Kartäuser-Fürstenland-Route
Overview
-
-
Distance 42 km
-
Ascent 600 m
Intro
From the tourist attractions at Stein am Rhein to Zurich wine country, where asparagus and hops grow alongside vines and wheat. The Ittigen Charterhouse, a former Augustine Monastery is an invitation to stop. On through fields and orchards from Frauenfeld to Wil.
Description
In summer, Stein am Rhein is sometimes overrun with tourists. Along with Murten, it is considered one of the best preserved small medieval towns in Switzerland. The route skirts around the Stammerberg mountain, where it becomes significantly more secluded. The expansive plantations of grain, maize and onions then give way to the first harbingers of Stammheim: timber frame and half-timbered houses. The Gasthaus Hirschen inn in Oberstammheim is a particularly beautiful example. Built in 1684, it is one of the most remarkable half-timbered houses in Eastern Switzerland.
Continuing to the Seebachtal valley, where marshy woodlands, old hedgerows and shallow flat banks provide an ideal refuge and breeding ground for many different species of bird. Wild geese and smartly plumed lapwings are fond of the area around the Nussbommersee, Hüttwilersee and Hasesee lakes. These miniature natural oases have no outflow, as they are what are known as kettle hole lakes. The beautiful vineyards that adorn the landscape of Zurich’s wine country are also striking. But that’s not all: hops are grown by the river Thur too, including by the little chapel you will see just before you reach Kartause Ittingen. So make sure to stop here and take a look: the chapel was founded in 1152 as an Augustine priory and was owned by the Carthusians from 1461 to 1848. Since 1983, the former Carthusian monastery has been used as a centre for culture and a seminar space. People with physical and mental disabilities live and work here. There are hours of exploring to be had in the beer garden, monastery shop, wine cellar, art museum, the Baroque and medicinal herb garden with a labyrinth, and the abbey itself. As you carry on, you will cross back over the river Thur. Once you pass the Waffenplatz, you will arrive at the capital of the canton of Thurgau. Frauenfeld’s upper town was rebuilt in the Late Baroque classical style after extensive fires in 1771 and 1788.
From here, you will enjoy a leisurely walk with gentle climbs and descents until you reach the Maria Dreibrunnen pilgrimage site. The church here was restored in 1964 and given protected status by the federal government. Just next door is the Pilgerhaus, an inviting restaurant surrounded by chestnut and linden trees. No doubt you will feel like a pilgrim yourself on the stretch between Kartause Ittingen and Wil. Wil, the old abbey town with its stately baron’s house on the main square and your destination for this leg, also paints an attractive picture.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Stein am Rhein
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Wil SG
|
| Ascent |
600 m
|
| Descent |
460 m
|
| Distance |
42 km
|
| Distance on tarred ways |
38 km
|
| Distance on natural surface |
4 km
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Theme |
Through a vineyard
|
| More information | https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/veloland/etappe33.0... |
Quick Facts
Route number
