Holiday at Lake Constance
There is something to discover in the border triangle
There are many places worth seeing on Lake Constance, such as Friedrichshafen.
© trabantos/Shutterstock.com
Lake Constance is one of the most popular holiday regions in Germany. The flower-rich region has these highlights to offer.
One lake, three countries and lots of nature: Welcome to Lake Constance! The body of water, which lies between Germany, Austria and Switzerland, attracts numerous holidaymakers every year. Because the region is not only known for its mild climate, but also for islands full of flowers, good wine and picturesque villages.
Explore the region by boat
Lake Constance is 63 kilometers long and consists of two interconnected parts: the smaller Untersee and the Obersee. The largest part belongs to Germany (Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg), followed by Switzerland – the smallest part of the shore belongs to Austria. This makes it a popular holiday and weekend destination for residents of three nations. Many small towns are located directly on the lake and are attractive at any time of the year.
If you are looking for accommodation on the German side, you have several options. In most places there are hotels, holiday apartments and guesthouses. Sipplingen, Überlingen, Meersburg or Friedrichshafen have a train station and buses run regularly. If you have a Echt Bodensee Card (EBC), you can even use public transport for free. There are also discounts on various attractions. Of course, visitors can also reach some destinations by ship, such as the island of Mainau or the city of Konstanz. Bodensee-Schifffahrt (BSB) has been back in operation since April 10th.
The flower island of Mainau
The island of Mainau is and remains an absolute highlight. Especially in spring, when the cherry blossoms and tulips shine in all their glory, a detour is almost a must. Mainau is currently open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adults have to pay 26 euros for the ticket on site. If you book online, you save three euros. It is possible to get to the flower island by bike, bus or boat.
Once there, simply stroll through the beautifully planted gardens and enjoy the sight of the flowers. A highlight is the butterfly house, it is the second largest in Germany. Here, visitors can marvel at the exotic butterflies in high humidity. In addition, over 3,000 orchids can be found in the Palm House until May 8th. If you get thirsty or hungry in between, you can stop off at one of the restaurants.
City, wine and fruit
Not far from the island of Mainau is the German city of Konstanz. It scores with its historic old town and beautiful promenade. Simply stroll through the streets, especially through those of the oldest district of Niederburg. There are lots of small shops, cafes and old house facades. From the cathedral tower, tourists have a beautiful view of the old town. Meersburg is also worth a detour. The town is surrounded by vineyards and has a well-preserved castle of the same name. If you have a thing for wine, you should stop by the Meersburg winegrowers’ association and taste the fine wines.
In general, there are many winegrowers in the Lake Constance region, as the climate is ideal for growing grapes. Many sell their products directly at the farm and are happy about customers who stop by. A wine tasting is of course part of it, some even have a restaurant. A walk through the vineyards is particularly recommended in autumn, when the sweet fruits are about to be harvested. The area around the lake is generally known for its fruit varieties. Above all, apple trees characterize the landscape. But pears, strawberries, blueberries and plums also thrive here.
hiking and relaxation
Thanks to a good network of paths, the region is very popular with hikers and cyclists. Mountaineers have to go to Austria or Switzerland to climb higher peaks. Many circular routes lead around the lake and offer a great view over the water and the surrounding villages. If the temperatures rise, a dip in the cool water is indispensable. Sailors and other water sports enthusiasts also appreciate the lake. If you want to recover from the exertion or are looking for an activity in bad weather, you can have a day at the thermal baths. In Überlingen there is a facility that offers direct access to the lake and a few saunas.