Explore Altnau through its Apple Trail, Lake Constance and architectural heritage. For planning your visit, there are three distinct options: a walk along the Apple Trail, time by the water, or a look at the churches and historic buildings.
Apple Trail: Choose a route length and theme
Altnau’s Apple Trail comprises three routes that can be combined into circular walks of five, six or seven kilometres. You can choose the length of your walk based on the distances provided. The 24 information boards, which include activity stations, focus on fruit growing. You can explore the trail on foot, by bike or in a horse-drawn carriage.
Nature watching offers another focus: on the green “Emma” route west of Altnau, you can observe wild bees and honeybees. East of Altnau, the Apple Trail runs through apple orchards beneath the bright red apple “Lisi”. The route lengths and ways of getting around provide a practical basis for planning; once there, take the conditions on each route into account.
Apple season and local produce
The events calendar features two recurring dates: the Bluescht-Fäscht takes place every year on 1 May, and the traditional Altnau Apple Weeks are held each September. They last two weeks and include a culinary and themed programme centred on apples. The event concludes with an autumn market. If you are planning an overnight stay around an event, these dates can help you choose when to visit. Check the event details in advance, as individual programme items may change.
The Feierlenhof farm shop stocks various apple and pear varieties, along with other seasonal fruit. The selection also includes farm-produced apple juice, the sparkling Apfeltraum and various liqueurs; availability may vary. At Feierlenhof, cyclists and walkers can also find refreshments and a quiet place to take a break.
Pier and swimming beach on Lake Constance
The 270-metre-long landing pier serves the large passenger ships of Swiss Bodensee Schifffahrt. From there, you can look out across Lake Constance and the surrounding lakeshore. After dark, ground lights transform the pier into an illuminated walkway. If you are planning a boat trip, check the timetable before your visit, as sailing times may vary.
Altnau swimming beach is free of charge. The facilities include a large sunbathing lawn shaded by poplar trees, public barbecue areas and amenities with toilets, showers and changing cubicles. Check the current availability of the facilities before your visit. The beach can be reached by train, boat, on foot or by bike; parking is available nearby.
A small platform attached to the pier lets you jump into the water. You can sunbathe on a raft. Water conditions and local rules may vary, so follow the guidance on site.
Churches and history in Altnau
The Reformed Church of Altnau stands on a rise formed by the Lake Constance glacier during the Ice Age. It was inaugurated in 1812 and is a neoclassical rendered building with a pointed-helmet tower, set within a walled cemetery. The Catholic Church of St Martin also stands in a walled cemetery; it is a gabled building with a pointed-helmet tower. The two churches therefore offer different architectural forms, while the walled cemetery is a feature they share.
The historic Oberdorf ensemble offers a broader architectural picture. It comprises secular and religious buildings from the 17th to the 19th centuries, all aligned in the same direction. This shared alignment brings the different types of buildings together as an ensemble. Altnau’s earlier history is also linked to its church and estate: in the 8th century, the Abbey of St Gall held property in Altnau. In 1155, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa confirmed the ownership rights to the Altnau estate and church held by the cathedral chapter of Constance.
Discover more destinations: Bottighofen, Güttingen, Langrickenbach, Münsterlingen, Salenstein, Kreuzlingen, Ermatingen, Tägerwilen.
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