Wuppenau lies in the Weinfelden district of the canton of Thurgau and brings together a range of themes for planning a trip: trails around Nollen, art along the sculpture trail, and churches with varied architectural histories. In addition to the village of Wuppenau, the municipality includes Heiligkreuz, Hosenruck and numerous hamlets. So, besides Nollen, you can find other places to explore during a visit in the municipality’s other localities.
Hiking trails and panoramic views at Nollen
Ten marked hiking routes converge at Nollen from every direction. The stated walking times range from 50 minutes to five hours—a span that accommodates both shorter and longer time budgets. The panorama stretches from the Hegau volcanic cones across Lake Constance and the Alpine chain to the Bernese Alps. To get to Nollen, you can take the WilMobil bus from Wil or the PostBus from Weinfelden; check the timetable before setting off.
The Barfuss- und Panoramaweg circular trail starts in Wuppenau and offers two routes around Nollen, measuring four or seven kilometres. The four-kilometre panoramic route is suitable for pushchairs. The trail is accessible at any time and free of charge. It is suitable as an experience for the whole family and includes a peat bath and tactile paths. On the 1.5-kilometre barefoot section, a blindfolded walk and a balancing course complement the sensory stations. Meadows, streams and forest floors alternate with short stony or paved sections. The stations are maintained seasonally.
Art and surveying along the trails
The Wuppenau sculpture trail runs from the village shop in Wuppenau via Nollen and Hosenruck to Gabris and Heiligkreuz. Along the route, you can see a total of 26 sculptures by Urs-Antoine Stöckli, with abstract and figurative works alternating. To reach the sculpture trail, take PostBus 722 to the Wuppenau, Gemeindehaus or Wuppenau, Im Rank stops. Check the timetable before travelling.
The surveying trail focuses on a different subject. This informative trail leads from Weinfelden up to Nollen, passing through Bussnang, Oberbussnang, Warth, Lanterswil and Wuppenau before continuing via Hosenruck to Nollen. Its 24 information panels cover the history and modern technology of surveying. This offers a clear thematic contrast with the sculptures: here, the focus is on the art of measurement and its development; there, on abstract and figurative works.
Churches and local history
Wuppenau’s history reaches far back: the village was first mentioned in 820 as “Wabbinauwa”; by the 9th century, the Abbey of St. Gall already owned estates there. In Heiligkreuz, the church’s founding dates back to the 9th century. The Late Gothic church has a recessed polygonal choir and a defensive choir-flanking tower dating from around 1500. It was extended and remodelled in 1937. A church wall several metres high surrounds the complex, which also includes a simple chapel, the former ossuary, and the adjoining small cemetery.
The Catholic Church of St. Laurentius also tells the story of several building phases. Jos. Math. Wisli built it between 1706 and 1708 to replace a small church; the old tower choir and the old tower shaft were retained. Parts from St. Johann in Constance, dating from 1721, are incorporated into the high altar, while the pulpit dates from 1710.
The church in Welfensberg was first mentioned in 1275. Its Baroque altar from 1721 is richly decorated with gold ornamentation. The little church also welcomes visitors from outside the area to pause and celebrate. The churches in Heiligkreuz, Wuppenau and Welfensberg thus bring different dates and architectural styles to the local history.
Discover more destinations: Fischingen, Lommis, Sirnach, MĂĽnchwilen.
Go to the main travel overview: MĂĽnchwilen.
