Eschenz: Pile Dwelling History, Local Museum and Werd Island
Accommodation in Eschenz
Eschenz is both a political municipality and a locality in the Frauenfeld district of the canton of Thurgau in Switzerland. Werd Island is a key part of the locality’s history: the Eschenz-Werd Island site has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Prehistoric Pile Dwellings since 27 June 2011. Eschenz also brings together Roman history, a local museum and paths along Lake Untersee, offering different ways to get to know the area.
Werd Island and Archaeological Traces
Werd Island is one of the oldest settlement sites in the Lake Constance region. A historical reference dates to 958: King Otto I gave the Benedictine monastery of Einsiedeln a church already located in Untereschenz, Werd Island with its church, and a nearby estate.
Opened in 1991, the Eschenz Local Museum presents evidence of human settlement from the Bronze Age to modern times. Its collection includes arrowheads, combs, pottery and writing tablets, as well as an intact pan flute and a Celtic statuette. The valuable originals of the archaeological objects mentioned are held at the Archaeological Museum of Frauenfeld. The second floor of the local museum focuses on everyday objects, mementos and documents from the village’s history.
Roman Times and Freudenfels
The Romans founded a village here called Tasgetium in the early 1st century AD. A Roman wooden bridge crossed Werd Island to the opposite shore of the lake. This history connects the area to a time when the island was part of an important crossing over the water.
Another historic site is Freudenfels Castle. It was built around 1300 on a rocky promontory one kilometre southeast of Obereschenz. As part of a chain of fortifications, it protected Stein am Rhein and merchant shipping on Lake Untersee. From 1623 to 1798, the historic estate associated with Eschenz was administered from Freudenfels Castle by the governor of Einsiedeln Abbey. The construction period and the period of administration mark different stages in its history.
Walking Along Lake Untersee and on the Island
On the “Auf dem Seerücken” hiking trail, the view opens out over Lake Untersee above Eschenz; near Werd Island, the trail reaches the water. Trail conditions can change, so it is worth checking them before setting out. Werd Island can be reached on foot from the Stein am Rhein boat landing via Eschenz and then across the wooden bridge.
The chapel on the island is open to visitors. As access arrangements may change, check the visitor information in advance. A small exhibition of archaeological finds, created by the Office of Archaeology, is accessible in the Franciscan convent by prior arrangement. Groups and school classes can also visit the Franciscan community on the island. The community shares insights into Franciscan life; visitors must contact them in advance.
Village Stops and Lido
The Eschenz Challenge has various stations throughout the village. Each station provides information via a QR code; the content may be updated. This makes the activity different in format from the local museum: the museum focuses on a collection in one place, while the Challenge provides information at several stations.
Another option is the public Buebebadi lido. It has a large sunbathing lawn and a children’s playground. Alongside the historical attractions, the Challenge stations and the lido offer different places to visit, depending on your interests.
Discover more destinations: Berlingen, Wagenhausen, Pfyn, Mammern, Homburg, Steckborn, HĂĽttwilen, MĂĽllheim Dorf.
Return to the main travel guide: Steckborn.
