Gottlieben on the Seerhein: Literature and Local History

Gottlieben is a small, urban-looking settlement and a municipality in the Kreuzlingen district of the canton of Thurgau. It lies at 400 m above sea level, northwest of Kreuzlingen, on the left bank of the Seerhein, where the village stream flows into the river. The river setting, historic architecture and literary heritage offer tangible points of reference for finding your way around. You can shape your stay around the subjects you would like to explore further: architectural history, the Bodmanhaus or routes through the town’s history.

Architectural history and notable buildings

Drachenburg Castle is one of the richest half-timbered buildings in Thurgau and a landmark of Gottlieben. Its oak-timbered construction is distinguished by two oriel windows topped with onion-shaped domes. Gottlieben Castle can also be placed in context through a few historical milestones: it passed into private ownership in 1808 and was remodeled in the Neo-Gothic style in 1837. The west tower of Gottlieben Castle contains a double-block prison in the form of a large wooden cage. From late March to early June 1415, the Bohemian reformer Jan Hus was held in the west tower’s wooden oriel; from 3 June, the deposed Pope John XXIII was held there for several days. Gottlieben’s church was built between 1734 and 1735. This historical overview spans the events of 1415, the church’s construction in the 18th century and the castle’s remodeling in the 19th century.

Literature and a visit to the Bodmanhaus

The restored Bodmanhaus opened in April 2000 as Switzerland’s second literary house. At the memorial site, a restored study takes center stage, giving visitors a deeper insight into the everyday life of the poet couple Clara and Emanuel von Bodman. The house thus connects its literary history with a biographical perspective on their lives. A visit to the Bodmanhaus and Bodman Room is possible during events, when the bookbinding workshop is open, or by appointment. If you are planning your visit, check in advance which of these options applies on your chosen date.

Historical walking tour and Thronfolgeweg

The historical walking tour through Gottlieben provides information about the town’s history at seven locations shown on a map. The Thronfolgeweg follows a different route: it leads from Gottlieben to Diessenhofen and is lined with monuments and contemporary witnesses from that era. You can choose between seven mapped locations highlighting local history and a route connecting two towns that focuses on monuments and contemporary witnesses. On the Gottlieben section of the Thronfolgeweg, the Gottlieben reading lounge beside the Literaturhaus Thurgau invites you to read the books provided. As local installations may change, check before your visit whether the reading lounge is still available.

Directions to the boat landing

From Gottlieben railway station, it takes 15 minutes to walk to the boat landing; the route goes through the underpass and along Gottlieberstrasse to the water. Before traveling, check local access conditions if you plan to use these directions.

Discover more destinations: Tägerwilen, Altnau, Bottighofen, Münsterlingen, Wäldi, Langrickenbach, Salenstein, Kreuzlingen

Go to the main travel overview: Kreuzlingen.