Berlingen(Switzerland) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Birken, the top family-friendly hotel is Hotel Alpenblick, a charming alpine-style property nestled by Lake Constance. It features spacious family rooms, a children’s play area, and direct access to the Birken Castle Ruins and scenic walking trails. The hotel offers guided nature scavenger hunts and free paddleboat rentals for kids. Nearby, Gasthof Rössli serves organic Swiss meals and hosts weekend family cooking workshops. Both hotels are just a 5-minute walk from the train station, making them ideal bases for exploring eastern Switzerland with ease and comfort.

The city center of Birken is the prime area for accommodations, offering easy access to Lake Constance, the historic Old Town Walkway, and the Birken Castle Ruins. Stay at Hotel am See, which boasts panoramic lake views and private docks, or choose Schlosshotel Birken, a former noble estate with restored wood-beamed interiors and lush gardens. The area is pedestrian-friendly, packed with cozy cafés, local bakeries, and seasonal markets. With a 5-minute walk to the railway station, it’s perfectly positioned for day trips to Zurich, St. Gallen, or even Konstanz, Germany—ideal for travelers seeking convenience and charm.

Don’t miss the annual Bodensee Festival held at the Birken Castle Ruins Park, featuring live music, artisan stalls, and traditional Swiss folk dancing. Visit the Birken Museum to explore medieval farming tools, family archives, and heritage exhibits from the Thurgau region. For religious art lovers, the Church of St. John showcases stunning 14th-century stained glass and a Baroque altar. These immersive experiences offer deep insight into the rich history and traditions of eastern Switzerland, blending past and present in a uniquely authentic way.

Yes, Hotel am See is a must-stay lakeside hotel in Birken, located directly on the shores of Lake Constance with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the water. Guests enjoy private docks, free paddleboat rentals, and morning sunrise views over the German shoreline. Another top choice is Schlosshotel Birken, a converted 18th-century manor with original stone walls, oak beams, and a garden leading to a secluded beach. Both hotels serve farm-to-table breakfasts using local ingredients and offer evening wine tastings by the lake—perfect for unwinding in serene natural beauty.

Absolutely. Birken is a hiker’s paradise, especially along the Bodensee Rundwanderweg (Lake Constance Circular Trail), a 12-kilometer route starting at the Birken Castle Ruins. The path winds through ancient oaks, wildflower meadows, and birdwatching wetlands. Use the Swiss Hiking App for navigation, and stop at rest shelters with panoramic views. For longer adventures, connect to the Thurgau Forest Trail Network, extending toward Bregenz, Austria. Expect sightings of red deer, foxes, and golden eagles. Trails are well-marked, and local guides offer themed walks like “Folklore & Forests” — ideal for immersive outdoor experiences.

Must-try dishes in Birken include Toggenburger Cheese Fondue, made with regional Toggenburger cheese and apple cider for depth. Try Swiss Pork Knuckle with Sauerkraut, slow-roasted from Alpine-raised pigs, served with dark bread. Don’t miss Honey Walnut Bread (Honigwalnussbrot), baked fresh daily at local farms. Enjoy these at Gasthof Rössli or Zum Goldenen Fuchs, where rustic wooden interiors and warm lighting enhance the authentic Thurgau dining experience. Pair your meal with a glass of local Chasselas wine—a crisp white from nearby vineyards.

Yes, Birken has excellent transport links. The Birken Train Station connects to Zurich in 30 minutes and St. Gallen in 45 minutes, with frequent services to Konstanz, Germany. The town is bike- and walk-friendly, with the Lake Constance Cycling Path running through the center. Electric bike rentals are available at local stations. For air travel, reach Zurich Airport (ZRH) via train in 90 minutes or Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH, Germany) in under an hour. The A14 Motorway is just minutes away, making it easy to explore eastern Switzerland and southwestern Germany seamlessly.

The peak tourist season in Birken runs from May to October, with June to August being the busiest months due to favorable weather and festivals like the Bodensee Festival and Castle Lights Event. Autumn (September–October) brings vibrant foliage and grape harvests—perfect for photography and wine lovers. Winter sees fewer tourists but offers magical Christmas markets and snowshoeing opportunities. To avoid crowds, consider visiting in April or November, when prices are lower and accommodations more available—ideal for quiet, authentic exploration.

Enjoy evening magic at Lake Constance Outdoor Theater, where summer operas and open-air concerts are performed under the stars. At Old Town Square, street performers entertain nightly, while bars like Café Belvedere host live jazz and craft beer tastings. For romance or tranquility, book a starlight camping experience with a local guide—featuring bonfires, hot chocolate, and Milky Way viewing. Some hotels, such as Hotel Alpenblick, offer private evening spa baths with lake views, blending relaxation with breathtaking scenery.

Yes, Birken is perfect for couples seeking a romantic retreat. Stay at Schlosshotel Birken, where lake-view suites feature fireplace balconies and sunset panoramas. Rent a double paddleboat for a private cruise across Lake Constance, or enjoy a candlelit dinner at Gasthof Rössli with local cheese fondue and vintage wine. Sunrise yoga sessions by the lake and evening strolls through the castle ruins create intimate moments. The town’s quiet charm, combined with nature and luxury, makes it an unforgettable destination for love-filled memories.