Best attractions and places to see around Bettwiesen, a municipality in the Canton of Thurgau, Switzerland, offers a blend of historical significance and natural landscapes. It serves as a starting point for exploring the natural beauty of the Thurgau region. Visitors can find cultural heritage sites and opportunities for outdoor activities. The area features a variety of natural features and man-made monuments.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
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Baroque Church of St. John the Baptist & St. John the Evangelist - Fischingen Monastery History and Architecture According to sources from around 1200, Abbot Waltram had the first church and monastery complex built between 1138 and 1144. This Romanesque church was followed by the Gothic church, probably after a monastery fire dated 1440. Before the convent chapter decided to begin construction of a new church in 1685, Abbot Joachim summoned the Einsiedeln architect Brother Kaspar Moosbrugger, whose contribution to the planning, however, is difficult to estimate. The northern nave underwent its first alteration in connection with the Idda Chapel, built from 1704 onwards. The arcades opening onto the chapel were decorated with stucco. The extension of the church to the east and the construction of the cheerful organ choir in 1753 onwards had a more dramatic effect. which forms the transition to the spacious Baroque convent buildings from the same period. Somewhat later, the chancel was remodeled in the emerging style of early classicism. The Fischingen monastery church underwent extensive renovations between 2000 and 2008. The parish could not possibly cover the high costs of this renovation, approximately CHF 8 million, alone. Text / Source: Catholic Parish of St. Idda Fischingen, Kurhausstr. 29a, 8374 Dussnang https://www.kath-fischingen.ch/de/unser-pastoralraum-0/unsere-kirchen/st-johannes-der-taeufer-st-johannes-der-evangelist
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Kloster Fischingen / A foray through history In 1138, Bishop Ulrich II of Constance founded a private episcopal monastery in his territory on the upper reaches of the Murg river and settled it with Benedictine monks from the Petershausen monastery in Constance. After an initial period of prosperity, the Fischingen convent numbered barely more than 10 monks until the 17th century. In addition to tending to monastic life, they were responsible for pastoral care in the incorporated parishes of Dussnang (with Au), Bichelsee, Sirnach, and Bettwiesen, as well as in Fischingen. The Reformation led to the extinction of monastic life in Fischingen for several years. Abbot Heinrich Stoll from Zurich converted to the new doctrine in 1526 and married; the remaining four monks soon followed his example. It was the Catholic cantons of the Imperial Diet who brought about the re-establishment of the monastery by postulating P. Markus Schenkli, the vicar of the Abbot of St. Gallen, as the new Abbot of Fischingen in July 1540 at the Diet in Baden. After initial personnel and financial difficulties, the spirit of reform prevailed in Fischingen, and the monastery experienced its long flourishing period throughout the Baroque era with an average of 30 monks. Under the pious Abbot Joachim Seiler of Wil (1672–1688), a prolific spiritual writer and sought-after preacher, monastic spirituality reached such a peak that it was praised in a visitation report with the words "more to be recommended than to be improved". The construction of the new monastery church (1685–1687) also falls within Abbot Joachim's time. Abbot Nikolaus Degen of Lachen (1747–1776) is considered Fischingen's great Baroque building abbot. He extended the church with the Upper Choir in the ornate Rococo style and had the symmetrically designed, beautifully shaped monastery buildings erected to the east and south of the quadrangle. To the west, due to the monastery's high debt burden, the earlier buildings from 1577 and 1635 remained. Abbot Augustin Bloch of Oberbuchsiten (1776–1815) skillfully guided the monastery through the turmoil of the French Revolution and had the Lower Choir of the church remodeled in the early Classical style. Text / Source: Verein Kloster Fischingen, old website https://www.benediktiner-fischingen.ch/unsere-geschichte/
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Brauerei Kloster Fischingen AG Enjoy beers in the only Swiss monastery brewery The Brauerei Kloster Fischingen AG is the first and only Swiss monastery brewery. It brews a range of high-quality beers in the Ökonomiegebäude under the PILGRIM brand – a reference to the countless pilgrims who came to Fischingen over the centuries on the Way of St. James. Text / Source: Kloster Fischingen, 8376 Fischingen https://klosterfischingen.ch/
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St. Katharinakapelle - Kloster Fischingen Built in 1635 - Restored from 1998 - 2000 and placed under federal protection. Behind this door lies a true gem. Step inside and let yourself be enchanted by the atmosphere. Meditations, evening prayers, or early masses regularly take place there. Text / Source: Kath. Pfarrei St. Idda Fischingen, Kurhausstr. 29a, 8374 Dussnang https://www.kath-fischingen.ch/de/unsere-kirchen-4/st-katharinakapelle-fischingen-kloster
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Baroque Church of St. John the Baptist & St. John the Evangelist - Fischingen Monastery History and architecture According to sources from around 1200, Abbot Waltram had the first church and monastery complex built between 1138 and 1144. This Romanesque house of God was followed, probably after a monastery fire dated 1440, by the Gothic church construction. Before the convent chapter decided in 1685 to begin construction work on a new church, Abbot Joachim brought in the hermit architect Brother Kaspar Moosbrugger, whose contribution to the planning is difficult to assess. A first modification was made to the northern nave in connection with the St. Id a Chapel, built from 1704 onwards. The arcades opening to the chapel were adorned with stucco. The extension of the church to the east and the construction of the cheerful organ choir in 1753 onwards had a more decisive effect, forming the transition to the spacious Baroque convent buildings of the same period. Somewhat later, the chancel was reshaped in the emerging style of early Classicism. The Fischingen monastery church had to undergo a comprehensive renovation between 2000 and 2008. The high costs of this conversion, around 8 million Swiss francs, could not possibly be borne by the parish alone. Text / Source: Kath. Pfarrei St. Idda Fischingen, Kurhausstr. 29a, 8374 Dussnang https://www.kath-fischingen.ch/de/unser-pastoralraum-0/unsere-kirchen/st-johannes-der-taeufer-st-johannes-der-evangelist
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Kloster Fischingen History / 900 Years of Monastery History Since 1879, the monastery properties have been owned by the Kloster Fischingen Association. The monastery is home to a small Benedictine community, which is a tenant. Furthermore, the association ensures that the national monument is accessible to a wide audience. Thus, for more than one hundred and forty years, it has been responsible for the maintenance and revitalization of the historic complex. Before 1138, Bishop Ulrich II of Constance founded Fischingen Monastery. It experienced its heyday in the Baroque period and was dissolved by the Thurgau government in 1848. In 1879, the St. Iddazell Association acquired the monastery complex, and an educational center was established there in 1982. It remains in their possession to this day. From 1943 onwards, monks from Engelberg came to Fischingen to look after the children's home. In 1977, they were able to re-establish the old Benedictine abbey. Text / Source: Kloster Fischingen https://www.pilgerinfischingen.ch/im-kloster/lageplan-kloster/
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Fischingen Monastery / A journey through history In 1138, Bishop Ulrich II of Constance founded a proprietary monastery in his territory on the upper reaches of the Murg River and settled it with Benedictine monks from the Petershausen Monastery in Constance. After an initial period of prosperity, the Fischingen convent numbered hardly more than 10 monks until the 17th century. In addition to tending to monastic life, they were responsible for pastoral care in the incorporated parishes of Dussnang (with Au), Bichelsee, Sirnach, and Bettwiesen, as well as in Fischingen. The Reformation led to the monastic life in Fischingen being extinguished for several years. Abbot Heinrich Stoll from Zurich converted to the new doctrine in 1526 and married; the remaining four monks soon followed his example. It was the Catholic cantons of the Swiss Diet that brought about the re-establishment of the monastery by postulating P. Markus Schenkli, the vicar of the Abbot of St. Gallen, as the new Abbot of Fischingen in July 1540 at the Diet in Baden. After initial personnel and financial difficulties, the spirit of reform prevailed in Fischingen, and the monastery experienced its long period of prosperity throughout the entire Baroque era with an average of 30 monks. Under the saintly Abbot Joachim Seiler of Wil (1672–1688), a prolific spiritual writer and sought-after preacher, monastic spirituality reached such a peak that it was praised in a visitation report with the words "rather to be recommended than to be improved." The construction of the new monastery church (1685–1687) also falls within Abbot Joachim's time. Text / Source: Verein Kloster Fischingen, old internet presence https://www.benediktiner-fischingen.ch/unsere-geschichte/
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Brauerei Kloster Fischingen – PILGRIM Pilgrimage Station - founded in 1138 by Bishop Ulrich II of Constance as a pilgrimage station A SIP OF HEAVEN ON EARTH! In the Fischingen Benedictine Monastery, we brew handmade gourmet beers according to traditional recipes with modern knowledge and technology. The beers are made from the best monastery water, select malt, aroma hops, forest herbs, and spices. The use of rare yeasts and extensive maturation results in a unique, full flavor. Text / Source: BRAUEREI KLOSTER FISCHINGEN AG, Im Kloster, CH-8376 Fischingen https://www.pilgrim.ch/
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The area around Bettwiesen offers several beautiful natural spots. You can visit the impressive Giessenfall Waterfall, where the Altbach river drops about 40 meters, offering picturesque views and a picnic area. Another highlight is Lake Bichel, a peaceful bathing lake popular in summer, with quiet paths for walking or cycling. The Roosetaaler Pond is also a local natural point of interest, ideal for relaxation.
Yes, Bettwiesen and its surroundings are rich in history and culture. Fischingen Abbey is a significant Benedictine monastery where you can explore its historical grounds, dine at its restaurant, or even spend a night in a former monk's cell. The Old Town Frauenfeld, the main town of Thurgau, enchants with beautiful 18th-century buildings and is recognized as a protected site in Switzerland. Bettwiesen itself is home to Bettwiesen Castle and the Katholische Kirche St. Urban, both recognized heritage sites.
Bettwiesen is an excellent starting point for various cycling adventures. You can find numerous road cycling routes, including longer excursions towards Lake Constance, and gravel biking options that offer diverse terrain and scenic views. For detailed routes, explore the Gravel biking around Bettwiesen and Road Cycling Routes around Bettwiesen guides.
The area around Bettwiesen offers many hiking and walking trails for different fitness levels. Popular options include the 'Bridge over the Murg – Roosetaaler Pond loop from Bettwiesen' and the 'Lommiswald barbecue hut – Buech Bench loop from Lommis'. You can find more trails and detailed information in the Hiking around Bettwiesen guide.
Absolutely! Many attractions around Bettwiesen are suitable for families. Lake Bichel is a great spot for swimming and quiet walks, while the Giessenfall Waterfall offers a scenic walk and a picnic area. The Thur Suspension Bridge near Thurau provides easy trails for beginners, and the Old Town Frauenfeld is enjoyable for a stroll through historical streets.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical charm. They enjoy the peaceful natural settings of places like Lake Bichel and the impressive views at Giessenfall Waterfall. The historical significance and unique experiences offered by sites such as Fischingen Abbey, including its restaurant and overnight stays, are also highly valued.
Yes, the region offers several scenic viewpoints. The Giessenfall Waterfall provides picturesque views from below, and just above it, a picnic area invites you to rest and enjoy the scenery. The Thur Suspension Bridge near Thurau also offers great views of the river and surrounding area. Additionally, cycling routes like the 'Nollen-Rundweg' provide panoramic views, including from the Wiler Tower.
Yes, Fischingen Abbey features a restaurant where you can take a break and even offers the unique experience of spending a night in a former monk's cell. For other options, the nearby Old Town Frauenfeld provides various dining and accommodation choices.
The Giessenfall Waterfall area is noted for having a small bathing area suitable for both humans and dogs. Many of the hiking and walking trails around Bettwiesen are also generally dog-friendly, allowing you and your pet to enjoy the natural surroundings together.
The best time to visit Bettwiesen largely depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for enjoying Lake Bichel as a bathing lake and for general outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. The natural beauty of the region, with its forests and waterfalls, can be appreciated throughout the warmer months. Historical sites like Fischingen Abbey and the Old Town Frauenfeld are accessible year-round.
Yes, the Old Town Frauenfeld is noted as being wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to explore its historical streets and buildings comfortably.
You can visit the Thur Suspension Bridge near Thurau, which is a notable bridge offering scenic views and is part of easy-to-ride trails. It's a great spot for families and those looking for gentle outdoor activities along the river.


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