Hudelmoos. The Seebach Valley, with its trio of lakes—Nussbaumersee, Hüttwilersee, and Hasensee—offers a beautiful backdrop for runs. The region's rolling hills, such as the Seerücken, provide expansive views over the landscape.

Many of Thurgau's running routes are designed as loops, offering convenient circular experiences. Examples include the popular Kreuzlingen Harbor – Seeburg Observation Tower loop from Bottighofen, the scenic Seerhein Lido, Tägerwilen – Rhine Promenade, Lake Constance loop from Tägerwilen-Gottlieben, and the historical Bürglen Castle – Dinosaur Park Sulgen loop from Sulgen.

Thurgau's running routes often pass by interesting sights. Along the shores of Lake Constance, you might encounter highlights like the Arbon Old Town or the Arbon Harbor and Lakeside Promenade. Inland, routes can lead you past historical sites such as Bürglen Castle, or offer panoramic views from elevated points like the Seerücken. You can also discover tranquil spots like the Müliweiher Pond or the Istighofer Weiher.

Absolutely. For those seeking a more demanding run, Thurgau offers trails with significant elevation changes. The Fischingen Abbey – Groot Summit Marker loop from Fischingen is classified as difficult, featuring over 600 meters of ascent. Another challenging option is the Rhine bridge near Diessenhofen – View of Diessenhofen loop from Diessenhofen, which covers a longer distance with varied terrain.

The komoot community highly rates jogging in Thurgau, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 300 reviews. Runners frequently praise the region's diverse landscapes, from the serene lakeside paths to the picturesque routes through orchards and rolling hills. The well-maintained trails and the opportunity to combine exercise with stunning views of Lake Constance and the Alps are often highlighted as key attractions.

Yes, many routes in Thurgau are suitable for families, especially those along the flat lakeside paths or through the gentle river valleys. The paths around the Seebach Valley lakes (Nussbaumersee, Hüttwilersee, and Hasensee) are known for being accessible, with some even suitable for prams. These routes offer a pleasant and safe environment for families to enjoy a run together.

Thurgau has a well-developed public transport network, making many running trails accessible without a car. Towns and villages along Lake Constance and inland are generally well-connected by train and bus. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for specific starting points of your chosen route to plan your journey effectively.

Thurgau is known for its scenic viewpoints. The Seerücken hills, a relic from the Ice Age, offer beautiful vantage points with distant views over the Thurgau hills to the Alps. Peaks like Nollen (735 meters high) provide magnificent panoramic views of Lake Constance, the Thur Valley, Hegau, Säntis, and Churfirsten, which can be incorporated into more demanding jogging routes. The Seeburg Observation Tower also offers rewarding vistas.

Thurgau's mild climate allows for year-round enjoyment of its outdoor offerings. Spring is particularly beautiful when the extensive orchards are in apple blossom, creating a fragrant and vibrant environment. Summer offers pleasant conditions for lakeside runs, while autumn brings colorful foliage to the hills and vineyards. Even in winter, many paths remain accessible for a refreshing run, especially the lower-lying routes.

Yes, Thurgau offers numerous longer running routes. For example, the Seerhein Lido, Tägerwilen – Rhine Promenade, Lake Constance loop from Tägerwilen-Gottlieben is 11.5 km. The Konstanz Harbor – Smuggler's Bay loop from Kreuzlingen is over 12 km, and the Arbon Marina – Seemoosriet Nature Reserve loop from Arbon stretches over 16 km, providing ample distance for longer training runs.