The tower of Frauenfeld Castle takes us far back in time: construction is believed to have begun around 1230. The castle is a cultural monument of national importance; the museum opened there in 1960 and brings almost 800 years of Thurgau history to life. Exploring Frauenfeld reveals a city whose history spans more than one era.
A historic city centre
Frauenfeld was founded in the 13th century as a fortified small town. The magnificent envoys’ houses of the cantons represented at the Tagsatzung (the Swiss Diet) recall a later chapter: the Diet met regularly in Frauenfeld between 1712 and 1798. The town hall also tells the story of this period. Built between 1791 and 1793, it features an impressive Diet hall. The envoys’ houses and the hall offer different insights into the city’s political history.
At the castle, the “Secret Middle Ages” exhibition shares historical knowledge through playful animations, atmospheric castle rooms and an informative tour. The Thurgau Historical Museum also offers specially designed, action-packed tours for families with children of all ages. The Guggenhürli offers another way to explore the past: this historic vineyard and summer house contains a small collection of objects recalling former residents of the summer residence of Minister Johann Konrad Kern (1808–1888), as well as thirty paintings by Frauenfeld illustrator and painter Martha Haffter (1873–1951). It is also available to small groups for gatherings.
Museums and special experiences
The Thurgau Museum of Archaeology and the Thurgau Museum of Nature are both located on Freie Strasse in the heart of the old town. Across four floors, the Archaeology Museum displays objects relating to everyday life in what is now Thurgau, from the Neolithic period to the Early Middle Ages. The Museum of Nature focuses on the region’s natural world: its three floors showcase more than 1,000 plant and animal specimens, many set in lifelike reconstructed landscapes. After visiting the exhibitions, you can relax at the café in the museum arcade or in the archaeobotanical garden.
Those who want to explore the city in a fun way can choose from several different puzzle activities. In city golf, all twelve stations are within walking distance, inviting you to discover Frauenfeld and its sights on foot. The Detective Trail leads you through 14 puzzles to a code for the treasure chest. On the “Echoes of the Past” crime trail, twelve stations and a variety of puzzles come together in a two-hour investigation. The activities differ in the number of puzzles and stations, and the crime trail also specifies how long it takes.
The Eisenwerk offers a different experience from the castle and town hall: it is housed in a disused screw factory that has been converted into a cooperative for living, working and culture. For a guided look inside the town hall, a tour takes you through winding corridors to the grand Bürgersaal (citizens’ hall).
Paths between the Murg and the city
Murg-Auen Park combines winding paths with the chance to spot beavers or kingfishers. The path along the Murg also links nature with the city’s early industrial history. Those interested in landscapes and regional connections can learn about flora, geology and ecology, forestry and local wildlife on the two-kilometre Loo Forest Trail. The path passes through woods and meadows. Frogs and dragonflies may be spotted at a small wetland; there is also a view of Frauenfeld and the lower Thur Valley.
A hiking trail follows the Murg through Frauenfeld and then leads to the railway station. A hike along the Murg ends at Frauenfeld railway station, where you can continue by train. There is also a bicycle station right next to the SBB railway station, with 125 bicycle spaces, six charging stations for e-bikes and a service area with a pump station.
Local produce and treats
At GNUSSRIICH, 20 producers present more than 120 products. The wine shop and speciality store are located in the Stadtkaserne, in the heart of Frauenfeld. At Brauhaus Frauenfeld, visitors can sample beers on site and buy other brewery products. The brewery also offers tours and a multi-course beer-and-dine menu. Alongside the city’s history and the paths along the Murg, local products and a glimpse inside the brewery are further ways to explore the area.
Discover more destinations: Frauenfeld, Buch bei Frauenfeld, Warth-Weiningen, Thundorf, Gachnang, Aadorf, Steckborn, Diessenhofen.
See the overview of destinations: Thurgau.
