Kradolf-Schönenberg: Hiking, the Thur and History

Kradolf-Schönenberg offers a range of options for your trip: hikes starting or ending in Kradolf, trails along the Thur, and cultural and historical attractions.

Hiking routes starting or ending in Kradolf

The “Burgruinen um Kradolf-Schönenberg” hiking route starts at Kradolf railway station. The “Durch's Iitobel” hike ends there. “Von Wuppenau nach Kradolf” also reaches Kradolf as its endpoint. The route descriptions thus make the town relevant as both a starting point and a destination for hikes. When planning your trip, you can consider Kradolf’s role in each route.

“Durch's Iitobel” follows the Iitobelbach stream and climbs a steep staircase to the accessible Bruederloch cave. Check local conditions if you plan to visit the cave specifically. Field paths along the route offer views of the Thur Valley and towards Ottenberg. This route combines a walk beside the stream with the climb to the cave and viewpoints.

The Gripspfad trail is about a five-minute walk from Kradolf railway station. Check access information in advance if you plan to visit it specifically. Camel rides and trekking are available at the camel farm by arrangement.

The Thur, riverside path and picnic spot

The Thur riverside path passes through wooded areas along the Thur before reaching Kradolf. Along the way, it passes a quiet side channel with a wide riverbank that is suitable for a break. If you would like to combine riverside scenery and hiking when planning your trip, this offers a different focus from the climb in the Iitobel.

Culture and history

The Kradolf-Schönenberg Fire Brigade Museum uses historic vehicles, equipment and other exhibits to convey the history and evolution of firefighting. Group tours are available on request, including outside opening hours. Please arrange such a visit in advance.

The artistically designed windows at the Steinacker Church Centre in Kradolf stand out. They include original stained-glass windows by Gian Casty and two windows by Rudolf Küenzi, added in 1994. The Ruinenweg leads to the remains of the medieval Last Castle in Schönenberg. A massive residential tower is visible there, probably dating from the 13th century. At the ruins of Anwil in Buhwil, part of the distinctive tower and the former moat to the west are still visible.

The recorded place names also provide a historical reference: Kradolf was first mentioned in a document in 883 under the name Chreinthorf, in connection with properties belonging to the Abbey of St. Gallen. The historical spelling Kraedorf is documented from 1276. These dates distinguish the early mention of the place from the later documented spelling.

Location and trip planning

Kradolf lies on the right bank of the Thur, where the river enters the plain, and on the transport route between Weinfelden and Bischofszell. When choosing your destination, you can match this location with your different excursion interests: hiking, a visit to the fire brigade museum or the historic sites each offer a different focus. Find hotels in Kradolf-Schönenberg and tailor your search to what you would like to do during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Hauptwil-Gottshaus, Zihlschlacht-Sitterdorf, Bischofszell, Erlen

Go to the main travel overview: Bischofszell.