Attractions and Places To See in the Thurgau - Top 20

Thurgau is rich in history. You can explore the former Carthusian monastery of Kartause Ittingen, which now houses a museum and cultural center, or visit Arenenberg Castle, once home to Napoleon III. Don't miss Frauenfeld Castle, home to the Thurgau History Museum, and the charming Arbon Old Town with its distinctive castle. The Diessenhofen's Historic Wooden Bridge is another significant historical landmark.

Thurgau offers numerous picturesque spots. Enjoy breathtaking vistas from View of Lake Constance and Berlingen, offering sights of the Untersee and surrounding Swiss villages. Another popular spot is the View of Diessenhofen and the wooden bridge over the Rhine. For expansive lake views, visit the View of the end of Lake Constance.

Lake Constance is a central natural feature in Thurgau, offering 70 kilometers of shoreline. You can enjoy a three-kilometer walk along the Arbon Harbor and Lakeside Promenade, which features parks and free bathing opportunities. The Lake Promenade in Uttwil also provides beautiful views. The Uttwil Pier is the longest pier on Lake Constance, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Yes, Thurgau boasts several beautiful nature reserves. The Bommer Weiher Nature Reserve is known for its protected habitat for waterfowl and amphibians. The Seebachtal Lakes (Hüttwilersee, Nussbaumersee, Hasensee) are a natural jewel with renaturalized shores ideal for swimming and grilling. Additionally, the Immenberg Nature Reserve is home to thousands of orchids, with 26 different species identified.

Thurgau is a cycling paradise with around 900 kilometers of cycling paths. The Lake Constance Cycle Route offers scenic rides along the lake. The flat terrain makes it ideal for family bike tours through apple orchards and along the Rhine River.

Absolutely. Thurgau offers approximately 1,000 kilometers of hiking trails. For easy walks, consider routes like the "Boardwalk through the reed belt – Nussbaumersee loop" or the "Napoleon Tower Hohenrain – little bridge loop from Wäldi." Moderate options include the "Nussbaumersee – Lake Hüttwiler loop from Hüttwilen" or the "Wine Trail with Weinfelden Castle – Ottoberg loop from Weinfelden." You can find more details on these and other routes in the Easy hikes in the Thurgau and Hiking in the Thurgau guides.

Families will find plenty to enjoy in Thurgau. Conny-Land in Lipperswil is a popular amusement park. The Thurgau Apple Trail is a family-friendly themed path winding through orchards with interactive displays. Many lakeside promenades, such as the Arbon Harbor and Lakeside Promenade, feature playgrounds and free bathing opportunities. The Plättli-Zoo AG in Frauenfeld also provides animal experiences.

The best time to visit Thurgau for outdoor activities largely depends on your interests. Spring (April-May) is ideal to witness the "Bluescht" (apple blossoms) transforming the landscape into a sea of pink. Autumn (September-October) is perfect for the apple harvest season and enjoying the vibrant fall colors. Summer (June-August) is excellent for water activities on Lake Constance and exploring the numerous hiking and cycling paths.

Yes, several attractions in Thurgau are wheelchair-accessible. The Diessenhofen–Gailingen Wooden Bridge over the Rhine and the Arbon Harbor and Lakeside Promenade are noted for their accessibility, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery and historical sites.

Beyond traditional history, Thurgau offers unique museums. The Saurer Museum Arbon showcases historic commercial vehicles, engines, and textile machinery manufactured in Arbon. For railway enthusiasts, Locorama in Romanshorn features a collection of historic engines, train simulators, and miniature railroads, with steam engine rides on select Sundays.

Beyond the main cities, consider visiting Ottoberg, recognized for its beautiful appearance and well-preserved half-timbered houses, earning it a place on the list of protected Swiss heritage sites. Weinfelden Old Town also offers a well-preserved historical center with shopping, taverns, and restaurants, surrounded by vineyards and meadows.