Steckborn’s history stretches back to the Neolithic period. In the bay between the Steckborn delta and the delta to the west by the former Cistercian monastery of Feldbach lies the Steckborn-Turgi/Feldbach site. It is a Neolithic lakeshore, or pile-dwelling, settlement and an archaeological site of national importance. Excavations uncovered a multi-phase stratigraphic sequence from the Pfyn culture. This early settlement history therefore marks a different period from the buildings in the Old Town.
Pile-Dwelling Era and Old Town Walls
Traces of earlier times have also been preserved in the historic town centre: remains of former fortifications include sections of the town wall and the Powder Tower. The largest continuous section of wall along the western Old Town frontage stands at Bachrain. It is around 100 metres long and up to 10 metres high. These two figures describe different dimensions of the section: its approximate length and maximum height.
Another striking landmark is the church tower of the Protestant church. The four-storey tower has an accessible gallery and an octagonal pointed spire. Built as a Neoclassical west-front tower, it dates from 1833–1835. The ascent to the viewing platform involves 176 steps; the platform is about 35 metres above the ground. Check whether access is currently possible before your visit. From the top, views extend across Steckborn and Untersee to the Höri peninsula and the Seerücken ridge.
Museum, Crafts and Stages
At the Museum im Turmhof, you can discover the town’s culture, history and crafts. Prehistoric finds include objects from the Neolithic period at Turgi-Steckborn and on Werd Island. Other special exhibition themes include Steckborn stove-making, bobbin lace-making and Bernina sewing machines. Admission is free. The museum thus brings early settlement history and local craft traditions together under one roof.
The town’s cultural venues also offer different experiences. Haus zur Glocke is a meeting place for interdisciplinary contemporary art and its presentation. An overarching annual theme connects four group exhibitions, each with its own focus and a different take on the subject. Guided tours and artist talks accompany the exhibitions, although the individual events vary.
Since summer 1990, Phönix Theater has been housed in the former heat-pump building on the Feldbach site. Today, it hosts around 30 events each season. If you would like to include an evening at the theatre in your stay, check the dates for the relevant season.
Church Tower, Untersee and Walking Routes
Steckborn lies directly on Untersee and has a lakeside promenade. The view from the church tower offers a perspective on the surrounding area from above; down by the shore, the promenade brings the lake closer. If you prefer a longer walk, there are two routes with different itineraries: the scenic Fabelweg trail runs from Steckborn to Ermatingen via Oberfruthwilen and is eleven kilometres long.
At 13.5 kilometres, the Steckborn circular hiking trail is longer. It is listed as taking about four hours to walk, with 263 metres of ascent. It starts at Steckborn railway station and is marked throughout with yellow-and-blue waymarkers. Along the way, it offers views of the Untersee landscape and the town. Comparing the route lengths can help with planning; the stated walking time and ascent apply to the circular trail.
You can also plan a boat trip from Steckborn: the Swiss Shipping Company Untersee and Rhine offers round trips from here. Its scheduled boats operate between Schaffhausen and Konstanz or Kreuzlingen from April to October. Check the timetable for your preferred connection before travelling.
Stay Overnight and Enjoy the Lake
Strandbad Steckborn combines swimming and relaxation with activities such as football, table tennis and volleyball. From May to September, it also serves as a hostel with 30 beds; pitches for tents are available to rent as well. If you are planning to stay at this seasonal accommodation, check the current bed capacity in advance. Alongside its cultural attractions, Steckborn therefore offers a practical starting point for planning a lakeside stay.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Eschenz, Mammern, Steckborn, Müllheim Dorf, Berlingen, Wagenhausen, Homburg, Hüttwilen, Pfyn.
Back to the main travel overview: Thurgau.
