Thurgau, Switzerland Travel Guide

Discover the serene landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Thurgau, Switzerland's hidden gem near Lake Constance.

Nestled in the northeastern part of Switzerland, Thurgau is a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Known for its picturesque landscapes, this region offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The rolling hills, lush vineyards, and the serene Lake Constance provide a perfect backdrop for leisurely activities such as hiking, cycling, and wine tasting. Thurgau is also steeped in history. Wander through medieval towns like Frauenfeld and Weinfelden, where cobblestone streets and ancient architecture tell tales of a bygone era. The region is dotted with castles and museums, providing a fascinating glimpse into its past. The local cuisine is another highlight. Fresh produce from local farms, paired with fine wines from the region's vineyards, create a delightful culinary experience. Whether you're exploring the scenic landscapes, delving into history, or savoring the local flavors, Thurgau promises an unforgettable journey.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Thurgau.

Visit in late spring or early autumn for the best weather and fewer crowds.
Rent a bike to explore the scenic routes along Lake Constance and through the vineyards.
Try the local apple cider, a specialty of the Thurgau region.
Check out the Thurgau Art Museum in Frauenfeld for a dose of local culture.
Stay in a local guesthouse or B&B for a more authentic experience.

Destinations in Thurgau

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

St. Gallen

Explore Thurgau: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Thurgau

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Swiss Science Center Technorama

Experience the interactive world of science at Swiss Science Center Technorama in Winterthur, where learning meets fun for all ages.

4.7

Wildlife and Leisure Park Allensbach

Discover the Wildlife and Leisure Park Allensbach – a captivating zoo and leisure destination for families, featuring diverse animals, playgrounds, and BBQ areas.

4.3

Conny-Land

Discover the thrill and excitement of Conny-Land, Switzerland's premier amusement park, featuring rides, shows, and fun for the whole family.

4.4

Seeburgpark

Explore Seeburgpark: A lush green oasis in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland, perfect for relaxation, recreation, and breathtaking lake views.

4.7

Best landmarks in Thurgau

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Rhine Falls

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall, with stunning views, boat rides, and scenic trails in a natural paradise.

4.7

Conny-Land

Experience the magic of Conny-Land, Switzerland's largest amusement park, where fun, thrills, and family memories come to life in an enchanting setting.

4.4

Seeburgpark

Explore Seeburgpark in Kreuzlingen: A serene park with stunning lake views, perfect for relaxation, family outings, and nature walks.

4.7

autobau erlebniswelt

Explore the fascinating world of automobiles at Autobau Erlebniswelt, where history meets innovation in an unforgettable experience.

4.8

Best restaurants in Thurgau

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Stelzenhof

Discover the essence of Swiss cuisine at Stelzenhof in Weinfelden, featuring traditional fondue and delightful ice cream treats.

4.5

Brauhaus Frauenfeld

Experience delightful European cuisine and a vibrant beer garden at Brauhaus Frauenfeld—your culinary retreat in Switzerland.

4.4

Restaurant Seehuus

Experience authentic Swiss cuisine in Egnach at Restaurant Seehuus, where traditional flavors meet stunning views.

4.5

Restaurant Stählibuck

Experience authentic Swiss cuisine at Restaurant Stählibuck in Frauenfeld – where tradition meets taste in every bite.

4.4

Best bars in Thurgau

Top-rated picks

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Hafenlounge Romanshorn

Discover Hafenlounge Romanshorn, a lakeside lounge and bar offering creative cocktails and stunning views of Lake Constance for a perfect getaway.

4.5

Peggy O’Neill’s Irish Bar

Peggy O’Neill’s Irish Bar in Frauenfeld offers a taste of Ireland with live music, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.

4.4

Dreiegg

Discover the charm of Dreiegg in Frauenfeld, where local flavors meet a cozy atmosphere in a vibrant bar and restaurant setting.

4.5

Pianobar Frauenfeld

Discover the vibrant atmosphere and exquisite flavors at Pianobar Frauenfeld, a premier bar and restaurant experience in Switzerland.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Thurgau

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Bolero Club AG

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Winterthur at Bolero Club AG, where great music and an electric atmosphere await.

3.2

Orangerie Le Club AG

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Orangerie Le Club AG in Wängi, where cocktails, dancing, and lush gardens create an unforgettable experience.

4.3

Firehouse Weinfelden

Firehouse Weinfelden: Experience electrifying nightlife in the heart of the city, featuring local DJs, vibrant dance floors, and unforgettable events.

3.9

Katakombe Entertainment GmbH

Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Tägerwilen at Katakombe Entertainment GmbH, where unforgettable disco and nightclub experiences await.

4.2

Best shops in Thurgau

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LAGO Shopping Center

Explore a shopping paradise at LAGO Shopping Center, offering a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment in Konstanz.

4.3

Einkaufszentrum Karussell

Explore a diverse shopping experience at Einkaufszentrum Karussell in Kreuzlingen, featuring top brands, dining, and family-friendly facilities.

4.3

Amriville Stadtmarkt Oberthurgau

Explore the vibrant shopping experience at Amriville Stadtmarkt Oberthurgau, where local culture meets unique products in Amriswil, Switzerland.

4.3

Einkaufszentrum Seepark

Discover shopping, dining, and entertainment at Einkaufszentrum Seepark in Kreuzlingen, your ultimate retail destination in Switzerland.

4.2

Explore Thurgau on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Thurgau, mapped for you.

Thurgau Essentials

Thurgau is located in the northeastern part of Switzerland. The nearest major airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH), which is about 50 kilometers away. From Zurich Airport, you can take a direct train to Frauenfeld, the capital of Thurgau, which takes approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to Thurgau, enjoying the scenic Swiss countryside along the way.
Thurgau has an efficient public transportation system, including trains, buses, and ferries. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) offers regular train services connecting Thurgau with other major cities in Switzerland. Within Thurgau, regional trains and buses are reliable and convenient for exploring local attractions. Biking is also popular, thanks to the well-maintained bike paths. Car rentals are available for those who prefer more flexibility.
The official currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in rural areas. ATMs are readily available across Thurgau, allowing you to withdraw Swiss Francs as needed.
Thurgau is generally a safe destination for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Always stay vigilant, keep your belongings secure, and avoid isolated areas at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Thurgau.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Thurgau has well-equipped medical facilities and police stations. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in most towns for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, as Swiss people tend to dress neatly. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing, especially in formal settings. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and keep noise to a minimum. Public Transport: Do be punctual and respect the quiet atmosphere on public transport. Avoid speaking loudly or playing music. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. A polite greeting in German, such as 'Grüezi', is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and be polite when dining. Don't rush meals; enjoy the experience. Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated for excellent service.
To experience Thurgau like a local, visit the weekly markets in towns such as Frauenfeld and Weinfelden, where you can buy fresh produce and local products. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and happy to share insights about the region. Don't miss the scenic bike routes along Lake Constance and the picturesque villages. For a unique experience, take a ferry ride on Lake Constance, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

When is the best time to visit Thurgau?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Thurgau

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Thurgau. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloGrüezi
  [Grew-tsee]
- GoodbyeAdieu
  [Ah-dyoo]
- YesJa
  [Yah]
- NoNei
  [Nay]
- Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [Bit-teh]
- Thank youDanke
  [Dahn-keh]
- Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [Ent-shool-dee-goong]
- How are you?Wie gaht's?
  [Vee gahts?]
- Fine. And you?Guet. Und dir?
  [Gooh-et. Oond deer?]
- Do you speak English?Spreche Sie Englisch?
  [Spreh-keh Zee Eeng-lish?]
- I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [Ish fer-shtay-eh nikht]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte die Speisekarte sehen, bitte
  [Ish muet-eh dee Shpieze-kar-teh zehen, bit-teh]
- I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [Ish ess-eh kyan Flysh]
- Cheers!Prost!
  [Prohst!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bezahlen, bitte
  [Ish muet-eh beh-tsah-len, bit-teh]
- Help!Hilfe!
  [Hil-feh!]
- Go away!Geh weg!
  [Geh veg!]
- Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [Roo-fen Zee dee Poli-tsai!]
- Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [Roo-fen Zee eye-nen Arts!]
- I'm lostIch habe mich verlaufen
  [Ish hah-beh mikh fer-lau-fen]
- I'm illIch bin krank
  [Ish bin krank]
- I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen
  [Ish muet-eh ... kau-fen]
- I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [Ish shau-eh noor]
- How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [Vee feel kost-et es?]
- That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [Dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
- Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [Kern-en Zee den Price sen-ken?]
- What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [Vee shpaht ist es?]
- It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [Es ist ine Oor]
- Half past (10)Halb elf
  [Halb elf]
- MorningMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
- AfternoonNachmittag
  [Nahch-mit-tahg]
- EveningAbend
  [Ah-bend]
- YesterdayGestern
  [Gest-ern]
- TodayHeute
  [Hoy-teh]
- TomorrowMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
- 1Eins
  [Eins]
- 2Zwei
  [Tsvai]
- 3Drei
  [Dry]
- 4Vier
  [Fear]
- 5Fünf
  [Foonf]
- 6Sechs
  [Zex]
- 7Sieben
  [Zee-ben]
- 8Acht
  [Acht]
- 9Neun
  [Noyn]
- 10Zehn
  [Tsen]
- Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/das ...?
  [Vo ist ine/dahs ...?]
- What's the address?Wie ist die Adresse?
  [Vee ist dee Ah-dres-seh?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Könnten Sie mir (auf der Karte) zeigen?
  [Kern-ten Zee meer (auf der Kar-teh) tsai-gen?]
- When's the next (bus)?Wann fährt der nächste (Bus)?
  [Vahn fehrt der nay-sh-teh (Boos)?]
- A ticket (to ....)Ein Ticket (nach ....)
  [Ine Tick-et (nahch ....)]

History of Thurgau

Thurgau's history dates back to the Neolithic period, with archaeological evidence of early human settlements scattered throughout the region. The Celts were among the first known inhabitants, establishing the foundation for the area's rich cultural tapestry.
During the Roman era, Thurgau became an important part of the Roman Empire. The Romans established military camps and settlements, including the significant site at Eschenz. This period left a lasting legacy, evident in the region's roads, architecture, and artifacts.
In the Middle Ages, Thurgau was a contested territory among various feudal lords and the expanding Swiss Confederation. The construction of castles, such as Frauenfeld Castle and Hagenwil Castle, reflects the region's strategic importance during this period.
The Reformation in the 16th century brought significant religious and social changes to Thurgau. The region saw conflicts between Protestant and Catholic forces, resulting in shifts of power and influence. Key figures, such as Huldrych Zwingli, played pivotal roles in the area's religious transformation.
Thurgau's official integration into the Swiss Confederation in 1803 marked a new era of stability and development. This period saw the region's transition from a battleground of competing interests to a peaceful and prosperous canton within Switzerland.
The 19th and 20th centuries were periods of significant economic development for Thurgau. The rise of the textile industry, advancements in agriculture, and the establishment of transportation networks, such as the railway, contributed to the region's growth and modernization.
Today, Thurgau is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, combining historical traditions with modern innovations. The region boasts numerous museums, cultural festivals, and preserved historical sites, making it a destination that honors its past while embracing the future.