A medieval castle, historic vehicles and thousands of years of settlement history give Arbon a range of cultural facets. There is also Lake Constance, a harbour and outdoor activities. Arbon lies on a peninsula on the lake’s southwestern shore, between Romanshorn and Rorschach. The town is known for its history and is the district capital of the Arbon district in the canton of Thurgau.
Castle, museums and history
The Arbon Historical Museum is housed in the medieval Arbon Castle, which has a defensive tower. It is considered the largest museum of local and regional history in Thurgau. Its permanent exhibition covers 5,500 years of settlement history on Lake Constance. The castle’s north and west walls also reveal older layers of the site: they stand on the foundations of a Roman fort.
Climbing to the tower room offers panoramic views. If this or a particular exhibition topic is important to you, check the latest information before your visit: the exhibition may be revised, and maintenance work may affect access to the tower.
The Saurer Museum focuses on commercial vehicles, engines, and embroidery and weaving machines made in Arbon. The collection includes around 20 historic vehicles, including lorries, buses, military and fire-service vehicles, and postal coaches. The size and composition of the collection may change slightly. Comparing the vehicles and machinery offers different insights into the museum’s technical collections.
The MoMö – Swiss Cider and Distillery Museum presents Möhl’s world of enjoyment in an informative and interactive way. The exhibition shows how apples and pears have been pressed, from methods used in past centuries to modern juice-making processes. It also offers insights into traditional and modern cider specialities, as well as the distilling of fruit brandies and other spirits.
The Bleiche 3 settlement offers a different perspective. It is particularly well preserved from the transitional period between the Pfyn and Horgen cultures and is dated to 3384–3370 BC. Excavations revealed the outlines of 26 houses, arranged in four rows and destroyed by a fire. The archaeological layers lie beneath a car park and several buildings, covered by several metres of sediment. An information sign at the site provides details about the find.
Lake Constance, the harbour and outdoor activities
Arbon Harbour has 650 berths and 30 guest berths, making it one of the largest harbours on the Swiss shore of Lake Constance. Capacity may change; check the current berth regulations if you wish to use a berth. Arbon also lies directly on the Lake Constance Cycle Path, a reference point for anyone planning a trip by bike.
Ferries and scheduled passenger boats can also be part of exploring the Lake Constance region. A boat trip can be combined with a cycling tour or a hike. Check the latest timetables if you plan to make such a connection; this information does not indicate a departure point in Arbon.
The Arbori Puzzle Trail leads through the old town and along the lake. Along the way, participants solve riddles and complete tasks. The trail brings together themes of the town and lakeshore without requiring a particular amount of time.
Arbon Swimming Pool offers direct access to the lake, a 50-metre and a 33-metre swimming pool, a non-swimmers’ pool and a children’s paddling pool. There is also a giant water slide and a 10-metre diving tower. The pool operates seasonally; check the latest operating information before your visit.
Arbon as a destination for finding accommodation
When looking for a hotel in Arbon, start by asking which themes you want your trip to focus on: the castle, museums and Bleiche 3 are all about history and technology, while the harbour, Lake Constance, cycle path and seasonal swimming pool offer a different focus. If you plan to go on a boat trip or swim, factor current timetables and seasonal operating information into your plans.
Discover more destinations: Kesswil, Sommeri, Uttwil, Dozwil, Amriswil, Hefenhofen, Romanshorn, Egnach.
See the main travel overview: Arbon.
