With an area of almost 500 km², the Lake Constance is by far the largest lake in Germany. No wonder it is also often called the “Swabian Sea”. At some points, the opposite shore is so far away that you actually have the impression of being at the sea.
Due to the Mediterranean climate in summer and the dreamy atmosphere in the often foggy autumn and winter, Lake Constance is worth a visit at any time of the year. For a short trip to Lake Constance, you should plan at least four to five days including overnight stays.
There are numerous beautiful hotels, as well as campsites and vacation rentals for this purpose. Suitable accommodation can be easily found for couples, families, and travelers with dogs. And Lake Constance is also ideal for longer trips. Especially the cities of Lindau, Meersburg, or Konstanz are worth a day trip alone. So what are you waiting for?
Lindau offers so much that we have only included three of our tips in our Lake Constance route as an example. The old town and the harbor of Lindau are located on a peninsula in the lake – an absolutely worth label seeing.
The best place to park is on the edge of the old town. From here, it’s just a stone’s throw to the lighthouse at the harbor exit, which you can see from afar. The climb up the tower or the walk around the viewing platform is worth it. From up here, you have a “Kaiserblick” (a panoramic view) of both the lake and Lindau. At the harbor, in the beautiful old town alleys, and at the lively marketplace, there are numerous cafés and restaurants. In short, it’s the perfect place for your Lake Constance vacation to relax and unwind.
About 14 km from Lindau you will reach the pretty town of Langenargen – surely one of the most beautiful places on Lake Constance. Here you can stroll along the extensive lakeside promenade and enjoy the Mediterranean ambience. On a clear day, the Swiss Alps and St. Gallen on the opposite shore are clearly visible.
Montfort Castle, which poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff raved about, is also well worth a visit in Langenargen. Located directly on the shore, you can climb the Moorish-style tower and enjoy the unique view. At the foot of Montfort Castle there is a restaurant with a beautiful terrace directly on the lake. But Langenargen also has a lot to offer in terms of culinary delights and accommodation.
From Montfort Castle, you can reach another destination on our Lake Constance route after a drive of only about 15 minutes: Wasserburg. The small town has only about 5,000 inhabitants and is located on a peninsula. The town’s image is characterized by a picturesque church, a small castle, and a historically romantic ensemble of buildings right on the water. It doesn’t get more idyllic than this. On the peninsula, you will find a few places to stop and relax. From Wasserburg, you can continue your Lake Constance short break by boat to Lindau or to Constance.
On the Lake Constance map you will find the 60,000-inhabitant town of Friedrichshafen about 20 km away. Here there are not only numerous possibilities for shopping, eating and staying overnight. During a long stroll along the longest lakeside promenade of Lake Constance, you can enjoy the unique view of the lake and the Alpine panorama.
Another highlight is the 22-metre-high Moleturm, which you can climb up 117 steps. But it’s worth the effort. From the top you can look out over the lake, the lakeside promenade and the town of Friedrichhafen. Extra tip: This experience is particularly romantic at sunset or in the moonlight.
A trip to Hagnau is definitely part of a Lake Constance vacation. You can reach the small fishing and wine village from Friedrichshafen in just 15 minutes by car. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, the village is picturesque by the lake. Each season has its advantages: In spring, you can taste freshly harvested apples, pears, and plums during the fruit tree blossom. In autumn, the vineyards show off their brightly colored leaves, and you can enjoy delicious new wine.
Meersburg is 5 km from Hagnau. With its 5,000 inhabitants, it is one of the most beautiful small towns in Germany and a highlight among the sights on Lake Constance. If you come by car, it is best to park in one of the large car parks above the town.
But beware: these can often be very full. From here, you first reach the upper town with the New Castle. The enchanting castle square, lined with beautiful houses and cafés, and the beautiful park with a view of the lower town and the lake are absolutely worth seeing. The romantic castle is also located here and is always worth a visit.
A path lined with half-timbered houses then leads to the lower town. Here you will find the picturesque lakeside promenade covered with plane trees and the harbour. There are also many places to stay in Meersburg. So you can enjoy the Mediterranean flair of the town a little longer.
The pile dwellings in Unteruhldingen are certainly one of the most famous excursion destinations on Lake Constance. The site is only about 8 km from Meersburg. The pile dwellings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and show how our ancestors lived here on the lake several thousand years ago. Also a very exciting place for families with children.
After another 3 km you will reach the Birnau Basilica, an impressive baroque church. With its enchanting lake view, it is a wonderful photo motif, especially at sunset.
Überlingen is 5 km from the Birnau Basilica. With its historic town centre and idyllic lakeside promenade, it is the perfect place to stroll and linger.
The next stop on our Lake Constance short break is Constance. You can reach the largest city on Lake Constance either by ferry from Meersburg or from Überlingen. However, you should bring some time with you: The ferries only leave every two hours and take about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Überlingen to Konstanz, for example.
Constance has something to offer for everyone: For example, the historic old town with its small alleys invites you to take a stroll. You can shop in numerous small boutiques and shops or stop off at one of the many restaurants and cafés. The extensive lakeside promenade with plane trees and countless opportunities to rest is also worth a detour. Here you can simply sit on the steps leading down to the lake, watch boats and seabirds and relax.
The famous Council of Constance, where the election of the Pope took place in 1417, is located directly on the lake. One or more overnight stays in Constance are a good idea, as you can make further excursions from here.
As a conclusion to our short trip to Lake Constance, the island of Mainau is a special highlight. You can reach the famous flower island in just about 10 minutes by car from Constance. However, you should plan at least half a day to visit the approximately 45-hectare flower island with its unique blooms. The picturesque park is one of the most beautiful facilities in Europe. In a special orchid house, you can admire more than 3,000 different orchid species. A visit to the butterfly house is also worthwhile: here you will find over 120 freely flying, colorful butterfly species.
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