Contemplative on the road

Slow tourism counteracts our fast-paced and hectic everyday life. Discovering and experiencing can also be done slowly, sustainably and sensibly. Stroll through the gentle green landscapes of Thurgau, explore natural areas and animal worlds or experience local craftsmanship: The following experiences in the Thurgau Constance region slow you down and inspire you far away from the stress of everyday life.

The healing bath in the Thurgau forest

A recognized form of therapy in Japan that is supported by health insurance, forest bathing is still largely unknown here. The Japanese call it shinrin-yoku, which translates as "bathing in the forest atmosphere". So it has nothing to do with swimming trunks and getting wet. Rather, forest bathing involves immersing the whole body in the air, which is enriched with healing substances and emanates from forest plants. Guided mindfulness and relaxation exercises help you slow down and experience the Thurgau forest with all your senses. Waldbaderei Illighausen offers a range of activities from taster sessions to whole weekends.

Watching waterfowl on Lake Constance

Lake Constance is a bird paradise. The Seerhein and the Ermatingen Basin in particular have a very high level of biodiversity. Over 50 percent of all water birds on Lake Constance live here. Their fascinating world can be explored on the Untersee and Rhine (URh) shipping company's bird cruise from Kreuzlingen and Constance. An expert from the Thurgau bird protection organization is on board and provides fascinating background information about the feathered inhabitants and the ecology of Lake Constance during the one-hour trip. Binoculars are available for hire.

Book birdwatching

Alfred Vogel's medicinal plants

The EchinaPoint experience center is dedicated to the exciting history of naturopathy. The production and mode of action of herbal medicines as well as the life and work of naturopathy pioneer Alfred Vogel are explored with all the senses. Incidentally, the name EchinaPoint comes from Alfred Vogel's favorite plant, echinacea, the red coneflower. He brought this plant back to Switzerland from a trip to America in the 1950s. Echinacea is still used today to strengthen the immune system, among other things. The experience center is open daily and admission is free.

Further information

Alpaca balance hike

On the Alpaka-Zauber Güttingen balance hike, yoga teacher Jacqueline Baumann takes guests on a two-hour journey through nature. A handful of incredibly cute alpacas accompany them. Stops are made for breathing and yoga exercises at places of power by the lake, in forests and in fields. The fluffy alpacas, which are said to have a calming effect on humans, are always close at hand. No previous knowledge of yoga is necessary.

Book balance hikes with alpacas

Along the Thurgau farm gardens

Magnificent timber-framed houses and romantic farm gardens in all shapes and colors are as much a part of the Thurgau landscape as the Amen in church. Although the original need for self-sufficiency has become less important, many farmers still tend their gardens with dedication. Various routes on foot or by bike allow you to experience this blooming diversity in Thurgau's rural cultural heritage. Some gardens are always accessible, others can be explored from the garden fence. On selected days, all the gardens are open and enthusiastic gardeners invite you to take a guided tour.

Further information

Making must at the Mausacker organic farm

Organic farmer Hans Oppikofer cultivates around 500 high-stem apple trees on his Mausacker farm above Arbon. A sustainable and respectful approach to nature is important to him. You can taste it in the apple juice. You get more flavor in the apple from the high trunk. More leaves, better fruit ripening. More roots, better nutrient uptake. But how is the fruit turned into cider? From July to November, on Friday mornings, cider is made at the Mausacker organic farm. You can experience what it takes to do this with Hans, with the opportunity to lend a hand yourself.

Further information

Thurgau circular hiking trail

The 200-kilometre Thurgau circular hiking trail is probably the most peaceful and leisurely way to discover the Lake Constance canton of Thurgau . The well-signposted circular hiking trail leads through the green expanses and to the most beautiful places in the region. Past 25 small lakes and almost as many castles and palaces. Along Lake Constance, a combination with a boat trip is particularly beautiful and relaxes tired hiking legs.

Further information about the route

Lake Constance Canoe Trail

With a length of 44 kilometers, the Lake Constance Canoe Trail leads from Kreuzlingen across the Rhine to Schaffhausen. You glide past historic castles and imposing monasteries. But the natural shoreline with all its inhabitants, cradled by wind and waves, is also fascinating. On the two-day tour, you have the opportunity to visit charming bathing spots, cozy harbor restaurants and tranquil fishing villages. Canoe rental stations can be found all along the shores of Lake Constance.

Canoe rental stations

Barefoot on the Nollen

The barefoot trail near Wuppenau surprises the soles of your feet with completely new sensory impressions on a four or seven-kilometre route. Meadows, streams, forest floors and sensory stations alternate with short stony or asphalted sections. A wonderful view of the Seerücken, Lake Constance and the Alpstein along the way is included.

To the route

Spirituality and places of power in Thurgau

Silence and slowness can also be found in the Thurgau Constance region behind the time-honored walls of former and active monasteries, castles and architectural monuments. Go on a pilgrimage along the Way of St. James to Fischingen Monastery, pray with the monks, receive the pilgrim's blessing or linger in a former monk's cell - here, those seeking peace and quiet can experience spirituality and sensuality. Healthy eating in the spirit of Hildegard von Bingen or self-care at the Bio-Hotel Schloss Wartegg round off the range of offers.

A pilgrimage through Thurgau

Audio guide for fair travel on Lake Constance

The Fairführer smartphone app shows users sustainable offers from people and companies in the immediate vicinity. Stories and background information in the form of exciting audio clips make it the ideal travel companion for conscious travelers.

More about the fair guide