Germany / Stuttgart, the Black Forest & Lake Constance / Lake Constance (Lindau & Meersburg)Lake Constance (Lindau & Meersburg)
Island Towns and Flower Gardens on the Bodensee
Germany's largest lake, shared with Austria and Switzerland, with the Alps across the water. Lindau's old town fills an island, its harbour guarded by a Bavarian lion and a lighthouse; Meersburg has a medieval castle above the lake; Mainau, the flower island near Konstanz, is planted from spring to autumn; Friedrichshafen has the Zeppelin Museum, and the stilt houses at Unteruhldingen and the monastery island of Reichenau are UNESCO sites. Passenger boats link the towns from about April to October; car ferries cross between Meersburg and Konstanz all year. The Munich–Zurich trains stop at Lindau.
Highlights
- Lindau harbour, lion and lighthouse
- Mainau flower island
- Meersburg castle and old town
- Lake boat between the towns
- Zeppelin Museum
- Pfänder cable car above Bregenz
Things to do
- Lindau island old town and harbourMorning · 2h 30m
- Mainau flower islandMorning · 4h
- Lake boat to Meersburg and its castleApr–OctAfternoon · 4h
- Zeppelin Museum, FriedrichshafenAfternoon · 2h
- Lakeside cycle path stageMorning · 4h
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: May – September
Heads up
Lake Boats Mostly Stop in Winter
The passenger boats between Lindau, Meersburg, Mainau and Konstanz run their full timetable from about April to October; in winter only a few routes sail. The Meersburg–Konstanz car ferry crosses all year, and the trains round the lake run as usual. Mainau stays open, but the flower gardens are at their best from spring to autumn.