A hands-on museum

GameScore in Münchwilen makes the museum an interactive experience: visitors can play and explore the exhibits themselves. The collection includes pinball machines from 1947 to the present day; individual exhibits may change. GameScore also offers ten VR escape room experiences. If you plan to try one, check the current offerings before setting out.

Münchwilen and Tannzapfenland

The district of Münchwilen is in the canton of Thurgau; its main town is Münchwilen. Its traditional landscape name is Hinterthurgau. In tourism and common usage, the region is also called Tannzapfenland. The Hörnli uplands are listed in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance.

In Münchwilen, the historic Villa Sutter offers a glimpse of 19th-century architecture and is surrounded by a park. Alfred-Sutter-Park lies in the center of town and covers more than 16,000 square metres. Check the current access rules before visiting. Another way to explore the area on foot is the Murguferweg: it leads from the town centre to Frauenfeld, passing barbecue areas and Rosentaler Weiher. Routes and recreational facilities may change on site.

Münchwilen has a direct motorway connection. Trains to Wil and Frauenfeld run every half hour, and sometimes every 15 minutes. Check the current timetable before travelling.

Monasteries, Chapels and Culture

Fischingen Abbey is a former Benedictine monastery with outstanding Baroque features. It was founded between 1133 and 1138 by Bishop Ulrich II of Constance at the urging of the Lords of Toggenburg; monks from Petershausen settled at the monastery. Since 1977, it has once again been home to a monastic community. The PILGRIM brewery tour introduces the history of brewing and offers a look inside the storage cellar, technical area and brewhouse, with its two copper kettles. The tours include six to eight beer samples.

The chapels also tell the story of the region’s architecture and faith. Oberwangen’s St. Martin’s Chapel has an octagonal domed structure with a lantern. Albert Knoepfli described its high altar as a “true wonder of peasant Baroque.” The Chapel of St. Margaret in Münchwilen was built in 1641–1642 and is listed among Münchwilen’s cultural properties. It is regularly visited by pilgrims on the Way of St. James.

The former Tobel Commandery of the Knights Hospitaller has a history stretching back almost 800 years. It is one of the most important cultural and architectural monuments in the canton of Thurgau and is protected as a cultural property of national importance. Its year-round cultural programme includes children’s events, concerts and magic shows; individual events may change. It is therefore worth checking the current dates when planning a visit.

Agrotechnorama Tänikon near Aadorf traces the development of agricultural technology: from horse-drawn power to the tractor, from the threshing flail to the combine harvester, and from the scythe to the mowing machine. The permanent exhibition is housed in the monastery barn of the former Tänikon Cistercian convent and features 750 exhibits across 1,800 square metres. There are no regular opening hours; groups of all sizes are welcomed for guided tours.

Exploring on Foot and by Bike

For a shorter walk, the 2.5-kilometre Froschlaichweg is an easy to moderate option. The route through Renetal passes a forest nature trail, a biotope and the Riesenberg picnic area; along the way, natural attractions alternate with scenic views. Route 7, “Around the Lake,” is described as a relaxed loop with lake views and is also suitable for a Sunday stroll.

The bat nature trail is about six kilometres long and has picnic spots along the way. It shares information about native bat species and passes through various hunting grounds and habitats. For a longer ride, the “Genussvolle Perle” route covers 34.18 kilometres with 892 metres of elevation gain. It follows country roads through the forest, past viewpoints and ponds; the final stretch is a trail through the forest to Klosterweiher.

The Thurgau Circular Hiking Trail branches off north from the main Wil–Frauenfeld road by the post office in Münchwilen and follows the left bank of the Murg. The trail from Münchwilen to Affeltrangen offers views across the Murg Valley to the Hörnli. This route combines riverside navigation with views extending beyond the valley.

There are also different types of cycling tours. The Herzschlaufe 999 leads from Wil through the forested Tannzapfenland to Fischingen Abbey. It is 95 kilometres long and follows low-traffic roads. In Fischingen, TopTrail Tannzapfenland offers a varied mountain bike trail network of around 4.8 kilometres. The three signposted loops can be ridden individually as circuits, combined or repeated; check the current trail route before setting off. Guided hikes and bike tours are also offered in Tannzapfenland and can be tailored to different groups. They are planned to last around 2.5 to 3 hours; confirm the current arrangements before booking.

Discover more destinations: Münchwilen, Wuppenau, Sirnach, Lommis, Fischingen, Diessenhofen, Frauenfeld, Weinfelden.

Back to the main travel overview: Thurgau.