Thurtal Valley

Thurtal

A scenic rural valley in central Thurgau offering pristine countryside, hiking trails, and charming farming villages representative of traditional Swiss rural life. It provides a peaceful counterpoint to the busier lake region.

Things to do

• Hiking to Säntis foothills — Well-marked trails wind through rolling meadows and forests from the valley floor toward the northern slopes of the Säntis massif, offering moderate day hikes with panoramic views.
• Visit Amriswil village church — The historic Reformed church in nearby Amriswil showcases Appenzell-style architecture and provides insight into the region's religious heritage.
• Cycle the Thurtal Valley route — A scenic cycling path follows the Thur River through the valley, connecting traditional farming hamlets and offering flat to gently rolling terrain.
• Explore working dairy farms — Many family-run farms offer seasonal visits where you can observe traditional cheese-making and Alpine dairy practices still central to the valley economy.
• Walk the Thur riverbank trails — Peaceful riverside paths reveal wetlands, native flora, and birdwatching opportunities along the Thur, a key tributary of the Rhine.

Food to try

• Appenzeller cheese — This protected-origin cheese with herbs and spices is produced by dairies throughout the region and tastes distinctly of the Alpine meadows where the cows graze.
• Älplermagronen — A hearty alpine dish of noodles, potatoes, cheese, and onions baked together, representing the rustic comfort food of Appenzell and Thurgau valleys.
• Bratwurst from local butchers — Farm-fresh sausages made from pork raised in the valley's farms, sold at village markets and small butcher shops with recipes passed down through generations.
• Thurgau apple cider and perry — Local orchards produce tart apple cider and pear perry (most-birnmost) that are served fresh or slightly fermented at farm stands and village inns.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect farmland and gates — Many fields and properties are working agricultural land; always close gates behind you and stick to marked public paths to maintain good relations with farmers.
• Shop at weekly village markets — Small hamlets hold farmers' markets on specific weekdays where you'll find fresh local produce, cheese, and meet neighbors—these are social hubs of valley life.
• Learn basic Swiss German greetings — The locals speak Appenzell dialect; learning 'Grüezi' (hello) and 'Merci viu' (thank you very much) is warmly appreciated and opens doors in rural communities.