Top Things to do in Konstanz Lake during your trip

If you are looking for top things to do in Konstanz Lake then in this post we are going to share that. Lake Constance – known as “Bodensee” in German is located just below the northern part of the Alps.

It’s not just the most expansive lake in Germany but it’s also one of the largest and most stunning lakes in Europe. It is bordered to the west by Austria and Switzerland It offers stunning scenery, with its magnificent lake, which includes 270 kilometres of shoreline. This is the most extensive portion in Germany.

The biggest and deepest portion of the lake The lake’s deepest and largest part, it is the Obersee (Upper Lake) runs between Bregenz Bay to Konstanz and is surrounded by many charming old lakeside towns and villages. These charming communities provide a pleasant escape as well as stunning panoramas of The Swiss Alps.

Long a popular place for water sports, it’s well-known among windsurfing and sailing enthusiasts the region is also filled with history and culture and is home to many castles, beautiful medieval towns, and stunning gardens. Some of the most popular things to do in this area include mountain biking and hiking taking a dip at the many beaches, or taking an enjoyable boat cruise.

Don’t be afraid of going to the area in the winter months. Particularly popular during this time of season are the Christmas markets. They are located in Lindau as well as Konstanz can be among the top and include music, skating and food all adding to the excitement.

Discover more amazing places to go to by visiting our top tourist destinations in the vicinity of Lake Constance.

Top Things to Do in Konstanz Lake

1. Go to Konstanz Minster and the Old Town

Konstanz is located near the Swiss frontier is the biggest city in Lake Constance. It is also a major cultural hub with a vibrant musical and theatre scene. The most striking of its historic buildings is Konstanz Minster (Konstanz Munster). This beautiful church dates back to the 11th century and has additional additions later in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The most prominent features of the church are the main entrance doorway from the 15th century and a beautiful interior, which includes choir-stalls dating to 1460, and the thirteenth century Holy Sepulcher. It is a must to climb up the tower to enjoy its amazing views of the town’s old part.

Another Old Town (Altstadt) highlights include the 15th-century Hohenzollernha us as well as town hall dating to the 16th century, Hall (Rathaus) and the gorgeous house called Rosgarten. It was a butchers’ guildhouse during the medieval period and is now being used by a museum that houses an array of regional and local objects.

Parents of children might be able to add the SEA LIFE Konstanz to their itinerary. There, you can enjoy an enjoyable few hours looking at an array of marine wildlife, including fresh water species native to the region, as well as in the Rhine River. One of the highlights is the tunnel that runs through the huge Red Sea aquarium. After that, visit the adjacent Lake Constance Nature Museum, which provides a stunning views of the diverse fauna and flora found within and surrounding Lake Constance.

Address: Munsterplatz 1, 78462 Konstanz

Housing: Where to Stay in Konstanz

2. Explore the Spectacular Flower Island (Mainau)

Top Things to do in Konstanz Lake – Flower Island Video (Source)

The most affluent of the tourist spots in the vicinity of Lake Constance – and for reasons that are well-founded – is the stunning 110-acre “flower island” of Mainau (Insel Mainau). About seven kilometres to the north of Konstanz situated on the southern shores of the Uberlinger See, this location is a popular destination for visitors due to the stunning gardens and parks filled with lush tropical and semitropical vegetation.

The island also has an impressive Palace, Schloss Mainau. It was built in 1746 by the Grand Duke of Baden The palace’s prominent inside features are the gorgeous White Hall. The other thing worth seeing is the beautifully preserved defence tower (one of the 16 originally built) and the gatehouse.

Parents travelling with children should visit Mainau Kidsland. The island-based play area for kids features a petting zoo, as well as a fun wet playground known as Water World (Wasserwelt). There’s also a butterfly house (schmetterlingshaus), the largest such attraction in Germany. Two restaurants are available for guests to dine in.

The island can be reached via boat or a pedestrian bridge that connects with the mainland.

Official site: www.mainau.de/en/welcome.html

3. Get Back to Nature at Wollmatinger Ried-Untersee-Gnadensee

Top Things to do in Konstanz Lake
Top Things to do in Konstanz Lake – Swan in a Lake Constance nature reserve (Source)

A variety of areas along the banks of Lake Constance, particularly near the mouths of larger tributary rivers have been declared as nature reserves to preserve their pristine state. The most significant natural reserve – and largest along the German shores of Lake Constance that covers the area of almost 22,000 acres – is Wollmatinger Ried Untersee-Gnadensee. This is the place in which the Rhine flows from the main lake to the Untersee close to Konstanz.

The reserve has a diverse range of animals and plants which include over 600 ferns and flowering plants, as more than 300 bird species that are attracted to the lush reed bed. The ideal location for exploring the natural reserve along with the fauna and flora that inhabit Lake Constance, is the NABU Centre. The center is top-of-the-line and features exhibits and slideshows. It also provides guided tours through the nature reserve.

Another significant area of nature reserves can be found in Eriskircher Ried, loved by birdwatchers due to its numerous species of waterfowl and birds (plus its excellent hiking and biking trails). If you have time, make sure to visit the Halbinsel Mettnau waterside nature reserve that serves as a home for a variety of birds (with the small island that you can explore) as well as it is home to the Prunger- Burgweiler. In addition, you can go to the Wilhelmsdorf Nature Conservation Centre with its impressive museum that explains 12,000 years of moorland heritage.

Address: NABU-Bodenseezentrum Am Wollmatinger Ried 20, 78479 Reichenau

4. Lindau

Top Things to do in Konstanz Lake
Top Things to do in Konstanz Lake -Photograph by Edda Praefcke (Source)

Picturesque Lindau, the biggest town along the Bavarian shores of Lake Constance, is split between an island and the shores of the mainland. It is linked via a bridge, called known as the Neue Seebrucke. 

Its harbour is worth a visit and is famous for its lighthouse that was once in use that dates back to the 13th century Mangturm. Near the end of the harbor’s outer walls are the most well-known landmarks of Lindau including the six-meter high Bavarian Lion as well as the 33-meter-high New lighthouse of which date back to 1856 (the one with the most spectacular views of Lindau’s town and of the Alps).

Other things to do within Lindau includes exploring the Old Town (Altstadt). The majority of the historic town’s center is now pedestrian-only, and has numerous beautifully preserved Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque homes. Particularly appealing can be Maximilianstrasse which is the main street with its elegant, patrician-style houses with fountains, arcades and arcades. cafes, hotels, and other establishments.

Other attractions include The Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) constructed in 1436 and adorned with a colorful façade, and St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche), built in the 10th century. It also has a lovely walk through the island, called that’s the Uferweg. It has beautiful views from two bastions that are old which are that of the Gerberschanze as well as the Sternschanze and also at to the Pulverturm (Powder Tower).

Lodging: Where to Stay in Lindau

5. Allgau Allgau: Uplands of Lake Constance

Top Things to do in Konstanz Lake
Best Things to do in Konstanz Lake – The lush Allgäu landscape

The Allgau is a stunning mountain and upland region located in the southern region of Bavarian Swabia located between the well-known travel locations in Lake Constance and the Lech valley. It also extends to the northwest, extending into Wurttemberg. The Allgau is crossed through the Deutsche Alpenstrasse and, farther to the north, by a branch of the renowned Upper Swabian Baroque Highway tourist route, it’s an ideal area to drive around or for exploring by the foot.

High Alpine range of Allgau Alps comprised of the Northern Calcareous Alps, forms the border of Bavaria as well as Bavaria and the Austrian provinces Vorarlberg as well as Tirol. The view is breathtaking with its tiers high foothills, stunning lakes tranquil moors and ponds, sprawling forests, lush meadows and quaint villages set against an impressive mountain backdrop.

It is also a place for relaxation. Allgau can also be a zone of medicinal springs and spas. One of the most famous spas, that of the Kneipp water cure was initially developed during Bad Worishofen and is now utilized in numerous other spas.

Official Website – Allgau Allgau
Accommodation – Where to Stay in Allgau Allgau?

6. Konstanz Harbor

Free The Imperia Statue at the Harbor of Konstanz in Germany Stock Photo - Top Things to do in Konstanz Lake
One Top Thing to Do in Konstanz Lake visit the Kaufhaus well it is a busy spot but the statue which you see turn around.

The highlight of any trip to Konstanz is to explore the harbor of the town. Here is the well-known Kaufhaus. It was built in 1388. This old warehouse was specifically built to facilitate trading with Italy. It’s sometimes called the Konzilsgebaude as it was the venue for the cardinal conclave that appointed Cardinal Martin V in 1417.

The entrance to the harbor is marked by a stunning statue, Imperiawhich is a tribute to this historic occasion. Even though it was built only at the beginning of 1993, this magnificent nine-meter tall statue has since been a popular landmark in Konstanz.

Address: Hafenstrasse, 78462 Konstanz

7. Go to the Zeppelin Museum

The Zeppelin Museum | János Korom Dr. >17 Million views / photo modified

The charming town of Friedrichshafen is well-known due to its connection to the German Zeppelin airships. It was in Friedrichshafen that the famed Hindenburg known as the most lavish “liner in the sky” was built only to come to a tragic and fiery end at Lakehurst within the US in 1937. The airship’s former hangar is now home to it’s Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen featuring fascinating exhibits and exhibits that tell the story of LZ 129 and the events that led to its demise.

A fascinating thing to do is look into the replicas of the airship’s iconic interiors that are influenced by the Bauhaus, such as the luxurious passenger cabins and lounges and areas that are used to accommodate the staff. The other highlights include exhibits of artifacts, pieces of debris, art work and photos along with scale models that showcase the past and travel of the airship. English guided tours in English are also available.

Address: Seestrasse 22, 88045 Friedrichshafen

Official site: www.zeppelin-museum.de/en

8. Enjoy an Zeppelin Flight

View from the tower over Friedrichshafen

Make sure to include the amazing Zeppelin The New Zeppelin in the Friedrichshafen itinerary. This modern take on the legendary Zeppelin airships of the 1930s illustrates how important the technology is and with the advancement of technology that it’s now completely secure. Most importantly, the company that developed the Zeppelin NT is now offering an array of exciting excursions across Lake Constance from Bodensee Airport.

A “cruise” could last between 30 and 3 hours. Those who have the funds and desire could opt for the two-day private Zeppelin flight experience. When you’re in the air, you’ll marvel at the view from the large windows of the airship while you cruise slowly across the lake and town at an altitude of 300m.

On the other side of the earth take part in an English guided tour in English to the Zeppelin Hangar which is one of the biggest of these facilities for aircraft in Germany and discover more about the inner workings of these magnificent machines. If you’re hungry after all the adrenaline, there’s an on-site restaurant that offers stunning views of the airfield.

Address: Messestrasse 132, 88045 Friedrichshafen

Official site: https://zeppelin-nt.de/en/

9. Reichenau: Lake Constance’s Largest Island

Reichenau

The island of Konstanz is the biggest among the many islands in Lake Constance, Reichenau. Connected to the mainland through a causeway , and covering 1 05 acres The stunning island has been habitable.

One of the oldest structures constructed by man are three churches which belong to the famed monastery in Reichenau: St. George’s Church in Oberzell with its exquisite wall paintings from the Ottonian period and The Minster of St. Mary and St. Mark with a treasure trove of money in the sacristy, and also the saints’ church Peter Paul and Paul located in Niederzell.

The castle was founded around AD 724 under the leadership of Charles Martel, Charlemagne’s grandfather and the best artifacts in Early Romanesque art in Germany as well as because of their architecture as well as the stunning frescoes. Additionally, at the northernmost tip on the island, is the 14th century Schloss Windegg.

10. Hike or Bike the Lake Constance Trail (Bodensee-Rundwanderweg)

View from the Lake Constance Trail

Walkers and cyclists are well catered to by the excellent Lake Constance Trail (Bodensee-Rundwanderweg). This stunning trail system encircles the entire lake in varying distances from its shores over approximately 272 km. Within Germany the trail often follows the trails marked through the Black Forest Association (Schwarzwaldverein).

The highlights you’ll see during your hike are The Wollmatinger Ried nature reserve, along with the vast majority of the lake’s tiny villages, the historical townships in Lindau and Konstanz and island communities like Reichenau along with Mainau. There is the option of joining an excursion on foot that lasts between a day and the length of a month (or more). Even those who are not cyclists or walkers can take advantage of the trail because it’s easy to access at many entry points along the lake.

11. The German Stilthouse Museum

One of the highlights of a trip on a trip to Lake Constance is a chance to visit the amazing Pfahlbaumuseum Unteruhldingen. Translated literally to mean it’s the Pile Dwelling Museum (though more commonly known as “the German Stilthouse Museum,” the fascinating museum includes an open-air museum that features replicas of stone- and bronze-age dwellings. It was opened in 1922 and is an excellent opportunity to explore the how the first inhabitants of the lake which date as far to 6000 years ago.

Tours include re-created structures along the shoreline before stepping into the center of the attraction and The Lake Dwellings, built over the water on piles with stunning views of the stunning surroundings. Tours with guides are part of the cost of admission and can last about an hour.

Address: Strandpromenade 6, D-88690 Uhldingen-Muhlhofen/Unteruhldingen

Official site: www.pfahlbauten.com

12. Explore Lake Constance by Boat

Explore Lake Constance can easily be accomplished via boat, a method of transportation that gives you plenty of possibilities for sightseeing, without the need of an automobile. Boats for tourists are available on Lake Constance run from mid-April through mid-October. They cover the major routes being Konstanz, Uberlingen, Kreuzlingen and Lindau as well as numerous additional stops going to communities in smaller areas. There are ferry services that can transport automobiles, which are available all year long in between Friedrichshafen and Romanshorn as well as between Konstanz-Staad, and Meersburg.

Local passenger ferries also run from Allensbach station, the station on the island Reichenau and also across to the Rhine to Konstanz. In the summer months, a variety of excursions of different types are available, from half-day or full-day trips to more short breakfast or lunch excursions, as well as enjoyable journeys, including night-time mystery tours.

13. Hohentwiel

The atop of the volcano of Hohentwiel is Hohentwiel Castle (Schloss Hohentwiel ), one of the biggest and most stunning castle ruins found in Germany. It is located just 30 km to the west from Lake Constance near Singen It’s a simple spot to locate, since both Hohentwiel Castle and its hill are strikingly distinct from the rest of the.

Although the damaged volcano is thousands of years old. The original castle dates up to AD 914 as part of an fortress-like complex which included an abbey. It was in use through the 1800s and was subject to numerous sieges, and later, it was used in the years as prison. It’s now a wonderful area to explore due to its fascinating history and for its breathtaking views of Singen along with the rest of the country.

14. Take a tour of the Meersburg Castle “Old” Castle

Top Things to do in Konstenz Lake
What to do in Konstanz Lake

The picturesque old town along the lake of Meersburg which literally means “Castle at the Sea” houses not only two, but one beautiful castles from the past. The first known by its name, the Old Castle (Alte Burg) is an impressively preserved medieval fortress that could actually trace its roots back to the 7th century, when its initial central tower was built.

The oldest inhabited castle in Germany It is worth a visit due to its intriguing interiors. Highlights comprise The Fortress Museum with its many antique furniture and artifacts. Also, make sure you look around the former dungeon and torture chamber. There are a total of 30 rooms that can be explored in an self-guided tour. This includes the bakery and kitchen as well as the guards’ room and the armory. The restaurant is also within the premises.

Address: Schlosspl. 10, 88709 Meersburg, Germany

Official site: www.burg-meersburg.de/index_engl.html

15. Explore of Meersburg’s “New” Castle

Top Things to do in Konstenz Lake
What to Do in Konstanz Lake – Source

A few minutes away from the city’s Old Castle is the New Castle (Neues Schloss). This beautiful 18th-century castle with its Baroque features was completed in 1712 and was an official palace for the Prince Bishops. It is now open to the public The castle is home to it’s Town Gallery (Stadtische Galerie) as well as the Dornier Museum and the Dornier Museum, each of which is worth a visit due to the impressive exhibits and displays connected to local history and culture.

It is also home to the New Castle is also where you’ll discover The Palace Museum of the Prince Bishops (Furstbischofliche Schlossmuseum), which has many rooms that are preserved in their original style. The other attractions worth a visit is the grounds surrounding the castle with a stunning terrace with stunning views of Lake Constance.

After visiting these two beautiful castles, make sure you take a trip to some of the castle-themed historic sights in the town of Meersburg within the city itself. The main attractions include the town square, also known as Schlossplatz that is famous for its old-fashioned clock, with a striking face depicting Chronos who is the God of Time and the lovely Castle Chapel.

Additionally, worth seeing are the two town gates that have been in use from the time of the medieval era as well as a variety of half-timbered homes that are well preserved. If you’re interested in German literature The Droste Museum is worth a visit for its collection of memorabilia and exhibitions of poetry written by the poet Annette of Droste-Hulshoff.

Address: Schlosspl. 13, 88709 Meersburg, Germany

Official site: www.neues-schloss-meersburg.de/en/start

16. Heiligenberg Castle

Top Things to do in Konstenz Lake
Top Things one can do in Konstanz Lake – Adrian Michael 

Another castle in the area that has been under constant occupation and ownership through the ages is the stunning medieval German-style Castle Heiligenberg (Schloss Heiligenberg). The castle was constructed around 16th century, on the remains of an ancient fortress from the medieval period, Castle Heiligenberg is believed to be among the most fortunate castles in the nation. Not only has it escaped numerous wars, but it was miraculously spared in the Thirty Years War after an attempt to demolish it using barrels of explosives failed being unsuccessful afterthe fuse had been ignited.

In addition to taking in its stunning views of Lake Constance, visitors can take a look around the massive two-story Grand Hall. The magnificent room is noted for its beautiful flooring and ceiling made of wood, as well as its numerous fine artifacts and coats of arms from the past.

Make sure you go to the equally amazing Castle Chapel. It is the home of the family’s grave and burial ground for relatives from 1586 onwards. The other thing worth seeing is one of the Furstenberg Collections with its fine display of uniforms from the past as well as chalices, trophies, and other items.

Additionally, there are some interesting artifacts, including the portable urinal that was owned by Napoleon and a dazzling collection of natural history. A variety of events, from musical concerts to Christmas festivities and polo games are hosted in the area. English guided tours in the language of English are also available.

Address: 64342 Seeheim-Jugenheim, Germany

Official site: https://haus-fuerstenberg.de/heiligenberg/?lang=en

17. Salem Abbey and Palace

Top Things to do in Konstenz Lake
Stuff to do in Konstanz Lake – Source

Its town, Salem is a must in Your Lake Constance itinerary. There, you’ll get the chance to visit the beautiful Salem Abbey and Palace (Kloster and Schloss Salem) which was a former Cistercian monastery situated in one the most stunning surroundings in the area.

The monastic site itself can trace its roots all the way up to the year 1213, and was once the biggest of these sites in the country. After secularization, intriguing decorative Baroque ornaments are added on to remaining Gothic-style monastic buildings, creating the most impressive display which has remained relatively unchanged in the years since.

A museum on the premises displays an exhibit of the “Masterpieces that comprise the Imperial Abbey” comprising a variety of exquisite original pieces of furniture and artwork. Other highlights include an assortment of antique firefighting equipment, the lovely gardens, with adventure play areas for youngsters; as well as a store and on-site eating. English guided tours in English as well as audio-guides are offered.

If you have time you, make sure to go to the famous Affenberg Salem, the home of one of Europe’s biggest open-air enclosures for monkeys. The fascinating place is home to 200 or more Barbary macaques (feeding time is an ideal time to go).

Address: Kloster und Schloss, 88682 Salem, Germany

The city of medieval origins in Konstanz located on the shores of Lake Constance is an architectural pleasure, with stone streets lined with cobblestones in Niederburg to the long-standing Konstanz Munster.

The city is steeped in history. city of Konstanz is home to numerous museums as well as a charming old town in addition to the magnificent cathedral that towers over the city. Here are the top things you can do during your visit.

18. Take a look at the Rosengarten Museum

The museum has a fascinating story – it was started by a pharmacist from the local area and a town councilor who wanted to conserve medieval artefacts and artworks. Today, it’s a treasure trove of more than 200,000 pieces that are of interest to the local community which range from religious artifacts and paintings to personal letters and everyday objects that date back to between the 19th and the 20th century. Explore the museum on a guided tour to learn about the sly trick that the inhabitants of Konstanz employed to prevent being targeted by the Allies during World War II.

19. You can get you lost within the Niederburg neighborhood

Explore the maze of cobblestone alleyways and marvel at the timber-framed homes dating back to the Middle Ages of the charming Niederburg neighborhood, which is the oldest area in Konstanz. The district is sandwiched in between Konstanz’s cathedral and Rhine River, this neighborhood has a variety of cozy restaurants as well as wine caves preserved inside the town’s ancient walls. There are numerous tiny independent stores that sell souvenirs, antiques, and local products.

20. Consider what it was like to be Johannes Hus at the Hus-Haus

Czech academic as well as martyr Johannes (Jan) Hus was executed as a heretic at Konstanz 1415. As per legends, Johannes Hus did not stop praying and singing until he fell into flames. The Hus-Haus is dedicated in the memory of his father, and follows his story starting with his birthplace within the Czech Republic and his attempts to improve the church’s structure to the moment that his funeral was buried in Lake Constance.

21. Enjoy the view from Konstanz Cathedral

To enjoy the most stunning views of Konstanz take the 193 steps that lead to the highest point on the tallest tower in this impressive Gothic cathedral. When you’ve taken all of your energy back, you can explore the inside of the church, with gorgeous paintings, gold and marble chancel and elaborate wood carvings. The church’s impressive architecture was built in the year 600 ACE. The history of the church is evident in its walls. From its romanesque-style painted ceiling to its spiral staircase dating to the 15th century and crypt dating back to a thousand years.

22. Stand-up paddleboard on Lake Constance

The blue-green waters that flows from Lake Constance stretches 63km (39mi) towards the border of Switzerland in the direction of Austria. In summer you can rent a stand-up paddleboard from SUP Horn and explore this town’s sights from a new viewpoint. The view of snowcapped Alps is simply stunning. SUP Horn also offers SUP yoga classes for those who want to put their fitness to test.

23. Enjoy a meal inside the Konzilgebaude

It’s rare to eat lunch in a structure that dates back to the year 600. It is located in between two of the neogothic railroad station and the city park, the huge Konzilgebaude was constructed in 1388 as a storage facility prior to its transformation into a church location; it also served as the location for an election ceremony for Pope Martin V. Now it’s a restaurant that serves traditional German food, like the wiener Schnitzel. It’s worth a trip to take in the views of Lake Constance.

24. Take a picture at the Schnetztor

At the time of the Middle Ages, a city wall of over 20 towers as well as gates secured Konstanz from invasion. The Schnetztor is among three remaining fortifications, and has defined the southern part of Konstanz’s old town since its creation in the 14th century. Today, the half-timbered façade and roof with grey shingle serve as a prop for holiday-themed photographs.

25. You can take a boat ride up to Isle of Mainau

Enjoy the cool and almost Mediterranean style by taking a boat ride across the flowering Mainau Island, often referred to as Flower Island. If you’ve got a half day it’s worth it. The name of this tiny treasure is due to the amazing biodiversity and plants which cover the vast gardens and meadows. While the appearance of the island is different with each season and the views are breathtaking regardless of what season you visit. If you decide to go make sure you visit the stunning baroque Mainau Castle, which was constructed in the 17th century and hosts cultural events all year long.


That was our list of what you can do in Konstanz during your trip. If you think we have missed anything then don’t forget to share that with us in the comment box below and we will include that in our list.

Enjoy exploring Konstanz, If you need more inspiration for travelling in Germany then check out the Fairytale Castle in Germany. If not do check that out.

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