Visit the Amazing Napoleon Museum at Schloss Arenenberg Thurgau
The Napoleon Museum in Salenstein
We recently discovered a real jewel in the heart of the Thurgau region of Switzerland. It is the Napoleon Museum at Schloss Arenenberg in Salenstein and it is definitely worth a visit. The castle was sold to Empress Joséphine, Queen Hortense de Beauharnais, who was Napoleon I ‘s step-daughter. She lived in the castle with her son Prince Louis Napoleon, who became Emperor Napoleon III and apparently in addition to speaking French, he also spoke the Thurgau dialect of Swiss German!
The Swiss castle was decorated in the style of the French Empire with many touches from Great Britain. Today the castle is open to the public all year round and you can visit and admire the very opulent interiors.
It is decorated with stunning wallpaper, beautiful furnishings (many of which are original) and priceless artefacts. There are also many paintings, including several of Napoleon.
Schloss Arenenberg Park and Gardens
Located right on the shores of Lake Constance in a 13-hectare park designed by French landscape architects, Schloss Arenenberg certainly occupies a fabulous location. This wonderful park was built with grottos, a hermitage, an ice cellar and a fountain.
Schloss Arenenberg A Swiss Heritage Site
Napoleon Museum, Schloss Arenenberg Thurgau
Things To Do in The Area
Other things you might like to do in the Thurgau area include a boat cruise on between Schaffhausen and Constance, a visit to the Historic Museum Thurgau, a trip to Conny Land, and there is a great variety of walking and hiking. There are approximately 1,000 kilometres of hiking trails. If you prefer biking there are around 900 kilometres of cycling paths. Whilst you’re there don’t miss Thurgau’s many apple trees. In Springtime the edge of Lake Constance turns into a vast sea of pink blossoms and there is lots of local Apple Juice and many apple specialities to be tried.
**** As with all excursions at the moment, please check any Covid restrictions or closures before you set off ***