Discover Uttwil on Lake Constance

Uttwil combines access to Lake Constance with a local recreation area of lake and forest. The town offers a variety of options for a stay: lakeside paths and boat trips, a nature reserve, music in summer, and buildings with a long history. When looking for a hotel in Uttwil, you can plan your trip around whether the lakeshore, nature or cultural sites are your main focus.

Lake Constance, forest and lakeside paths

Uttwil has direct access to Lake Constance and is surrounded by orchards, vineyards and forests. The lakeside promenade is ideal for walking and cycling; on clear days, the view extends as far as the Alps. The tree trail with medicinal plant garden runs along the shore. The trail offers insights into native trees and shrubs, while the garden explains the effects and significance of various medicinal plants. The medicinal plant garden is open year-round.

Hiking trails and nature reserve

The hike to the Buschenschenke Chressibuech starts at Uttwil railway station and leads past the Eisweiher and through Romanshornerwald to the Buschenschenke in Chressibuech. Another hike leads from Uttwil towards Neuwald through Güttingerwald to Altnau. The routes differ in their course and destination; check the latest route details before setting out, as they may be updated. If you choose the route via the Eisweiher, you must stay on the paths in the municipal nature reserve.

Boat trips and finding your way around the lake

Boat connections for excursions are available from Uttwil. Services are seasonal, and timetables may change; check both before travelling. The landing stage is 80 metres long and 3.5 metres wide. The municipality also manages a boat harbour and a buoy field. If you wish to use the harbour or buoy field yourself, check availability in advance.

Music in summer

The Uttwil Master Classes take place every summer for one week, with international participants. Traditionally, the week begins with a concert by the masters; two student concerts bring it to a close. During the week, interested visitors can attend lessons at the church, Seeburg, Villa Haab and Haus Syz. If you are planning your stay around the Master Classes, check the dates and lesson times in advance.

Building history and townscape

Uttwil Castle is one of the town’s significant buildings because of its history and design, as well as its prominent place in the townscape and the architectural ensemble. It adjoins the landing stage directly to the west and the lakeshore to the northeast; the building has an enclosed garden with mature trees. Below the church, a small square is home to the «Wacht», a freestanding dwarf structure built from a naturally rooted tree, which has survived to this day.

St. Adelheid’s Chapel in Uttwil is mentioned as early as 1276; in 1303 it was designated a pilgrimage chapel. The history of the Reformation also includes the neighbouring villages: in 1524, the message of the Reformation was proclaimed there and in Uttwil, after which Zwingli’s teachings were unanimously accepted. In the second half of the 18th century, the entrepreneurial spirit of the Dölli merchant family made Uttwil an important transhipment point for grain and salt from Germany between Rorschach and Constance. The nearby old town of Arbon, with its castle and castle tower, is also considered a cultural landmark.

Getting there

There are train connections to Romanshorn, St. Gallen and Kreuzlingen. Check your connection before departure.

Discover more destinations: Romanshorn, Horn, Sommeri, Arbon, Kesswil, Dozwil, Amriswil, Hefenhofen.

Back to the main travel guide: Arbon.