Discover Bürglen: Castle, Lanes and the Thur

Bürglen appeals to travellers who want to explore a historically shaped townscape and individual architectural landmarks. The historic centre lies on a rocky terrace above the banks of the Thur; Bürglen is situated on the river’s right bank. The lanes, castle and church offer different points of historical interest. When choosing a hotel in Bürglen, it can help to decide in advance whether local history, a guided tour or a seasonal activity should shape your stay.

Historic Centre and Castle History

The small town, once surrounded by a circular wall, dates back to the Barons of Bürglen and was first mentioned in a document in 1176. The medieval layout of the lanes is still clearly visible in the historic centre. This means that the town’s structure, as well as any individual building, forms part of Bürglen’s historical character.

Bürglen Castle is the ancestral castle of the Barons of Bürglen and served as the seat of the eponymous lordship of the city of St. Gallen from 1579 to 1798. Its architectural history extends beyond its time as a seat of lordship: the building phases date from the 13th to the 18th century, and an extension was added in 1950/51. The history of the lordship and the architectural history that evolved over several centuries can thus be viewed as distinct periods.

Church, Mill and Industrial History

The Reformed Church in Bürglen was formerly the castle chapel. Most of its masonry is Late Gothic, and it has tall round-arched windows. The former castle chapel was extended in 1684/85. Its earlier function, extension date and architectural style give the church a distinctive place in the town’s history.

The mill in Bürglen is a castle-like, four-storey building with battlements and a round oriel dating from 1903. Another chapter began in 1844: the construction of a red dye works by the Leumann brothers on the mill canal marked the start of the industrial era in Bürglen. The year 1903 therefore refers to the mill’s round oriel, while 1844 marks the beginning of this industrial history.

Guided Tours and Seasonal Activities

Castle tours offer the chance to visit Bürglen Castle and learn more about life in the Middle Ages. Town tours take visitors through the old town. The two offerings therefore have different focuses: a castle visit and the Middle Ages on the one hand, and the old town on the other. Check the current schedule before travelling.

The “Route Bürglen South” is offered as a red circular route. Check whether the route is currently available before setting out. In the municipality of Bürglen, the Istighofer Weiher invites visitors to swim in summer; in winter, it is opened for ice skating when the ice is thick enough.

Conditions vary: the pond is seasonal, and winter use depends on the ice being thick enough, while tour dates and the circular route’s current availability determine whether those options are possible.

Planning Your Stay

A railway line that opened in 1867 runs along the southern side of the settlement of Bürglen, between the river and Weinfelder-/Sulgerstrasse. Bürglen Bahnhof is listed as the nearest bus stop to Bürglen Castle, at a distance of approximately 300 metres.

Discover more destinations: Wigoltingen, Berg, Weinfelden, Bussnang

Go to the main travel overview: Weinfelden.