Hüttwilersee

Hüttwilersee is a small lake in the Swiss canton of Thurgau, on the boundary between the municipalities of Hüttwilen and Uesslingen-Buch. It is one of three lakes in the Seebachtal valley, alongside Nussbaumersee and Hasensee, and the one with a public lido.

Where is Hüttwilersee?

The lake sits in north-eastern Switzerland near Hüttwilen, at roughly 47.61° N, 8.84° E. It fills a hollow behind a moraine ridge left by the last ice age. The three lakes lie close together, so one walk can take in all of them.

What is the lake like?

Its surface covers about 0.35 km². The average depth is around 7.7 m and the deepest point reaches roughly 14.8 m. It is compact, calm and ringed by greenery. After the ice age the water level was lowered artificially, which split what was once a single long lake into the three separate waters you see today.

Why is Seebachtal protected?

The valley is a nature reserve of national significance. Its landscape was placed under protection in 1966, and since 1994 the Stiftung Seebachtal foundation has worked to restore the original terrain. Renewed shorelines now support endangered amphibians such as the tree frog and newts, which makes the area rewarding for wildlife watchers.

Can you swim here?

Yes. The Strandbad lido on Hüttwilersee lies inside the reserve. It offers a gravel beach, a separate area for non-swimmers, a diving tower, a playground and a restaurant. The season runs from about May to mid-September. Inflatable mattresses and stand-up paddleboards are banned on the lake, and dogs may not bathe anywhere in the valley, so keep them out of the water.

What else is there to do?

• Walk the paths around the lakes. The Nussbaumersee loop is easy going.
• Follow the medium-difficulty route through the Seebach valley towards Kartause Ittingen, a former monastery.
• Watch for birds and amphibians along the restored banks.
• Come early for photos, when the surface is still.

How do you get there?

The simplest way is by car from Frauenfeld or Hüttwilen. Buses also serve the valley from both towns. Check the current timetable before you go, as services in smaller municipalities can thin out outside peak hours.

When should you visit?

Choose July and August for swimming, when the lido is fully open. For walks and nature watching, May, June and September are quieter, with fresh green or golden scenery.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a beach at Hüttwilersee? Yes. The Strandbad has a gravel beach, a children's area, a diving tower and a restaurant.

Can I swim with my dog? No. Dogs are not allowed to bathe in the Seebachtal valley.

Can I use a SUP board or an inflatable? No, both are prohibited on Hüttwilersee.

Are there other lakes nearby? Yes. Nussbaumersee and Hasensee lie right next door, and all three belong to Seebachtal.

When does the swimming season end? Around mid-September. Confirm exact dates before your visit.