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Karl Gustav Jung was born on 26 July, 1875, in Kesswil, a village located in Thurgau, Switzerland. Jung left Kesswil for Laufen (in the canton of Zürich) with his family when he was less than a year old, but many Jung affecionados still wish to visit this village where Jung started his life.
In Kesswil, the house where the Jung family lived has been turned into the C.G. Jung House Museum and is a significant attraction for admirers of Jung´s pioneering work in psychoanalysis.
Visiting Kesswil
Kesswil is located in the Arbon district, between Romanshorn and Kreuzlingen on Lake Constance.
Nestled in the heart of the Swiss canton of Thurgau, right on the shores of Lake Constance, Kesswil is a small and picturesque village known for its serene beauty and rural charm. This lakeside haven is home to less than a thousand inhabitants and offers a quaint yet fascinating glimpse into the tranquil life of the Swiss countryside.
Primarily a farming community, Kesswil’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture and agro-tourism. The fertile lands produce a variety of crops, including grains, fruits, and vegetables, while the local vineyards are known for their excellent Swiss wines. The official parametres of the village does not just include the homes and roads, but also farmland and forrest. Over 55% of the total village area is used for agricultural purposes and nearly 30% is forested.
Several farms offer ‘farm stays’, allowing visitors to experience life on a Swiss farm firsthand. In addition, there are several small businesses and industries that contribute to the local economy.
If you are visiting Kesswil for the C.G. Jung House Museum, staying at one of the local farms is a great way to develop a deeper understanding for and connection with the village.
The entire village of Kesswil is designated as part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites. Over the centuries, Kesswil has maintained its historic charm, with numerous well-preserved buildings and structures serving as silent reminders of its vibrant past. The St. John’s Church, with its beautiful stained glass windows and ornate wooden carvings, is a notable landmark that dates back to the 15th century.
Getting to and from Kesswil
Despite its peaceful ambiance, Kesswil is well connected to larger Swiss cities like Zurich and St. Gallen, offering residents and visitors alike the best of both rural and urban life.
Kesswil is a railway stop on the Lake Line running between Schaffhausen and Rorschach, and the village is served by the St. Gallen S-Bahn. The St. Gallen S-Bahn is a commuter rail for Eastern Switzerland and nearby areas.
Good things to know about Kesswil before your visit
Coordinates: 47°35′N 9°19′E
Country: Switzerland
Canton: Thuragau
District: Arbon
Elevation: 412 metres above sea level
Population: 991 in 2018
Time zone: UTC+01:00 (Central European Time), UTC+02:00 (Central European Summer Time)
Natural beauty
Kesswil’s location on the shores of Lake Constance provides visitors with stunning panoramic views and a plethora of outdoor activities. From swimming and boating in the summer to scenic hikes along the lake in the cooler months, Kesswil is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The surrounding Thurgau countryside, with its rolling hills and lush vineyards, offers further opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Community events
The people of Kesswil are known for their warm hospitality and laid-back lifestyle. Community events, such as the annual village fair and wine festival, offer visitors a chance to mingle with the locals and get a taste of authentic Swiss culture.
History
Steeped in history, Kesswil’s roots can be traced back to the early Middle Ages, and the Abbey of St. Gall owned land here as early as the 9th century. The oldest known written record of the village is from in 817 AD. In this text, the name is spelled Chezzinwillare.
In the 1200s, Münsterlingen Abbey acquired rights over the town, and in 1429 the monastery of Münsterlingen gave permission for the building of a chapel. In 1529, the parish coverted from Catholicism to Protestantism. (Back then, the parish also included Dozwil, and from 1588 Uttwil as well.)
Kesswil fell under the auspices of the Courts of the Abbot of St. Gall from the late Middle Ages until 1798.
The 1800s early 1900s
In the 1800s, the local economy of Kesswil was chiefly based on farming, growing grapes and fishing, and there were also some commercial weaving. During this century, cattle raising and dairy farming became more important, and the villagers also created more orchards for growing fruits.
In 1870, five years before the birth of Karl Gustav Jung, the Seetalbahn railway connected to Kesswil, but this did not result in any major boost for industry or trade for the village.
By 1900, a few small embroidery businesses had formed in Kesswil.