Things To Do
in Frauenfeld

Frauenfeld is the charming capital of the canton of Thurgau, tucked between the Swiss plains and the gentle hills of northeastern Switzerland. Its historic old town features well-preserved facades, cobbled streets, and the imposing Frauenfeld Castle perched above the market square. The town serves as a convenient gateway to Lake Constance and the Thur valley, offering cultural sights, leafy riverside walks, and easy day trips.

With a welcoming, compact layout and efficient public transport, Frauenfeld is ideal for a relaxed, nature-infused Swiss getaway.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Frauenfeld's Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your journey with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Frauenfeld's historic center. Visit the impressive Frauenfeld Castle and soak in the rich history that surrounds you. Stop by a local café for a traditional Swiss breakfast, savoring freshly baked pastries and coffee.

afternoon
:

After exploring the castle, immerse yourself in the local culture at the Thurgau Heritage Museum. Engage with interactive exhibits that recount the region's past and enjoy the beautiful gardens. As the afternoon sun warms the streets, consider shopping for unique souvenirs in the boutique shops nearby.

evening
:

As the day winds down, find a cozy restaurant to indulge in a traditional Swiss dinner. Try local specialties such as fondue or raclette while enjoying the ambiance of the town. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the river, feeling the serenity of the nighttime atmosphere.

day 2
Nature Retreat in the Nearby Forests
morning
:

Set out early for a refreshing hike in the lush forests surrounding Frauenfeld. Breathe in the crisp morning air and listen to the sounds of nature as you traverse various trails that showcase the natural beauty of the region. Stop at scenic viewpoints to take breathtaking photographs of the landscapes.

afternoon
:

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the tranquil forest setting. Find a picturesque spot to relax and recharge while surrounded by nature’s beauty. After eating, continue exploring the area, perhaps spotting local wildlife along the way.

evening
:

Return to the town and consider visiting a local brewery for a tasting of fine Swiss beers. Engage with locals and learn about the brewing process while sampling different styles. End the evening at a bar with live music, immersing yourself in the vibrant local scene.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$15-20
Coffee in a café$3-5
🚆Single public transport ride$3-4
🧺Groceries (basic items for a day)$10-20
🍷Glass of wine in a restaurant$6-12

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable town with rich history
  • Easy access to Lake Constance and hiking routes
  • Smaller nightlife scene compared to larger cities
  • Can be pricey for some meals and services
  • "Grüezi" - Hello (formal, Swiss German)
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
  • "Auf Wiedersehen" - Goodbye

Places to Visit in Frauenfeld

Visit one of these nice places.

Frauenfeld Rathausplatz and Marktgasse

Vivid medieval facades, cobblestones, and the market atmosphere provide excellent street photography at any time of day.

Frauenfeld Castle overlook

Panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside from the castle area, particularly striking at sunrise or sunset.

Thur River promenade

Gentle waterside paths with willow trees; ideal for tranquil landscape shots and reflective portraits.

Old Town façades on Marktgasse

Colorful, well-preserved storefronts and decorative details offer charming architectural photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Frauenfeld

Frauenfeld and the Thurgau region celebrate fresh dairy, fish from Lake Constance, seasonal produce, and hearty Swiss comfort food. Expect hearty breakfasts, cheese-forward platters, and approachable, family-friendly dining with seasonal specialties.

Frauenfeld Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Felchen (lake whitefish) with dill sauce

A local specialty featuring lightly fried or baked Felchen served with a bright dill and lemon sauce, often accompanied by Rösti or vegetables.

Must-Try!

Thurgauer Rösti

A regional rösti variation, often served with sautéed onions, herbs, and sometimes crispy bacon or cheese topping.

Bircher Müesli

The classic Swiss breakfast of oats, grated apple, and nuts—refreshing and widely available in cafés around town.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Frauenfeld Markt

Weekly market on Marktgasse with fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and regional specialties—great for sampling street-side snacks and picking up picnic essentials.

lakeside snack stalls

Seasonal stalls around the lakefront offering light bites like pretzels, sausages, and small cheese plates to enjoy by the water.

Climate Guide

Weather

Frauenfeld has a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed through the year, with more rain in late spring and autumn. Snow is common in winter, while summers average around 20-25°C (68-77°F) and can occasionally rise higher.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Grüezi and punctuality

Greet with a friendly Grüezi; Swiss culture values punctuality and orderly conduct in public spaces.

Public spaces

Keep noise down in residential areas, especially evenings; queue patiently and follow local signs in markets and transit.

Safety Guide

Safety

Frauenfeld is generally safe with low crime rates. Standard travel precautions apply: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, be mindful of weather conditions when hiking, and use licensed taxis or public transport for late-night travel.

Tipping in Frauenfeld

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary but not mandatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving about 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants and cafés.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted; cash in Swiss francs is useful for smaller shops and markets. Contactless payments are common and convenient.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with fresh greenery; a great time for town walks and garden visits before the summer crowd arrives.

Summer

Warm, occasional humid days; pleasant evenings for outdoor dining and lakefront strolls. Expect outdoor markets and festivals.

Autumn

Golden light and harvest flavors; perfect for vineyard visits nearby and relaxing café stops.

Winter

Cool to cold with chances of snow; enjoy cozy restaurants, indoor cultural events, and festive markets around the holidays.

Nightlife Guide

Frauenfeld at Night

Frauenfeld’s nightlife is relaxed and small-scale, with friendly pubs and bars around the town center. Expect cozy atmospheres, occasional live music, and seasonal events rather than a large club scene. Many visitors end their evenings with a riverside stroll or a late-night coffee at a 24-hour cafe during warmer months.

Hiking in Frauenfeld

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Seerücken Hiking Trail

Gentle to moderate trails with rewarding views over Lake Constance and the surrounding valleys.

Thur River Walks

Flat, scenic walks along the Thur with birdwatching opportunities and peaceful river scenery.

Airports

How to reach Frauenfeld by plane.

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Major international hub about 60-90 minutes by train from Frauenfeld, with frequent rail connections and extensive flight options.

St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (ACH)

Smaller regional airport within roughly a one- to two-hour journey by public transport, useful for seasonal and regional travel.

Getting Around

Walkability

Frauenfeld is compact and easy to explore on foot, with most attractions clustered around the old town and Marktgasse. Sidewalks are well-maintained, and the town is bike-friendly with gentle, well-marked routes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

A mix of families, daytime commuters, students, and a small expatriate community; predominantly German-speaking.

Tourists

Visitors drawn to lake access, historic architecture, and easy day trips to the surrounding Thurgau countryside.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular among locals and clubs; matches are a common weekend activity.

Cycling and rowing

Scenic routes along the Thur and Lake Constance attract recreational cyclists; rowing and water sports are common on the lake.

Transportation

Traffic

Frauenfeld benefits from reliable Swiss rail connections to Zurich, St. Gallen, and other major cities. Local traffic is light, with good bus services for the town center. The town is compact enough that many sights are reachable by foot or bike; parking can be limited in peak times near the old town.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Frauenfeld.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most restaurants in Frauenfeld offer vegetarian options—look for cheese and vegetable plates, Rösti, salads, and mushrooms. Ask about separate vegetarian mains and request dairy-free sauces if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Local healthcare is well-served by a regional hospital in Frauenfeld and multiple clinics in the area. Switzerland maintains high medical standards, and emergency numbers are 144 for medical emergencies. Health insurance is mandatory for residents, with private options for supplementary coverage.

Discover Switzerland

Read more in our Switzerland 2025 Travel Guide.

Switzerland Travel Guide