Napoleonturm Wäldi

Napoleonturm Wäldi is a timber lookout tower on Hohenrain hill near Sonterswil, a village in the municipality of Wäldi in the Swiss canton of Thurgau. From the top you can see Lake Constance and, in clear weather, the Alps.

Why is it called the Napoleon Tower?

The name comes from an earlier tower that stood almost on the same spot in the 19th century. That structure, known as the "Belvédère zu Hohenrain", went up in 1829 and was about 21 metres tall. Local tradition links it to Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, the future Napoleon III, who lived at nearby Arenenberg castle. No written source firmly proves that he started the project, yet the name stuck among locals. The exposed wood weathered badly: after 26 years climbing was banned, and in 1855 the tower was pulled down.

What does the current tower look like?

The present tower opened in 2017. A local association, Verein Napoleonturm Wäldi, commissioned it, and dransfeldarchitekten from Ermatingen designed it. It stands roughly 40 metres high and, according to the project poster, is built entirely from Swiss timber. More than 200 steps lead up, with several intermediate platforms where you can pause.

What can you see from the top?

The view covers the Seerücken ridge, the western part of Lake Constance and the area around Kreuzlingen and Konstanz. On clear days the Alpine peaks line the horizon. Early hours and the clean air after a weather front usually give the best visibility.

How do you get to the Napoleonturm?

The tower sits beside the Seerücken hiking routes, some of which are themed trails about Napoleon. Popular options include the walk from Helsighausen past the tower to the Castell ruins and on to Tägerwilen, Gottlieben and Kreuzlingen, and the Klingenzell to Wäldi section. Postbuses serve Wäldi from nearby towns, and you cover the last stretch on foot. A small refreshment stand by the tower opens mainly at weekends in fine weather, according to trail descriptions.

When is the best time to visit?

The tower can be visited throughout the year, but opening hours may shift with the season, so check the association's website before you go. Late spring, summer and early autumn offer the best views. In autumn, when fog settles over Lake Constance, the tower often rises above it.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? The trail descriptions list no fee. Current details are on the association's site, napoleonturm-hohenrain.ch.

How many steps are there? More than 200, and one description gives 208. Intermediate platforms allow rest stops.

Did Napoleon III really build this tower? No. The current tower dates from 2017. Its 1829 predecessor is associated with Louis Napoleon, but written sources do not confirm that he initiated it.

Is it a good outing with children? Yes, provided they can manage the stairs. The approach along the Seerücken trails is gentle and needs no mountain gear.