On the southern shore of Lake Untersee, opposite Reichenau Island, Ermatingen brings the lakeshore and local history together. The village lies on the western arm of Lake Constance and combines varied scenery with cultural attractions and a themed hiking trail. During your stay, you can choose between a longer hike, exploring the area’s history, or going for walks and cycling tours.
Lakeshore, vineyards and trails
The municipality stretches from the lakeshore, at around 396 metres above sea level, to the Seerücken ridge at 613 metres. The landscape includes vineyards, meadows, forests and lakeshore scenery. Ermatingen has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters; its varied surroundings are well suited to walks and cycling tours. Fishing and the cultivation of grain, fruit and wine shaped the village’s historical character. This combination of lake and agriculture gives the place a different focus from a hiking stop alone.
Ermatingen is a village and political municipality in the canton of Thurgau, in the district of Kreuzlingen. The surrounding area also has a rich cultural history: Ermatingen and Triboltingen, as well as the Untersee castle landscape, are listed in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property of National Importance. Prehistoric pile-dwelling remains can be found in sheltered bays along the lake. The lakeside settlements of Westerfeld and BĂĽĂĽge yielded finds from the Pfyn, Horgen and Corded Ware cultures.
Church, museum and village history
The shared St. Albin Church was first mentioned in a document in 1215 and is of outstanding cultural and historical significance. It is used jointly by Protestant and Catholic congregations. Here, the term “shared” also describes its joint use, which is part of this historic building’s distinctive character.
The Vinorama Museum Ermatingen shares insights into the history of viticulture on Lake Untersee. Its coverage of regional history also includes notable people, buildings and important events. The museum offers guided tours; if you plan to take one, check the latest visiting and tour times in advance. This makes it easy to fit a museum visit into a stay that also leaves time for the church or the lakeside landscape.
Groppen Fasnacht and local tradition
Groppen Fasnacht is celebrated on Laetare Sunday, three weeks before Easter. The exact calendar date therefore changes from year to year. Its origins probably lie in an ancient Germanic spring festival held by local fishermen and are associated with the first catch of the burbot. Historical accounts also mention the fish as a delicacy: they were salted and fried in a pan. An account from 1897 tells of this culinary tradition; it does not indicate that the dish is available today.
The carnival thus offers a glimpse into the connection between fishing, the seasons and village history. If you want to time your visit to coincide with the festival, bear in mind that its date shifts around Easter. The museum and church reveal other aspects of local history and do not require a visit during the carnival.
The Thurgau Fable Trail
The Thurgau Fable Trail runs from Steckborn via Oberfruthwilen to Ermatingen and is eleven kilometres long. Its 18 panels introduce animal characters from fables and their stories. The hike takes around three hours and is considered particularly suitable for children and families. It is a practical option for an active stay, while the museum and church offer a more cultural focus.
If you plan to walk the Fable Trail, take its approximate walking time and total length into account when planning your day. Walks and cycling tours in the varied surroundings offer another way to explore the landscape. Together with the historical attractions, they give you a range of options for your stay without requiring a fixed itinerary.
Planning your journey and stay
Ermatingen is connected to the rail network by the Seelinie railway. From spring to autumn, the village can also be reached by scheduled boats on the Schaffhausen–Kreuzlingen route. Check the timetable for your travel dates, especially if you plan to use the seasonal boat service for your journey.
When planning your visit, you can first decide whether Groppen Fasnacht, cultural history or the Fable Trail is your main focus. The church, Vinorama and hike offer different points of interest, while walks and cycling tours add to the choice.
Discover more destinations: Triboltingen, Wäldi, Lengwil, Altnau, Tägerwilen, Kreuzlingen, Salenstein, Lipperswil
Go to the main travel overview: Kreuzlingen.
