Day Trips & Excursions: Lake Constance

Nearby Destinations

Stein am Rhein, a picturesque medieval town on the Rhine River, famous for its painted facades and well-preserved old town. From Konstanz, train or boat journeys lead here. Bregenz features the Pfänder mountain (reachable by cable car for panoramic views of the lake and Alps) and the Seebühne (floating stage for opera). Lindau offers train or ferry routes to Bregenz.

St. Gallen, Switzerland, a city known for its UNESCO World Heritage Abbey Library, an impressive Baroque cathedral, and a charming old town. Train journeys from Konstanz reach this destination. The Rhine Falls (Rheinfall, Switzerland), Europe's largest waterfall near Schaffhausen, showcases impressive natural power. Train journeys from Konstanz lead here.

Transportation Insights

Train connections function well for Stein am Rhein, St. Gallen, Rhine Falls (via Schaffhausen), and Bregenz.
Ferry options deliver scenic views and direct access to Bregenz, forming a part of a beautiful journey towards Stein am Rhein.
Car transport offers the greatest flexibility for exploring the Black Forest or rural areas not easily reachable by public transit.
Organized tours make reaching multiple sites or distant destinations, like the Black Forest or Swiss Alps, straightforward. Independent travel supports exploration at your own pace, often with better cost.

Natural Escapes

The Lake Constance region presents many chances to connect with nature, from protected reserves to scenic landscapes.

Parks and Nature Reserves

Wollmatinger Ried-Untersee-Gnadensee: This extensive nature reserve near Konstanz is a Ramsar site and Natura 2000 area, recognized for its importance in bird conservation.

Conservation Areas

Mettnau Peninsula (Radolfzell) is another important bird sanctuary with walking paths, presenting tranquil natural beauty.
The Hegau Region, an unique volcanic area north of the lake, features fortress ruins (e.g., Hohentwiel) and distinct geology.

Scenic Landscapes

Pfänder (Bregenz) holds panoramic views of the lake and the majestic Alps, easily reachable by cable car.

Lake Views & Vineyards

The Überlinger See, a long, narrow lake arm, presents picturesque towns and dramatic cliffs along its shores.
Explore the wine regions near Meersburg, Hagnau, or Nonnenhorn for walks and wine tasting opportunities.
Numerous lidos (public swimming areas) around the lake invite lake swimming and sunbathing.

Outdoor Activities & Seasonal Beauty

Outdoor Activities

Lake swimming and sunbathing happen at various lidos.
The Austrian and Swiss Alps are visible from the lake and invite mountain activities, including hiking.
Winter sports occur in the Alps, but depend on seasonal conditions.

Seasonal Wonders

Witness apple and cherry blossoms in April and May, notably around Markdorf.
Spring and autumn deliver good times for observing migratory birds in the region's nature reserves.

Regional Data

Lake Area:536 km²
Max Depth:251 m
Shoreline:273 km
Countries Bordering:3

Main City:Konstanz
Elevation:395 m
Average Temp (Summer):20-25°C
Average Temp (Winter):0-5°C

Local Travel Tip

Public transport routes across the border for Stein am Rhein, St. Gallen, and Bregenz function well. A Bodensee Card PLUS offers value for travel and attractions.

Cultural Excursions

Explore historical sites and charming villages beyond the main tourist areas.

Salem Abbey and Palace

A former Cistercian monastery, now a boarding school, featuring Baroque architecture and extensive grounds. An adjacent monkey enclosure (Affenberg Salem) adds appeal.

Heiligenberg Castle

A historic castle with panoramic views of the lake and countryside, the ancestral seat of the Princes of Fürstenberg.

Birnau Abbey

A famous Baroque pilgrimage church with a stunning interior and an elevated position overlooking Lake Constance.

Rural Villages and Agricultural Areas

Visit small villages on Reichenau Island to experience its UNESCO World Heritage monastic history and observe vegetable fields.

Höri Peninsula

Explore villages along the Höri peninsula (e.g., Gaienhofen, Hemmenhofen).
These villages are known for their artistic and literary past, as writers like Hermann Hesse lived there.

Pilgrimage Sites

Birnau Abbey (Wallfahrtskirche Birnau) is a famous Baroque pilgrimage church with a stunning interior and an elevated position overlooking Lake Constance.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring Blossoms:April-May

Migratory Birds:Spring/Autumn

Harvest Festivals:Autumn

Christmas Markets:Nov-Dec

Lake Festival Konstanz:August

Bregenz Festival:July-August

Cultural Heritage Note

Local regions preserve historic old towns and heritage sites.
Visitors support these efforts by respecting regulations and local tourism.

Multi-Day Extensions

Lake Constance acts as a gateway to wider regions, allowing trips for extra days.

Recommended Extensions

Swiss Alps

Extend your journey to iconic Swiss mountain destinations like Lucerne, Interlaken, or Zermatt for classic Alpine experiences.

Black Forest

Spend days exploring its diverse landscapes, visiting cuckoo clock workshops, and enjoying picturesque villages.

Munich

Germany's third-largest city features world-class museums, famous beer gardens, and historical sites.

Additional Destinations

Germany: Consider Stuttgart, Munich, Freiburg (entry to the Black Forest), or exploring the Romantic Road.
Switzerland: Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, or the Alpine regions.
Austria: Innsbruck (for mountains) or Salzburg (for music and history).

Transport & Routes

Excellent train connections operate from Lake Constance towns (via Deutsche Bahn, SBB, and ÖBB) to all major cities in the surrounding regions.
The good road network also makes driving simple.

Sample Regional Tours

Southern Germany Circuit

Begin at Lake Constance, move through the Black Forest, visit Freiburg, journey to Stuttgart, and conclude in Munich.

Alps & Lakes

Combine Lake Constance with a trip into the Swiss Alps and the Austrian Tyrol for a mountain-focused journey.

Beyond Lake Constance

For broader regional exploration, trains and roads deliver seamless connections to major cities and mountain regions.

Day Trips & Excursions