Arbon lies directly on Lake Constance, but its history encompasses far more than life on the lakeshore today: Two pile dwelling settlements in Arbon have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps” since 2011. At the Historical Museum in Arbon Castle, the permanent exhibition takes visitors through 5,500 years of settlement history on Lake Constance. Original finds, documents, scale models, pictures and photographs offer different perspectives on this long period of time.
Roman traces and castle views
The Historical Museum is housed in medieval Arbon Castle and is the largest local and regional history museum in Thurgau. The castle’s north and west walls stand on the foundations of the late Roman fort of Arbor Felix, which dates back to AD 250. The Roman-era exhibition includes a 145-kilogram lead ingot and a model of a heated Roman bathhouse. From the castle tower, the view stretches across Lake Constance, the Germany–Austria–Liechtenstein border triangle, the orchards of Upper Thurgau and the Säntis massif: Here, tangible historical evidence meets sweeping views of the landscape.
Churches and art in the city
The churches also reveal different periods of construction. The Catholic Church of St. Martin has a core dating from the 12th century, a late Gothic choir from 1490, a nave built between 1786 and 1789, and a tower dating from 1457 with an upper structure added in 1895. Gallus Chapel is a Romanesque building with a polygonal choir dating from 1768 to 1770; remains of the medieval town wall have also been preserved.
Since 1993, Kunsthalle Arbon has presented contemporary art in the former halls of metal goods manufacturer Schädler. Admission is free; check the current arrangements before your visit. The ARtBON collection offers another way to experience contemporary art, with works by artists from Switzerland and neighbouring countries displayed across an extensive site. Public guided tours take place from April to October on the first Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. Check the date before your visit.
Out and about on Lake Constance
The three-kilometre lakeside path is perfect for strolling on foot, cycling or inline skating. Arbon is also directly on the Lake Constance Cycle Path. Pedal boats and boats can be rented at the harbour; from there, you can take boat trips with the “Weisse Flotte” (White Fleet). Rentals and excursions are seasonal, so it is worth checking availability before your trip.
There are several places to enjoy a swim. Opened in 1933, Arbon’s lido is a heritage-protected bathing facility in the Bauhaus style. Its amenities include a large sunbathing lawn, partly shaded by mature trees, a children’s paddling pool and a spacious play area. Arbon swimming pool has direct access to the lake, a 50-metre and a 33-metre swimming pool, a non-swimmer pool, a children’s paddling pool, a giant waterslide and a 10-metre diving tower.
Museums and hands-on experiences
The Saurer Museum houses around 20 historic vehicles, including trucks, buses, military and fire service vehicles, and postal buses. The textile machines are fully set up and operational, and some are put into operation during guided tours. The Saurer Museum by the Lake is wheelchair accessible, including its toilet facilities. If you are visiting during construction work, confirm accessibility in advance.
At the Swiss Cider and Distillery Museum MoMö, an informative, interactive discovery tour takes you through the Möhl world of good taste. The cider-making tour offers insights into the production of traditional Thurgau apple wines and the Möhl family’s modern cider creations; it also includes a tasting of typical Thurgau juice specialities. The museum visit brings together production methods and regional drinks.
Activities and playful discovery are also part of what Arbon has to offer. ArboPark is a 6,000-square-metre indoor leisure centre with more than 20 experiences, including a go-kart track, DriftPark with its winding course, and the CUBE Challenges. The Arbori Puzzle Trail invites you to explore Arbon’s old town and the lake in a fun way. On the bookable PADL Trail, the route leads from Buchhorn beach along the lakeshore towards the historic old town by SUP or kayak. Along the way, there are tasks and hidden clues to find on the water and in the old town. The activity depends on beach access and the weather; check the conditions in advance.
Plan your journey
Arbon is on the Zurich–Rorschach and Schaffhausen–Chur railway lines. There are frequent bus services between Arbon, the city of St. Gallen and the nearby region. Check the current timetable for specific departure times.
Discover more destinations: Romanshorn, Kesswil, Horn, Amriswil, Uttwil, Arbon, Sommeri, Dozwil, Hefenhofen, Egnach.
View the main travel overview: Thurgau.
