Arbon

A picturesque lakeside town with a beautifully preserved medieval old town, impressive castle ruins overlooking the water, and excellent beaches. Its waterfront charm and historic architecture make it one of the most attractive settlements on the Swiss side of Lake Constance.

Things to do

• Explore Arbon Castle Ruins — Climb through the medieval fortress remnants perched above the lake to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Constance and the surrounding landscape.
• Wander the Medieval Old Town — Stroll through narrow cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses, Renaissance fountains, and historic guild buildings in the well-preserved city center.
• Swim at City Beach — Access the sandy lakeside beach with water sports facilities, sunbathing areas, and views across to neighboring countries on Lake Constance.
• Visit the Roman Museum — Discover artifacts from Arbon's Roman period as the settlement of Arbor Felix, including pottery, coins, and historical documents revealing the town's ancient heritage.
• Cycle Along the Lake Constance Trail — Rent a bicycle and follow the scenic Bodensee Radweg that connects Arbon with surrounding villages and offers stunning water views.
• Tour the Textile Museum — Learn about Arbon's industrial heritage as a center of Swiss textile production through exhibits of machinery, fabrics, and local manufacturing history.

Food to try

• Lake Constance Whitefish — Fresh-caught felchen prepared simply grilled or pan-fried with local herbs, a signature dish reflecting the lake's bounty and culinary tradition.
• Appenzell Cheese — Sample the aromatic semi-hard cheese from the neighboring Appenzell region, often paired with local wines or served in fondue at lakeside restaurants.
• Mostbrot and Obstweggen — Try these traditional fruit breads from eastern Switzerland, dense with dried apples and pears, sold in local bakeries as a regional specialty.
• Lake Constance Perch — Enjoy barsch, a delicate freshwater fish caught locally and typically served filleted with butter and almonds at waterfront dining spots.
• Thurgau Wine — Taste the crisp white and light red wines produced in the Thurgau region's vineyards, available at local wine bars and restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Summer Lakeshore Festivals — Plan your visit around July-August when Arbon hosts outdoor concerts, markets, and evening events along the waterfront that reflect regional traditions.
• Punctuality and Quiet Hours — Swiss visitors expect trains, tours, and shops to operate on precise schedules, and respect quiet hours between 22:00 and 07:00 as standard custom.
• Local Wine Culture — Engage with the region's wine heritage by visiting small local vintners; Swiss custom values quality over quantity, and many serve modest tastings for modest fees.
• German Swiss Dialect — Locals speak Schweizerdeutsch rather than standard German, though most respond warmly to visitors attempting basic German greetings and showing cultural respect.