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 pushchairs, themed trails that stimulate the imagination or senses, or hikes to viewing towers, play paradises and (petting) zoos in the Lake Constance canton.
Of little animals and fruits
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, you 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 autumn. Refreshing drinks and a cosy place to rest await you at the Feierlenhof farm right along the way.
Beaver trail Pfyn
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 path 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.
On the Seerücken to the Napoleon Tower
The Napoleon route 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.
The fantasy inspiring
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.
Cross-border planet trail in Kreuzlingen
Distances in space are unfathomable for us earthlings. Nevertheless, to get an idea of the dimensions, the Planet 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 will be travelling 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.
The pram-friendly
Seebachtalweg and Ittingen Charterhouse
This hike leads from Nussbaumen on paths suitable for pushchairs through the centre of a Thurgau natural gem of national importance: the Seebachtal valley. Various lake access points with barbecue sites are hidden along the picturesque, renaturalised shores of three lakes. The Helfenberg ruins between Lakes Hasensee and Hüttwilersee also invite you to take a break for a barbecue. The final highlight is the Ittingen Charterhouse. The former Carthusian monastery welcomes weary hikers with an excellent restaurant, monastery shop and wonderful gardens for a break before the journey home.
Lake Constance shore trail and Sunnehüsli between Romanshorn and Kreuzlingen
This tour leads along the shores of Lake Constance in Thurgau. The pram-friendly paths are not very steep and do not demand too much of young parents. From Romanshorn you reach Uttwil, passing various bathing spots and the Sunnehüsli, a charming garden restaurant with a great children's playground, delicious homemade apple pie and lots of small animals to pet and marvel at. Various bathing spots, fire pits and, at the end, the Seeburgpark Kreuzlingen await you all the way to Kreuzlingen. The latter delights little whirlwinds with a large children's playground, mini golf and animal park.
The sensual
Nollen barefoot trail
The barefoot trail near Wuppenau surprises the soles of your feet with completely new sensory impressions along a four- or seven-kilometre route. Meadows, streams, forest floors and sensory posts alternate with short stony or tarmac sections. A wonderful view of the Seerücken, Lake Constance and the Alpstein along the way is included.
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.
