Berg in Thurgau: Circular Trails, Orchards and Castle History

Berg lies around 20 kilometres east of Frauenfeld, between Kreuzlingen and Weinfelden. This municipality in the canton of Thurgau is situated on the sunny slope of the Ottenberg; its area includes gentle hills, forests, fields, and small streams. The landscape offers plenty of opportunities for walks and bike rides. Four circular trails reveal different sides of the surrounding area: apple trees and orchards, woodland paths, historic districts, and views of Säntis and the Churfirsten. If you are looking for a hotel in Berg, the time you plan to spend hiking and exploring local history can be a helpful starting point for planning your trip.

Four circular trails with different highlights

The northern circular trail is 9.5 kilometres long and takes approximately two and a half hours to hike. It passes close to the Heimenlacher Moor, where the first people settled several thousand years ago. Around the hamlet of Beckelswilen, you can explore rural parts of the municipality among apple trees. The eastern circular trail is a similar length at 9.6 kilometres and is also estimated to take around two and a half hours. One of its stops is Kehlhof, one of the oldest parts of present-day Berg. The trail passes the Tobelweiher pond between meadows and orchards; it also offers views of Säntis and the Churfirsten.

For a shorter hike, consider the southern or western circular trail: the southern trail is 7.4 kilometres long, while the western trail is 8.1 kilometres; both are estimated to take around two hours. These times are approximate, as trail conditions can vary. The southern circular trail heads towards Mauren, passing a Catholic church and a Protestant church. Apricot orchards line the trail thanks to its south-facing slope. The western circular trail follows forest paths across the Ottenberg. After leaving the forest, views open up over Säntis and the Churfirsten; from Mauren, the route returns to Berg through orchards. Based on the estimated hiking times, the southern and western trails are the shorter options, while the northern and eastern trails require around half an hour more. This lets you choose between the trails based on both the time available and the scenery along the way.

Scenery and history in Berg

Berg Castle preserves an old wing and a castle chapel. Both were built at the beginning of the 17th century and renovated several times in the centuries that followed. The village’s history goes back much further: Berg was mentioned in 796 under the name “Berga”. In the Early Middle Ages, the area belonged to the episcopal seat of Constance and lay on the southern border of the Bischofshöri. In 1798, the village was incorporated into the newly established canton of Thurgau. These milestones trace the story from the first written mention through ecclesiastical history to the history of the canton.

Fruit growing, livestock farming, and viticulture shaped Berg for a long time. Agriculture is also reflected in the scenery along the circular trails: the northern trail passes among apple trees, the eastern trail among meadows and orchards, and the western trail returns to Berg through orchards. The southern trail adds apricot orchards on the hillside. Those interested in the connection between the landscape and local history will find a range of specific points of interest, with each trail offering a different experience.

A regional excursion to Weinfelden

The Weinfelden Wine Trail is another excursion option in the area around Berg. It runs from Weinfelden railway station via Ottoberg and Boltshausen and back to Weinfelden. The route is around nine kilometres long and takes about three hours. Along the way are vineyards on the southern slopes of the Ottenberg, as well as expansive views of the Thur Valley. Unlike the circular trails in Berg, the Wine Trail focuses on viticulture and loops back to Weinfelden. Trail details may change, so check the current route before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Bürglen, Bussnang, Weinfelden, Wigoltingen.

Back to the main travel overview: Weinfelden.