On the southern shore of Lake Constance, on the Untersee, Tägerwilen offers several travel highlights: castle history, traditional technology, outdoor trails and swimming. For a short break, it is worth choosing according to your interests first. A visit to some cultural sites requires prior arrangement.
Local History and Schloss Castell
The history of settlement in Tägerwilen dates back to the Alemanni settlement in the 7th or 8th century. The village was first mentioned in a document in 990 under the name Tegirwilare. Its history is closely linked to neighbouring Konstanz. This includes the castle and Schloss Castell, built next to it later on.
Schloss Castell is one of Switzerland’s most significant historicist castle complexes. One special feature is the Moorish Hall: built between 1891 and 1894 in the newly constructed east tower, it is one of the best-preserved neo-Moorish interiors from the late 19th century. The hall was commissioned by Adrian August Gonzalvo Maximilian von Scherer (1848–1901). Its details give the site an architectural-historical dimension that extends beyond its long history of settlement.
Ruins and Cultural Sites
The Castell ruins are open to the public, and guided tours are available. Check the current visiting conditions and tour dates before your visit. The Chastel ruins cover an area of around 20 × 100 metres and are among the largest castle complexes in Thurgau.
The Old Sawmill dates from the mid-19th century and is a water-powered single-blade sawmill. It is demonstrated by arrangement. It can be reached on the Thurbo S1 line via Tägerwilen Gottlieben station; check the current timetable for your journey. This makes it possible to plan a visit to this historic technology in advance, rather than assuming you can visit without prior arrangement.
The Ernst Kreidolf Room in the municipal building displays several original works by the artist. Prior arrangement may be required to access the room. If you would like to visit several cultural sites, take their different access conditions into account when planning your schedule.
Trails, Cycling and Water
The Gripspfad features eleven different exercises designed to stimulate and maintain the mental fitness of young and old alike. It starts at the official car park for the ruins, at the southernmost end of Grüntalstrasse.
Since autumn 2024, signposted everyday cycling routes have been available in the northern and southern parts of the municipality, away from the main road. Among other things, they offer an alternative to the existing leisure cycling route in Tägermoos. If you are cycling, you can therefore distinguish these everyday routes from the leisure route in Tägermoos.
Tägermoos is part of the Federal Inventory of Fens of National Importance. Another specific route with a themed focus runs along the Untersee from Tägerwilen to Steckborn: the vineyard hiking trail shares information about regional winegrowing. Check the latest trail details before setting out.
Kuhhorn bathing area has a gently sloping entry into the water, which is particularly suitable for families, as well as a lawn with shade-giving trees. This offers a different focus from the cultural sites or trails: swimming and a shady place to relax are the main attractions here.
The Kreuzlingen holiday region and the international Lake Constance region provide the context for further visits to the area. The Thurgau Tourism information office in Kreuzlingen provides an overview and helps with planning holidays and short breaks.
Whether you choose Tägerwilen for its castle history, outdoor activities or a stay by the water, its offerings cater to different interests.
Discover more destinations: Münsterlingen, Langrickenbach, Altnau, Salenstein, Ermatingen, Güttingen, Wäldi, Lipperswil
For the overall travel guide: Kreuzlingen.
