Council Cycle Path

The old Konstanzer-Strasse symbolises the ever-changing relationship between the two cities of St.Gallen and Constance. During the Council of 1414-1418, the flow of trade between the cities increased significantly. The cloth-makers from Constance had their products made in St.Gallen where costs were lower and local industry in St.Gallen supplied the booming city of Constance.

The route starts in the Abbey District of St.Gallen, follows a busy road to Wittenbach, gradually entering a green landscape, the hills between Lake Constance and the Sitter Ravine. The route passes the white Dottenwil Castle, the shaggy highland cattle from Ruggisberg to Hagenwil Castle, a well-preserved, moated castle with drawbridge. Amriswil has only grown larger than the surrounding hamlets since the Thurtal mountain railway line opened.

The hinterland is the domain of individualists who find tranquillity among orchards, meadows and woods. Apple and pear trees dominate the landscape in “Mostindien”, a nickname given to Thurgau in the 19th century on account of its apple cultivation and its shape, which is reminiscent of India. And an educational trail in Altnau provides detailed information about fruit-growing in Thurgau. The view of Lake Constance is spectacular, the route draws closer to Kreuzlingen and, after crossing an invisible border, it reaches the German metropolis of Constance.