Hattenhausen is a locality in the municipality of Wäldi in the canton of Thurgau. Wäldi lies on the southern slope of the Seerücken ridge. Hiking in the area includes scenic routes and historic trails connected with the church in Lipperswil. The locality’s history also goes back a long way: Hattenhausen was a bailiwick of Reichenau held by the Lords of Klingenberg.
The Napoleonturm circular trail leads from Hotel Golfpanorama to the tower and back. The route is 10 km long, with an estimated walking time of about 2.5 hours. You can also start at the car park west of the hotel, near Hattenhausen. With 208 steps, Napoleonturm offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Lake Constance, the Untersee and the Swiss Alps. Check Napoleonturm’s opening hours before your visit.
Circular trails with different focuses
The Alpenblick circular trail is an easy 5.2 km route. In clear weather, the views extend to the Alpstein, including Säntis and the Churfirsten; along the way, the route passes Thomas Vetsch’s farm. If you are looking for a shorter route with a historical connection, the Wolfstobel church path is an easy 4.6 km walk. It follows a former church path used by churchgoers on their way to the church in Lipperswil.
The Wolfstobel church path is 0.6 km shorter than the Alpenblick circular trail, and both are rated easy. They have different focuses: the Alpenblick trail is mainly about the views, while the Wolfstobel church path follows a former route to the church. A hiking route from Lipperswil to Kreuzlingen heads north through Hattenhausen and offers occasional views of the Untersee, Lake Zell, the Gnadensee and Reichenau Island.
The Flur-Treppen route to Napoleonturm has a different character. It is rated as a moderately difficult 10.3 km jogging route; both the ascent and descent cover 95 metres of elevation. Its distance, elevation gain and stated difficulty distinguish it from the easy walks and circular trails.
Napoleonturm and regional history
The present-day Napoleonturm was built in 2017 and stands almost on the site of the historic Belvédère observation tower. About 200 years ago, Charles Parquin of the Wolfsberg guesthouse and Louis Napoleon of Arenenberg Castle near Hohenrain had the Belvédère built. The present-day viewpoint is thus connected with the region’s earlier history, although the two towers are not the same structure.
The descent from Napoleonturm also explores this history: 50 panels provide information about the past 2,000 years of regional history. A visit therefore has two distinct highlights: the panoramic view from the tower and the historical context along the descent.
Getting there and practical information
The Hattenhausen, Golfpanorama stop is 200 m east of Hotel Golfpanorama on the Weinfelden–Ermatingen postbus route. The Alpenblick circular trail can be reached from this stop, and the Flur-Treppen route can also be accessed from the stop on the Weinfelden–Ermatingen line. Check the timetable before travelling by bus and the trail conditions before setting out.
Dry firewood is available at the Ă„glisholz barbecue area before Hattenhausen. You can grill your own food there, such as a cervelat sausage. If you plan to use the fire pit, check before your trip that the facility is available and firewood is ready.
For the wider travel overview: Wäldi.
