Germany
Arrive in Konstanz. Experience the Old Town and visit Konstanz Minster. Enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant.
Take a ferry to Meersburg, discover the medieval castle, and enjoy stunning views. Return to Konstanz for dinner and a harbor stroll. This presents a concise, memorable introduction to the German side of the lake.
Explore the region with itineraries that stretch from a weekend to two weeks, or even longer stays.
Day 1: Konstanz & Mainau. Explore Konstanz Old Town, Minster, and the harbor. Afternoon, ferry to Mainau Island (Flower Island) for botanical wonders. Dinner in Konstanz.
Travel to Lindau. Explore the picturesque island, climb the lighthouse for panoramic views. Take the train or bus to Bregenz (Austria) and ride the Pfänder cable car for breathtaking views of the lake and Alps. Depart from Lindau or Konstanz.
Days 1-2: Konstanz and Mainau. Dedicate a full day to Mainau Island. Consider a relaxing boat trip on the Untersee (Lower Lake).
Day 5: Friedrichshafen & Zeppelin. Visit the Zeppelin Museum and Dornier Museum, learning about the region's aviation heritage. Consider a scenic ferry ride to Romanshorn (Switzerland) and back.
Combine the one-week itinerary with exploration of specific towns. Include longer cycling or hiking trips. Add day trips further afield, like to the Rhine Falls, Black Forest, or St. Gallen (Switzerland). Allow for more relaxed time for swimming, wellness, or smaller villages.
Include a full day trip to Reichenau Island to explore its monastic churches and agricultural landscape. Explore the unique Hegau volcanic region north of the lake.
Rent a vacation apartment (Ferienwohnung) for a month or more. Base yourself in a quieter town like Radolfzell or a tranquil village on the Höri peninsula.
Tailor your itinerary to your specific interests, whether history, food, adventure, or family fun.
Begin in Konstanz (Council history, Minster, Old Town). Proceed to Reichenau Island (UNESCO monastic churches) then Meersburg (Germany's oldest inhabited castle, New Palace).
Visit local vineyards for wine tasting (Meersburg, Hagnau, Nonnenhorn). Dine at lakeside restaurants for fresh Felchen (whitefish).
Cycle a significant portion of the Bodensee-Radweg. Hike a section of the SeeGang trail. Participate in water sports (sailing, SUP, kayaking) from various lakeside towns.
Mainau Island (playgrounds, butterfly house, petting zoo). Affenberg Salem (monkey mountain). Pfahlbaumuseum Unteruhldingen (stilt houses).
Konstanz Minster (Romanesque/Gothic). Reichenau Island churches (early medieval Romanesque). Birnau Abbey (Baroque masterpiece).
Visit Birnau Abbey for its spiritual atmosphere and beauty. Spend time at Bodensee Therme Konstanz or Überlingen for relaxation.
Travel Lake Constance for any budget, from backpacking to luxury. Experience the region's unique seasonal highlights.
Stay in hostels or campsites. Utilize supermarkets for groceries and cook your own meals, supplementing with affordable bakery items and street food. Rely on public transport (the Bodensee Card PLUS offers good value) or cycling.
Stay in comfortable guesthouses or 3-star hotels. Enjoy a mix of eating out at local, mid-range restaurants and some self-catering.
Stay in 4-5 star lakeside hotels or boutique properties. Indulge in fine dining experiences and wine tastings. Opt for private transfers or car rental for maximum flexibility.
Summer: Best for swimming and all water sports. All attractions open, and cycling and hiking conditions are excellent. Enjoy the Bregenz Festival's opera on the floating stage and Konstanz's Seenachtsfest fireworks.
Bregenz Festival: Plan your trip for July/August to witness world-class opera on the floating stage in Bregenz.
Focus on museums, indoor attractions like the thermal baths (Therme), and cozy cafes.
Fewer tourists create quiet and lower prices. Many outdoor attractions and some ferry services operate on limited hours or close entirely. The moody, often foggy winter atmosphere offers an unique beauty.
