10 great excursion destinations and special experiences in Thurgau

There are three cantons with which I feel particularly connected – Thurgau, Lucerne and Bern. I grew up in Bern, my grandparents and other relatives lived in Lucerne and Thurgau. As long as the centre of my life was in Bern, the excursions to Thurgau were limited to visiting relatives and accordingly the multifaceted landscape of the eastern Swiss canton was withheld from me for a long time. Since we have been living in Zurich, Thurgau has moved noticeably closer and accordingly we have also undertaken some exploration tours through “Mostindien” in recent years. It quickly became clear that Thurgau should definitely not be prematurely reduced to its extensive orchards.

The most beautiful excursion destinations in Thurgau

In this article, I’ll take you on a tour through Thurgau and show you beautiful excursion destinations across the Thurgau wine and lake landscape, over the idyllic shores of Lake Constance and the Middle Thurgau, which is crisscrossed by fruit groves, to the hilly Hinterthurgau. Maybe you’ll find a suggestion here on how to spend a beautiful summer’s day in Thurgau. And of course, I also sprinkled in one or two ideas for a casual bad weather program.

1. Excursion tip in Thurgau: Start the day with fisherman Rolf Meier on Lake Constance

A special Lake Constance experience that is guaranteed not to be forgotten in a hurry is offered by professional fisherman Rolf Meier. If only because a meeting with him takes place at times when most of us are usually still peacefully asleep in bed. For more than 20 years, Rolf Meier has been taking his boat out from Ermatingen into the Untersee between half past four and half past five in the morning. Here, six times a week, he reels in the nets he cast the night before. Every day is different – sometimes a surprising number of whitefish wriggle in the nets. Sometimes, even without fresh fish, he returns to his second mainstay – the Seegarten restaurant in Ermatingen. But what fascinates him day after day, regardless of this, is the morning atmosphere on the Untersee. The tranquility on the lake, the play of clouds, the delicate pink on the horizon that pushes away the darkness minute by minute and soon makes the lake glitter in the first sunlight.

Rolf Meier lets interested guests participate in this daily spectacle and offers accompanied morning trips (cost: 100 CHF per person including breakfast in the Seegarten afterwards). Last September, shortly before five o’clock, he picked us up behind Mammern on the pitch-black jetty of Steckborn on his morning round towards the Rhine outflow and not only offered us many exciting insights about fishing on the way, but also gave us magical moments on Lake Constance.

If this excursion is scheduled too early in the day, you can also simply make a detour to Ermatingen, stop for a bite to eat on the beautiful sun terrace of the Seegarten and taste the fine home-smoked whitefish (or of course the fresh catch of the day). “Freshly caught” is definitely not a false promise here!

2. Excursion destination in Thurgau: Hike the Thurgau Lake Ridge

The morning detour with Rolf Meier to Lake Constance or a stop at the Seegarten can be combined with various short hikes on the so-called “Seerücken”. The range of hills, which stretches as a relic from the Ice Age in an east-west direction between Romanshorn and Stammheim, offers some beautiful vantage points. These include Arenenberg Castle, less than a 45-minute walk from Ermatingen, where the Bonaparte family once resided. Today, the Napoleon Museum offers insights into this chapter of history. Also offering a great panoramic view is the Napoleon Tower Hohenrain near Wäldi, which can be reached on foot from Ermatingen in a good 1.5 hours walking time.

If you are in the mood for a slightly longer hike across the Thurgau lake ridge, I can recommend the hike from Steckborn to Müllheim (or directly to Wigoltingen, if you want to combine this hike with my next tip). Although this tour leads over the highest point of the lake ridge near Salen, this section is much less known than the hiking trail network around Arenenberg/Wäldi.

From Steckborn, the path first climbs for about an hour through a shady ravine to Haidenhaus. It is worth pausing from time to time and taking a look back at the Untersee. Once you have reached the heights of the lake ridge, you can enjoy the distant view over the hills of Thurgau to the Alps. The almost 10-kilometre-long hike to Müllheim is not particularly demanding and, depending on your walking pace, can be completed in 2 to 2.5 hours.

In the following map you will find the route of the hike from Steckborn over the Thurgauer Seerücken to Müllheim/Wigoltingen.

3. Restaurant tip in Thurgau: Enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine in Wigoltingen

The additional stretch between the end of the Seerückenweg in Müllheim and our next destination is definitely not particularly attractive. But if you, like us, want to earn a stop at the Tavern zum Schäfli, you can accept these almost four additional kilometers (mostly on paved paths) without grumbling. As a reward, you can enjoy Christian Kuchler’s refined culinary art.

The Taverne zum Schäfli has been awarded 18 Gault Millau points and 2 Michelin stars – and is located in a beautiful, old timber-framed building in the middle of the village centre of Wigoltingen. On nice days, we stock up outside. The dishes at the Schäfli are classically French, enriched with Asian notes and rounded off with Thurgau products. In addition to the tasting menu, there are also à la carte classics to choose from. An excursion destination for all those who want to treat themselves or their loved ones to a special moment of pleasure.

4. Bad weather excursion in Thurgau: Visit the “MoMö” in Arbon

A trip to Thurgau is not only worthwhile when the sun is shining. Around the town of Arbon, the spirit of discovery is quenched even in rainy weather. In addition to the Saurer Museum, where commercial vehicles of all generations can be viewed in the factory halls of the once world-famous company, the “MoMö” cider and distillery museum, which is not far away, offers an interactive place of experience for the whole family.

The “MoMö“, which opened in autumn 2018, not only shows the history of the Möhl cider factory, but also presents many exciting facts about the processing of local fruit into palatable juices. In the bar area, there is also the opportunity to taste the various juices from the Möhl company – or to try your way through the different types of cider, among other things, in the sense of a “tasting”.

By the way, a museum day in Arbon can also be combined with a “spa break” in nearby Bad Horn. The hotel, located two train stops from Arbon directly on Lake Constance, offers various day spa packages for moments of relaxation in its small but fine wellness area.

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The MoMö is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. The last admission is one hour before closing. Single admission costs 9 CHF (children under 16 years of age accompanied by an adult are free). The Saurer Museum am See is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Single admission costs 8 CHF (children also free). The Saurer Museum has two locations (at the lake and “DEPOT”) further information can be found here: Saurer Museum

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5. Active in Thurgau: Cycle along the Lake Constance Cycle Path

Last June, over Pentecost, we pedaled the entire 260 kilometres of the Lake Constance cycle path and cycled through the border triangle around the lake. A good 60 kilometres of these 260 run on Thurgau soil from Arbon (or Horn) in the form of well-developed cycle paths, mostly not far from the shores of Lake Constance to Eschenz at the eastern end of the Untersee. The great thing about the Lake Constance Cycle Path is that it is really suitable for everyone – whether beginners, families or absolute sports cannon. The stages can be flexibly divided and coordinated with the sights along the way.

There are various possibilities to rent bicycles on site. If you travel by public transport, I can recommend the Rent a Bike stations in Kreuzlingen and Romanshorn, which are located directly at the train station (in my experience, the staff there does not win the friendliness award, but the bikes can be conveniently reserved online and do not necessarily have to be returned to the same station).

6. Day trip in Thurgau: Immerse yourself in the world of apples

While the “MoMö” gives an insight into the many ways in which apples are processed into popular thirst quenchers, the topic of apples also accompanies us in the villages on the western shore of Lake Constance between Kreuzlingen and Romanshorn. The municipality of Altnau bears the title “Apple Village” – three corresponding themed trails of different lengths crisscross the extensive orchards that are spread around the village centre. This excursion is particularly attractive at the time of the “Bluescht”.

The apples are also always present in Steinebrunn (municipality of Egnach). Here, the organic farm “Mausacker” cultivates over 500 high-trunk trees and operates its own farm cider factory, where up to 20 different juices are produced. The Hofbeizli is also very nice, where dishes true to Slow Food principles are served. True to the principle: simple, but good!

Steinebrunn is also home to the Öpfelfarm. This is where the Kauderer family produces the well-known Öpfelringli (and lots of other dried specialties). The detour here is particularly worthwhile because of the fantastic farm shop. In addition to their own products, a lot of other selected regional specialties are sold here. Lots of beautifully packaged – and above all guaranteed delicious – things that make great souvenirs or gifts for gourmets.

7. Excursion in Thurgau: Take a bike tour from Romanshorn to Bischofszell

The detour to the apple world of Steinebrunn can be easily combined with a varied bike tour. Even though the Lake Constance Cycle Path is undisputedly the most popular cycle route in Thurgau, the canton is criss-crossed by other attractive cycle routes. These include the Mittelland route, which runs from Romanshorn longitudinally through the Swiss Plateau to Lausanne. The first stage not only passes the apple village of Steinbrunn, but also connects two impressive Thurgau sights that are often overlooked: the moated castle of Hagenwil and the old Thur bridge near Bischofszell.

From Romanshorn, you are first guided on side roads through the landscape crisscrossed by orchards to Steinebrunn. In addition to the two businesses already mentioned, there are also other farm pubs and farm shops along the way, where you can stock up on seasonal delicacies (it is therefore worthwhile to take a not too full backpack with you). Soon after, the pretty village of Hagenwil follows. The cycle path leads directly past the main attraction – the impressive moated castle. The history of the moated castle can be traced back to the 13th century and is now one of the best-preserved buildings of its kind in Switzerland. A short walk leads around the moated castle and there is a restaurant inside the castle.

The cycle path leads us further west along the edge of the Hudelmoos nature reserve, a raised and transitional moor with national protection status, to the end of the Sitter valley. Here at the confluence of the Sitter and Thur rivers is the small town of Bischofszell. Bischofszell is known for its Rose Weeks, which take place at the end of June. A detour to the baroque alleys of Bischofszell’s old town also pays off outside of this series of events. Whether on foot or by bike – it is always worth taking a detour to the banks of the Thur to visit the so-called “crooked bridge”. The more than 100 m long, eight-bay bridge is the longest natural stone bridge in Switzerland that has been preserved from the Middle Ages.

The following map shows the course of the bike tour along Route 5 from Romanshorn via Steinebrunn and Hagenwil to Bischofszell.

8. Relax in Thurgau: Take a day of swimming at Lake Bichelsee

So far, we have been quite active on all our excursions. But what if the sun is shining from the sky, a wonderful summer’s day is coming up and you feel like spending a wonderful relaxing day at the lake? Of course, there are some attractive bathing spots on Lake Constance – but my next excursion tip will take you to the Thurgau hinterland. This is where the Bichelsee natural outdoor pool, which is located directly on the Zurich/Thurgau cantonal border, beckons. With the exception of the swimming pool area, Lake Bichelsee is surrounded by a natural shore throughout and there are no other paths leading to the lakeshore. The swimming pool area consists of a small kiosk and a spacious sunbathing lawn including a children’s paddling pool (admission during normal operation for adults 2.50 CHF / children 1 CHF)

Directly at the entrance to the swimming pool is the bus stop “Bichelsee-Strandbad” (accessible by post bus via Turbenthal). Alternatively, cycle route no. 5 (2nd stage Wil – Winterthur) also leads past the lido.

9. Excursion in Thurgau: Walk through the Thurgau Seebach Valley

An attractive excursion destination, including swimming, can also be found in the Thurgau Seebach Valley between Nussbaumen and Hüttwilen. Here, the trio of lakes from Nussbaumersee, Hüttwilersee and Hasensee forms a beautiful backdrop for leisurely Sunday walks. In a short version, you can hike from Nussbauen along the lakes to Hüttwilen in just under two hours. In a more extensive version, the hiking trail, which is wheelchair accessible/suitable for prams, leads to the Ittingen Charterhouse, 13 kilometres away. Somewhat hidden and not directly on the hiking trail is the Hüttwilersee lido. This is located on the eastern shore of the lake directly at the mouth of the Seebach (admission 4 CHF for adults / 2 CHF for children during normal operation).

10. Spending the night in Thurgau: Just be

My last excursion tip takes us back to the shores of the Untersee – to the grounds of the former Feldbach Monastery in Steckborn. Today, the See & Parkhotel Feldbach uses some of the historic buildings and, in cooperation with the Winterthur Rose Friends, also maintains the associated rose garden. The hotel complex flows smoothly into a freely accessible, spacious park located directly on the lake – here you can refresh yourself with a jump into the cool water of Lake Constance, immerse yourself in an exciting book for hours, marvel at the most beautiful sunsets or “just be” and recharge your batteries.

Even more beautiful excursion destinations in Thurgau and Lake Constance

You can find more ideas for excursions and activities in Thurgau/Lake Constance here: From Rorschach to Romanshorn – 4 tips for a trip to Lake Constance. My blogger colleagues Ellen from Patotra and Lui & Steffi from comewithus2 also have a variety of Thurgau excursion tips in stock on their respective blogs.

Note: some of these experiences I was able to experience at the invitation of Thurgau Tourism, others are paid for out of their own funds. Regardless, all impressions and opinions are mine.