Insel Mainau
Serene and elegant, Lake Constance is a direct meeting point between three great European countries. Her waves lap at the shores of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, offering visitors a wide variety of culture to explore.
Lake Constance – or Bodensee in German – is the third largest lake in Europe, situated at the foot of the Alps on the Rhine. It borders the German states of Bavaria and Baden-Wurttenberg to the north, the Swiss cantons of Thurgau, Schaffhausen, and St Gallen to the south, and the Austrian state of Vorarlberg to the east. The freshwater lake is noted for its tranquil beauty, and is a popular German summer retreat alongside Lake Tagernsee in Bavaria.
Destination’s commonly visited include the charming town of Lindau and its stone cobbled streets, Bregenz and its world famous over-water opera stage, the influential university city of St Gallen, and Konstanz, the medieval namesake of the lake. Day visits are also often taken to Friedrichshafen, the home of the Zeppelin, the exquisite private botanical island Mainu (think Kew Gardens on a lake), and the Principality of Lichtenstein.
The settlements surrounding Lake Constance represent hundreds of years of history and perfectly highlight the subtle differences between the cultures of these three Germanic nations. From the hiking, sailing, water-sports, and cycling of summer to the food festivals and markets of the colder months, there are many attractive reasons to visit Constance the whole year round.
GET THERE
The easiest way to get to Lake Constance is by flying into Friedrichshafen Airport, which sometimes involves a brief stopover in Frankfurt. From there it is a 25km car or bus drive down to Constance. Alternatively you can fly into Zurich which is connected to Lake Constance by an hourly rail service taking approximately 60 minutes.
STAY
There are numerous premium hotels along Constance’s shoreline making travelling around the region a breeze. Accommodation is varied and includes everything from old fashioned grande dames to highly modern design lead properties. Here are some of our top picks.
Lindau is home to a number of classic hotels. In the town’s centre is the elegant Hotel Bayerischer Hof, which offers gourmet dining, refined rooms and two stylish swimming pools. A little drive out of town is Hotel Bad Schachen. Built right onto the lake the hotel benefits from an outdoor dining terrace, spectacular views, and its own traditional German lido.
The smartest hotels in Konstanz are the Steigenberger Inselhotel and RIVA. The Steigenberger is housed in a former monastery, providing five star luxury and a number of dining options. RIVA is Lake Constance’s chicest hotel. Blending historic and contemporary architecture, the hotel has magnificent spa facilities and superb restaurants.
St Gallen’s hotels are surprisingly, given its reputation as a breeding ground for bankers, less glitzy but nevertheless remain refined and tasteful. The three star Hotel Dom has basic but beautifully designed rooms and a complimentary breakfast. The best address in town is the Einstein St. Gallen, a spa and conference hotel that now boasts a Michelin star in its lovely Einstein Gourmet restaurant.
Hotels in Bregenz are busy during the lake stage opera season and the city’s smart four star lodgings fill up fast. The attractive, bright red Hotel Schwarzler offers guests a swimming pool and sauna, complimentary breakfasts, and modern bedrooms. Most rooms feature designer bathrooms and balconies with gorgeous views over the city.
TOP 6 THINGS TO DO IN LAKE CONSTANCE
Mainau Island
Set up in the mid-20th century by an exiled Prince of Sweden, Mainau is a meticulously maintained garden island noted for its superb environmental practices. One of the most popular tourist attractions on Lake Constance, the island is home to around a million tulips, rhododendrons, scented roses, perennials, and colourful dahlias. There’s also a tropical butterfly house, a grand stately home, palm gardens, manicured parkland, and playgrounds for children.
Take a Zeppelin Ride
In Friedrichshafen are the last two remaining fully operational Zeppelins in Europe. They are remarkable just to look at, but taking a brief ride in one is a once in a lifetime experience. Tickets are priced from 200 euros per person, and give visitors an opportunity to take part in a dying part of aviation history.
Explore Lindau
The charming town of Lindau is located on an island off the shore of Lake Constance. Its old architecture and cobbled streets represent the best of a traditional German town. Wander along the picturesque harbour, stop for lunch at the elegant Bayerischer Hof, and shop for local delicacies in the many cheese, wine, and chocolate shops.
Experience the Lake Stage Opera at Bregenz Festival
The Lake Stage Opera in the Austrian city of Bregenz is world famous for its spectacular over-water productions. The opera runs only for summer, and changes once every two years keeping its shows in high demand. High profile designers from across the globe are called in to oversee the world class set design, making operas at Bregenz a treat for the eyes as well as the ears.
Go Cycling
Lake Constance is wildly popular as a cycling holiday destination. Beautiful in spring, summer, and autumn, the 170 mile path around the lake crosses through all three countries and takes in some exceptional views. Cycles are easily hireable from vendors in towns around the lake.
Discover St Gallen
World famous for its business-focused university, St Gallen is notorious for producing many of the German speaking world’s finest financiers. The beautiful medieval city is also home to an ancient monastery complex – The Abbey of St Gall – and one of the most fascinating libraries in Europe. Being in Switzerland, there are also plenty of chocolate and cheese shops to get lost in.
Visit Lichtenstein
The tiny Principality of Lichtenstein is around an hour’s drive from Lake Constance and visiting will tick off a fourth country during your trip. Highlights include the Prince’s very own vineyard which hosts daily tastings and sells bottles of the small-batch wines. Elsewhere the Kuntsmuseum Lichtenstein holds a superb collection of modern and contemporary art, with frequently changing exhibitions.