Looking for the best places to visit around Lake Constance? Also known as Bodensee, this beautiful lake borders Germany, Switzerland and Austria, making it ideal for exploring three countries in one trip. We spent a week discovering its charming towns, flower-filled gardens, historic sights and spectacular viewpoints. Covering approximately 536 square kilometres, Lake Constance offers a wonderful mix of nature, culture and lakeside scenery.
- Beautiful Lake Constance
- One-week itinerary
- Culinary specialties
- Jokes and Anecdotes on Lake Constance
- Mainau Island
- Impressive Rhine Falls (Switzerland)
- Meersburg (Germany)
- Pfänderbahn Bregenz (Austria)
- Bregenz hosts the world’s largest floating stage
- Lindau (Germany)
- Stilt houses on Lake Constance in Unteruhldingen (Germany)
- Stein am Rhein (Switzerland)
Beautiful Lake Constance
Lake Constance is a wonderful destination for swimming, sailing, cycling and relaxing by the water. Ferries connect many lakeside towns, while historic streets, castles and scenic walking paths offer plenty to explore. Whether you love gardens, architecture or mountain views, the Lake Constance region has something for everyone.
One-week itinerary
Here is a suggested one-week Lake Constance itinerary based on the highlights covered in this guide. It combines beautiful gardens, medieval towns, lakeside scenery and a memorable excursion to the Rhine Falls in Switzerland. Check travel times and ferry schedules before setting off, as some attractions are on opposite sides of the lake.
Day 1: Arrival in Lake Constance
- Arrive in Lake Constance (Bodensee), a central location for your exploration.
- Check into your accommodation in a town around Lake Constance.
Day 2: Mainau Island and Meersburg
- Start your day with a visit to Mainau Island to explore its stunning gardens and natural beauty.
- In the afternoon, head to Meersburg to explore the charming old town, the Meersburg Castle, and enjoy some local wine.
Day 3: Rhine Falls and Unteruhldingen
- Travel to the Rhine Falls (Rheinfall) near Schaffhausen, Switzerland, for a breathtaking experience.
- In the afternoon, visit the stilt houses (Pfahlbauten) in Unteruhldingen, Germany, to explore the reconstructed prehistoric dwellings.
Day 4: Bregenz and Pfänderbahn
- Cross over to Bregenz, Austria.
- Take the Pfänderbahn cable car to Pfänder Mountain for panoramic views of Lake Constance and the Alps.
- Spend the evening in Bregenz exploring the city or enjoying a lakeside dinner.
Day 5: Lindau
- Travel to Lindau, a charming island town on Lake Constance.
- Explore the picturesque old town, visit Lindau Lighthouse, and enjoy the lakeside atmosphere.
Day 6: Stein am Rhein
- Drive to Stein am Rhein, Switzerland.
- Spend the day exploring the medieval old town, including Rathausplatz and the charming streets with frescoed buildings.
Day 7: Departure
- Depending on your departure time, you might have some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Depart from Lake Constance to your next destination or home.
This seven-day itinerary offers a taste of the best places to visit around Lake Constance, from lakeside villages to mountain panoramas. Adjust the route to suit your accommodation and transport options.
Culinary specialties
Lake Constance (Bodensee) and its surrounding regions offer a variety of culinary specialties that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the area. Here are some delicious specialties to try:
- Felchen Fish: Lake Constance is famous for its felchen, a whitefish species. You can enjoy it grilled, smoked, or in various regional dishes.
- Pfifferlinge (Chanterelle Mushrooms): These mushrooms are foraged in the surrounding forests and are often featured in regional dishes, particularly during the mushroom season.
- Zeppelin Soup: Named after the famous airships, this creamy potato and leek soup is a local favorite
- Bodensee-Wein (Lake Constance Wine): The vineyards along the lake produce excellent wines, including Müller-Thurgau and other white varieties.
- Apfelküchle (Apple Fritters): These deep-fried apple slices coated in batter and dusted with powdered sugar are a sweet treat.
Jokes and Anecdotes on Lake Constance
Here are a couple of light-hearted jokes related to Lake Constance:
- What do you call a fish who loves to visit all the towns around Lake Constance? A travel trout!
- Why do the swans in Lake Constance make terrible comedians? Because their jokes are all about “lake” of originality!
Lake Constance also has fascinating historical connections. Here is one well-known example, along with a local story worth exploring further:
- The Floating Library: A story sometimes told about the lake describes a travelling library boat bringing books to lakeside communities. I have not verified the historical details, so it is best treated as a local anecdote rather than a confirmed event.
- The Zeppelin Connection: Lake Constance has historical ties to the era of airships, particularly the famous Zeppelins. The town of Friedrichshafen, located on the northern shore of the lake, was the birthplace of the Zeppelin airship. Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, the inventor of the airship, conducted his early experiments and test flights over Lake Constance. Today, you can visit the Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen to learn more about this fascinating chapter in aviation history.
Mainau Island
Mainau Island, often called the Flower Island, was one of our favourite places to visit around Lake Constance. Its colourful flower displays and beautiful lake views are unforgettable. Located in Germany, the island covers approximately 45 hectares and is known for its carefully maintained gardens, trees and seasonal blooms.
The island is privately owned and meticulously landscaped, featuring a wide variety of flowers, trees, and exotic plants. Mainau’s appeal extends beyond its botanical wonders, offering visitors charming pathways, a butterfly house, and a baroque palace. It serves as a haven for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a tranquil escape. Mainau Island is a testament to the beauty of nature, art, and human ingenuity.
I hope to share more about the beautiful Flower Island of Mainau in a dedicated article.
My Pinterest board on Mainau Island: thiluutips (thiluutips) – Profile | Pinterest
Impressive Rhine Falls (Switzerland)
The Rhine Falls, known as Rheinfall in German, are located near Schaffhausen in Switzerland, not far from the German border. They are among Europe’s most impressive waterfalls, measuring approximately 150 metres wide and 23 metres high. The powerful cascade makes a memorable day trip from the Lake Constance region.
Visitors can admire the Rhine Falls from several viewing platforms or take a boat excursion for a closer look when services are operating. The sound of the rushing water and the surrounding scenery make this an unforgettable stop.
Meersburg (Germany)
Meersburg, a charming town nestled on the northern shores of Lake Constance in Germany, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its roots trace back to the Middle Ages, and it’s renowned for its well-preserved medieval old town, characterized by cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and a picturesque castle perched on a hilltop overlooking the lake.
The town is also known for its winemaking tradition, offering wine tastings at local vineyards. With its stunning lakeside location, ferry connections, and proximity to attractions like Mainau Island, Meersburg is a popular destination for tourists seeking a taste of Germany’s rich heritage and scenic landscapes.
Pfänderbahn Bregenz (Austria)
The Pfänderbahn cable car in Bregenz, Austria, takes visitors up Pfänder Mountain for some of the most beautiful views over Lake Constance. The ride itself is a highlight, with the lake and surrounding landscapes gradually unfolding below.
At the top, enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the Alps, along with walking trails and opportunities to explore the mountain surroundings. It is a fantastic stop for photographers and nature lovers visiting Bregenz.
A wonderful panoramic view of Bregenz and Lake Constance.
Bregenz hosts the world’s largest floating stage
Bregenz, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Constance in Austria, is renowned for hosting the world’s largest floating stage. This iconic open-air stage, known as the “Bregenzer Festspiele” or Bregenz Festival, floats on the pristine waters of the lake. Every summer, it becomes the centerpiece for spectacular opera and theater performances, attracting visitors from around the globe.
The stage’s design is nothing short of breathtaking, featuring elaborate sets that seem to emerge from the lake itself. With its combination of natural beauty and cultural significance, Bregenz’s floating stage offers a one-of-a-kind experience that blends artistry, music, and the stunning backdrop of Lake Constance.
Lindau (Germany)
Lindau, a picturesque city located on an island in Lake Constance, Germany, is a postcard-perfect destination. Linked to the mainland by a bridge and a causeway, Lindau boasts a rich history and stunning architecture. Its old town is a maze of cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and charming squares, with the iconic Lindau Lighthouse and the Bavarian Lion statue as prominent landmarks.
The harbor is a bustling hub for tourism, with boats departing to various destinations around the lake. Lindau’s natural surroundings, including the lake and nearby mountains, make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a delightful blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Stilt houses on Lake Constance in Unteruhldingen (Germany)
Unteruhldingen, a village on the shores of Lake Constance in Germany, is renowned for its captivating stilt houses, known as “Pfahlbauten” in German. These reconstructed prehistoric dwellings provide a fascinating glimpse into ancient history. Situated along the lakeshore, these stilt houses mimic the architectural style of the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, showcasing the lifestyles of early lake dwellers.
Visitors can explore these meticulously crafted replicas, complete with tools, artifacts, and exhibits depicting daily life from thousands of years ago. The reconstructions help visitors understand the prehistoric pile-dwelling culture of the Alpine region. The wider group of prehistoric pile-dwelling sites around the Alps is UNESCO-listed, while the open-air museum offers an engaging introduction to this history.
Stein am Rhein (Switzerland)
Stein am Rhein, a charming medieval town in Switzerland, is a time capsule of history and architectural beauty. Nestled on the banks of the Rhine River, this picturesque gem is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved old town. Cobblestone streets wind through a maze of half-timbered houses adorned with vibrant frescoes, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere.
The town’s centerpiece is the Rathausplatz, a delightful square surrounded by historic buildings. Stein am Rhein offers a glimpse into the past, with its medieval walls, towers, and the Hohenklingen Castle perched above. With its blend of history, art and riverside scenery, Stein am Rhein is one of the most charming stops on a Lake Constance trip.
For more pictures, my Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.fr/thiluutips/lake-constanz-and-surrounding-countries/
