Mainau Island flower show with history
From the seat of the Teutonic Order to a cultural monument
The extensive park, the baroque palace complex and, above all, the impressive floral splendour of Mainau Island attract over a million visitors every year. After the island had been the seat of the clerical Teutonic Knights for over 500 years, the Hungarian Prince Esterházy had the first exotic plants and the palace courtyard laid out in 1827.
Some of the sights that you can still marvel at today date back to the subsequent owner, Grand Duke Friedrich I: the arboretum, the Italian rose garden and the lemon and orange trees.
However, the park was founded by his great-grandson, the Grand Duke of Baden, Count Lennart von Bernadotte. He had Mainau Castle built as a summer residence and characterised the island of Mainau with rare trees and exotic plants that he brought back from his travels. Today you can experience numerous attractions on 45 hectares, such as the Italian flower water staircase, the spring avenue or a historic citrus collection. Events such as exhibitions, park tours and flower sales also regularly attract visitors. The island of Mainau has been listed as a ‘cultural monument of special importance’ since 2003.
Mainau Island Botanical Garden, Butterfly House & Co.
The highlights in the park
In addition to the botanical garden on the island of Mainau with its exotic and native plants, there is another main attraction: the Mainau Butterfly House. Here you can experience that pure tropical feeling at temperatures between 25°C and 30°C and high humidity. Around 120 different butterfly species fly around freely in Germany’s second largest butterfly house, creating a colourful display of colourful flowers and butterflies.
No less impressive than the Island of Mainau Butterfly House is the Palm House with over 20 different palm species and a unique orchid show. Another option if the weather is bad on Mainau Island is to visit the baroque palace. Here you can visit one of the changing exhibitions in the coat of arms hall and then enjoy refreshments in the castle café. The historic castle church with its elaborate ceiling frescoes is also worth a detour.
From nature lovers to families with children
Popular excursion destination for young and old
The island of Mainau in Lake Constance really does have something for everyone. Visitors interested in botany appreciate the seasonal flower shows and exotic plants. Those seeking relaxation and senior citizens enjoy taking long walks and soaking up the unique atmosphere. If you are travelling in a group, you can book one of the many themed tours. This will allow you to experience the island of flowers from a completely different perspective. The island is also an absolute paradise for families with children. From adventure playgrounds and the Mainau children’s treasure hunt to the petting zoo with goats, ponies, dwarf donkeys and rabbits, there is plenty to see here. The offer is rounded off by child-friendly restaurants and handcart hire for the little ones.
Extra tips: Children up to the age of 12 do not have to pay admission. Mainau Island also offers the perfect ambience for the most beautiful day of your life. You can either get married in the bracken castle church of St Marien or in the stylish rooms of Mainau Castle – including a very special photo location.
The best way to get to the flower island
The best tips for travelling to the island of Mainau
Depending on which direction you are travelling from, there are many ways to get to Mainau Island. You can reach this popular excursion destination by train, bus, bike or in your own vehicle. If you are coming from Constance, we recommend travelling via the mainland car park. The easiest way to get there from Überlingen is to take the Lake Constance boat trip to Mainau Island. The boat trip is also a great experience, especially for families. Enquire about combined tickets for admission and boat. Mainau Island offers a very special service for all cyclists. In addition to changing rooms, lockers and breakdown tools, there are also free charging stations for e-bikes.
Barrier-free access to the island of Mainau
Good access for all visitors
Anyone looking for barrier-free excursion destinations on Lake Constance will feel right at home on the island of flowers. With a few exceptions, the island is completely barrier-free. Stairs and steps as well as barrier-free paths are clearly marked on the island map. Wheelchairs can also be hired free of charge directly at the harbour.
A big plus for dog owners: four-legged friends are also welcome on the island, but must be kept on a lead.
What else you can experience at Lake Constance
The best excursion destinations nearby
In addition to the island of Mainau, Lake Constance offers many other sights in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The towns of Constance and Überlingen are very close by and well worth a visit. You can also cross over to St. Gallen in Switzerland on the other side of the lake in a short time. The Austrian town of Bregenz and neighbouring Lindau are also within easy reach in the border triangle. The historic town of Meersburg with its medieval castle and New Palace is also well worth a visit. Not far away, you can marvel at the oldest open-air archaeological museum in the world: the pile dwellings of Unteruhldingen, a World Heritage Site.
Mainau Island: enjoy the splendour of flowers & more
Great excursion destination for young and old
The famous flower island in Lake Constance attracts numerous visitors all year round. No wonder, as there really is a lot to see here at any time of year. In addition to the impressive flower displays and exotic plants, the tropical butterfly house and the baroque palace complex are absolute highlights. Mainau Island also has plenty to offer children, with a petting zoo, children’s land and an exciting treasure hunt. Our Places of Germany verdict: Don’t miss it!
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