Set on the southern shore of Lake Constance, Arbon is a historic town in the Swiss canton of Thurgau. It centres around a charming old town with half-timbered buildings and an impressive castle tower, and is surrounded by prehistoric settlements dating back 6,500 years.
Things to do in Arbon
In the heart of town is the medieval Schloss Arbon, a towered castle that houses the fascinating exhibits of the Arbon History Museum. Learn about the settlement of Lake Constance more than 5,000 years ago as you browse the artefacts on display, including antique weapons, everyday objects and black and white photographs. From the 13th-century tower, there are impressive views across Arbon.
Occupying a former textile factory building is the Saurer Museum, which explores the history of embroidery and fabric production in the region. Admire the antique looms and machinery on display alongside heavy utility vehicles such as a 1911 Caminhao. Vintage buses, fire trucks and military cars are also exhibited, as are both petrol and diesel engines.
If you’re a fan of cider, head to MoMö, where apples have been turned into juice since 1895. Old fruit presses, mills and laboratory equipment are exhibited in the museum, which also details the history of the Möhl family and houses interactive stations explaining the future of cider production. In the garden, you can enjoy a refreshing cider while the kids let loose in the apple-themed playground.
Getting around Arbon
Arbon is around 15 minutes’ drive from St Gallen and 20 minutes from St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Trains connect to the Arbon railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Arbon can easily be explored on foot.