Switzerland is in Schengen. EU/EFTA citizens need only a valid ID. Others may need a Schengen visa. Check with the Swiss embassy.

What currency is used?

Swiss Franc (CHF). Euros are sometimes accepted but at poor rates. Credit cards widely accepted.

Yes, in tourist areas. German is the local language, but many locals speak English.

Can I swim in Lake Constance?

Yes, at designated beaches. Water quality is excellent in summer. Lifeguards are present at main beaches.

Is Ermatingen expensive?

Moderate for Switzerland. A meal costs CHF 20–30, a coffee CHF 4–5. Budget accommodation from CHF 80/night.

How do I get there from Zurich?

Train from Zurich HB to Ermatingen (1h15m, direct or via Weinfelden). Also by car via A7 motorway.

Are there bike rentals?

Yes, at the train station and local shops. Cycling paths are well-marked around the lake.

Ermatingen

CityThurgau, Switzerland

Ermatingen is a CITY in Thurgau, Switzerland.

Ermatingen is a serene Swiss lakeside village on the southern shore of Lake Constance (Bodensee), in the canton of Thurgau. Its gentle waterfront promenade, lined with historic half-timbered houses and flower-bedecked inns, invites leisurely strolls with panoramic views of the lake and the distant Alps. The village exudes a quiet, pastoral charm, perfect for travellers seeking relaxation, cycling along the lake, or exploring nearby vineyards and orchards. A short boat ride connects to the medieval island town of Reichenau (Germany) or the flower island of Mainau. Ermatingen’s unhurried pace, clean air, and friendly locals make it an ideal base for nature lovers, hikers, and those wanting to experience authentic Swiss lakeside life away from crowds.

Best time to visit Ermatingen

Late spring to early autumn (May–September) offers the best weather for lakeside activities, swimming, and hiking. July and August are warmest (20–28°C) and busiest. September is pleasant with fewer crowds. Winter (December–February) is cold (0–5°C) but charming for quiet walks and Christmas markets in nearby Konstanz.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 7-15°C, colourful foliage

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

Great for cycling and wine tasting

Know before you go

Getting there

ZRH

Zurich Airport

International

60 km away

FDH

Friedrichshafen Airport

International

40 km away

STR

Stuttgart Airport

International

150 km away

Getting around

"Ermatingen is compact and walkable. The local bus (PostBus) connects to Kreuzlingen and Konstanz (Germany) every 30 minutes. The Schifffahrt Bodensee boat service links Ermatingen to other lakeside towns. Bicycles can be rented at the train station or local shops. For longer distances, the train station (Ermatingen) offers regional trains to Weinfelden and Zurich. Taxis are available but limited."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

50 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in hotels, cafes, and the tourist office

Local SIM

Local SIM available at Swisscom or Sunrise shops in Kreuzlingen from CHF 10

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe; scams are rare. Watch for pickpockets only in crowded ferry terminals.

Night safety

8/10

Very safe; scams are rare. Watch for pickpockets only in crowded ferry terminals.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

2/10

"Ermatingen is very safe, with low crime rates. Petty theft is rare but keep an eye on belongings in tourist areas and on boats. The lakeside paths are well-lit at night, but exercise usual caution after dark. Traffic is calm, but cyclists should use designated bike lanes. Swimming in Lake Constance is safe at designated beaches; heed warning flags. Overall, a safe destination for solo travellers, families, and seniors."

Police

117

Ambulance

144

Fire

118

Entry and health

Health information

"Switzerland has excellent healthcare. Pharmacies (Apotheke) in Ermatingen and nearby Kreuzlingen provide over-the-counter medicines. EU/EFTA citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card; others need comprehensive travel insurance. Tap water is safe to drink. No specific vaccinations are required, but standard travel vaccines (tetanus, diphtheria) are recommended. For emergencies, dial 144 for ambulance. The nearest hospital is in Kreuzlingen (10 km)."

Culture

Local customs

"Swiss culture values punctuality, politeness, and cleanliness. Greet with a friendly 'Grüezi' (hello) in shops or when entering a restaurant. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill (5–10%) is appreciated. Dress is casual but neat; swimwear is only for beaches and pools. Quiet hours (12:00–13:30 and after 22:00) are observed. Always separate waste for recycling."

German (official)French (official)Italian (official)Romansh (official)EnglishGermanFrenchItalianRomansh

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

CHF 20-30 | a cheap local meal costs ~CHF 20

Hotels

CHF 80-150 | budget hotels range CHF 80-150/night

Local transport

CHF 3 | local bus ride ~CHF 3

Cost notes

Switzerland is generally expensive; Ermatingen is moderate for the country.

Timezone

Europe/Zurich
Local time 21:03

More facts

Population

2,453

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Ehrmatingen, Ermatingen, e ma ting gen, Эрматинген, 厄馬廷根, Ерматінген, Ermatingä

CityLakesideHistoricFamily-FriendlyHikingCyclingNature