Diessenhofen lies between Schaffhausen and Stein am Rhein. Its medieval old town, protected townscape and Rhine scenery give a stay two clear focal points: architectural history and paths by the water. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can consider whether you mainly want to explore the town’s history or combine your stay with walks and river activities.
Old Town and Architectural History
Diessenhofen’s historic old town has a protected townscape and is listed in the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites (ISOS). As you stroll along the Rhine or the old town wall, you’ll repeatedly come across original details from the Kyburg era. The houses on Marktgasse follow a uniform building line, opening up a view along the entire street, which also makes an attractive photo opportunity.
Notable buildings include the Siegel Tower with its astronomical clock face, the Unterhof castle complex, the town hall, the Obere Amtshaus with the Hänkiturm and the Oberhof. The town’s documents were once kept in the Siegel Tower; a tower tour takes visitors inside, although the availability of this offer may change. The town church is the first church in the canton of Thurgau to be documented in writing. Its reconstructed late-14th-century church interior is the only continuous stepped hall in Switzerland. The present-day Rhine bridge was built from 1814 to 1816. A covered wooden bridge connects Diessenhofen with the neighbouring German municipality of Gailingen.
Museums and Collections
The Museum kunst + wissen is located directly on the Rhine and can be recognised by its distinctive stair tower. Its collection displays explore the former Turkish red dye works and fabric printing workshop in the Obere Amtshaus. The museum offers school groups a fabric-printing workshop with a historical introduction and practical exercises using wooden printing blocks; programme details may change. The Haus zum Goldenen Leuen houses a collection on the history of pharmacy, adding its own area of collections to the town’s range of themes.
Hiking Trails and the Rhine Landscape
The “Along the Rhine” hike starts at Diessenhofen railway station, follows the Rhine through Schaarenwald forest and includes a ferry crossing to the other side of the Rhine at Altparadies. Another hiking trail leads from the station to the Rhine and follows the town wall. The routes described therefore differ in their focus: river, forest and ferry on the one hand, and the course of the wall on the other. One hiking trail also includes a section through the Schaare nature forest reserve.
Activities in Diessenhofen include swimming and sunbathing, hikes through vineyards, and cycling tours through forests and meadows. You can explore the Rhine landscape by scheduled passenger boat or in your own boat; timetables may vary. At the Rodenbrunnen bathing area on the Rhine, you can get into the water via steps or a small pebble beach. It is about a 500-metre walk from the railway station and is also accessible by bus or train. The bathing area is open seasonally; check the latest information before your visit.
A Puzzle Trail Through the Old Town
The Detektiv-Dachs Trail starts at the railway station and leads through the historic, protected old town. Along the way, participants solve puzzles using clues they find on site. At the end, a treasure chest awaits, which can be opened with the code they have collected. The trail combines a walk through the old town with a specific task, rather than simply visiting the sights one after another.
Discover more destinations: Schlatt
Go to the main travel overview: Diessenhofen.
