Erlen: Ponds, Golf and History

Erlen offers several different starting points for planning a stay: gently rolling orchard country, opportunities for walks, golf and historic buildings. The municipality is close to urban centres and can be reached by car and public transport. If you are looking for a hotel in Erlen, it is worth deciding what you want to focus on during your stay first.

Ponds, Paths and Nature

The three Biessenhof ponds lie on the border between the municipalities of Amriswil and Erlen. One section of the ponds is designated as a nature reserve of national importance and is listed in the federal inventory of amphibian sites. The national protected status applies to one section, not generally to all three ponds. The recreational area around the ponds has well-maintained walking paths and a public barbecue area. As local conditions may change seasonally, check the current status of the paths and barbecue area before your visit.

You can walk along the Aach and observe foxes and roe deer. The suggested hike “Past the Golf Course and Castles” passes through orchards, meadows and woodland edges to the first outskirts of Amriswil. This offers different landscape settings for walks and hikes: wildlife watching along the Aach, or the changing scenery of orchards, meadows and woodland edges along the suggested hike.

Bädli Leisure Facility

The Bädli leisure facility in Riedt bei Erlen is set in the heart of nature, in a quiet, nature-oriented setting, and is suitable for all ages. The Regulastübli at the facility offers amenities and space for around 20 people. If you are planning to use it, check the booking arrangements in advance, as these may change.

Golf in Orchard Country

Golf and beach volleyball are among the leisure activities available in Erlen. Erlen Golf Club is set in gently rolling orchard country in Thurgau. Its course has 18 holes, a par of 71 and a length of 5,647 metres. The driving range is open to the public and forms part of the integrated Golf Academy. Public access applies to the driving range; if you would like to use it, check the current terms of use before your visit.

Castle and Architectural History

Eppishausen Castle was the seat of the former Eppishausen lordship, above the village. From 1818 to 1838, Baron Josef von Lassberg, known as “Sepp von Eppishusen”, lived at Eppishausen Castle. During this time, the castle was visited by, among others, Ludwig Uhland, Annette von Droste-Hülshoff and Jakob Grimm. The present-day St. Alban’s Chapel at Eppishausen Castle was rebuilt in 1698/99 in place of the old chapel and consecrated in 1707. It is legally protected and classified as particularly valuable. The Protestant church in Erlen was built in 1764 by Hans Ulrich Grubenmann. The local history thus encompasses both the former lordship and its associated chapel, as well as the architectural history of the Protestant church.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kümmertshausen, Kradolf-Schönenberg, Zihlschlacht-Sitterdorf, Bischofszell, Hauptwil-Gottshaus.

Return to the main travel overview: Bischofszell.