Written by Bryan Dearsley
Updated Mar 29, 2021
We may earn a commission from affiliate links ()
Lake Constance - known as "Bodensee" in German - lies below the northern edge of the Alps. Not only is it the largest lake in Germany, it's also one of the most beautiful bodies of water in Europe. Bordered by Austria and Switzerland, it offers strikingly breathtaking scenery with its majestic expanse of water, and encompasses some 270 kilometers of shoreline, by far the greatest share of it in Germany.
The largest and deepest part of the lake, the Obersee (Upper Lake), extends from Bregenz Bay to Konstanz and is fringed by numerous old lakeside towns and attractive villages. These quaint communities each offer very pleasant diversions, along with incredible views of the Swiss Alps.
Long a center for water sports - it's particularly known among sailing and windsurfing enthusiasts - the area is also rich in culture and history and boasts many old castles, picturesque medieval villages, and beautiful gardens. Popular things to do here include hiking and mountain biking, as well as swimming at the many beaches, or enjoying a relaxing boat ride.
And don't be shy about visiting the region in winter. Especially popular this time of year are the Christmas markets. Those in Lindau and Konstanz are among the best, with music, skating, and food all adding to the fun.
You'll discover more great places to visit with our top tourist attractions around Lake Constance.
1. Visit Konstanz Minster and the Old Town
Konstanz, situated close to the Swiss frontier, is the largest town on Lake Constance. It's also an important cultural center with an active theatrical and musical scene. Prominent among its many beautiful old buildings is Konstanz Minster (Konstanz Münster). This attractive old church 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 Lonstanz 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.
Address: Münsterplatz 1, 78462 Konstanz
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Konstanz
2. Explore Spectacular Flower Island (Mainau)
One of the most popular of all the tourist attractions around Lake Constance - and for good reason - is the spectacular 110-acre "flower island" of Mainau (Insel Mainau). Just over seven kilometers north of Konstanz, off the southern shore of the Überlinger See, this site attracts many visitors with its beautiful parks and gardens, luxuriant with semitropical and tropical vegetation.
The island also boasts a spectacular palace, Schloss Mainau. Built in 1746 for the Grand Duke of Baden, its notable interior features include the lovely White Hall. Also worth seeing is its well-preserved old defensive tower (one of the original 16), and a gatehouse.
Those traveling with kids will want to check out Mainau Kinderland. This island-based kids play area has a petting zoo and a fun wet play area called Water World (Wasserwelt). There's also a butterfly house (schmetterlingshaus), the largest such attraction in Germany. Two restaurants are also available for visitors to enjoy.
Access to the island is by boat or via a pedestrian bridge connected to the mainland.
Official site: www.mainau.de/en/welcome.html
3. Get Back to Nature at Wollmatinger Ried-Untersee-Gnadensee
Various areas on the shores of Lake Constance, particularly near the mouths of the larger tributary rivers, have been declared nature reserves in order to maintain their relatively unspoiled condition. The most important nature reserve - and the largest on the German shores of the lake, covering an area of nearly 20,000 acres - is the Wollmatinger Ried Untersee-Gnadensee, where the Rhine flows from the main lake into the Untersee near Konstanz.
The reserve boasts a wide variety of plants and animals, including more than 600 fern and flowering plants, as well as in excess of 290 bird species drawn to its rich reed beds. An excellent place from which to explore the nature reserve, as well as the flora and fauna of Lake Constance, is the NABU-Centre. This top-notch information center features exhibitions and slideshows, and also offers informative guided tours into the park.
Another important area nature reserve is Eriskircher Ried, popular with bird-watchers for its many species of birds and water fowl (plus its great biking and hiking trails). If you've time, be sure to also visit the Halbinsel Mettnau waterfront nature reserve, which serves as a habitat for numerous varieties of birds (with a small island to explore), and the Prunger-Burgweiler. Here, you can also visit the Wilhelmsdorf Nature Conservation Centre with its fascinating museum describing some 12,000 years of moorland history.
Address: NABU-Bodenseezentrum Am Wollmatinger Ried 20, 78479 Reichenau
4. Lindau
Picturesque Lindau, the largest town on the Bavarian shores of Lake Constance, is split between an island and the slopes of the mainland and linked by a bridge, the Neue Seebrücke. The harbor is well worth visiting and is notable for its old lighthouse, the 13th-century Mangturm. At the ends of the outer harbor walls are Lindau's best-known landmarks, the six-meter-high Bavarian lion and the 33-meter-high new lighthouse, both dating from 1856 (the latter offers magnificent views of the town and the Alps).
Other fun things to do in Lindau include exploring the Old Town (Altstadt). Much of this historic town center is now pedestrian-only and boasts many beautifully preserved Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque houses. Particularly attractive is Maximilianstrasse, the main street, with its trim patrician houses, arcades, fountains, hotels, and cafés.
Other highlights include the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), built in 1436 with its colorful facade, and St. Peter's Church (Peterskirche), founded in the late 10th century. There's also a pleasant walking path around the island, the Uferweg. It offers fine views from two old bastions, the Gerberschanze and the Sternschanze, and from the Pulverturm (Powder Tower).
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Lindau
5. Allgäu: The Uplands of Lake Constance
The Allgäu is an attractive upland and mountain region that occupies the southern part of Bavarian Swabia, between the popular travel destinations of Lake Constance and the Lech valley, and extends northwest into Württemberg. Traversed by the Deutsche Alpenstrasse and, farther north, a branch of the popular Upper Swabian Baroque Highway tourist route, it's a beautiful area for a driving trip or to explore on foot.
The high Alpine chain of the Allgäu Alps, part of the Northern Calcareous Alps, forms the boundary between Bavaria and the Austrian provinces of Vorarlberg and Tirol. The landscape is spectacular, with its tiers of steep foothills, magnificent lakes, quiet ponds and moors, vast forests, lush mountain meadows, and trim villages set against an imposing backdrop of mountains.
The Allgäu is also a region of spas and medicinal springs. One of the best known, the Kneipp water cure, was first devised in Bad Wörishofen and is now applied in many other spas.
6. Konstanz Harbor
A highlight of any visit to Konstanz is exploring the town's harbor. It's here you'll find the famous Kaufhaus. Dating from 1388, this old warehouse was built specifically for trade with Italy. It's often referred to as the Konzilsgebäude, having been the meeting place of the conclave of cardinals who elected Pope Martin V in 1417.
The harbor entrance is marked by a fascinating statue called Imperia, which commemorates this famous event. Although only erected in 1993, this stunning nine-meter-high statue has become a well-known landmark in Konstanz.
Address: Hafenstraße, 78462 Konstanz
7. Visit the Zeppelin Museum
The pretty town of Friedrichshafen has long been famous for its connection to Germany's Zeppelin airships. It was here the famous Hindenburg, heralded as the world's most luxurious "liner of the air," was built, only to meet its tragic, fiery end in Lakehurst in the US in 1937. Today, the airship's former hangar now houses the Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen with its fascinating displays and exhibits retelling the history of LZ 129 and the events leading up to its destruction.
An interesting thing to do is explore the reconstructions of the airship's Bauhaus-inspired interiors, including the elegant lounges and passenger cabins, as well as areas used by the crew. Other highlights include displays of artifacts and pieces of wreckage, artworks, and photos, as well as scale models showcasing the history of airship travel. English language guided tours are available.
Address: Seestraße 22, 88045 Friedrichshafen
Official site: www.zeppelin-museum.de/en
8. Take a Zeppelin Flight
Be sure to also include the remarkable Zeppelin NT on your Friedrichshafen itinerary. This modern-day take on the famous Zeppelin airships of the 1930s demonstrates how relevant the technology remains, and how, thanks to modern technologies, it is now entirely safe. Best of all, the company behind the Zeppelin NT now offers a variety of thrilling excursions over Lake Constance from Bodensee Airport.
A "cruise" can last anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours, while those with the money and inclination can opt for a two-day personal Zeppelin flight training experience. Once airborne, you'll marvel at the views through the airship's large panorama windows as you slowly pass over the town and lake at heights of 300 meters.
Back on terra firma, join an English language guided tour of the Zeppelin Hangar, one of the largest such aircraft facilities in Germany, and learn more about the workings of these amazing machines. And if you're hungry after all that excitement, there's also a restaurant on-site offering great views over the airfield.
Address: Messestraße 132, 88045 Friedrichshafen
Official site: https://zeppelin-nt.de/en/
9. Reichenau: Lake Constance's Largest Island
Near Konstanz is the largest of the many islands of Lake Constance, Reichenau. Connected to the mainland by a causeway and covering an impressive 1,057 acres, this beautiful island has long been inhabited.
Among its oldest man-made structures are three churches belonging to the famous monastery of Reichenau: St. George's Church in Oberzell with its fine wall paintings of the Ottonian period, the Minster of St. Mary and St. Mark with a rich treasury in the sacristy, and the church of Saints Peter and Paul in Niederzell.
Founded in AD 724 by Charles Martel, Charlemagne's grandfather, they're among the finest examples of Early Romanesque art in Germany, both for their architecture and for their magnificent frescoes. Also of note at the northwestern tip of the island is the 14th-century Schloss Windegg.
10. Hike or Bike the Lake Constance Trail (Bodensee-Rundwanderweg)
Walkers and cyclists are well catered to by the excellent Lake Constance Trail (Bodensee-Rundwanderweg). This spectacular trail network encircles the entire lake at varying distances from its shores for about 272 kilometers. Within Germany, the trail frequently follows the paths waymarked by the Black Forest Association (Schwarzwaldverein).
Highlights you'll encounter along the way include the Wollmatinger Ried nature reserve, as well as the majority of the lake's small villages, the historic towns of Lindau and Konstanz, and the islands of Reichenau and Mainau. You can join a hiking tour, which can last anywhere from a day to a week (or longer). Even casual walkers and cyclists can enjoy the trail, as it's easily accessible at numerous entry points around the lake.
11. The German Stilthouse Museum
A highlight of a visit to Lake Constance is a chance to visit the wonderful Pfahlbaumuseum Unteruhldingen. Literally translated as the Pile Dwelling Museum (though more usually referred to as "the German Stilthouse Museum," this fascinating attraction consists of an open-air museum with reconstructions of stone- and bronze-age homes. Opened in 1922, it's a wonderful way to spend time exploring living conditions of the lake's original residents, dating as far back as 6,000 years.
Tours take in re-created buildings on the shore before delving into the heart of the attraction, the Lake Dwellings, built over the water on piles and offering superb views of the area's stunning scenery. Guided tours are included in the price of admission and last up to an hour.
Address: Strandpromenade 6, D-88690 Uhldingen-Mühlhofen/Unteruhldingen
Official site: www.pfahlbauten.com
12. Exploring Lake Constance by Boat
Exploring Lake Constance can easily be done by boat, a mode of transportation that offers many opportunities for sightseeing without needing a car. Tourist boat services on Lake Constance run from mid-April to mid-October, the main routes including Konstanz, Überlingen, Kreuzlingen, and Lindau, with many additional stops being made to smaller communities. There are also ferry services capable of carrying cars, most of which run year-round between Friedrichshafen and Romanshorn and between Konstanz-Staad and Meersburg.
Local passenger ferries also operate between Allensbach station and the island of Reichenau and across the Rhine at Konstanz. During the summer, numerous excursions of various kinds are offered, from whole-day or half-day trips to shorter breakfast or lunch trips, as well as fun journeys including evening mystery excursions.
13. Hohentwiel
Perched high atop the ancient volcano of Hohentwiel stands Hohentwiel Castle (Schloss Hohentwiel), one of the largest and most impressive castle ruins in all of Germany. Located just 30 kilometers west of Lake Constance near Singen, it's an easy place to find, as both the hill and the castle stand out dramatically from their surrounds.
While the now much eroded volcano is many millions of years old, the old castle dates back to AD 914 and was part of a fortress complex that included a monastery. It remained in use right up until the 1800s, and in that time withstood countless sieges, as well as serving later on as a prison. Today, it's a delightful place to explore for its interesting history, as well as its amazing views over Singen and the surrounding countryside.
14. Explore Meersburg's "Old" Castle
The attractive old lakeside town of Meersburg - a name that literally translates as "Castle on the Sea" - is home to not just one, but two, fine old castles. The oldest of these, referred to simply as the Old Castle (Alte Burg), is a well-preserved medieval fortress which can, in fact, trace its history all the way back to the 7th century when its original central tower was constructed.
Notable as the oldest still-inhabited castle in Germany, it's well worth visiting for its interesting interiors, with highlights that include the Fortress Museum with its many original artifacts and furnishings. Be sure to also take a peek at the old dungeon and torture chamber. All told some 30 rooms can be visited as part of a self-guided tour, including the kitchen and bakery, guards room, and armory. A restaurant is also located on-site.
Address: Schloßpl. 10, 88709 Meersburg, Germany
Official site: www.burg-meersburg.de/index_engl.html
15. Tour Meersburg's "New" Castle
Just a short stroll away from Meersburg's Old Castle is the New Castle (Neues Schloss). This attractive 18th-century edifice with its Baroque flourishes was completed in 1712 as a palace of the Prince Bishops. Now open to the public, the castle houses the Town Gallery (Städtische Galerie) and the Dornier Museum, both worth visiting for their impressive displays and exhibits related to local history and culture.
The New Castle is also where you'll find the Palace Museum of the Prince Bishops (Fürstbischöfliche Schlossmuseum), which includes a variety of rooms preserved in their original manner. Also worth a visit are the castle grounds, which include a lovely garden terrace boasting magnificent views over Lake Constance.
After exploring these two lovely castles, be sure to spend time visiting some of the historic castle-inspired attractions in the old town of Meersburg itself. Highlights include the town square, or Schlossplatz, notable for its large old clock with an attractive face portraying Chronos, the God of Time, and the pleasant Castle Chapel.
Also worth seeing are the two old town gates that have survived since medieval times, along with a number of well-preserved half-timbered houses. For those with an interest in German literature, the Droste Museum is worth popping into for its mementos and displays of original writing by poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff.
Address: Schloßpl. 13, 88709 Meersburg, Germany
Official site: www.neues-schloss-meersburg.de/en/start
16. Heiligenberg Castle
Another area castle that has seen continued ownership and occupancy over the centuries is the beautiful German Renaissance-era Castle Heiligenberg (Schloss Heiligenberg). Built in the 16th century on the ruins of an old medieval fortress, Castle Heiligenberg is considered to be one of the luckiest castles in the country. Not only has it survived countless conflicts intact, it was miraculously spared during the Thirty Years War after an attempt to destroy it with barrels of explosives ended up failing - after the fuses had been lit.
These days, in addition to enjoying its superb views over Lake Constance, visitors can explore the huge two-story-tall Grand Hall. This splendid room is notable for its elegant wood ceiling and floor, along with its many fine artworks and old coats-of-arms.
Be sure to also visit the equally fascinating Castle Chapel. It's home to the family's crypt and a burial place for family members since 1586. Also worth seeing is the Fürstenberg Collections with its fine displays of historic uniforms, chalices, and trophies.
Also of interest are unique artifacts, such as a portable urinal that once belonged to Napoleon and an impressive natural history collection. Regular events from musical concerts to Christmas festivals and polo matches are held here. English language guided tours are available.
Address: 64342 Seeheim-Jugenheim, Germany
Official site: https://haus-fuerstenberg.de/heiligenberg/?lang=en
17. Salem Abbey and Palace
The town of Salem should certainly be included on your Lake Constance itinerary. Here, you'll be rewarded with a chance to explore the lovely Salem Abbey and Palace (Kloster und Schloss Salem), a former Cistercian monastery in one of the most beautiful settings in the area.
The monastery itself can trace its history all the way back to the 12th century and was once the most important such site in the country. After secularization, interesting decorative Baroque flourishes were added to the surviving Gothic-style monastery buildings, making for a unique display that has remained largely unchanged since then.
An on-site museum showcases the "Masterpieces of the Imperial Abbey," including many fine original artworks and furnishings. Other highlights include a collection of antique firefighting equipment; the delightful gardens, complete with an adventure playground for the kids; plus a shop and on-site dining. English language guided tours and audio-guides are available.
If time allows, be sure to also visit the famous Affenberg Salem, home to one of Europe's largest open-air monkey enclosures. This fascinating attraction is home to some 200 or so Barbary macaques (feeding time is a great time to visit).
Address: Kloster und Schloss, 88682 Salem, Germany
Official site: www.schloesser-und-gaerten.de/en/home
FAQs
What is the most beautiful part of Lake Constance? ›
Mainau. Mainau is known as flower island as it features 110 acres and close to a million different flowers and plants. It's considered the most popular attraction in the Lake Constance region. The Mainau Castle, built in 1746, makes a beautiful backdrop to all the flower gardens.
What is Lake Constance famous for? ›Not only is it the largest lake in Germany, it's also one of the most beautiful bodies of water in Europe. Bordered by Austria and Switzerland, it offers strikingly breathtaking scenery with its majestic expanse of water, and encompasses some 270 kilometers of shoreline, by far the greatest share of it in Germany.
Is Lake Constance worth a visit? ›Lake Constance is fed by the Rhine River and borders Germany, Austria, Switzerland – and just 40-minutes away – the small Principality of Liechtenstein (one of the smallest countries in Europe). Lake Constance is just 40-miles long and not so wide that you can't see across to the other side. It's absolutely stunning!
What do the Germans call Lake Constance? ›Lake Constance (German: Bodensee, pronounced [ˈboːdn̩ˌzeː] ( listen)) refers to three bodies of water on the Rhine at the northern foot of the Alps: Upper Lake Constance (Obersee), Lower Lake Constance (Untersee), and a connecting stretch of the Rhine, called the Lake Rhine (Seerhein).
Which town to stay in Lake Constance? ›Meersburg is good for the Northern and Western part of the big lake, including Mainau and Konstanz. The loveliest landscape is around the smaller Untersee with the island of Reichenau, best base for that would be Konstanz or a place further West.
Can you swim in Lake Constance? ›Swimming in and around Lake Constance
There are even a number of lakeside lidos and plenty of natural swimming areas along the shoreline. Thanks to Lake Constance's excellent water quality, the entire family will love swimming and splashing around here.
Konstanz is a city on Lake Constance (Bodensee), in southern Germany really near Switzerland. From the lake, on a clear day, you can see Santis Alp as well as other peaks.
Can you walk around Lake Constance? ›Anyone looking for a real challenge can walk all the way round the lake. The shore path takes visitors across borders and beyond cultural boundaries. Hiking around Lake Constance requires considerably more time than a cycle tour. Even experienced walkers should plan a time frame of 8-10 days.
How do you get around Lake Constance? ›There are trains going around the lake and stopping in most cities of interest. The most important junctions are at Radolfzell, Konstanz, Friedrichshafen, Lindau, Rorschach, Romanshorn and Kreuzlingen. (None of these stations are big; they are simply where various train lines meet.)
How much is the ferry from Konstanz to Meersburg? ›It operates every 15 minutes during the day; the ferry costs with wheel are 5,30 €. The ferry operates day and night. During the day there is a ferry crossing to Meersburg every 15 minutes. A single trip for an adult with a bicycle costs EUR 5.30.
Is Lindau Germany worth visiting? ›
Situated in Bavaria, in southern Germany, and surrounded by the clear waters of Lake Constance (Bodensee in German), Lindau is a picturesque medieval town well worth a visit.
Is Lake Constance the same as Bodensee? ›Lake Constance, also called Lake of Constance, Constance also spelled Konstanz, German Bodensee, Latin Lacus Brigantinus, lake bordering Switzerland, Germany, and Austria and occupying an old glacier basin at an elevation of 1,299 feet (396 m).
Why is it called Allemagne? ›The name Allemagne and the other similar-sounding names above are derived from the southern Germanic Alemanni, a Suebic tribe or confederation in today's Alsace, parts of Baden-Württemberg and Switzerland.
How deep is lake Konstanz? › What are some fun facts about Lake Constance? ›Lake Constance was formed over time by the Rhine Glacier during the last ice age and is a type of lake known as a “Zungenbecken”—which translates as “tongue basin” in German. Even today the Rhine deposits sediment from the Swiss and Austrian Alps that continually change both the shoreline and clarity of the lake.
Is Lake Constance clean? ›Most of the lake's beaches are still open and its shallows, though no longer clean, are only occasionally, covered by large stretches of flotsam or dirt bubbles. But the lake, which West Germany shares with Switzerland and Austria, is in far worse condition than it appears to be.
Is Konstanz a good place to live? ›Living in Konstanz
Konstanz is a great town for anyone interested in culture and the arts. It is home to the oldest theatre in Germany that is still putting on productions and there is a multitude of galleries and museums.
The largest lake on German territory is Lake Constance, while Lake Müritz is the largest lake located entirely within German territory.
What is the cleanest lake to swim in? ›Crater Lake, Oregon
America's deepest lake (1,943 feet to be exact) is also it's cleanest: scientists believe that Crater Lake contains some of the purest water in the world.
Lake Mansfield in Great Barrington gets busy during the summer but there is plenty of parking and a lifeguard on duty during the day. It also has some of the clearest water in the state. Are there any waterfall hikes in Massachusetts?
Is Konstanz in Germany or Switzerland? ›
Konstanz [dead link] is a city in southern Germany. It lies on the border with Switzerland and on Lake Constance (Bodensee) between Obersee and Untersee, exactly where the river Rhine exits the lake. The city is split in two by the Rhine.
Can you see Mont Blanc from Lake Geneva? ›Although Mont Blanc is over 80 km away on the other side of Lake Geneva and across the frontier, this famous peak can be seen very clearly from the jetties at Morges if the weather is fine.
How do you get to Mainau island by car? ›The most direct way to get to the flower island of Mainau is, of course, by car. Depending on which direction you are coming from, you can either take the car ferry from Meersburg to Constance or drive around the lake. There is a large car park for cars and coaches directly at the main entrance on the land.
How long is Jordan Pond walk? ›The Jordan Cliffs Loop offers a challenging 5 mile hike across steep slopes, iron rungs, and a strenuous climb up Sargent Mountain. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic views from two mountain summits and Jordan Pond nestled between the mountains.
How long is Horn Pond walk? ›Head out on this 2.4-mile loop trail near Woburn, Massachusetts. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 43 min to complete.
How long is the walk around Horn Pond? ›Approximately 2 miles around, mostly paved. Easy walk at your own pace, lots of friendly folks.
What is the name of a beautiful lake that is one of the Favourite attractions of the famous Black Forest Panoramic Route? ›Lake Titisee
The highest lake in the Black Forest, Titisee is one of the most popular places for families, with a wide range of entertainment possibilities.
Admission to the four swimming areas in Horn, Dingelsdorf, Litzelstetten and Wallhausen is free, and there is a swimming pool attendant during the summer months. Tip: Read more about lakeside swimming in Constance at www.konstanzer-baeder.de.
What is the name of the most beautiful lake in the world? ›Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California.
Is Constance Bay beach clean? ›Constance Bay Beach is a family-friendly, broad, shallow, clean sandy beach several kilometers long located up the Ottawa River in the City of Ottawa's quiet Constance Bay Village.
What is the clearest lake in Massachusetts? ›
Located in Osterville, Joshua Pond is the clearest pond in Massachusetts and you should make plans to swim at this pristine swimming hole this summer. Joshua Pond in Massachusetts is a beautiful freshwater swimming hole in Osterville.
What is the cleanest lake in Maine? ›Echo Lake, the clearest lake in Maine, is typically a summer destination for swimming. It can be accessed from dawn to dusk. Check out the official National Park Service website to learn more about it and other lakes for swimming near Acadia.