Kreuzlingen

The largest city in Thurgau, situated directly on Lake Constance with a charming medieval old town and vibrant waterfront promenade. It serves as the region's cultural and economic hub, offering excellent museums, dining, and access to the lake.

Things to do

• Seeburg Castle — A historic lakeside castle offering guided tours and scenic views across Lake Constance from its tower and grounds.
• Lake Constance Waterfront Promenade — A picturesque walking and cycling path along the shoreline with parks, beaches, and unobstructed views of the Alps and opposite shore.
• Rosgartenmuseum — A regional museum housed in a historic building displaying local archaeological finds, medieval artifacts, and Thurgau cultural history.
• Medieval Old Town (Altstadt) — Narrow cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses, charming shops, and cafés offering a glimpse into 15th and 16th-century architecture.
• Napoleonmuseum — A quirky private collection housed in a lakeside villa documenting Napoleonic history and memorabilia related to the emperor's connection to the region.
• Egg Museum (Eiermuseum) — A unique museum showcasing an extensive collection of decorated and historical eggs from around the world.
• Rheinfall Excursion — Europe's largest waterfall is just 15 minutes away in nearby Schaffhausen, easily reachable by train or bus for a half-day trip.

Food to try

• Bodensee Felchen — A delicate freshwater whitefish caught from Lake Constance, typically prepared simply with butter and lemon to highlight its tender, flaky texture.
• Thurgau Apfelwein — A local apple cider produced from regional orchards, slightly tart and refreshing, often served as a regional aperitif or table beverage.
• Älplermagronen — Alpine pasta and potato dish layered with cheese and fried onions, reflecting the Swiss-Alpine culinary heritage of the Thurgau region.
• Muscheln (Lake Constance Mussels) — Freshwater mussels from the lake prepared in white wine and garlic, available seasonally and considered a local delicacy in waterfront restaurants.
• Thurgau Organic Produce Market — Weekly farmers' markets in the old town square offering fresh local vegetables, cheese, bread, and regional specialties directly from producers.

Local customs & good to know

• Lake Culture and Swimming — Swimming and water activities are central to summer life in Kreuzlingen, with designated beach areas and public bathing culture; visitors should pack swimwear year-round.
• Border Town Proximity — Kreuzlingen sits directly across from Konstanz, Germany, and crossing the border is simple and frequent; many locals shop and socialize on both sides of the border.
• Punctuality and Cycling — Swiss precision applies here—trains and buses arrive exactly on time, and cycling is the preferred local transport; respect cycling lanes and always lock your bike.
• Quiet Sundays Tradition — Most shops close on Sunday afternoons and Mondays are slow; plan major shopping and visits to museums for weekday afternoons when things are fully operational.