Best castles around Kemmental are found within the broader Canton of Thurgau, a region known for its historical sites and varied landscapes. This area offers a selection of historical castles and ruins, providing insight into centuries of regional history. Many of these sites are integrated into natural surroundings, offering opportunities for exploration. The canton's topography includes diverse terrain, making it suitable for various outdoor activities.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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Is actually only worth it if you are there anyway. The best thing is the view from the opposite slope.
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A very varied and interesting hike with good signage and paths
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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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Mainau Castle Baroque jewel in the middle of the island The architectural centerpiece is Mainau Castle, the Teutonic Order castle. It was built between 1739 and 1746 according to the plans of Johann Caspar Bagnato and he also supervised the construction. Despite limited financial resources, an architecturally extremely balanced and symmetrical palace complex was created that exudes great harmony. The two side wings open in a horseshoe shape towards the mainland, while the wide side faces Lake Constance. The building consists of a base on which two floors rise. The coats of arms of the Grand Master Clemens August of Bavaria, the Land Commander Philipp von Froberg and the Mainau Commander Friedrich von Baden can be seen particularly magnificently on the west gable. The east gable facing the lake bears the coat of arms of the Teutonic Order. The upper floors can be reached via simple staircases in the side wings. The heart of the castle is the former audience hall, the so-called “White Hall” decorated in white and gold, which only received its current appearance in 1883. It is only open to the public during concerts or special events. The lower area of the castle is open to visitors. Exhibitions regularly take place here in the historic coat of arms hall. Text / Source: Mainau GmbH https://www.mainau.de/de/gehenswuerdigkeiten/schloss-mainau
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Cute little place with an imposing castle and delicious snacks.
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The Deutschordenschloss was built from 739 to 1746 according to the designs of Johann Caspar Bagnato and under his supervision. Despite limited finances, an architecturally highly balanced, symmetrical palace complex of great harmony was created. The arms of the two side wings open towards the mainland in the shape of a horseshoe. In contrast, the wide side faces the lake. The building rests on a plinth over which two floors rise. Magnificent on the west gable: the coats of arms of the Grand Master Clemens August von Bayern, the Land Commander Philipp von Froberg and the Mainau Commander Friedrich von Baden. The east gable on the sea side bears the coat of arms of the Teutonic Order. In his design, Bagnato dispenses with a magnificent representative staircase based on the Würzburg model. The upper floors can be reached via simple staircases in the side wings. The heart of the castle is the former audience hall, the so-called "White Hall", which is kept in white and gold and only got its current appearance in 1883. It is only open to the public for concerts or special events. The Coat of Arms Hall, the central room in the basement of the original Corps de Logis, is also open to the public for changing exhibitions. In addition, the rooms of the castle café in the transition to the palm house. With their clear architectural language, the castle and church form a magnificent, harmonious ensemble - they are a unique example of southern German baroque. Source: https://www.mainau.de/de/ariatlementen-detail/ariat/barockschloss.html
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Those who spend their holidays on Lake Constance should definitely visit the island of Mainau. The island is a feast for the eyes in terms of floral diversity. But the butterfly house and the monstrous sequoias are also a feast for the eyes and offer countless photo perspectives.
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The region around Kemmental, particularly within the Canton of Thurgau, offers a diverse range of historical sites. You can find ancient castle ruins like the Last Ruin, which features a well-preserved 12th-century tower. There are also grand historical castles such as Arenenberg Castle and the Napoleon Museum, and baroque palace complexes like Mainau Castle. Additionally, you can discover unique sites like Gottlieben Village and Drachenburg, where a castle now serves as a hotel in Switzerland's smallest municipality.
Yes, Arenenberg Castle and the Napoleon Museum offers a unique insight into Napoleonic history, showcasing the former residence of Napoleon's stepdaughter Hortense de Beauharnais and her son, Napoleon III. Frauenfeld Castle, a significant landmark in the cantonal capital, also houses the Thurgau Historical Museum with a multimedia exhibition on the region's past.
Many castles in the region are family-friendly. Arenenberg Castle and the Napoleon Museum provides an engaging historical experience for all ages. Frauenfeld Castle, mentioned in the broader Thurgau region, also offers a multimedia exhibition appealing to families. The natural surroundings of sites like Schopflen Castle Ruins can also be enjoyable for family outings.
Absolutely. Schopflen Castle Ruins offers excellent views towards Ermatingen or Allensbach. The gardens of Arenenberg Castle provide beautiful vistas over Lake Constance. Many of the hilltop castle ruins, such as the Last Ruin, are situated in locations that offer scenic outlooks.
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including options like the 'View of Lake Constance – View of Sipplingen loop' or the 'Bommer Weiher Water Lilies – Ittingen Charterhouse loop'. For running enthusiasts, there are trails such as the 'Bommer Pond – Fortibach Restoration Area loop'. Explore more options on the Cycling around Kemmental, Running Trails around Kemmental, and Road Cycling Routes around Kemmental guide pages.
Yes, the Last Ruin is located along the Schönenberger Ruinenweg, making it a great stop on a hike. The area's diverse terrain integrates historical sites into natural surroundings, providing opportunities for walks that combine history with scenic views. While specific hiking guides for castles are not listed, the general hiking routes in the region often pass by or near these historical landmarks.
The castles around Kemmental, primarily within the Canton of Thurgau, are significant historical sites that offer a glimpse into centuries of regional history. They represent diverse architectural styles and played crucial roles in the area's past. For example, Frauenfeld Castle has been a landmark for 800 years, and Arenenberg Castle is famous for its connection to Napoleon III.
Visitors appreciate the blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The well-preserved historical sites, like the 12th-century tower of the Last Ruin, and the immersive experiences offered by museums, such as the one at Arenenberg Castle, are highly valued. The architectural grandeur of places like Mainau Castle and the scenic views from various castle locations also receive positive feedback from the komoot community.
Yes, Arenenberg Castle features a castle cafe where you can rest and enjoy refreshments. Additionally, Gottlieben Village and Drachenburg, now a hotel, has nice restaurants in the village. Mainau Castle also has a castle café in the transition to the palm house.
The best time to visit the castles around Kemmental is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months. During these seasons, the weather is more favorable for exploring outdoor ruins and castle grounds, and the gardens of places like Mainau Castle are in full bloom. Museums and indoor exhibitions are accessible year-round, but the overall experience of the region's natural beauty is enhanced during warmer months.
While the main highlights are well-known, the broader Canton of Thurgau is home to many historical sites. Beyond the prominent ones, castles like Altenklingen, Arbon, Bachtobel, and Bischofszell are also part of the region's rich history. Exploring these might offer a quieter, more intimate historical experience away from the main tourist paths.
The duration of your visit depends on the castle and your interests. For a site like the Last Ruin, a quick stop might be enough to explore the tower and enjoy the views, perhaps 30-60 minutes. For castles with museums and extensive grounds, such as Arenenberg Castle and the Napoleon Museum or Mainau Castle, you could easily spend 2-4 hours, especially if you include a guided tour, cafe visit, or explore the gardens.


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