Arenenberg

Arenenberg is a lakeside estate and castle near Salenstein in the canton of Thurgau, Switzerland, on the shores of Lake Constance. It became the 19th century residence of Hortense de Beauharnais and today is known for the Napoleon Museum housed in the castle.

Inside the castle visitors can see period rooms and a collection of Napoleonic memorabilia related to Hortense de Beauharnais and her son Louis-Napoleon (later Napoleon III). The terraced gardens and parkland provide formal landscaped areas and views across Lake Constance.

The estate was acquired and remodelled in the early 19th century by Hortense de Beauharnais, who lived there during her exile; her son spent part of his youth on the estate. Over time the site was converted into a museum preserving the family’s belongings and commemorating the Napoleonic connection.

Situated at Salenstein on the Swiss shore of Lake Constance in canton Thurgau, the estate overlooks the lake and lies near the Swiss-German border.

• Historical association: Hortense de Beauharnais, mother of Napoleon III, established the site as her residence in exile and the property retains strong Napoleonic associations.

What to See #

• Arenenberg Castle / Napoleon Museum: the castle houses the Napoleon Museum, displaying memorabilia, portraits and period furnishings relating to Hortense de Beauharnais and her son Louis-Napoleon (Napoleon III).
• Gardens and view: the surrounding gardens and terraces overlook Lake Constance, offering views across the lake toward the northern shore and neighboring German towns.