Weinfelden – Vineyards, Trails and History

At the foot of the Ottenberg, Weinfelden lies among vineyards, well-tended countryside, floodplain forests and restored stream landscapes. The surroundings invite you to hike and cycle, while much of the compact town itself can easily be explored on foot. There are various routes to choose from when planning your trip: the Thur Trail leads to Bischofszell, the Surveying Trail to the Nollen, and a route via Stählibuck to Frauenfeld.

On foot across the Ottenberg

The “Across the Ottenberg” route begins at Weinfelden railway station and passes through the town centre. It then continues as a varied high-level trail across the Ottenberg and through the hamlet of Alp towards Berg. This lets you combine a visit to Weinfelden with a hike that starts at the station, passes through town and continues over the ridge.

The Weinfelden Wine Trail offers a different kind of hike: this nine-kilometre circular trail passes through the vineyards of Weinfelden, Boltshausen and Ottoberg, beginning and ending at the railway station. More than 30 information boards cover viticulture, grape varieties, winemaking and local winegrowers. The two routes therefore differ in their layout: the Wine Trail is a circular route, while “Across the Ottenberg” continues towards Berg.

Vineyards and the Wine Trail

Weinfelden has around 4,530 ares of vineyard land. Restaurants and inns along the Wine Trail serve Thurgau specialities. The information boards also offer a chance to learn more about viticulture and local winegrowers, while the vineyards form part of the landscape that defines Weinfelden at the foot of the Ottenberg.

You can also pick up a tasting backpack at Weinfelden railway station. It contains a map, a wine glass, handmade herb crisps and a safe code. This lets you open two wine safes along the way. The idea adds a hands-on connection to wine and the vineyards to the Wine Trail’s themed information. If you would rather plan a route that starts and ends in the same place, the Wine Trail is a clearly marked circular route; for a hike across the Ottenberg, Berg is a different point of orientation.

Discover local history

Weinfelden’s history can also be traced through specific places. In the spring of 1798, the Thurgau liberation movement began in the town hall square. In the autumn of 1830, two public assemblies were held in Weinfelden, helping to bring about the introduction of a new Thurgau cantonal constitution. Historical tours and talks are offered to the public and to private groups.

Many important buildings in Weinfelden are described by plaques on the buildings; the descriptions are listed on a map. The Bürgerarchiv (citizens’ archive) opens at regular intervals for themed historical events about Weinfelden’s history. If you would like to attend a particular event, it is best to check the dates in advance. That way, you can combine a walk around town with the historical topics that interest you most.

Other places and facilities

Above the old town, Haffter Park and Komitee Park are being designed with a focus on biodiversity. At the Thurbad, also known as the “Badi”, there is a playground for small children in the west and another playground in the east, next to the kiosk. The children’s pool in the western part of the bathing complex was renovated in spring 2023 and extended with a spray park. For the people of Weinfelden, the Thurbad is a popular and appealing place for sport and recreation. The locations of the playgrounds and the development of the children’s pool give you specific points of reference when including the facility in your day’s plans.

Discover more destinations: Wigoltingen, Weinfelden, Berg, Bussnang, Bürglen, Frauenfeld, Diessenhofen, Münchwilen.

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