Thurgau is affectionately known as "Cider India", as the shape of the canton is indeed reminiscent of the Indian subcontinent. Thurgau is also the "apple chamber" of Switzerland - nowhere else are more apples produced than in Thurgau. A trip to the largest fruit-growing canton is particularly worthwhile in spring, when the trees are in bloom. SWISS Magazine reveals what not to miss on a trip to Thurgau.

Enjoy the blossom season to the fullest

A trip to the canton of Thurgau is particularly worthwhile in spring, when the fruit trees are in full bloom. The best way to enjoy this natural spectacle is on foot or by bike. The Altnau apple trail is particularly recommended. The best way to find out when and where the most beautiful trees are in bloom is to call "Madame Bluescht". The flower girl from Thurgau Tourism will tell you which trees are currently in bloom and where - so there's no chance of getting lost.  She gives you tips on when and where to get the best view of Thurgau's apple trees. If you haven't had enough of a hike through the picturesque landscape, a leisurely picnic under the fruit trees is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the colorful blossoms and sample local delicacies. Even after the fruit trees have blossomed, there is still plenty to experience in Thurgau. With a boat trip on Lake Constance, you can experience the largest lake in Europe up close and see the canton from a different perspective. The Altnau Apple Trail or the German shore of the lake can be easily reached by boat.

Sleeping under the stars

If you just want to fall into a cozy bed after a long day outdoors, you are sure to find the right accommodation in Thurgau. In the "canopy beds", you can spend the night in the open air surrounded by fruit trees. The bubble hotel at the Hagschnurer Schüür in Hüttwilen is highly recommended. A break from the hectic pace of everyday life is guaranteed in this idyllic setting. In the adjoining farm store, you can stock up on apples and other local delicacies and take a piece of Thurgau home with you.
Those who prefer something a little more exclusive are in good hands at the Wellnesshotel Golfpanorama in Lipperswil. The hotel has a 27-hole championship course. After golfing, the spacious spa and wellness area invites you to relax, with its own line of cosmetics based on Thurgau apple blossom to give your skin the regeneration it deserves.
Anyone wishing to spend the night in a historic castle complex will find the perfect room at the Schloss Freudenfels seminar and event hotel. The hotel boasts a magnificent view over Lake Constance. The modern hotel on the historic castle grounds also offers a unique "pillow menu". Guests can choose from five different pillows to ensure a restful night's sleep.

Culinary hotspots - from wine to fish

Thurgau is particularly famous for a special grape variety and for fresh Lake Constance fish.
The "Müller-Thurgau" grape variety was bred in 1882 by Hermann Müller from Thurgau and is now one of the most popular white wine varieties in the world. These grapes, a cross between the Riesling and Madeleine Royale varieties, are used to produce a fantastic white wine. Not only Müller-Thurgau wine, but also other regional wines can be tasted on the terrace of Rebgut Sunnehalde - including a magnificent view of the vineyards! If you're hungry after wine tasting, you're sure to find something on the extensive menu.
Freshly caught fish can be found in the Seegarten restaurant in Ermatingen, idyllically situated directly on Lake Constance, which focuses on regional and seasonal cuisine. The delicious fish selection is based on the catch of the day. It is important to the hosts to develop their menus in harmony with nature. If you are not a fish fan: The menu offers options for (almost) all tastes.
For home-style specialties, Gasthaus Krone in Balterswil is the place to go. There you can enjoy meals all day long in the cozy dining room or in the garden. Try a meat soup with "Flädli" or a roast specialty, for example. The host couple are always ready to listen to individual culinary requests.

Worth a visit even in bad weather

Even after the flowering season or in bad weather, there is plenty to experience in Thurgau. Thanks to the many cultural offerings, a visit will certainly not be boring.
At a total of three locations of the Thurgau Historical Museum, you can immerse yourself in the eventful history of the canton. Frauenfeld Castle focuses on the late Middle Ages, the Old Armory hosts special exhibitions and the St. Katharinental display depot is all about everyday rural culture. The current annual exhibition Frau & Bau focuses on the history of Frauenfeld Castle.
If you prefer a "practical" museum to a historical museum, a visit to the Möhl cidery museum is a good idea. Here the whole family can learn more about the production of Thurgau cider. After a visit to the museum or a guided tour of the cidery, you can taste the wide range of products from the cidery and distillery.
In the Napoleon Museum in Arenenberg, you can visit the restored and originally furnished living quarters of Queen Hortense and the imperial family of Napoleon III.
The special exhibition on Eugène de Beauharnais - the Viceroy of Italy - runs until October 27. A visit to the museum can be rounded off with a walk up the 40-metre-high Napoleon Tower (a 10-minute drive from the museum).
If you want to find out more about the eventful history of the canton, you can sit down on the lakeside or in a cozy café with a book from the Historical Society of the Canton of Thurgau - depending on the weather.