- Arbon was originally founded as a Roman settlement named Arbor Felix, meaning 'happy tree'.
- The town features a historic 'Bergli' district, which served as a defensive fortified area during the Middle Ages.
- For decades, the town's economy was dominated by the Saurer company, which produced high-end trucks, buses, and textile machinery that exported worldwide.
- Arbon's position on the southern bank of Lake Constance makes it one of the few places in Switzerland with a direct view across the lake toward the German and Austrian shores.
About Arbon
Arbon is a historic town located on the southern shore of Lake Constance, distinguished by its well-preserved medieval old town and long industrial legacy in the automotive sector. The town's heritage is anchored by the prominent Saurer Museum, which showcases the engineering history that once made Arbon an international center for vehicle manufacturing. Visitors often spend time along the water at the Seepark, enjoying recreational access to the lake's shoreline. Historical landmarks like the Kornhaus reflect the town's importance as a regional grain trading hub throughout the centuries.
Highlights of Arbon
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Explore a comprehensive collection of vintage trucks and textile machines that defined the region's industrial history.
Parks
Enjoy direct pedestrian access to the Lake Constance shoreline for walking and leisure.
Historical places
Observe the architecture of this historical grain storehouse that highlights Arbon's former status as a major trading port.
Top things to do in Arbon
The 61 highest-rated places in Arbon, ranked by travellers.
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Zoos
Wildpark Peter und Paul is an open-air enclosure located on the Rotmonten hill overlooking St. Gallen. It specializes in...
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Parks
The Botanischer Garten St. Gallen is a municipal botanical garden featuring approximately 8,000 plant species from diver...
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Museums
The Saurer Museum in Arbon documents the industrial legacy of the Saurer company, a world-renowned manufacturer of truck...
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Places of interest
Fünfländerblick is a panoramic vantage point situated at 934 meters above sea level near Eggersriet, Switzerland. The na...
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Venues
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Historical places
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Temples
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Historical places
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Temples
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Historical places
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Museums
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Temples
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Venues
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Places of interest
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Temples
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Museums
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Beaches and ponds
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Historical places
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Venues
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Temples
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Parks
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Museums
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Temples
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Temples
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Temples
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Places of interest
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Historical places
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Arbon on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Arbon
Late spring to early autumn, as the lakeside location and local park facilities are best suited for outdoor exploration when the weather is warm.
1-2 days, which allows sufficient time to tour the museum, walk the medieval old town, and explore the lakeside parks.
The old town is highly walkable, and the broader area is well-served by a regional bus network and local train connections.
Staying in the Old Town area provides proximity to historic sites and the lake, while the outskirts offer quieter, more modern accommodations.
Switzerland is generally an expensive destination, and Arbon follows typical Swiss price levels for dining and accommodation.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 61 curated attractions in and around Arbon, ranked by traveller ratings.
Wildpark Peter und Paul is the highest-rated place to visit in Arbon right now.
The largest category is temples, with 20 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Zürich, Geneva, Martigny.
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