Those who want to explore Bischofszell on foot can choose from a modern scavenger hunt, circular routes along the rivers, and a historic walk through the old town. There are also public rose gardens and striking buildings whose history spans from the 13th to the 18th century. This makes it easy to choose the focus of your stay: a route along the Sitter or Thur, local history, or both. For planning, the specific routes and their different lengths are more useful than a general day itinerary.
Circular Routes Along the Sitter and Thur
CatWalk9220 is a modern scavenger hunt featuring interesting tasks around Bischofszell. The Sitter circular route is considered a leisurely hike along the Sitter. It is 7.2 kilometres long and starts at the Sitter Bridge. This offers two distinct ways to explore: a task-based discovery and a clearly designated riverside hike.
The 10.5-kilometre Thur circular route starts and ends at the old Thur Bridge. It runs mostly along the Thur and offers views across the Thur region and the foothills of the Alps. Compared with the Sitter circular route, it combines a longer distance with a different riverside landscape; both routes have their own starting points and follow different sections of the surrounding area.
Another circular route leads through the forest on Bischofsberg. From there, you can enjoy views towards Säntis and across Bischofszell. By contrast, the historic walk through the old town focuses on architectural and local history, passing rose gardens, the Bogenturm tower, the town hall, the Catholic church and the old Thur Bridge. Conditions on the circular routes may change; check their current status before setting out.
Rose Gardens and Historic Buildings
Numerous public rose gardens are open to visitors. They are also part of the historic walk and complement its stops exploring local history and architecture. If you are planning a walk, you can combine the gardens with views of the town hall, the church and the old Thur Bridge.
Bischofszell received the Wakker Prize in 1987. The town hall was built between 1747 and 1750 and features rich Rococo decoration. St. Pelagius Church dates from the 14th century. Bischofszell Castle, the bishop’s castle, dates from the 13th century. The Thur Bridge was built in 1487 and is one of Switzerland’s most significant late-medieval bridges. Together, these buildings offer a historical overview from the 13th century to the mid-18th century; the bridge adds a distinctive feature to the walk with its late-medieval origins.
Plan Your Location and Journey
The town of Bischofszell lies south of the Sitter, on a terrace. The Sitter flows into the Thur near Bischofszell. The two rivers are therefore not only part of the landscape but also give the circular routes their distinct settings: the Sitter circular route starts at the Sitter Bridge, while the Thur circular route starts and ends at the old Thur Bridge.
The Thurbo regional railway stops at one of Bischofszell’s two stations on the line between Weinfelden and St. Gallen. If you are planning to travel by train, check the current timetable. When looking for hotels in Bischofszell, you can first decide whether riverside hikes, the old town and its buildings, or a combination of the two should be the focus of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Hauptwil-Gottshaus, Kradolf-Schönenberg, Erlen, Zihlschlacht-Sitterdorf
Return to the overview of the region: Bischofszell.
