Seeburg Castle

In 1598, a quaint castle named Neuhorn was constructed by Jakob Atzenholz-Zollikofer von Tattenwiler from Konstanz. This castle later served as a summer retreat for the abbots of the Augustinian monastery in Kreuzlingen, offering a serene refuge by Lake Constance. Tragically, in 1633, Neuhorn succumbed to fire, leaving behind only ashes. However, the spirit of the place prevailed, and in 1664, Abbot Augustin I. Gimmi dedicated efforts to its revival, resurrecting the castle as a simple cube-shaped structure crowned with a pitched roof, enclosed by a sturdy square wall.

Centuries passed, and in 1833, the castle found a new purpose as the Thurgau Teacher Training Seminar. Under the guidance of renowned educator Johann Jacob Wehrli, it became a hub of learning, echoing with the voices of future teachers. The winds of change swept through in 1848 when the monastery dissolved, leading the castle into the hands of the canton of Thurgau. This marked a turning point, propelling the castle into an era of educational significance.

Then, in 1870, a transformative chapter began under the ownership of Gottfried Ferdinand Amman. He envisioned a grander future for the castle and, in 1870, embarked on a reconstruction journey. Architect Ernst Jung lent his expertise, shaping the castle into a splendid historicist masterpiece. Amman's son, August, added the finishing touch with a meticulously designed park, adorning the surroundings with natural beauty.

As the years rolled on, Georg Gottfried Volkart-Ammann took the helm in 1907, ushering in a period of familial legacy. Under his ownership, Seeburg Castle thrived as a symbol of heritage and elegance. The shores of Lake Constance stood witness to the castle's enduring charm, even as the landscape underwent transformation with the filling of the lake in the 1960s.

In 1958, following a momentous vote, the castle and its park became part of the vibrant tapestry of Kreuzlingen. The city embraced its historical essence, and in the following decades, extensive renovations breathed new life into the castle. Architectural firm Ernst Oberhänsli, guided by the expertise of Jürg Ganz, meticulously restored the castle to its former glory between 1982 and 1984. Once again, the castle stood proudly, this time not just as a relic of the past, but as a living testament to history.

By 1993, a new chapter began with the castle opening its doors to the public as a restaurant. Since 2016, the castle's rooms have served as versatile spaces for events and gatherings, inviting visitors to step into a world where history and modernity coexist harmoniously. Today, Seeburg Castle stands not only as a reminder of its storied past but as a vibrant destination where the echoes of centuries mingle with the laughter of those who come to experience its timeless allure.