Romanshorn, September 23, 2025 - Thurgau has been nicknamed "Cider India" since 1853. No wonder: with over 200,000 standard trees, millions of liters of cider and a centuries-old apple tradition, the canton is Switzerland's apple chamber. In autumn, this heritage is shown from its most enjoyable side: with stories, hiking and cycling routes, family experiences and culinary highlights all about apples. From cider pressing in the MoMö to the Altnau apple trail and the best cider cake in Switzerland, everything in Thurgau revolves around the fruit of paradise.
From myth to experience
The term "Mostindien" first appeared in the 19th century in the satirical magazine Postheiri. A tongue-in-cheek neologism inspired by the rich cider in Thurgau and the map of the canton, whose shape is reminiscent of India. Since then, the apple has been inextricably linked with the image of Thurgau in fairy tales, myths and everyday stories. Here in Thurgau , the apple still plays the leading role today: you can experience it, touch it, taste it and bite into it.
Adrian Braunwalder, Managing Director of Thurgau Tourism, sums it up with a smile: "For me, autumn is the more beautiful summer - the colors are brighter, the cuisine is richly filled and our region is pleasantly relaxed. Anyone who has experienced it knows that an apple in Thurgau always tastes that little bit better."
Autumnal indulgence: harvesting, pressing, tasting
At Momö, the cidery and distillery museum in Arbon, the focus is on apples. Guests can press their own cider, discover the world of high-stem trees and learn how tradition and craftsmanship have given rise to an entire culture. The Möhl family has been producing cider with fruit from the region since 1895.
Family time - between apple trees and marble runs
The Altnau apple trail brings the world of apples to life for families: children and adults can learn all about the fruit of paradise at interactive stations and adventure boards. "The most beautiful apples are always the ones you can't reach", as the saying goes. The opposite is true on the apple trail and ball track trail: here they are within reach, or you can roll them yourself.
The apple trail between Frauenfeld and Matzingen is not about apples, but also about round companions. The balls roll around on 12 different ball tracks. A play and nature experience that not only makes children's eyes light up.
Sweet tradition - the Nafzger cider cake
Anyone enjoying autumn in Thurgau should definitely make a stop in Wängi: The Nafzger Mosttorte is considered to be the best far and wide. Refined with fine cider, it is a sweet emblem of Thurgau and delicious proof that cider doesn't just belong in a glass.
Crisp facts to amazeyou
- Over 200,000 standard trees bloom at the same time in spring.
- Typical of Eastern Switzerland: "Ghürotne" - the refreshing blend of sweet and sour cider.
- Switzerland's largest orchard: Thurgau is home to around 2,000 hectares of fruit trees. No other canton has more apple trees.
- Endless variety: Over 200 different apple varieties grow in Thurgau - from old rarities to modern dessert apples.
- Shorley cult: Over 20 million liters of Shorley leave the Möhl cider factory in Arbon every year - cult status throughout Switzerland included.
And autumn in Thurgau is just like a fresh apple: colorful, crisp and full of flavor. When the apple trees bear their fruit, the forests turn golden and the vineyards glow in warm shades of red. As well as apples, wine is now also in high season - with atmospheric walks through the autumnal vines, the rustling of leaves underfoot and fine wines in the glass. Autumn in Thurgau combines nature and enjoyment in a unique way and invites you to discover cider India with all your senses.
Further information can be found at
www.thurgau-bodensee.ch/herbst
You can find suitable images including copyrights here.
Contact:
Thurgau Tourism
Miriam Fischer | Communication
Tel. +41 71 531 01 41, miriam.fischer@thurgau-bodensee.
