Grand Tour of Switzerland
The “Grand Tour of Switzerland” is 1600 kilometres long, winding through Switzerland's most stunning spots. Thurgau is home to 75 kilometres of the route, repeatedly offering glorious views across Lake Constance. Numerous period destinations merit a detour – from the Saurer classic car museum to the Napoleonic Castle at Arenenberg.
Along Lower Lake Constance
In Thurgau, the Tour starts at the Rheinfall waterfall and travels past famous Stein am Rhein. Soon after that, you’ll get a glimpse of Arenenberg perched above Lower Lake Constance. An absolute must is a visit to the former exile residence of the Bonaparte family, home to the Napoleon Museum, one of the most beautiful and noblest houses on the lake. The route then continues through idyllic countryside to Kreuzlingen, where the island of Reichenau is almost close enough to touch, as the road meanders gently by the shore.
Continue along the shore of Lake Constance
Further along Upper Lake Constance, the shore road takes you through delightful port villages – Münsterlingen, Altnau, Güttingen, Kesswil and Uttwil – eventually reaching the harbour town of Romanshorn, which, thanks to the ferry, makes a perfect base for excursions to the other side of the lake. The route finally leaves the lake at Arbon, a town constructed on a former Roman fort, winding upwards to the abbey town of St. Gallen – via plenty of spectacular views.
Sights – from the stylish to the loud
Thurgau is simply packed with sights along the Grand Tour, including numerous excursion destinations for fans of technology and engines. The former locomotive depot in Romanshorn has been transformed into the Locorama railway experience. Visitors can try out the journey simulator for an authentic train driver experience. The Saurer Museum in Arbon is particularly impressive for its collection of heavy utility vehicles dating back to 1922. And in Romanshorn, the Car Manufacture Experience is our top tip for fans of sporty roadsters – it includes a collection from former racing driver Fredy Leinhard. Set in an industrial ambiance, exhibits include not just traditional sports cars, but vehicles from all different stages of his racing career – from old soap-boxes to Formula-1 speedsters.
"Numerous period destinations merit a detour – from the Saurer classic car museum to the car manufacture experience at Romanshorn (autobau Erlebniswelt)."
Electric car charging stations in Thurgau
The Grand Tour of Switzerland is the world's first road trip for electric vehicles. A dense network of around 300 charging stations powers the entire route, guaranteeing over 1,600 kilometers of driving pleasure that is as comfortable as it is clean.
Photo spots in Thurgau
Delightful rolling hills, mediaeval towns and the wide horizons of Lake Constance follow one another throughout the Grand Tour like pearls on a string. To ensure no one misses out on these spectacular spots, there are regular photo spots marked along the route. At every photo spot, you can read about why the location is special, plus there are backdrops for your face-in-hole photos.
"The Tour has great predecessors – e.g. Route 66 in the USA, or South Africa's Garden Route."
The route through Switzerland
The core route for the Grand Tour of Switzerland is 1,643 kilometres long. It links up 45 major attractions, including twelve UNESCO world heritage sites, two biospheres, and 22 large lakes. The Grand Tour can be travelled in either direction (clockwise is recommended) and is signed with official waymarkers. The route is designed for cars and motorbikes; other vehicles must expect restrictions. You can find more details, information about timing, accommodation and services along the way at the link below.
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
Would you prefer to discover the most impressive experiences of Switzerland by public transport? Then the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is just right for you. The tour combines a total of eight routes over 1280 kilometers and connects various sights of Switzerland by train, bus and boat.
Discover Thurgau
