Mammern lies on the southern shore of Lake Untersee; the border between Germany and Switzerland runs through the lake. Stein am Rhein is four kilometres to the west. The village combines trails with views across the lake and a remarkable architectural history. During your stay, you can explore hikes, churches and historic sites, taking time to appreciate what makes each stop distinctive.
Hiking trails with different highlights
The “Auf dem Höhenweg” hiking trail starts at Mammern railway station. It first climbs through vineyards into the forest; along the way, views of Lake Untersee open up repeatedly. The route is 9.6 kilometres long and takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes. Check trail conditions before setting out. If you are looking for an approximate walking time and distance to help plan your hike, both are provided for this trail.
The Klingenzell-Hochwacht circular trail offers a different route: it leads from Mammern uphill to Klingenzell, continues to the Hochwacht barbecue area, and then returns to Mammern. There are plenty of places to sit along the route and a public fire pit near Hochwacht. The circular trail offers views north across Lake Untersee and the Rhine to southern Germany. In good visibility, the panorama extends south to the Alps. The two routes therefore differ in the planning details provided: the Höhenweg gives a stated distance and approximate duration, while the circular trail highlights the sequence of places and the return to Mammern.
The medieval ruins of Neuburg Castle lie above Mammern. They are the most important and largest castle complex on the southern shore of Lake Untersee, and also the best preserved. The ruins can only be reached on foot; two information panels explain their history. There is a barbecue area and play equipment at the site. If you plan to visit the castle, you can combine exploring its history with a stop at these facilities, but bear in mind that access is on foot.
Churches, windows and castle history
The pilgrimage church in Klingenzell was built by master builder Johann Dobler after a fire in 1704/05. The Church of the Seven Sorrows of Mary offers magnificent views across Lake Untersee. Its history and setting provide two distinct highlights: the church’s construction after the fire, and the views across the lake.
At the New Castle in Mammern, the main building has been preserved in its essential form to this day. The castle chapel was built in 1749–50 on the commission of Rheinau Abbey; its master builder was Michael Beer of Bildstein. The Catholic Church of St. Blasius also brings together architecture and individual works of art. It was consecrated in 1915 and has an interior with delicate neo-Gothic features and figures. The church is legally protected and classified as particularly valuable. The Blasius window, created by Carl Elmpt in 1913, depicts Saint Blaise holding two crossed candles.
The Protestant church was built in 1910/11 following the fire that destroyed the old shared church and the end of the shared arrangement. Gustav Bühler and Friedrich Gilg of Amriswil designed it in the Heimatstil style. Its stained-glass windows depict standing figures of Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli, alongside ornamental windows based on designs by Carl Roesch from 1911. The church is open during the day, with hymn books, Bibles and a guest book available. Prehistoric pile dwellings were also found in the “Langhorn” area of Mammern. Since 2011, the site has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps.”
Getting here and staying by the lake
Mammern is connected by the Schaffhausen–Rorschach main road and has a railway station on the Seelinie line. Scheduled boats operated by the Untersee and Rhine Shipping Company (URh) run daily from April to October between Kreuzlingen and Schaffhausen, stopping at Mammern. Check the current timetable when planning your trip. Visitors can find inspiration and practical information about the region at the tourism information centre in Mammern.
In summer, Mammern’s public bathing area is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. From the bathing area, the sunset offers a particularly beautiful view. As it is open seasonally, check access before your visit. Time by the lake complements the trails, churches and historic sites, offering different ways to discover Mammern.
Discover more destinations: Homburg, HĂĽttwilen, Pfyn, Eschenz, Berlingen, MĂĽllheim Dorf, Steckborn, Wagenhausen.
Go to the main travel overview: Steckborn.
