Join Emma, Lisi and Fredi on the apple trail
The Altnauer Apfelweg, or Apple Trail is more than a walk: information boards and interactive stations make it a fascinating expedition for active apple adventurers, young and old. The apple mascots “Emma”, “Lisi” and “Fredi” guide the family along three routes through the apple orchards.
Apple village on Lake Constance
Altnau lies in the canton of Thurgau, nestled among rolling hills of apple orchards. Generations of Altnauers have cultivated, farmed, and processed Jonagolds, Galas, and Braeburns here. Learn about why apples do so well here from the info boards along the Altnauer Apple Trail. The carefully maintained themed trail, accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, or by horse-drawn carriage, extends the former Obstlehrpfad. Suggestions for games and interactive stations along the route are designed especially for families with children. The path is particularly stunning among the apple blossoms in spring or during the autumn harvest.
The start point for the Altnauer Apple Trail is at the foot of the village, just 500 metres from the station. The regional Thurbo train arrives once every half an hour from Schaffhausen, Kreuzlingen, Romanshorn and St. Gallen. Visitors from Kreuzlingen can reach Altnau in half an hour with the Postauto, line 923. Regular ferry services from Romanshorn, Kreuzlingen, Immenstaad and Hagnau moor at Lake Constance’s longest jetty. From here, signposts direct you to the start of the Apple Trail. For those who prefer to come by car, there are (paid) parking spots by the train station or the harbour.
“The Apple Trail is a particularly lovely experience when the fruit trees bloom in April and May.”
Following the Apple Trail
The Altnauer Apple Trail has three routes, which can be linked up to form a five, six, or seven kilometres round trip. Each route has its own Apple Mascot. To the east of Altnau, led by gleaming red “Lisi” the Apple Trail twists and turns through the apple orchards. The 14 stations along the route have fascinating facts about fruit farming and the work of the fruit farmers round the year. On the yellow route, watched over by “Fredi”, you will make your way through the village and be introduced to different varieties of apple and pear. The walk will pass in a flash of advice, recipes, and stories. The green route, “Emma”, takes you to the west of Altnau, where apple aficionados can meet wild bees and honey bees, as well as learning all about Thurgau's orchard countryside and the history and cultivation of crisp fruits. Along the red and green routes, Lisi and Emma encourage children to balance on tree stumps, find “pairs” of fruits, or study the earth. Fredi livens up the yellow route with tips, games, and fun facts about varieties. The themed trail is full of variety and makes a perfect outing for the whole family.
Apple Trail Lisi
The red route is four kilometres long and takes around two hours on foot or one hour on a bicycle. It runs to the east of Altnau and is themed around the work of the fruit farmers.
Apple Trail Emma
The green route is three kilometres long and takes about one and a half hours on foot or 40 minutes with a bike. “Emma” is to the west of the village and introduces fascinating facts about fruit farming, apple village Altnau and the canton of Thurgau.
Apple Trail Fredi
The yellow route runs through the middle of the village. Pedestrians should leave around an hour for the two kilometres’ path. The route is not suitable for bicycles.
Excursions with a crunch
Farm shops, inns, and snack stands in and around Altnau sell sweet juice, apple rings, and other delicious fruity concoctions. If you need to catch your breath along the route, you can rest at one of the many benches, rest spots and picnic areas along the routes – and enjoy the glorious views over Lake Constance. Insider tip: the Feierlenhof in Altnau. The Barth family have been welcoming guests to their farm for generations. Children and animal lovers will be delighted by the petting zoo.
Following the Apple Trail
• Family-friendly walks
• 24 information boards and varied interactive stations
• On foot, by bike or with horse-drawn coach
• Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs
• Geocaching
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