Castle and palace ruins

For a long time, castle and palace ruins were often just piles of rubble and were used as a cheap source of building materials. Today, however, these historic sites exude a special mystique and invite you to immerse yourself in times long past. Thurgau is home to many such fascinating places that bring history to life.

Medieval ruins of Neuburg

The medieval Neuburg ruins above Mammern are not only the largest and most important castle complex on the southern shore of Untersee, they are also the best preserved. Thanks to the barbecue area and play facilities, it is also very popular with walkers and families.

To the Neuburg ruins

Helfenberg ruins

The Helfenberg ruins in Hüttwilen, first mentioned at the beginning of the 14th century, were probably built long before then and were barely inhabited from 1413. Archaeological finds from 1980 date parts of the castle as far back as the 12th century; the Naturparadies Seebachtal hiking trail leads right past it.

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Altenburg ruins

There are no documentary reports on who built the Altenburg ruins near Märstetten or when exactly they were built. However, archaeological finds indicate that the castle mound was used as early as the late 8th or early 9th century. The Altenburg was partially excavated between 1901 and 1910, after which the parts of the wall still protruding from the ground began to crumble. Parts of the walls have since been restored and reconstructed by the Office for Archaeology. The ruins can only be reached on foot.

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Castell ruins

The "Castello" fortress near Tägerwilen was one of the largest medieval fortifications in the Lake Constance region and was built in the 12th century as a refuge for Bishop Ulrich I of Constance. After being destroyed and rebuilt several times, it served the bishops until the end of the Swabian War in 1499, when it was burnt down by the Swiss Confederates and never rebuilt. Today, large parts of the curtain wall and two towers have been preserved; the west tower was renovated in 2007/08 and equipped with a viewing platform. A fireplace next to the ruins invites you to enjoy special moments.

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Anwil ruins

Life was good at Anwil Castle near Schönenberg in the 13th century: Black grouse was served, precious drinking glasses stood on the table and tiled stoves provided cozy warmth. The complex consisted of a two- to three-storey residential tower, inside which a cistern was discovered in 1984. The history of the castle is varied: it was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, changed hands several times in the 17th century and gradually fell into disrepair. Today, only part of the castle, which was first mentioned in 1385, is still visible. The ruins were last restored in 2016. It is located on the popular Kradolf-Schönenberg ruins trail, which connects the ruins of Anwil, Last and Heubärg.

To the Anwil ruins

Ruin Last

The Last ruins are located on a prominent hilltop. Only the 12-metre high hull of the square tower can still be seen today. The top floor, a cantilevered wooden structure, has not survived. The almost two-metre-thick walls are made up of boulders and rubble as well as individual tuff blocks. Interesting fact: In the Middle Ages, a high entrance to the residential tower was attached to the north wall, where there are also two window openings. The beam holes for a wooden intermediate floor can still be seen inside the tower. In 2004, the crown of the ruins was strengthened and cleared of vegetation. You can discover the Last ruins on the Ruinenweg trail in Kradolf-Schönenberg.

To the Last Ruin

Tannegg ruins

Archaeologists believe that not just a castle but an entire town complex was built on the Tannegger ridge near Fischingen in the Middle Ages. The Bishop of Constance, Heinrich I von Tann, developed the castle as the center of a dominion in the diocese of Constance. Although the complex was originally planned as a center of power, the Tanneggeramt soon fell into other dependencies and was sold to Fischingen Abbey in 1693. The main tower stood until 1837, when it was demolished in order to use stones to build a bridge. Today, the stump of the main tower wall and the southern line of boulders are clearly visible.

To the Tannegg ruins

Nature & culture in Thurgau

In Thurgau , nature and culture merge to create a unique experience. Discover idyllic landscapes, historical sites and living traditions in a diverse region.

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This article was created in collaboration with thurgaukultur.ch.