Hüttwilen: Three Ice Age Lakes and Pile-Dwelling History

Hüttwilen lies in the Seebach Valley, north of Frauenfeld and on the southern slope of the Seerücken ridge. The municipality comprises the villages of Hüttwilen, Nussbaumen and Uerschhausen. The Seebach Valley is home to three Ice Age lakes: Lake Nussbaumen, Lake Hüttwilen and Lake Hasen. They shape the landscape and provide a setting for trails, nature watching and archaeological sites.

Lake Landscape and Trails

The lake landscape formed by the three Ice Age lakes is designated a landscape of national importance (BLN). The area is also included in the Federal Inventory of Amphibian Spawning Areas of National Importance (IANB). The protected area is home to very healthy populations of the highly endangered European tree frog (Hyla arborea). Nature conservation also influences visitor access: some sections of the lakeside trail are closed in spring and summer to protect ground-nesting bird species and fawns. The specific closure periods may vary from year to year.

A footpath runs around Lake Hüttwilen and Lake Nussbaumen, partly along farm tracks, wooden boardwalks and informal trails. Much of the trail network in the Seebach Valley is accessible to people with mobility impairments, including wheelchair users. Exceptions are the path north of Lake Nussbaumen, the section along the Seegraben stream and the trail through the marsh forest. These exceptions are just as important to consider when choosing your route as the seasonal closures.

For cyclists, the Seebach Valley cycling loop goes around all three lakes. Cycling is prohibited on the trails through the marsh forest, along the Seegraben stream and over the boardwalks. The footpath and cycling loop therefore follow different routes: the footpath is described as going around two lakes, while the cycling loop goes around all three. When planning your trip, follow the relevant route and current trail rules.

Archaeological Traces at Lake Nussbaumen

The small island in Lake Nussbaumen comprises a succession of several pile-dwelling settlements, dating from the Pfyn culture to the Early Bronze Age. Finds from the site include several crucibles and a copper axe, evidence of early metalworking. The archaeological site in Lake Nussbaumen is part of the Seebachtal history trail.

On the adjacent Horn peninsula, a large settlement dating from the very end of the Bronze Age lies alongside a Corded Ware culture pit house. It is dated to 870–850 BC and comprised around 100 block-built houses. Another period is represented by the Roman settlement of Stutheien: a Roman villa dating from the late 2nd century AD. The sites illustrate different chapters in the history of settlement, from pile dwellings to a Roman villa.

Guided Tours and Getting Around

The Seebachtal Foundation leads guided tours around the lakes for associations, school classes and nature groups. The tours cover local history and the area’s diverse habitats. A tour lasts about two hours, but the duration can be adjusted to suit your needs. If you travel to the Seebach Valley by postbus, the Hüttwilen Stutheien, Nussbaumen and Buch stops are each about a 15-minute walk away. Check the current timetable for your journey.

Swimming and Wine Tasting

Swimming is possible at the Hüttwilen lido. Facilities include a diving tower and a playground. As swimming conditions vary by season, check them before your visit.

Another option in the area is a wine tasting at the Haag wine shop in Hüttwilen. It takes place in an authentic wine cellar; you may need to get in touch to arrange it.

Discover more destinations: Berlingen, Eschenz, Homburg, Mammern, Pfyn, Wagenhausen, Steckborn, Müllheim Dorf

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