If you are considering Winden as a travel destination, the trails’ starting and ending points provide a practical guide: some routes run from Häggenschwil-Winden railway station to another location, while others return there. There are also trails through orchards and insights into the history of the village and its landscape. You can plan your stay around hiking routes, scenery or culture.
Hiking trails with different starting and ending points
The «Unterwegs im Oberthurgau» route begins at Häggenschwil-Winden railway station and ends at Amriswil railway station. It can be walked year-round and passes Balgerweiher, crossing the municipality of Egnach in the direction of Muolen. «Bauerngärten um Egnach» also begins at Häggenschwil-Winden railway station, but ends at Egnach railway station. The Panorama-Wanderung im Apfelland starts and ends at Häggenschwil-Winden railway station and passes through the village of Winden. Their endpoints make it easy to distinguish between these trails: one route leads to Amriswil, another to Egnach, while the panoramic hike returns to its starting point.
The Bireweg runs through large orchards and traditional tall-standard orchards to Winden railway station. Ten attractively designed information panels accompany the trail; historical background can also be accessed digitally through the CubeTrail app. The Egnacher Beeri-Weg begins at Häggenschwil-Winden railway station and passes numerous orchards, meadows and farmhouses. There is a fire pit in the forest along this trail. Both trails offer a glimpse of the agricultural landscape, while the Bireweg also presents historical information on panels and digitally.
The Egnach blossom walk begins and ends at Camping Manser in Winden. As route conditions can change, check the current route before setting off.
Orchard landscape and village history
Along the Bireweg, meadows, fields, trees, farmhouses, half-timbered houses and the lake are part of the scenery. The Panorama-Wanderung im Apfelland focuses on a different aspect of the village: it passes two rustic half-timbered houses and a flower-adorned fountain. This fountain in the centre of Winden has been there since 1900 and marks the beginning of the public water supply. Anyone interested in local history will find both historic buildings and a connection to the development of water supply along these two trails.
The place names also tell a story. Winden was first mentioned in official records in 1302 as Oberwinden and Niederwinden, and was also known as KĂĽgeliswinden from around 1575 to 1910. The half-timbered house Balgen dates from 1779 and is one of the best-preserved buildings in the canton. Another trace of history can be found at Balgerweiher: it once served as a reservoir for a sawmill and a mill in the place of the same name. It is one of the ponds in the surrounding area that have been preserved, while most of the others were filled in over the past 80 years.
Farm life and local encounters
The Manser farm is part of Winden’s agricultural character. «Manser, Ferien beim Bauer» is a small traditional farm with cows, cider apples, a cider press and agritourism. The Manser farm campsite has a farm playground and farm animals. Musicians and guests alike are welcome at the «Stubete mit Tanz» at Wirtschaft zum Klösterli. These places and activities complement the hiking trails with insights into farm life and a local event.
For the main travel overview: Egnach.
