Where water meets the mountains
The Lake Constance
A land that enchants in every season…
The Bodensee region enchants with picturesque landscapes, where the blue of the lake meets the green of the vineyards and the white peaks of the Alps in the background. In charming towns such as Constance, Meersburg, and Lindau, time seems to slow down among cobbled streets and medieval castles. Mainau Island, known as the “flower island,” blooms in a riot of colors throughout the season, attracting garden lovers from all over the world.
A boat cruise on the lake at sunset is an unforgettable experience, combining romance with the serenity of nature. For the active, cycling and hiking trails await, leading through orchards, hills, and vineyards with breathtaking views. Waterfalls, gorges, and ancient volcanoes invite visitors to explore these extraordinary places.
Born of ice, shaped by time...
Lake Constance was formed during the Ice Age known as the Würm glaciation, which ended around 10,000 years ago. At that time, the massive Rhine glacier slowly moved across what is now the border region of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, carving the landscape and shaping a deep basin that eventually filled with the meltwater of the retreating ice. Thus, Lake Constance was born – a glacial lake of exceptional beauty with a diverse shoreline. Tectonic processes also played an important role in its formation, giving the region its characteristic terrain. Over the millennia, the lake has become the heart of culture, trade, and daily life in the region, serving as a natural communication route and a source of wealth for surrounding communities.
The land of waterfalls, caves, gorges, and ancient volcanoes
Around Lake Constance stretches an extraordinary landscape, filled with geological traces of the Earth’s turbulent past. Deep caves, especially in the Swabian Jura, preserve echoes of bygone epochs. Gorges carved by water form wild, green ravines where light plays with shadow and every drop carries a story of passing millennia. On the hills, the gentle silhouettes of long-extinct volcanoes rise proudly – now peaceful, covered with vineyards, as if nature itself had lulled the fire to make room for life. Among these wonders, waterfalls murmur – from small cascades hidden in forests to the impressive Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen.
Encounters with nature, culture, and adventure
The Lake Constance region is a true treasure chest of attractions, rich in diversity. Mainau Island enchants visitors with thousands of flowers and a Baroque palace, creating a fairytale garden on the lake. The mighty Rhine Falls dazzles with its power and majesty, while the Pfänder summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps and the shimmering blue waters of Lake Constance. In Unteruhldingen, history comes alive with the famous pile dwellings – prehistoric houses built on stilts. Each of these places tells its own story, making a journey around the lake an unforgettable experience.
Witnesses of power and bygone times
In the Lake Constance area rise picturesque castles and fortresses that for centuries have watched over valleys, waters, and trade routes. Meersburg Castle, proudly overlooking the lake, is one of the oldest inhabited castles in Germany – full of history, legends, and the spirit of knighthood. On the extinct volcano of Hohentwiel sits a mighty fortress, whose ruins still radiate power and majesty. There is no shortage of romantic palaces either, such as Schloss Arenenberg, associated with the Bonaparte family, from whose terraces breathtaking views unfold...
Testimony of faith enduring through the centuries
The Lake Constance region has long been a place where spirituality met culture and art. Numerous monasteries and abbeys around the lake bear witness to deep faith and the influential role of the Church in shaping the area’s history. Majestic walls, cloisters, and monastic gardens invite visitors to moments of silence and reflection. It was here that traditions, sacred art, and a rich monastic culture were born and have endured through the centuries. Exploring these sites reveals a unique harmony of history, spirituality, and natural beauty.
Move your body, spread your wings, nourish your soul
Active recreation at Lake Constance is more than movement – it is an encounter with a landscape that inspires, soothes, and amazes. Cycling paths wind through vineyards and along lakeside promenades, mountain trails lead to scenic Alpine ridges, and the lake’s surface invites sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Here, every day can become an adventure: on two wheels, on your own feet, in the air, or on the water. All you need is to choose a direction – the rest unfolds naturally.
Lake Constance
Radolfzell
This atmospheric little town on the western shore of Lake Constance is known for its beautiful old town and tranquil atmosphere. Founded in the Middle Ages as a monastic settlement, it now attracts visitors with its lakeside promenade, bird sanctuary, and thermal baths. It is also an excellent starting point for cycling and hiking tours in the Untersee region.
Stockach
Stockach is a small, picturesque town surrounded by the hills and forests of the Hegau region. It is known for its idyllic landscape, walking trails, and views of Lake Constance as well as volcanoes that became extinct millions of years ago. An ideal place to relax, far from the bustle of tourism.
Konstanz
This picturesque city on the southern shore of Lake Constance, right on the Swiss border, boasts a historic center that has preserved its medieval layout, with a cathedral that hosted the Council of Constance in the 15th century. Today it is also a vibrant university town, full of atmospheric cafés, a lakeside promenade, and access to countless cultural and water attractions.
Überlingen
Überlingen is a historic town on the northern shore of Lake Constance, famous for its beautiful promenade and medieval old town. Here you will find the impressive Gothic St. Nicholas Cathedral as well as numerous gardens and parks, including the renowned lakeside promenade. It is also a popular spa destination with thermal baths and easy access to lake cruises.
Meersburg
Meersburg ist eine historische Stadt am Nordufer des Bodensees, bekannt für ihre romantische Altstadt und die schöne Uferpromenade. Hoch über dem See thront die beeindruckende Burg Meersburg, eine der ältesten bewohnten Burgen Deutschlands, während das barocke Neue Schloss den Glanz späterer Jahrhunderte widerspiegelt. Umgeben von Weinbergen, idyllischen Gärten und Thermen ist Meersburg zudem ein beliebter Kurort und ein idealer Ausgangspunkt für Schifffahrten auf dem Bodensee.
Friedrichshafen
Friedrichshafen is a modern city on the northern shore of Lake Constance, known as the birthplace of the Zeppelin airships. The fascinating Zeppelin Museum showcases the history of aviation and features a full-scale reconstruction of a Zeppelin interior. The city also offers a beautiful lakeside promenade, sweeping views of the Alps, and excellent ferry and rail connections throughout the region.
St. Gallen
St. Gallen is a historic city in eastern Switzerland, renowned for its baroque cathedral and former Benedictine abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abbey library, one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world, houses priceless manuscripts. The charming old town enchants with colorful facades and distinctive oriel windows, while the city’s rich textile tradition made it a center of embroidery and fabric art. St. Gallen is also a perfect gateway to Appenzell and the Swiss Alps.
Steckborn
Steckborn is a charming little town on the Swiss shore of the Untersee. It is known for its historic half-timbered houses, a cozy lakeside promenade, and a rich history dating back to Roman times. A peaceful place, perfect for strolling, cycling, and experiencing the Swiss charm of the region.
Stein am Rhein
Stein am Rhein is a picturesque town in northern Switzerland, famous for its well-preserved medieval old town and colorful frescoes adorning the facades of its buildings. Situated on the banks of the Rhine, it captivates visitors with its remarkable architecture, tranquil atmosphere, and history that reaches back to Roman times.
Rorschach
Rorschach is a Swiss town on the northern shore of Lake Constance, in the canton of St. Gallen. It is known for its beautiful harbor, lakeside promenade, and the elegant former Roman bathhouse (Badhütte) – a unique wooden bathing pavilion from the 19th century. With views of the lake and the Alps, Rorschach offers a peaceful stopover or a pleasant walk along the Swiss shore of Lake Constance.
Lindau
Lindau is a charming German town located on an island in Lake Constance, connected to the mainland by a bridge and causeway. It is famous for its picturesque harbor with a lighthouse and lion statue, creating one of the lake’s most iconic landmarks. Lindau’s old town enchants with historic townhouses, narrow alleys, and a Mediterranean atmosphere.
Bregenz
Bregenz is the elegant capital of Austria’s Vorarlberg, picturesquely located on the eastern shore of Lake Constance. It is famous for its summer opera festival and unique floating stage, as well as for the panoramic Pfänder peak, accessible by cable car. The historic Oberstadt, modern museums, and lakeside promenade create a unique atmosphere where culture, nature, and relaxation come together.
Romanshorn
Romanshorn is a peaceful Swiss town on Lake Constance, located in the canton of Thurgau and known for its large ferry and shipping port. It is an important transport hub, with ferry connections to Friedrichshafen and cycling routes around the lake. Romanshorn offers a pleasant promenade, a small railway museum, and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing walk by the water.
Arbon
Arbon is a charming Swiss town on Lake Constance, with a beautiful lakeside promenade and a historic old town. It is also known for its rich history dating back to Roman times and its industrial heritage.
Map of the region’s highlights and towns
Incredible Nature
