Kreuzlingen is not only “the first city of Switzerland” seen from Germany; it also leads the field with its superior quality of life.
With over 18,000 inhabitants, Kreuzlingen is the largest Swiss town on Lake Constance. Up until the 1980s, Kreuzlingen was just a sleepy town on the outskirts of Constance. Today, however, it is the most vibrant and attractive city in the canton of Thurgau – not least thanks to the stiff competition from its German neighbor. Constance has always had a vibrant center, universities, shopping streets and a varied cultural life. Kreuzlingen only had one choice if it wanted to be perceived as anything other than an appendage: It had to develop and put into action a strategy going forward. By “Kreuzlingen”, we mean all those who were and still are willing to commit themselves to improving the town’s position.
It was worth the effort: Kreuzlingen is growing, even booming. New buildings have sprouted out of the ground, the number of inhabitants has increased, and the choice of shopping, leisure, sport and cultural events has multiplied (Nothin‘ Goin‘ On? Don’t you Believe it!, page 23 - City Kreuzlingen). Many Germans – more than 3,300 – value Kreuzlingen as a place to live and work. That puts the town in a peculiar situation: 45 percent of its inhabitants do not have a Swiss passport. What might cause an uproar in other places is not an issue here: Kreuzlingen deals calmly with its internationality.
Innovative climate
The economy in Kreuzlingen is also international and many globally active companies have set up their headquarters here (The gateway to Europe, page 27 – City Kreuzlingen).
But what makes Kreuzlingen so attractive for businesses? First of all, its location, directly on the border to Germany: As the gateway to and from the EU, Kreuzlingen is in an ideal position to attract companies from European countries and Swiss companies that have either already gone European or would like to. In addition, the attractive surroundings foster creativity and innovation.
“Classical” factors in favor of Kreuzlingen include the excellent range of learning opportunities: The University of Teacher Training and the International School Kreuzlingen Konstanz have improved the choice of educational institutions, which has always been good (Kreuzlingen – city of education, page 9 – City Kreuzlingen). The connections to Zurich airport, both with regard to public and private transport, also give the town a competitive edge. Not to mention the low tax rate: Kreuzlingen is well positioned in this respect among towns in Eastern Switzerland.
What a difference a lake makes
But back to the town’s unique position: first of all, there’s the lake and the waterside facilities. The park in Kreuzlingen is the most attractive on the lake. With its wide open spaces and proximity to nature, it was designed for future generations. The entire shoreline belongs to the town and is therefore accessible to the public – for sport, games, fun and relaxation.
Down on the waters edge, a new attraction has appeared: since 2007, where the border fence used to stand, an art border with 22 sculptures created by Johannes Dörflinger marks the national frontier between Germany and Switzerland. Other sights include Kreuzlingen’s harbor, Seeburg Castle with its restaurant, the animal park and the Lake Museum with unique exhibits on the history of navigation and fishing in Lake Constance.
The lake is also the principal sporting venue: Kreuzlingen is a mecca for water sport enthusiasts (Sports City, page 20 – City Kreuzlingen). Sailors and wind surfers, rowers and canoeists enjoy ideal conditions here. And a dip in the clean waters of Lake Constance is always an experience to be remembered!
Scintillating stars
But Kreuzlingen has more to offer than its natural surroundings: its many architectural and art monuments are also worth seeing. These include the complex of the former Augustinian monastery with St. Ulrich church and the Chapel of the Mount of Olives, Bernrain Chapel with its gothic crucifix, and the magnificently renovated castles of Brunnegg, Girsberg, Römerburg, Rosenegg and Seeburg. These historic buildings provide a platform for cultural events and institutions, such as the Lake Museum, the See- Burgtheater, Girsberg Theater, the Doll’s Museum and Rosenegg Museum. Another highlight for tourists is the planetarium – these stars shine high above the region and beyond.
See for yourself: „The first city of Switzerland“ looks forward to seeing you!
Andy Theler
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