Hattenhausen: Hiking Trails and the Napoleon Tower

Hattenhausen is a locality in the municipality of Wäldi in the canton of Thurgau; Wäldi lies on the southern slope of the Seerücken. For hikers, the surrounding area offers clearly distinct options: the 10 km circular trail to the Napoleon Tower, which takes about 2.5 hours to walk; the Alpenblick circular trail, classified as easy; and the Wolfstobel-Kirchweg. Views, route length and historical connections give you concrete criteria for considering Hattenhausen as a travel destination.

Hiking by route profile

The Napoleon Tower circular trail runs from the Hotel Golfpanorama to the tower and back. It is 10 km long, with a stated walking time of about 2.5 hours. You can also start the loop at the car park west of the Hotel Golfpanorama near Hattenhausen. The Alpenblick circular trail is 5.2 km long and classified as easy. In clear weather, it offers views of the Alpstein, including Säntis and the Churfirsten; it also passes Thomas Vetsch’s farm. The Wolfstobel-Kirchweg is classified as an easy 4.6 km walking route. The 10 km loop to the tower is therefore almost twice as long as the Alpenblick loop. Check trail conditions before setting out.

The Napoleon Tower and regional history

Built in 2017, the Napoleon Tower stands almost on the site of the historic Belvédère lookout tower. Around 200 years ago, Charles Parquin of the Wolfsberg guesthouse and Louis Napoleon of Arenenberg Castle near Hohenrain had the Belvédère lookout tower built. Hattenhausen was a bailiwick of Reichenau, held by the Lords of Klingenberg. The Napoleon Tower has 208 steps; its 360-degree panorama takes in Lake Constance, the Untersee and the Swiss Alps. The circular hiking trail also offers panoramic views of the Alps and Lake Constance. On the descent, 50 information boards tell the story of 2,000 years of regional history.

The Kirchweg and other routes

The circular hiking trail through the Wolfstobel follows a former church path to the church in Lipperswil. Around 200 years ago, churchgoers used this route to attend services. The section between Ifang and Fischbach is signposted as a pilgrimage route. A hiking route from Lipperswil to Kreuzlingen heads north through Hattenhausen; at times, it offers views of the Untersee, Lake Zell, the Gnadensee and Reichenau Island.

Getting there and finding your way

The panoramic trail is signposted in both directions. The “Hattenhausen, Golfpanorama” stop is 200 m east of the Hotel Golfpanorama on the Weinfelden–Ermatingen postbus route. The Alpenblick circular trail can be reached via this stop. The Flur-Treppen loop to the Napoleon Tower can also be reached from there by bus. It is a moderately difficult 10.3 km jogging route with 95 metres of ascent and descent. Check the current timetable before travelling. Dry firewood is available at the Äglisholz barbecue area before Hattenhausen; you can grill your own food there, such as a Servelat sausage. Check the condition of the barbecue area before visiting.

For the broader travel overview: Wäldi.