Buch near Frauenfeld: Chapel, Wine Trails and the Seebachtal

Buch is home to St. Sebastian’s Chapel, while viticulture, hiking and nature experiences take centre stage on the Iselisberg and in the Seebachtal. The area’s attractions range from architectural and art history to trails and guided excursions. You can decide which ones will shape your stay based on their individual features.

St. Sebastian’s Chapel in Buch

St. Sebastian’s Chapel is considered the oldest and most valuable building in Buch. It is legally protected and classified as particularly valuable in the Thurgau inventory. The early Gothic rectangular building stands on foundations dating from the 11th century. Its wall paintings were created around 1320 and depict, among other things, scenes from the Passion and the glorification of Christ. The high altar comes from Ittingen Charterhouse and dates from 1766–1767.

The chapel was first mentioned in a document in 1461; it is certainly several centuries older. Its distinct traces of different periods give the building a special art-historical context: the early foundations are joined by the medieval paintings and the much later high altar. The chapel is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00 and is also suitable for concerts and performances.

Art & Wine Trail on the Iselisberg

The Art & Wine Trail around the Iselisberg runs from Uesslingen via Dietingen to the Iselisberg and back. Along the route, you will pass 24 sculptures. Information boards cover the history of the Iselisberg, grape varieties, wine production, and vineyards and vineyard areas. The trail thus combines artworks with themes related to viticulture rather than focusing on a single attraction.

More than 30 grape varieties are cultivated on the Iselisberg, where wine has been grown for more than 30 years. The trail also passes wineries, restaurants and farm shops. When planning, you can focus on either the artistic installations or viticulture. The Art & Wine Trail runs from Uesslingen via Dietingen to the Iselisberg and back; check the current signs before setting out.

Hiking and exploring the Seebachtal

In the wider area around Buch, a walking trail circles Lake Hüttwilersee and Lake Nussbaumersee, following farm tracks, wooden boardwalks and footpaths. Some sections may be closed seasonally to protect wildlife. Much of the trail network in the Seebachtal is accessible on foot or by wheelchair for people with mobility impairments. Exceptions are the path north of Lake Nussbaumersee and sections along the Seegraben and through the moor forest. Check accessibility before setting out.

The Seebachtal can also be explored by bike. However, cycling is prohibited on paths through the moor forest, along the Seegraben and over the boardwalks; follow the current signs and check trail conditions. A cycling safari through Thurgau passes through Buch near Frauenfeld, among other places. For hikers, three circular routes start and end at the Buch bei Frauenfeld, Dorf railway platform. The three routes are part of the official hiking trail network; check the route planner before setting out.

One hiking route in the Seebachtal circles Lake Hüttwilersee and Lake Nussbaumersee. Another route offers a detour to Helfenberg Castle ruins, between Lake Hasensee and Lake Hüttwilersee. You can choose your route based on whether you prefer a circuit of the lakes or a visit to the ruins. Guided excursions around the lakes are also available in the Seebachtal, where visitors learn about local history and various habitats.

Guided tours and regional insights

Rappenhof offers a 90-minute guided tour of the three glacial lakes—Nussbaumersee, Hüttwilersee and Hasensee—in Thurgau’s Seebachtal. During the guided Seebachtal tour, you can enjoy regional wine along the way; the tour explores a nature reserve of national importance. If you plan to join this tour, check the booking arrangements in advance.

A visit to Tobelackerhof in Buch can also offer insight into a different topic: during the stable visit, visitors can look inside a barn and learn more about agriculture and where milk, meat and eggs come from. Check the visiting arrangements in advance.

Wine and seasonal offerings

Rappenhof welcomes groups of up to 30 people in its wine cellar and presents its wines there. Prior arrangements may be required. On the tasting days in November, traditional Treberwurst sausage is served with potato salad. This seasonal offering complements the wine presentation with a regional dish; plan your visit around the listed tasting days.

The Seebachtal is a 15-minute walk from the Buch postbus stop. Check public transport connections before travelling. This gives you a specific point of reference for planning your arrival, while keeping your choice of route and preferred themes—chapel, viticulture or the Seebachtal—separate.

Discover more destinations: Gachnang, Warth-Weiningen, Frauenfeld, Thundorf, Aadorf.

Go to the main travel overview: Frauenfeld.