Family hikes in Thurgau

Thanks to its gentle green landscape and flat topography, Thurgau is a hiking paradise for families with children of all ages. The following is a compilation of paths suitable for baby carriages, themed trails that stimulate the imagination or senses, or hikes to viewing towers, play paradises and (petting) zoos in the Lake Constance canton.

On the trail of the apple on the apple trail in Altnau

On the Altnau Apple Trail, hiking becomes an educational adventure tour for young and old explorers. Guides in the form of the apple mascots "Emma", "Lisi" and "Fredi" lead you through the apple orchards on three routes of different lengths along play tips and hands-on activities. On foot, by bike or in a horse-drawn carriage, visitors can find out why apples grow particularly well in the Thurgau village of Altnau. The tour is particularly beautiful during apple blossom in spring or harvest time in fall. Refreshing drinks and a cozy place to rest await you at the Feierlenhof farm right along the way.

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Pfyn beaver trail

Along the beaver trail, ten locations provide information about the largest native rodent. With its interactive elements, the trail is a great family experience. It leads through various habitats and beaver territories in the Thurauen near Pfyn. After the beaver was wiped out in this country in the 19th century, around a quarter of the Swiss population now lives in Thurgau again thanks to reintroductions. The animals are nocturnal. However, their tracks can always be seen along the trail during the day. In the summer season, the Frankrichli bathing area and pub invites you to take a dip in the cool water and enjoy a refreshing drink.

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Up the Seerücken to the Napoleon Tower

The Route Napoléon takes around four hours. It is suitable for advanced hiking families. From Ermatingen on Lake Constance, the route climbs up to the Seerücken, where the 36-metre-high Napoleon Tower awaits. The ascent is rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view over the glistening expanse of Lake Constance. Now it's back downhill to Arenenberg Castle, home to the Napoleon Museum. Tired hikers can fortify themselves in the Bistro Louis Napoléon. Back at the lake, the hike from Mannenbach can be wonderfully combined with a boat trip back to the starting point or to another destination.

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Thurgau Fable Trail from Steckborn

18 stations on the Fable Trail between Steckborn and Ermatingen take you into the world of fairy tales. Families spend a good three hours on the trail. Always along for the ride: Master Petz, Master Lampe and many other feathered or furry mythical creatures. The Fable Trail not only delights with fairytale worlds, but also with quizzes, game suggestions and spectacular views of the Lake Constance region. There are two barbecue and picnic areas halfway along the trail for a well-earned break. For the way back from Steckborn to Ermatingen, little pirates and buccaneers choose the waterway by boat.

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Cross-border planetary trail in Kreuzlingen

Distances in space are unfathomable for us earthlings. Nevertheless, to get an idea of the dimensions, the Planetary Trail from Constance (D) to Kreuzlingen (CH) takes you through the gigantic distances of space, scaled down a billion times! At a leisurely walking pace, you travel at three to four times the speed of light and come across information boards about planets whose orbits you have just crossed. At the end of the trail, the Lake Constance Planetarium awaits astronauts and astronomers. There are family shows here on Wednesdays and Sundays. The trail ends at the Bodenseetherme thermal baths in Constance.

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Seebachtalweg and Ittingen Charterhouse

This hike leads from Nussbaumen on paths suitable for baby carriages through the middle of a Thurgau natural gem of national importance: the Seebachtal valley. Various lake access points with barbecue areas are hidden along the picturesque renaturalized shores of three lakes. The Helfenberg ruins between the Hasensee and Hüttwilersee lakes are also an inviting spot for a barbecue break. The final highlight is the Ittingen Charterhouse. The former Carthusian monastery welcomes weary hikers with an excellent restaurant, monastery store and wonderful gardens for a break before the journey home.

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Lake Constance lakeside path between Romanshorn and Kreuzlingen

This tour leads along the picturesque shores of Lake Constance in Thurgau. This alone is worth the walk. What's more, the pram-friendly paths have no significant incline and don't demand too much from young (tired?) parents. From Romanshorn via Uttwil, you pass various secluded bathing spots, fire pits and, at the end, the Seeburgpark Kreuzlingen awaits families. This delights little whirlwinds with a huge children's playground, minigolf and animal park and adults with seating and restaurants.

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Barefoot path Nollen

The barefoot trail near Wuppenau surprises the soles of your feet with completely new sensory impressions on a four or seven-kilometre route. Meadows, streams, forest floors and sensory stations alternate with short stony or asphalted sections. A wonderful view of the Seerücken, Lake Constance and the Alpstein along the way is included.

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Other activities for families in Thurgau

Still haven't found the right experience for your family outing? Below you will find further suggestions for family activities in the diverse canton of Lake Constance.

Family experiences in Thurgau