Lengwil lies south of the city of Kreuzlingen on the SeerĂĽcken ridge. Two distinct themes can help you plan your trip: the landscape of the Lengwiler Weiher nature reserve, and the architectural and church history of Liebburg and the churches in Oberhofen and Illighausen. You can tailor your stay according to whether you mainly want to explore ponds and forest trails or take a closer look at historic buildings.
Pond landscapes and hiking trails
The Lengwiler Weiher nature reserve is one of the largest protected areas managed by Pro Natura Thurgau. Ponds, forests crossed by streams and lowland fens shape the landscape. Its quiet, traffic-free setting and careful maintenance contribute to its exceptional biodiversity. The Pro Natura hut in the reserve serves as a base for activities and enables school classes and other interested groups to learn about nature on site.
Lengwil railway station can be reached by S-Bahn via Weinfelden in the direction of Konstanz and serves as a stop for visiting the nature reserve. If you are travelling by train, check the timetable for your travel date. You can combine the journey with a hike that starts right at the station: the route from Lengwil to Märstetten enters the nature reserve after just a few steps. From Ellighausen, it follows the Via Jacobi to its destination for the day, Märstetten.
Another hike, “Along Forest Trails to a Barbecue,” passes Groossweiher, Pfaffeweiher and Neuweiher, then continues to the Bäärehölzli barbecue area. At the Forehölzli shooting range, there are views of Kreuzlingen and Konstanz. The two routes offer different highlights: on the hike to Märstetten, the destination is a waypoint along the route, while the other combines ponds and views with the barbecue area as its destination. This gives you specific stops to plan around, without having to choose routes based only on an estimated duration.
Liebburg and the churches
The history of Liebburg can be linked to a construction period dated with some caution: the present building was probably erected around the middle of the 18th century. Liebburg is legally protected and classified as particularly valuable. Its cultural and historical significance is considered outstanding on the exterior and exceptional on the interior. Its architectural history and designation as a protected cultural asset offer a different way to experience Lengwil than its nature trails.
The churches also offer specific historical points of reference. The present-day church in Oberhofen was built in 1519. A new, larger church was built in Illighausen in 1863/64; it was renovated inside and out in 1969/70. The Evangelical Church in Oberhofen also has a choir window by Hans Affeltranger, dating from 1965. The dates show different phases of construction and renewal, while the choir window adds a later artistic detail.
Discover the Ekkharthof
The Ekkharthof complements its nature and culture offerings with accessible sports and leisure facilities. These include an experience trail, a bistro and an ice rink, which are also open to visitors. The individual facilities may vary by season, so check the latest information before your visit. A guided tour of the premises offers insights into the workshops, bakery, carpentry workshop, garden centre and commercial kitchen. As booking arrangements may change, check them in advance.
Lunch at the Ekkharthof is also available to external visitors. Menus and any registration requirements may change, so it is a good idea to check in advance when planning your day. The traditional Advent market combines handmade products from the workshops with insights into the workshops, a workshop café and food stalls. Dates and programme are seasonal: if you plan to visit the market, check the information for your preferred date.
Seasonal products from Lengwil
The Lauftenhof in Lengwil offers seasonal Demeter products. These include pasture-raised beef, Turopolje pork, sweet cider and eggs. The range connects your visit to the village with regional produce; availability and ordering arrangements may vary by season. Check these details if you are looking for specific products or want to include a purchase in your plans.
Discover more destinations: Lengwil-Oberhofen, Langrickenbach, Bottighofen, Altnau, Güttingen, Wäldi, Gottlieben, Ermatingen.
See the broader travel overview: Kreuzlingen.
