St. Sebastian’s Chapel gives Buch Bei Frauenfeld a distinctive cultural focal point; paths through vineyards and the Seebachtal offer further ways to enjoy a stay. At the chapel, visitors can take in its architectural history, medieval paintings and later high altar together – while outdoors, hiking trails, winegrowing and guided excursions take centre stage.

A chapel with layers of history

St. Sebastian’s Chapel is the oldest and most valuable building in Buch. It was first mentioned in a document in 1461, but is certainly several centuries older. The early Gothic rectangular building stands on foundations dating from the 11th century. Its wall paintings were created around 1320 and include scenes from the Passion and the glorification of Christ. The high altar from Ittingen Charterhouse, dated 1766–1767, represents another layer of history.

An extract from the Thurgau inventory compiled in August 2026 lists the chapel as legally protected and particularly valuable. It is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00 and is also suitable for concerts and performances. A hiking route through the Seebachtal leads via Hueb along a marked trail to the historically significant St. Sebastian’s Chapel in Buch.

Art, winegrowing and local insights

The Art & Wine Trail runs from Uesslingen via Dietingen to Iselisberg and back. Around Iselisberg, it passes 24 sculptures. Information panels there describe the history of Iselisberg, grape varieties, winemaking, and vineyards and wine-growing areas. More than 30 grape varieties are cultivated at Iselisberg, where wine has been produced for over 30 years. Wine estates, restaurants and farm shops are located along the trail.

Rappenhof also combines wine with guided experiences. It welcomes groups of up to 30 people in its wine cellar and presents its wines; prior arrangement may be required. On Rappenhof’s wine-tasting days in November, traditional Treberwurst sausage is served with potato salad. A guided Seebachtal tour by Rappenhof explores a nature reserve of national importance, with regional wine enjoyed along the way. A guided tour of the three Ice Age lakes – Nussbaumersee, Hüttwilersee and Hasensee – is listed as lasting 90 minutes.

During a farm visit at Tobelackerhof in Buch, visitors can look inside a barn and learn more about farming and where milk, meat and eggs come from. Visiting arrangements may vary, so check in advance what is available.

Paths through the Seebachtal and vineyards

The municipality of Uesslingen-Buch lies between the Thur and the Seebachtal. Its network of cycling and hiking trails includes routes along the Thur and through vineyards. In the wider area around Buch, a footpath loops around Hüttwilersee and Nussbaumersee via farm tracks, wooden boardwalks and footpaths. Some sections may be closed seasonally to protect wildlife. The “Seebachtal Nature Paradise” hike loops around Hüttwilersee and Nussbaumersee; a hiking route in the Seebachtal also offers a detour to Helfenberg Castle ruins, between Hasensee and Hüttwilersee.

Guided excursions around the lakes in the Seebachtal introduce visitors to local history and various habitats. A 90-minute guided tour by Rappenhof visits all three lakes. This makes it easy to distinguish a guided outing with information about the landscape and history from exploring the trails independently.

Getting your bearings and conditions on the trails

The Seebachtal is a 15-minute walk from the Buch postbus stop. Check public transport connections before travelling. Three circular hiking routes start and end at the Buch bei Frauenfeld, Dorf railway station; they are part of the official hiking trail network. Check the route before setting out. The Thurgau Velosafari also passes through Buch bei Frauenfeld, among other places.

Much of the Seebachtal trail network is accessible on foot or by wheelchair for people with mobility impairments. The exceptions are the path north of Nussbaumersee and sections along the Seegraben and through the Moorwald. Check conditions before setting off. The Seebachtal can be explored by bicycle, but cycling is prohibited on the paths through the Moorwald, along the Seegraben and over the boardwalks. Follow current signs and check trail conditions.

Discover more destinations: Thundorf, Aadorf, Gachnang, Warth-Weiningen, Frauenfeld.

Go to the main travel overview: Frauenfeld.