In Napoleon's footsteps

Salenstein_Castle_Arenenberg_Napoleon Museum

Napoleon the Third spent a large part of his youth in Thurgau at Arenenberg Castle. The future Emperor of France was a character who was unjustly relegated to the margins of history. He was esteemed and respected in the region, the canton of Thurgau made him its only honorary citizen and he even spoke Thurgau dialect. His legacy on the picturesque Untersee can still be explored today.

Arenenberg Castle - Napoleon Museum Thurgau

When Emperor Napoleon I was deposed and exiled, the rest of the imperial family also had to leave France. In 1815, the young Louis Napoleon, nephew of Napoleon I and later Emperor of France, set off with his mother into the unknown. After they were refused permission to stay in various places in France and Switzerland, they settled in Constance for the time being. From there, they bought Arenenberg Castle in Thurgau, which, according to Louis Napoleon's mother, was "quite cramped, rather run-down, but very beautifully situated".

Napoleon Museum at Arenenberg Castle

Constricting and run-down?

The terms "cramped" and "run-down" no longer apply to Arenenberg today. Immediately after purchasing Arenenberg Castle, Hortense, the mother of Louis Napoleon, had the castle renovated and a park created. She furnished the magnificent salons in style and brought Parisian flair to Thurgau. What the family left behind can be discovered today in the Napoleon Museum at Arenenberg Castle. Guests can stroll through the original rooms and find out how Hortense lived with her son.

Did you know?

The imperial family was very popular in the region, charitable and very active both socially and economically. But Louis Napoleon was also not averse to women in his youth and is said to have left one or two descendants in Thurgau . However, according to Dominik Gügel, Director of the Napoleon Museum, there were not as many illegitimate children as is said. Due to his popularity, Louis was simply a better scapegoat than the real culprit, such as the poor wretch next door.

"Stylishly furnished salons and Parisian flair in Thurgau."

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The Napoleon Tower

The "Belvédère zu Hohenrain" tower has stood where the 30-metre-high Napoleon Tower stands today since 1829. This was the initiative of the young Prince Louis Napoleon and is a fine example of the imperial family's support for local projects. According to legend, there was a dance floor, a small restaurant and a telescope on three platforms. The old tower, which was demolished 25 years later due to the onset of decay, is said to have cost six kreuzer to enter - about three hours' wages at the time. The new Napoleon Tower, however, an elegant wooden structure, is free of charge. On the 200 steps - each representing a decade - you can discover two millennia of regional history, with all the important events and developments.

Napoleon Tower

Did you know?

Further examples of Napoleon III's various commitments were the founding of the Thurgau Shooting Club and his support for the construction of various castles. The high regard for the deeds of the imperial family in the region is also reflected in the fact that Louis Napoleon was made the only honorary citizen of Thurgau in history. "We don't do it under an emperor" is therefore said to be the not entirely serious motto in the canton when it comes to honorary citizenships and explains why none have been awarded since.

"Napoelon III, the only honorary citizen known in Thurgau ."

Tour Napoleon and circular route

You can explore Napoleon's former empire on the Tour Napoleon. This leads on foot from Ermatingen up the Seerücken to the Napoleon Tower. After enjoying the magnificent view from the tower, the route continues down across the lake to the Napoleon Museum, Arenenberg Castle and Hotel Arenenberg. The Bistro Louis Napoleon tempts you with Arenenberg wines and other regional delicacies. At the end of the hike, at Mannenbach harbor, we recommend a boat trip back to Ermatingen. The somewhat shorter and less steep, but no less beautiful Napoleon Circular Trail can be combined with an overnight stay and a spa break. Starting and finishing point: Wellness Hotel Golf Panorama.

Tour Napoleon

Did you know?

The southern shore of Untersee from Kreuzlingen to Schaffhausen, where Louis Napoleon traveled a lot, is also known playfully as the "Côte Napoleon". Incidentally, the imperial family also supported the local steam navigation: they subscribed shares in today's Untersee Rhine Navigation Company and helped to get the company off the ground. Louis had a great love of the lake and was very sporty: he regularly swam to the island of Reichenau. The fact that he swam so far at all was an amazing achievement at the time. Today, we recommend covering the distance by boat or canoe.

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Last Emperor of France

After attempted coups, exile and lengthy and careful positioning in the French government, Napoleon III finally worked his way up to become the last Emperor of the French. From 1852 to 1870, he ruled the country as a second empire after his great role model, Napoleon I. He brought economic prosperity to France, but was also forced to constantly demonstrate new successes in order to retain the favor of the masses as emperor. This led to an expansive foreign policy and wars, which the humanist Napoleon III was reluctant to wage. Louis Napoleon was captured in 1870 and died in exile in England two years later.

"In Thurgau , Napoleon not only found a home, but also a stage for history that is still alive today."

In Napoleon's footsteps

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Napoleon Tower Hohenrain

The viewing platform of the Napoleon Tower, which can be reached via 200 steps, offers a magnificent panoramic view. However, today's tower is not the first: the "Belvedère zu Hohenrain" was built by Louis Napoleon III back in 1829.

Salenstein

Arenenberg Garden World

The gardening tradition on the Arenenberg dates back at least as far as the Middle Ages. Hortense de Beauharnais and the garden prince Pückler also brought the Arenenberg into bloom. Today, the diverse gardens are a popular destination for day-trippers and the viewing terrace in front of the castle is considered one of the most romantic places on Lake Constance.

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Napoleon Museum Arenenberg

The Arenenberg in Thurgau is one of the most beautiful places on Lake Constance with its elevated position above Untersee, Arenenberg Castle and the park. The castle is home to the Napoleon Museum. Here you can see the original living quarters of Napoleon III's imperial family.