Have you ever dreamed of visiting a lake that spans three countries, offers stunning views of the Alps, and boasts a rich cultural and natural heritage? If so, you might want to consider Lake Constance as your next destination. Lake Constance, or Bodensee in German, is the third largest lake in Central Europe and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an active adventure, or a cultural immersion, Lake Constance has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will introduce you to some of the highlights of this amazing lake and give you some tips on how to make the most of your visit.
What is Lake Constance?
Lake Constance is a freshwater lake that lies on the Rhine river, below the northern foot of the Alps. It covers an area of about 536 square kilometers (207 square miles) and has a maximum depth of 254 meters (833 feet). It is divided into three parts: the Obersee (Upper Lake), which is the largest and deepest part; the Untersee (Lower Lake), which is connected to the Obersee by the Seerhein (Lake Rhine); and the Überlinger See (Überlingen Lake), which is a long arm of the Obersee. The lake has about 270 kilometers (168 miles) of shoreline and is shared by Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The lake has no clear international borders, but rather follows the principle of “common waters”, meaning that each country has equal rights to use and access the lake.
Why visit Lake Constance?
Lake Constance is a paradise for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and sports fans alike. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit this lake:
- It offers spectacular views of the Alps, especially from the southern shore and the islands. You can admire the snow-capped peaks, green valleys, and blue waters from various viewpoints and vantage points.
- It has a mild climate that allows for a long growing season and a diverse flora and fauna. You can enjoy the colorful flowers, fruits, and vegetables that grow around the lake, as well as the many birds, fish, and other animals that inhabit it.
- It has a rich history and culture that dates back to ancient times. You can explore the many castles, churches, monasteries, museums, and monuments that dot the lake shore and tell stories of different eras and peoples. You can also experience the local traditions, festivals, cuisine, and crafts that reflect the lake’s diversity and charm.
- It has a wide range of activities and attractions for all ages and interests. You can choose from sailing, swimming, diving, biking, hiking, skiing, golfing, and more. You can also visit the many islands, peninsulas, towns, villages, parks, gardens, and nature reserves that offer unique experiences and sights.
How to get there and around?
Lake Constance is easily accessible by plane or train from various major cities in Europe. Here are some of the options:
- By plane: The nearest commercial airports are in Memmingen, Stuttgart, Friedrichshafen, and Zurich. From there, you can take a train or a bus to reach your destination on the lake. Alternatively, you can fly to Munich or Frankfurt and take a train from there.
- By train: There are several train lines that go around the lake and stop at landmark junctions like Konstanz, Friedrichshafen, Radolfzell, Lindau, Romanshorn, Kreuzlingen, and Rorschach. You can check the timetables and fares on www.bahn.de or www.sbb.ch.
- By boat: One of the best ways to explore Lake Constance is by boat. You can take a ferry or a catamaran across different parts of the lake and enjoy the scenery along the way. You can also rent a boat or join a cruise for a more personalized experience. Some of the most frequent boat crossings are:The ferry between Konstanz and Meersburg. It runs for a few times an hour, from 06:00 to 24:00 and once every hour, from 00:00 to 06:00.The catamaran ferry between Friedrichshafen and Konstanz. It runs once an hour from 06:00 to 19:00.The ferry between Friedrichshafen and Romanshorn. It runs per hour, from around 05:30 to 22:30.
Foto von Lisa Fecker auf Unsplash
These are just some of the options for getting to and around Lake Constance. You can also use buses, taxis, bikes, or cars to explore the lake region at your own pace. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, you will be amazed by the beauty and diversity of Lake Constance.
What to see and do around Lake Constance?
Lake Constance has so much to offer that you might have a hard time deciding what to see and do first. To help you plan your itinerary, here are some of the top attractions and activities around the lake that you shouldn’t miss:
- Visit Konstanz Minster and the Old Town: Konstanz, situated close to the Swiss border, is the largest town on Lake Constance and an important cultural center. Among its many beautiful old buildings, the Konstanz Minster (Konstanz Münster) stands out as a stunning church that dates from the 11th century, with later additions in the 15th and 17th centuries. Its most notable features include its 15th-century main doorway, a fine interior that includes choir-stalls from 1460, as well as a 13th-century Holy Sepulcher. Be sure to climb the tower with its excellent views over the old town. Other Old Town (Altstadt) highlights include the 15th-century Hohenzollernhaus, the 16th-century Town Hall (Rathaus), and the lovely Haus zum Rosgarten. The latter served as the butchers’ guild-house in medieval times, and is now occupied by a museum with a collection of local and regional artifacts. Those traveling with children will want to add SEA LIFE Konstanz to their itineraries. Here, you can spend a pleasant few hours viewing a wide variety of marine life, including fresh water species indigenous to the region and the Rhine River. A highlight is walking the tunnel through the large Red Sea aquarium. Afterwards, head to the adjoining Lake Constance Nature Museum, which provides a fascinating glimpse at the flora and fauna found in and around Lake Constance.
- Explore the flower island of Mainau: One of the most popular attractions on Lake Constance is Mainau, also known as the flower island. This 110-acre island is a botanical paradise that showcases thousands of plants and flowers from all over the world. You can admire the colorful blooms in every season, from tulips and daffodils in spring, to roses and dahlias in summer, to chrysanthemums and asters in autumn. The island also features a butterfly house, a palm house, an orchid house, and a cactus house. In addition, you can visit the Baroque castle of Mainau, which was built in 1746 by Prince-Bishop Johann Franz Schenk von Stauffenberg and is now home to the Bernadotte family. The castle hosts various cultural events throughout the year, such as concerts, exhibitions, and festivals.
- Discover the ancient fortress of Hohentwiel: If you are looking for some history and adventure, you might want to visit Hohentwiel, one of the largest castle ruins in Germany. Located on top of an extinct volcano (part of a chain of volcanoes in the Hegau region), Hohentwiel offers spectacular views of Lake Constance and its surroundings. The fortress was built in 914 by Burchard III, Duke of Swabia, and later became a prison during the reign of Duke Ulrich von Württemberg. It was besieged several times by various enemies until it was finally destroyed by French troops in 1801. Today, you can explore the ruins and learn about its history at the museum. You can also enjoy concerts and festivals that take place at Hohentwiel during summer.
- Experience the culture and charm of Lindau: Lindau is one of the most picturesque towns on Lake Constance, located on an island connected to the mainland by a bridge and a railway dam. Lindau is known for its medieval architecture, its harbor with a lighthouse and a lion statue, and its lively atmosphere. You can stroll along the promenade and enjoy the views of the lake and the Alps, or wander through the historic town center and admire the old buildings, such as the Haus zum Cavazzen, the Peterskirche, and the Town Hall. You can also visit the New Lighthouse (Neuer Leuchtturm), which is the southernmost lighthouse in Germany and offers a panoramic view from its observation deck. Lindau also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, and markets.
- Visit the island of Reichenau: Reichenau is the largest island on Lake Constance and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its three Romanesque churches that date back to the 9th and 10th centuries and contain remarkable frescoes, sculptures, and relics. The churches are part of a former Benedictine monastery that was founded in 724 by Saint Pirmin and became a center of learning and art in the Middle Ages. You can also explore the island’s natural beauty and enjoy its orchards, vineyards, and vegetable gardens.
- See the ancient pile dwellings at Unteruhldingen: If you are interested in prehistoric times, you might want to visit Unteruhldingen, a small town on the northern shore of Lake Constance. Here, you can find the Lake Dwelling Museum (Pfahlbaumuseum), which displays reconstructed pile dwellings from the Stone Age and Bronze Age. The pile dwellings are wooden houses built on stilts over the water and were inhabited by ancient people from 4000 BC to 850 BC. The museum offers guided tours that explain the history and culture of these early settlers, as well as demonstrations of crafts, tools, and fire-making techniques.
- Enjoy the art and architecture of Bregenz: Bregenz is the capital of Vorarlberg, Austria’s westernmost state, and a cultural hub on Lake Constance. It is home to the Kunsthaus Bregenz (Bregenz Art House), a modern art museum that showcases contemporary works by local and international artists. The museum itself is an architectural masterpiece, designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor and made of glass and concrete. Bregenz is also famous for its annual summer festival (Bregenzer Festspiele), which features opera performances on a floating stage on the lake. Other attractions in Bregenz include the medieval Old Town (Altstadt), the Baroque Martins Tower (Martinsturm), and the Pfänder Cable Car (Pfänderbahn), which takes you to a panoramic viewpoint above the lake.
These are just some of the many attractions and activities that Lake Constance has to offer. You can also visit other towns and villages around the lake, such as Meersburg, Überlingen, Konstanz, Romanshorn, Kreuzlingen, Rorschach, or St. Gallen. Each one has its own charm and character that will make you fall in love with Lake Constance.
Conclusion
Lake Constance is a wonderful destination for anyone who loves nature, culture, history, or adventure. It is a lake that spans three countries, offers stunning views of the Alps, and boasts a rich cultural and natural heritage. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an active adventure, or a cultural immersion, Lake Constance has something for everyone. We hope this blog post has given you an introduction to Lake Constance and inspired you to plan your visit soon. You won’t regret it!
