Bischofszell - Rose town in Thurgau

Between the baroque old town and fragrant rose gardens, Bischofszell unfolds its special charm. This jewel lies at the mouth of the Sitter and Thur rivers. During Rose Week, visitors can stroll through the pretty old town, walk around the houses with the night watchmen in the evening before the new moon and experience industrial history in the Typorama. The annual Mammut raft race spectacle or an overnight stay in a tree house round off an excursion.

Where roses make history

Bischofszell was already known as the town of roses in the 18th century. Even today, over four hundred varieties of roses bloom in nine gardens from the beginning of June to the end of September. These are honored every two years. During the legendary Bischofszell Rose Week, rose lovers celebrate the fragrant floral splendour with a colorful cultural program over seven days.

Rose Week

Experience lead typesetting and letterpress printing

If you want to know how printing was done in the 19th and 20th centuries, Typorama Bischofszell is the right place for you. With a unique exhibition of hand typesetting, typesetting and printing machines from that time, the traditional knowledge of lead typesetting and letterpress printing is preserved and passed on. Best of all, the Typorama is not only a museum, but also a production site. All the machines are still in use and demonstrate to guests what mechanical marvels they are when producing printed matter.

To the Typorama

Bischofszell_Nachtwaechter-und_Tuermerzunft

On the trail of the night watchmen

Night watchmen have been providing security and order in towns at night since the Middle Ages. In Bischofszell, they were even on the municipal payroll until 1940. After being used as fire guards, they eventually had to make way for the modern fire department. The security service was taken over by the town police. Nevertheless, the tradition continues to this day in Bischofszell. From April to October, the night watchmen set off on their original route through the streets of Bischofszell on the eve of the new moon. Guests hear the sung call of the hour and anecdotes from the town's history.

To the night watchman tour

Historical Museum Bischofszell

The Bischofszell Historical Museum welcomes guests in two stately patrician houses from the 18th century. It shows how the people of Bischofszell lived over the past 500 years. In addition to domestic culture and the history of the town, there is also a collection of ceramics and maps, a chemist's room and a pharmacy just like in the old days. The diverse collection of toys from the 19th and 20th centuries also delights younger visitors. After your tour of the museum, you can enjoy a refreshment of drinks and pastries in the Kaffestube - a bourgeois dining room from the 1920s.

To the Historical Museum Bischofszell

Family-friendly forest tavern

The Waldschenke Bischofszell is located on the edge of the Bischofsberg forest between shady trees. The excursion destination for the whole family can be reached on foot in 30 minutes from Hauptwil and Bischofszell railroad stations. Once there, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view from the Säntis to the Glarus Alps. The kiosk serves specialties from the charcoal grill with Swiss meat. A huge forest playground awaits the children to let off steam.

Zur Waldschenke Bischofszell

CatWalk9220

The CatWalk9220 combines exercise and fun for the whole family on a two-hour scavenger hunt. Equipped with instructions, puzzle fans discover 20 nature-loving places around Bischofszell and try to find the treasure. Tip: pack a bratwurst and snake bread and stop off at the Swiss family fireplace on the way. Or enjoy a refreshing swim in the Thur or in the swimming pool.

To the CatWalk9220

Tree house Thurgau

Spending the night in a tree house - who hasn't dreamed of that? In Halden near Bischofszell, this dream comes true. The little house in the treetops is stylishly furnished with great taste. In a quiet and idyllic location, it delights visitors with its own terrace, cozy wood-burning stove and views of Thurgau apple trees. In summer, the nearby old Thurbrücke bridge in Bischofszell with its natural bathing landscape invites you to cool off.

To the tree house

Industrial trail

Over the course of the 20th century, Bischofszell developed into the region's most important industrial location away from the major transportation routes. Why were the Hauptwil ponds an indispensable prerequisite for industrialization? What was manufactured in the region? What role did the Bischofszell Thurbrücke bridge play? The industrial trail running from Hauptwil to Bischofszell answers these questions on information boards and tells the story of the turbulent period of industrialization in the region.

To the industrial trail