Our weekend in Thurgau
Discover...
... Would you like to combine nature enjoyment and fairytale fun with your family? The varied Thurgau Fable Trail, which leads along the western shore of Lake Constance from Steckborn via Oberfruthwilen to Ermatingen , makes this possible. You will need around three hours for the easy, eleven-kilometre-long family hike, depending on how much your family can be distracted by the mythical creatures at the 18 stations. There are also quiz questions and suggestions for games.
www.thurgau-bodensee.ch/fabelweg
... Of course, the Lake Constance-Rhine family cycle route is a little faster. The 25 kilometre section from Stein am Rhein to Kreuzlingen is mostly flat and takes just over two hours. This leaves you enough time for a picnic by the lake and a detour or two, for example in Salenstein to the Napoleon Museum in Arenenberg Castle, where the last Emperor of France, Napoleon III, lived from 1815 to 1838. Or at the end to the Seerheinbad Zellersguet in Tägerwilen.
Family cycle route: www.familienroute.ch
Napoleon Museum, Arenenberg, Salenstein: open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Cost: adults 12, children up to 16 years 5, families (2 adults, 2 children) 26 francs. www.napoleonmuseum.tg.ch
... What does the universe look like from Thurgau? After a visit to the planetarium in Kreuzlingen, you and your children will know more, as it brings the night sky within your grasp even in broad daylight. A projector projects the images onto the inside of the dome roof and provides new perspectives on astronomy.
Planetarium/observatory, Breitenrainstrasse 21, Kreuzlingen. Planetarium: adults 12, children and young people between 3 and 8 francs, families 30 francs. -Observatory: adults 7, young people up to 18 years 5 francs, children up to 10 years free. www.planetarium-kreuzlingen.ch
Enjoy...
... Did you know that every third apple consumed in Switzerland comes from Thurgau? If you want to find out more about this fruit and how it is grown, the apple trail in Altnau is a must. Three routes can be followed individually or combined, or you can also explore them by bike. The longest route takes you past apple orchards and fruit plantations over a distance of around seven kilometres. There are also 24 information stations with extra information boards for children, explaining how the blossom becomes an apple and everything that goes with it. Some picnic areas, where your children can also play, line the route.
Apple trail start: railway station/harbour, Altnau. www.apfelweg.ch
... An ideal excursion destination for families is the Plättli Zoo in Frauenfeld. Mammals and birds from all over the world can be observed in this small zoo. Those responsible endeavour to keep the animals in an animal-friendly manner and have already successfully implemented this, particularly with the raccoons, parrots, llamas and Barbary macaques. In addition to a petting zoo, there is a barbecue area and a playground for children of all ages to enjoy.
Plättli Zoo, Hertenstrasse 41, Frauenfeld. Open: daily from 9 am to 6 pm. Cost: adults 14, children (up to 15 years) 7 francs. www. plaettli-zoo.ch
Spend the night...
... Welcome to the Strohhotel! Yes, here you really can sleep in straw again. But on the idyllically situated farm of the Senn family on the edge of the village of Eschenz with a view of Lake Constance and the Rhine, you will also find a holiday flat (4 bedrooms with 10 beds, large living room, modern kitchen with dishwasher, bath, shower, WC and separate shower with WC) or a guest room for a few relaxing days. The offer includes: a giant trampoline, ping-pong, tschütteli box, hay castle jumping, straw castle building or feeding and playing with numerous tame farm animals.
Ueli and Uschi Senn, zum Frohsinn, Eschenz. Price example sleeping in straw, two adults and two children (3 to 12 years): 86 francs per night including breakfast, shower and taxes. www.strohhotel-senn.ch
... A holiday close to nature is also guaranteed at the Manserhof adventure campsite on the Täschliberg near Winden. There are no fixed pitches here, you can choose the pitch with the best view of Lake Constance from among the fruit trees. When the children are not playing with the farm's pony or horse, they can romp around on the playground with its large trampoline. If you don't have a tent or caravan, you can stay in a flat or mobile home. In the camping shop you will find many other farm products. There is also a fireplace for barbecuing.
Barbara and Dominik Manser, Täschliberg, Winden. Information and costs: www.manserferien.ch
Tip: The free Family Adventure Map brochure. It is available from Thurgau Tourism on 071 414 11 44 or at www.thurgau-bodensee.ch.