A pilgrimage through Thurgau

In the past, pilgrims set off on a long, often dangerous journey from Germany via Lake Constance to famous pilgrimage sites such as Rome or Santiago de Compostela. Today, many make pilgrimages to escape everyday life, to be in nature and to find themselves. The "Via Jacobi" in Thurgau is a perfect introduction for beginners or pilgrimage enthusiasts. On the way from Lake Constance to Fischingen Monastery, you can breathe in the pilgrimage air in the tranquil natural surroundings and receive a pilgrim's blessing in the monastery.

From Lake Constance to Santiago de Compostela?

Pilgrimage in Thurgau? Yes, it is possible. From Kreuzlingen on Lake Constance to Fischingen Monastery in Tannzapfenland , the Via Jacobi, as the pilgrimage route is called, leads right across the canton of Lake Constance. The manageable 44 kilometers are covered in two longer or, even better, three leisurely stages on route 4. Pilgrimage for beginners, so to speak. Thanks to the powerful final destination, the Benedictine monastery of Fischingen, and the gentle, tranquil Thurgau countryside, pilgrimage here is no less contemplative and a good place to start. Santiago de Compostela comes later.

The path to yourself - and to Weinfelden

In the past, pilgrimage was a journey of hardship, often for religious reasons. Today, the path is safe and offers the opportunity to find peace and quiet. The Via Jacobi begins in Kreuzlingen and leads through the Bommer Weiher nature reserve, with views of Lake Constance. The quiet path over the Seerücken helps you clear your head. Along the flank of the Ottenberg, pilgrims reach the pretty little town of Weinfelden.

Stop in Weinfelden and Münchwilen

As the town's name suggests, excellent wine is grown in Weinfelden. The Gasthof Eisenbahn near the train station has a variety of fine wines from the vineyards on the menu. The food here is made from Thurgau produce, seasonal and quite simply delicious. Tired pilgrims can also spend the night in the family-run restaurant. The next day, the route continues through the Thurgau hinterland to Münchwilen. After around four and a half hours of walking, you can spend the night here at the Hotel Münchwilen.

"Formerly the fulfillment of a vow or an imposed penance - today the path to oneself."

Stage destination: Fischingen Monastery

The next morning, we continue on the Thurgau Way of St. James towards one of the most contemplative and remote corners of Thurgau; the Tannzapfenland. After Münchwilen and Sirnach, there are only sleepy little villages, meadows and fir trees along the way. Around two hours' walk later, at the far end of the valley, in a peaceful green landscape, the Fischingen monastery awaits pilgrims. Here you can spend the night in simple multi-bed pilgrim accommodation as well as in the monastery hotel in former monks' cells with stylish architecture and monastic accents.

The place of power at the end

The destination of a pilgrimage is the place of pilgrimage; a place of special religious significance, a shrine. There is hardly a place in Thurgau that deserves this description more than Fischingen Monastery. Five Benedictine monks still live and work here today. Those interested can attend their services and receive a pilgrim's blessing in the Idda Chapel.

"Right" and continue your pilgrimage?

For pilgrims who want to go further, the route to Fischingen leads via Einsiedeln to Rome or Santiago de Compostela to the tomb of St. James. The rest of the route network, including a list of simple pilgrim accommodation, can be found on the Camino Europe website. By the way: if you want to stay in pilgrims' accommodation regularly, you need a pilgrim's pass. Last tip: to make yourself recognizable as a pilgrim, order a scallop shell if you wish.

Camino Europe