Thurgau is the smallest and the least populated canton of Switzerland. The name Thurgau is derived from Thur, which is the name of the river that flows through the canton, and Gau, which means region or district in old German. Thur River flows into Lake Constance, which serves as the natural northern border of Thurgau. To the east and south, Thurgau borders with the Swiss cantons of St. Gallen and Argovia. To the west, it borders with the German state of Bavaria. And to the north, apart from Lake Constance, it also borders with Austria. Thurgau is the smallest canton in Switzerland by area, covering just 994 square kilometers or 384 square miles. With a population of 280 thousand people, it is also the least populous canton of Switzerland. The capital city of Thurgau is Frauenfeld. Other major cities include Arbon, Romanshorn, Rorschach, Weinfelden and Kreuzlingen. Thurgau is divided into seven districts, Arbon, Amriswil, Frauenfeld, Hauptpüren, Münchwilen, Orf and Weinfelden.
The highest point in Thurgau is the 1701 meter or 5581 feet high Mount Hohen Kasten. Although Thurgau is a very small canton, there is a lot to see and explore here. So stick around and let's get started. As always, we will start with a few fun facts about this canton. The flag of Thurgau is one of only two cantonal flags in Switzerland that features people on it. It shows a knight riding on a horse. But why? Well, during the 14th century, the Lords of Hallwyl used to wear a golden badge showing a knight riding a rearing horse. After the extinction of the Lords of Hallwyl in 1360, this symbol was taken over by the Abbey of St. Gallan as a coat of arms. In 1798, it became the emblem of the Helvetic Republic and in 1881, it was adopted by the canton of Thurgau. The oldest known depiction of the knight dates back to a seal dating from 1364. The other canton with people on its flag is Schaffhausen.
There is no other canton in Switzerland with a lower population density than Thurgau. There are only 275 inhabitants per square kilometer or 713 per square mile. This is probably due to the fact that most of the land in the canton is used for agriculture. The economy of Thurgau is mainly based on agriculture, industry and services. Only about 3 percent of the population works in industry. Tourism is also an important sector for the economy of Thurgau, especially around Lake Constance, where many tourists come to visit every year.
If you want to live in Thurgau, you will be happy to hear that it has one of the lowest crime rates in Switzerland. Also, the cost of living in Thurgau is relatively low compared to other cantons, which makes it an attractive place to live for young professionals and families. The average property price in Thurgau is around 330,000 Swiss francs or 348,000 US dollars. This is much lower than the national average of around 510,000 Swiss francs or 535,000 US dollars. Of course, prices vary depending on the location and size of the property, but generally speaking, Thurgau is a very affordable place to buy real estate.
Now let's take a look at some of the places you can visit while in Thurgau. The Canton of Thurgau is home to a number of beautiful lakes, rivers and mountains that offer visitors a wide range of recreational opportunities. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Thurgau is Lake Constance, also known as Bodensee in German. The lake is shared with the German state of Bavaria and the Austrian state of Vorarlberg and is the largest lake in Germany by area. Lake Constance is a popular destination for swimming, boating and fishing. Visitors can also explore the many islands in the lake, such as the beautiful Mainau Island, which is known for its stunning gardens and the famous Christmas boat.
Another popular tourist destination in Thurgau is the Thur River, which flows through the middle of the canton. The Thur is a tributary of the Rhine River and offers visitors the opportunity to go kayaking, canoeing or stand up paddle boarding. The river is also home to a variety of fish species, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Thurgau is also home to a number of beautiful mountains that offer visitors stunning views of the surrounding landscape. One of the most popular mountains is Mount Hohen Kasten, the highest point in Thurgau. Visitors can hike or bike to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the Alps, Lake Constance and the Swiss Plateau.
Apart from the natural beauty of Thurgau, the canton is also home to a number of cultural and historical sites. One of the most notable is the Abbey of St. Gallan, which is a former Benedictine abbey founded in the 8th century. The abbey is now a museum that houses a variety of artifacts and documents related to the history of St. Gallan. Another cultural landmark in Thurgau is the Castle of Wildenburg, which is a medieval castle that dates back to the 13th century. The castle is now a youth hostel and offers visitors the opportunity to stay in a historic building and learn about medieval life in Switzerland.
We have mentioned the Abbey of St. Gallan and now it is time to talk about the actual city of St. Gallan. St. Gallan is a city in northeastern Switzerland on the shore of Lake Constance. It is the second largest city in Thurgau after the capital city of Frauenfeld and the 15th largest city in Switzerland with a population of around 75,000 people. ST. Gallen is a cultural and economic hub of the region and is home to the University of ST. Gallen, which is one of the most prestigious universities in Switzerland. The city is also known for its well preserved Old Town, which features a number of charming shops, restaurants and historic buildings. One of the most iconic landmarks in ST. Gallen is the ST. Lawrence Monastery Library, which is a historic library that dates back to the 8th century. The library contains a wealth of historical books and manuscripts and is a popular destination for tourists and scholars alike.
Overall, ST. Gallen is a beautiful and historic city that is well worth a visit if you are in Thurgau. Its stunning Abbey library, picturesque Old Town and beautiful lakeside setting make it a truly unique and unforgettable destination. But what about the capital city of Thurgau, Frauenfeld? Frauenfeld is the capital city of the Canton of Thurgau in northeastern Switzerland. It is located on the southern shore of Lake Thur, which is a beautiful lake that offers a wide range of recreational activities such as swimming, boating and fishing. Frauenfeld is a vibrant and charming city with a rich history and culture. It is home to a number of historic buildings, including the 15th century Town Hall and the Baroque style Minster Church. Visitors can also explore the city's well preserved Old Town, which features a number of picturesque streets, squares and alleys lined with colorful buildings and cozy cafes, restaurants and shops.
Frauenfeld is also home to a number of museums and art galleries, including the Thurgau Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the region. For those looking to experience the natural beauty of Switzerland, Frauenfeld is also located near several stunning mountain ranges and hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the Alps and Lake Constance. Overall, Frauenfeld is a picturesque and charming city that is well worth a visit if you are in Thurgau. Its beautiful lakefront setting, historic architecture and abundance of outdoor activities make it a truly unique and unforgettable destination.
Of course, the canton of Thurgau has an airport. It is called Altenrhein Airport and is located near the city of St. Gallen, close to Lake Constance. Even though the airport is small, it offers regular flights to several destinations in Europe, including London, Paris and Berlin. If you are flying to Thurgau, you can expect a short and simple flight. The airport is small, so you won't have to spend much time waiting in lines or going through security. Plus, because it is a small airport, you will likely have a shorter wait time for your luggage when you arrive. Once you arrive in Thurgau, you will be met with stunning scenery. Whether you are arriving in winter or summer, the landscape is truly beautiful.
Once again, welcome to Thurgau.
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