Frauenfeld Castle
Frauenfeld, TG
For 800 years, Frauenfeld Castle has shaped the cantonal capital of Thurgau. Within its imposing walls, the Thurgau Historical Museum presents its multimedia exhibition – a must-see destination for culture vultures, history fans and families. Unique objects, captivating dialogs and multimedia experiences will delight all the senses.
The landmark of the cantonal capital
Frauenfeld Castle has commanded the heights above the Murg river in the heart of the cantonal capital for 800 years. Within its venerable walls, the Thurgau Historical Museum presents its multimedia exhibition – a must-see destination for culture vultures, adventure seekers, history buffs and families. The exhibition concentrates on the tense period between the Council of Constance in 1414 and the fall of the Ancien Regime in 1798, when Napoleon's troops brought to an end Thurgau’s status as subject territory. Fascinating dialogues from four medieval characters from the Middle Ages, as well as sound and light shows, appeal to all the senses and bring the era back to life.
So much Thurgau history
Frauenfeld Castle is the gateway to the history of Thurgau. Over three floors, visitors can experience how the region changed from a medieval bailiwick to a complexly organized federal common lordship.
The journey into the past begins in the arsenal. With a view of the tower built from glacial stones, the Middle Ages come back to life – staged in the form of dialogues, accessible to all. Adrian, the fictional castle resident, tells of his training as a knight and how this is threatened by the mercenary system. Valuable originals such as the Diessenhof Minneliedblatt, the earliest paper from the area, or a knight's sword from 1300 impress both fans of archaeological digs as well as families and children.
The upheaval of the Reformation and the Confederation's war campaign characterize the rest of the castle tour. Museum visitors learn how modern-day Thurgau became a bone of contention among the neighbouring great powers. Wonderful art masterpieces from Thurgau monasteries and churches also fall victim to these turbulent times. Only a few major artefacts, including the famous Kreuzlingen mitre, were saved - and now impress visitors to Frauenfeld Castle with their breathtaking beauty.
The Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 13:00 – 17:00.
Free entry
Audio guide | CHF 5 |
Guided tours | CHF 150 |
School offers | from CHF 100 |
Picnic area is available on the castle terrace.
The castle is not wheelchair accessible.
The exhibition is not available in Braille.
Scharfes Eck: www.scharfeseck.ch/
Pizzeria Ristorante Molino: www.molino.ch/de/
Gasthof zum Goldenen Kreuz: www.goldeneskreuz.ch/
Ristorante Barbarossa: www.barbarossa-frauenfeld.ch/
For hire
Free wedding ceremonies are possible in the elegant Representation Hall. There is space for 40 chairs in the wedding room. The castle terrace also serves as a romantic backdrop for a drinks reception (www.historisches-museum.tg.ch).
We can organise birthday parties for young and old. Further information on children's birthdays (max. 10 children) can be found here and on private parties for adults (max. 50 people) here.
Adventures for young and old
- “Steine versetzen” and “Ach, du Scheibe!” - Audiovisual entertainment throughout the castle, ages 12 and up.
- Leuli journey – History of the town through a discovery booklet, from age 4 up.
- Kati and Sven puzzle kit. Self-guided discovery of Frauenfeld Castle and its history, from age 9 up.
- Smartphone game –Digital treasure hunt from the armoury to the top of the keep of Frauenfeld Castle, from age 9 up.
Knight’s birthdays for little explorers:
- Walter the knight’s trunk – Lose yourself in the world of knights as a birthday treat, for 5-7 years olds.
- Become a knight (boys and girls) – Turn yourself into a knight and try on real armour, from age 8 up
For companies, associations, groups of friends
- Team adventure Medieval Trail
- Teambuilding Event: medieval journey – Intrepid adventurers and valiant explorers - solve puzzles together and discover different aspects of the Middle Ages in Frauenfeld Castle.
- Escape Room. Save the abbess’s treasure! The history of Thurgovia presented in a modern way. A game with unexpected adventures in order to solve a crime, based on true historical events.
More information and booking (offers in German)
Arrival
Historisches Museum Thurgau, Schloss Frauenfeld
Rathausplatz 2
8500 Frauenfeld
By train
The intercity Romanshorn-Genève stops in Frauenfeld, a 5-minute walk towards the old town
By car
30 minutes from Zurich on the A1/A7 (sortie Frauenfeld-West) or 20 minutes from Constance on the A7 (sortie Frauenfeld-Ost) heading for the centre (Zentrum)
Parking spaces
On Marktplatz or on Promenadenstrasse
Arrival with Google Maps