Lengwil: Nature, Trails and Culture

Nature, hiking and culture are three concrete ways to shape your stay in Lengwil. The Lengwiler Weiher nature reserve is one of the largest protected areas managed by Pro Natura Thurgau. Ponds, forests criss-crossed by streams and fens define the landscape. Its quiet, traffic-free setting and careful management contribute to its extraordinary biodiversity.

Pond Area and Hiking

The Pro Natura hut in the nature reserve serves as a base for activities. School classes and other interested groups can experience nature first-hand there. The natural experience includes both habitats by the water and the forests and fens shaped by streams.

Two hikes offer different highlights. “Along forest paths to a barbecue” passes Groossweiher, Pfaffeweiher and Neuweiher, then continues to the Bäärehölzli barbecue area. From the Forehölzli shooting range, you can enjoy views of Kreuzlingen and Konstanz. The hike from Lengwil to Märstetten starts at Lengwil railway station and, after a few steps, enters the Lengwiler Weiher nature reserve. From Ellighausen, it follows the Via Jacobi to its destination for the day, Märstetten. The routes therefore differ in their stops: one hike links ponds, a viewpoint and a barbecue area; the other leads from Lengwil via Ellighausen to Märstetten.

For travel by train, Lengwil railway station can be reached via Weinfelden on the S-Bahn towards Konstanz. It also serves as a stop for visiting the Lengwiler Weiher nature reserve.

Liebburg and Churches

The present-day Liebburg building was probably constructed around the middle of the 18th century. It is legally protected and classified as particularly valuable. Its cultural and historical significance is considered outstanding on the exterior and exceptional on the interior. This gives Liebburg a special place among the historic sites you can consider when planning your trip.

The churches also have different building histories. The present-day church in Oberhofen was built in 1519. The Protestant Church in Oberhofen has a choir window by Hans Affeltranger dating from 1965. In Illighausen, a new, larger church was built in 1863/64; it was renovated inside and out in 1969/70. The documented building phases thus range from the church in Oberhofen to the later changes in Illighausen.

Visits to Ekkharthof

Ekkharthof offers accessible sports and recreational activities, including an experience trail, bistro and ice rink, which are also open to visitors. Some facilities may vary by season, so check the latest information before your visit. A guided tour of the operation offers insight into the workshops, bakery, joinery, garden centre and commercial kitchen. Lunch is also available to external guests. Menus and booking requirements may change, so check these details in advance.

The traditional Advent market combines handcrafted products from the workshops and insights into the work carried out there with a workshop café and food stalls. Dates and programme vary by season; check both when planning a visit.

Seasonal Products from Lauftenhof

Lauftenhof in Lengwil offers seasonal Demeter products, including pasture-raised beef, Turopolje pork, sweet cider and eggs. Product availability and ordering arrangements may change.

Discover more destinations: Lengwil-Oberhofen, Altnau, Langrickenbach, Güttingen, Bottighofen, Münsterlingen, Ermatingen, Gottlieben.

Return to the main travel guide: Kreuzlingen.