Rolf’s top spots: a selection of Thurgau’s finest!

This location has an imperial beauty. Louis Napoléon himself enjoyed the stunning views over Lower Lake Constance. He spent his childhood and part of his adolescence at Arenenberg Castle in Salenstein, before taking the imperial throne in France. Today, the castle boasts not only its glorious gardens but also a fascinating museum about Napoleonic history, the only one in german language. Step into the castle, which still has its original décor, and be welcomed as a friend of Queen Hortense.

There are 200 steps to climb to reach the viewing platform on the 36 metre high Napoleon’s Tower – but it’s definitely worth it for the views. In fine weather, the 360° panoramas over countryside, lake, and Alps are simply breathtaking. The current Napoleon’s Tower is not the first tower to stand on this site: back in 1829, Louis Napoléon III, a direct descendent of the great Napoléon Bonaparte, built the first “Belvedère zu Hohenrain”.

Treat yourself at the Day Spa in the Golf Panorama Wellness Hotel. There are twenty-four hours in the day. A “Day Spa” day has twelve: more than enough to explore the 2000 m² “Fleur de Pomme” wellness area, and let relaxation seep into every pore. Try a Kneipp bath, steam in the sauna, unwind in the Sole whirlpool, or get active in the gym. Sounds good? You’ll feel good, too.

The living proof that entering the cloister doesn’t have to mean going without: Ittingen plucks culinary stars from the sky... and when it comes to culture, the Charterhouse plays first violin. The monastery is a fun location between Winterthur and Lake Constance and makes an ideal venue for weddings, meetings, overnight stays or just a relaxing weekend. With all its glories, it’s no wonder that the Charterhouse won the Special Prize for a Historic Hotel/Restaurant from ICOMOS Suisse in 2019.

The Vineyard Weinweg: Follow the route through the vineyards and travel from budding grape to the final nectar. The “Wine taster’s rucksack” comes packed with everything you need. The wine is standing ready for you. All you have to do is walk, enjoy the landscape... and of course the exquisite wine. I recommend one of the four Gault Millau wineries along the route.

Time doesn’t stand still when you visit Fischingen Abbey and the Abbey Restaurant – quite the opposite: it flies by far too fast! Before you know it, your dessert bowl is scraped clean and your glass of home-brewed beer stands empty. Time to say goodbye to the hospitable Abbey… and start planning your return visit to a place that makes time for the individual.

The river cruise down the Upper Rhine to Lake Constance is a special favourite. There are plenty of routes from Kreuzlingen to Diessenhofen, but the most beautiful is by water: drift past Stein am Rhein and the island of Reichenau. The three-hour cruise is a time set apart: simply sit back, relax, enjoy, and go with the flow. This is one of the most beautiful river cruises in Europe.

Celebrate in a castle! Fancy being a prince and princess for a day? Court jester and castle ghost? Or simply bride and bridegroom – whatever your dream, Hagenwil moated castle is the ideal backdrop to make it reality for a day. The mediaeval castle is the perfect venue for all kinds of original celebrations – in the Corn Room, in the Knights’ Chamber, in the Wine Cellar, or perhaps in the “Grossmutterstübli” – “Granny’s kitchen”. Make any occasion special against this eight-hundred year old backdrop.

Enjoy a heavenly night in the Himmelbett under a canvas of stars. Everyone loves soap bubbles – and that’s why we all love the Himmelbett: the Bubble Hotel. One of the reasons, anyway. These transparent bedroom domes are located in beautiful spots deep in Thurgau's gardens, vineyards and orchards. Above the dome, the stars twinkle and you can watch the splendid life of the universe from inside your soap bubble.

This is the perfect cycle tour for pleasure cyclists, new cyclists and the less “sporty” among us. Set off from Romanshorn and roll through the soft greens of Thurgau’s apple and pear orchards. The final stage of the route is a gentle ride from Thurgau’s “Apple Village” Altnau along the lakeshore and back to Romanshorn. The route includes plenty of opportunities to stop off for a little refreshment. I particularly recommend the Mausacker in Steinebrunn for organic farm food or the Restaurant Hafen in Romanshorn.

The Altnau Apple Trail is a fabulous fun way to get to know the region’s top brand: follow the family-friendly circular paths on foot, on your bike, pushing a pram or even in a horse-drawn coach. Choose from three routes of different lengths, each a with jolly apple mascot to guide you and introduce the activity stations packed with puzzles, recipes and anecdotes.

Ever fancied running away to join the circus? At Wagenhausen Campsite, you can sleep in a circus wagon and dream of the big ring. Conjure up bread twists over the campfire; sip your coffee from a tin can. Does it sound like the stuff of dreams? Of course! It’s the perfect holiday for those who dream of being tightrope walkers, clowns, lion tamers... or simply enjoy a magical atmosphere. Camping Wagenhausen is so special that it was singled out for the 2018 Tourism Prize.