Top 17 Castles in Bezirk Kreuzlingen
Castles in Bezirk Kreuzlingen offer a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes along Lake Constance. The region features several captivating castles, each with unique history and architectural features. Visitors can explore more than 10 castles, providing opportunities for historical exploration and scenic views.
Best castles in Bezirk Kreuzlingen
- The most popular castles is Arenenberg Castle and the Napoleon Museum, a castle that houses the Napoleon Museum, showcasing personal objects and furniture from the Bonaparte family. It is known for its connection to Napoleon III and his mother, Hortense de Beauharnais, offering insights into 19th-century life.
- Another must-see spot is Gottlieben Village and Drachenburg, a settlement featuring the historic Drachenburg and the nearby Gottlieben Castle. Visitors can admire its distinctive neo-Gothic architecture from the Rhine, and explore the picturesque village.
- Visitors also love Castell Castle, a castle with ruins that date back to the 12th century. The castle complex includes a viewing platform in its west tower, offering panoramic views.
- Bezirk Kreuzlingen is known for historical castles, castle ruins, and castles with museums. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from those with preserved interiors to those offering event spaces.
- The castles in Bezirk Kreuzlingen are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 300 upvotes and over 180 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Arenenberg Castle and the Napoleon Museum
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Gottlieben Village and Drachenburg
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Castell Castle
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The (newer) castle and the very old castle ruins Chastel are separated from each other by a driveway.
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Schleifenrain Ruins and Forest Stream
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Wolfsberg Castle and Gardens
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Salenstein Castle
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Seeburg Castle, Kreuzlingen
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Liebburg Castle
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This castle, possibly from the early Middle Ages, is said to have been in the possession of the Constance patrician Johannes von Schwarzach. Liebburg Castle, built in the second half of the 18th century, served as the summer residence of the bishops of Constance. In the course of secularization, the property came into private ownership in 1803.
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Seebar Hecht, Gottlieben
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View of Ober-Salenstein Castle
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Tips from the Community
It's private property, you can't get in and therefore can't look down on Lake Constance☹️
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Two castles called "Salenstein" originally stood nearby: the Ober-Salenstein Castle described here, and, on a spur of the same rocky ridge further down, the Nieder-Salenstein Castle, which was destroyed in 1599 (indicated in David Herrliberger's engraving as a wall tooth behind a tree) and is now completely ruined on the surface (near a farmhouse in the Hinderburg area). In roughly the same line, on the other side of the ravine, is the Mannenbach Chapel, which still exists today and is also depicted in Herrliberger's drawing. It is said to have been founded by the Lords of Salenstein in 1155, and contains medieval frescoes.
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The castle gardens are beautiful. You should spend a few minutes here to enjoy the magnificent view and atmosphere on the island of Reichenau.
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In 1970, the Swiss Bank Corporation (now UBS) acquired the castle and 12 hectares of surrounding land in order to convert it into a training center. The extensive renovation work on the historic building and the construction of the new buildings were carried out under the direction of the Zurich architectural firm Esther and Rudolf Guyer and completed in the spring of 1975.
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Very beautiful and varied route
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What you learn on a tour of the castle: After Napoleon's fall, his stepdaughter, the Dutch Queen Hortense, bought the Arenenberg castle estate in 1817 and made it her residence in exile. She renovated and furnished the magnificent salons in style. She brought her nine-year-old son Louis Napoléon with her from France, who later became the last emperor of France under the name Napoleon III. His wife, Empress Eugénie, expanded the castle to include additional salons before donating the property to the canton of Thurgau in 1906.
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Palace and congress center complex belonging to UBS. View of Lake Constance on the north side.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the castles in Bezirk Kreuzlingen historically significant?
The castles in Bezirk Kreuzlingen are rich in history, with some dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. They have served various roles, from residences for bishops to places of exile for royalty. For example, Arenenberg Castle is famous for its connection to Napoleon III and his mother, Hortense de Beauharnais, while Castell Castle features ruins from the 12th century.
Which castles offer family-friendly activities or environments?
Several castles in Bezirk Kreuzlingen are suitable for families. Arenenberg Castle and the Napoleon Museum offers educational insights into history and expansive gardens. Gottlieben Village, with its picturesque setting, is also considered family-friendly. Seeburg Castle is located within the beautiful Seepark, offering space for children to explore, and Wolfsberg Castle also has a great garden.
Are there castles with museums or exhibitions?
Yes, Arenenberg Castle houses the Napoleon Museum, which showcases a collection of personal objects, paintings, and furniture from the Bonaparte family, offering deep insights into 19th-century life. The museum can be visited as part of a guided tour.
Can I find cafes or restaurants at the castles?
Yes, you can. Arenenberg Castle has a castle cafe where you can rest and enjoy refreshments. Seeburg Castle houses a restaurant and rooms for events. Wolfsberg Castle also features a cafe and restaurant within its beautiful garden setting.
Which castles offer panoramic views?
Many castles in the region boast excellent viewpoints. Arenenberg Castle offers a magnificent vantage point over Lake Constance. Castell Castle has a viewing platform in its west tower. Salenstein Castle is known for its breathtaking views, and Wolfsberg Castle also provides views of Lake Constance.
Are there any castle ruins to explore in the area?
Yes, Castell Castle features ruins that date back to the 12th century, offering a unique cultural monument. The castle complex includes a viewing platform in its west tower. Additionally, the Schleifenrain Ruins are another historical site with castle elements to explore.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around the castles offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the 'View of Reichenau Island – Weinfelden Vineyards loop from Kreuzlingen Hafen' or the 'Hagenwil Moated Castle – Kamelhof Olmerswil loop from Kreuzlingen'. There are also easy hikes, like the 'Arenenberg Park and Gardens – Lake Constance loop from Ermatingen', and running trails, including the 'Kreuzlingen Harbor – Seeburg Observation Tower loop from Bottighofen'. For more details, explore the Road Cycling Routes, Easy Hikes, and Running Trails guides for Bezirk Kreuzlingen.
Can I visit castles that are privately owned?
Some castles in the region are privately owned. For instance, Salenstein Castle is privately owned, but you can admire its grand architecture and beautiful gardens from the outside. Similarly, Gottlieben Castle is privately owned, but its distinctive neo-Gothic architecture can be admired from a boat trip on the Rhine, and the picturesque village of Gottlieben is open to visitors.
What is the best season to visit the castles in Bezirk Kreuzlingen?
The castles in Bezirk Kreuzlingen, particularly those along Lake Constance, are beautiful year-round. However, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploring the extensive gardens and grounds, such as those at Arenenberg Castle and Wolfsberg Castle. Summer allows for enjoying boat trips past castles like Gottlieben, while winter can offer a unique, serene atmosphere, though some attractions might have reduced hours.
Are there any castles that are less crowded?
While popular sites like Arenenberg Castle can attract many visitors, exploring lesser-known ruins like Schleifenrain Ruins or visiting during weekdays can offer a quieter experience. Salenstein Castle, being privately owned and viewed from the outside, might also provide a more tranquil visit.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in Bezirk Kreuzlingen?
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of historical exploration and scenic beauty. The komoot community has shared over 180 photos and given more than 300 upvotes for the castles in the region. Highlights like Arenenberg Castle are praised for their historical insights and beautiful gardens, while Castell Castle is enjoyed for its ambience and barbecue area. The stunning views over Lake Constance from many castle locations are also a major draw.
Is there parking available at the castles?
For castles like Seeburg Castle in Kreuzlingen, parking facilities are available, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. For other castles, it's advisable to check local signage or specific castle websites for parking information.
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