Top experiences

Thurgau has many faces - and they all barely fit on one page. So that you don't get bogged down by the variety, we show you the best highlights here: sights, must-sees and must-dos in the apple canton on Lake Constance. Ideal for your first visit or if you're short on time - this bucket list will take you straight to the best experiences.

Arenenberg Castle & Park in Salenstein

The beauty of this place is imperial. Even Louis Napoléon marveled at the wonderful view over the Untersee region. He spent his childhood and part of his youth at Arenenberg Castle in Salenstein before ascending the great throne in France. Today, the castle is home to magnificent gardens and the only German-language museum dedicated to Napoleonic history. The castle, which still has its original furnishings, welcomes museum guests as Queen Hortense did her friends back then.

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Ittingen Charterhouse in Warth

Living proof that going to a monastery has nothing to do with renunciation: Ittingen brings culinary stars from the sky and plays first fiddle culturally. The most entertaining monastery complex between Winterthur and Lake Constance is ideal for weekend excursions, weddings, conferences or overnight stays. Ittingen Charterhouse runs a hotel and seminar business, is home to the Ittingen and Thurgau Art Museum, boasts a wonderful monastery complex with a rose garden and treats guests in the monastery's own restaurant, where practically only produce from its own estate is served. And yes, it also has a bubble hotel. If you want to experience all the advantages of the Thurgau in one place, there is no more ideal location.

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Rose City Bischofszell

The old town of Bischofszell may not be spectacular, but it is definitely worth seeing. The eight-bay crooked old Thurbrücke bridge is also worth seeing; it is the largest surviving medieval bridge in Switzerland. However, Bischofszell is best known for its rose, which has a long tradition. The fragrant flower is celebrated every two years during the legendary Bischofszell Rose Week. If that's too flowery for you, the most beautiful Thurgau villages on picturesque lakeside locations or with a past steeped in history are summarized here.

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Untersee and Rhine shipping

There are many ways to get from Kreuzlingen to Schaffhausen. The most beautiful one is across the water with the Untersee and Rhine shipping company, past Stein am Rhein and the island of Reichenau. This change of perspective is worthwhile and provides an ideal insight into the beautiful lake and river landscape. The three-hour cruise is one of the most beautiful river cruises in Europe. The highlight for many guests is the bridge crossing at Diessenhofen. The covered, historic wooden bridge connects Switzerland with Germany and is so low that the ships have to lower the bow masts, the roof of the driver's cabin and the awning before passing through.

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Hotel Fischingen Monastery

Not just for pious souls: A stay at Fischinger Monastery slows you down thanks to the very special and contemplative atmosphere of this place of power. Five Benedictine monks still live and work in the only active monastery in Thurgau. Whether it's a concert in the baroque library, an overnight stay in the former monks' cell, meditation or a guided tour through the eventful history - Fischingen Monastery inspires and provides a time-out in green, tranquil surroundings.

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MoMö Museum in Arbon

The apple is as much a part of Thurgau as William Tell. Only here, fortunately, they are not shot at, they are eaten or processed into something enjoyable. Often into juice. Nobody knows better how to do this than the traditional Möhl cidery in Arbon. The new MoMö cider museum brings apples and juice production in Thurgau to life. The entire world of apples, the role of bees and their care as well as everything to do with apple juice can be discovered interactively with all the senses at MoMö.

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Altnau apple village

The apple village of Altnau is idyllically situated between meadow orchards and apple plantations, directly on Lake Constance. For generations, everything here has revolved around the red-cheeked fruit. The apple can be experienced on the Altnau Apple Trail. The family-friendly themed trail with information boards and hands-on stations leads right through the village and illustrates the local tradition wonderfully. Of course, a village like Altnau also deserves an honorable trademark. The Altnau footbridge, also known as the Stiel des Apfeldorfs, is 300 meters long and the longest footbridge on Lake Constance. You can jump into the water via a small platform attached to the jetty and sunbathe on the raft.

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Bike tour at the Bluescht time

With over 210,000 standard apple trees and over 1,600 hectares of fruit crops, Thurgau is the largest fruit-growing canton in Switzerland. When the blossom buds of the fruit trees open, you almost have to take cover. In many places, you can immerse yourself in a true blossom paradise. This can be experienced wonderfully on an enjoyable bike tour, such as the Bluescht bike tour from Arbon.

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Wine hike on the Ottenberg

With its beautiful townscape and well-preserved timber-framed houses on every corner, Ottoberg has earned itself a place on Switzerland's list of sites worthy of protection. The popular Weinfelden wine trail leads through the vineyards of the historic village. Various well-known wineries, such as the Burkhart winery, are also located here. A chilled drop of wine awaits hikers in the wine safe along the trail, the code for which can be found in the tasting rucksack. At the end of the enjoyable hike, a culinary stop at a restaurant in Weinfelden is recommended.

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Spend an exceptional night

Along with apples and Lake Constance, the spherical four-poster beds are almost part of the region's DNA. If you can't get hold of one of the coveted nights in the bubble hotel, there are now good alternatives: How about a night in a tree house? Or would you prefer a circus wagon or a floating bed? In a tiny house, straw hotel, cultural monument or monastery? The list is long. An extraordinary night in Thurgau should definitely be on your bucket list.

To the exceptional places to stay

Discover more experiences

Thurgau has many other highlights to offer in terms of enjoyment, culture and family experiences. Nature lovers will also get their money's worth, as picturesque landscapes, blossoming orchards and idyllic banks invite you to discover and linger.

Discover more experiences in Thurgau