Visiting Lake Constance was one of those impulse trips that reminded me how great it can be when an original plan doesn’t work out. Like so many great places worth visiting in our vicinity, it’s not very far from Strasbourg and accessible by public and private transport.
Originally, Thibault and I planned to spend a weekend in Annecy, which regularly receives accolades as one of France’s most beautiful cities. But, the cost of hotels in August proved incompatible with the somewhat spontaneous nature of our trip, so we decided to visit Lake Constance in Germany instead.
And wow, were we pleased with our decision! Even last minute during high season, the hotels in Lake Constance were much more affordable than what we’d seen in Annecy. Below, I’ll talk more about where exactly this lake is, how to get there, and why I’m now recommending it to absolutely everyone.
Why is Lake Constance worth visiting?
Lake Constance, referred to as Lake Bodensee in Germany, is truly somewhere you could build a full-week itinerary around. You can opt to lean into the resort-town vibes and put your feet up on the lawn of a beautiful hotel overlooking the lake with private beach access, or build out daily itineraries to explore the surrounding area.
While I know Americans aren’t usually the most keen to spend their short amount of vacation days in one place, Bodensee offers visitors the opportunity to visit at least three different countries, with Liechtenstein and France being reasonable potential add-ons (in addition to the three countries Bodensee touches). On and around the lake itself, there are a plethora of activities available, with the most popular being biking, and water sports such as paddleboard and sailing.
Where is Lake Constance
Lake Constance is a 39-mile (63 km) freshwater lake bordering three countries: Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
It’s the third-largest lake in Central and Western Europe (by surface area) after Lake Geneva in Switzerland and Lake Balaton in Hungary. However, if you go by volume, Lake Constance overtakes the Hungarian lake and moves into second place. The Rhine River flows into the lake (its tributary), and the High Rhine is the river that flows out of it (its outflow).
Can you swim in Lake Constance?
Yes! This is one of the most exciting parts of visiting. The water is extremely clean because it supplies drinking water for the area, and it’s safe to swim in the lake. On a personal note, I also appreciated that the water wasn’t that cold – with Thibault being from Brittany, I’m used to sticking my toe into the water, making a face, and staying right where I am, thank you very much.
How to get to Lake Constance
If you’re flying in, I would recommend looking at Basel, Zurich, and Munich airports. It’s also possible to visit by train and coach, (1) but you’ll have to do a little research to determine the most efficient route based on where you’re coming from.
How we got to Lake Constance from Strasbourg
Driving from Strasbourg, the trip is about 2.5 hours including time for a bathroom break or two. It’s not a challenging route to drive, however, because you’re driving near and through different countries, cell coverage can at times become spotty, making it hard to follow a GPS. So, be prepared for signal to dip in and out occasionally.
By public transport, I would book from Strasbourg to Konstanz, the city for which Lake Constance is named. The route is a little over three hours long and not direct, involving a quick transfer in Freiburg, Germany (although I would also recommend visiting this city, too!). Once you’re in Konstanz, there is a regional transport system you can use to get around.
What to do in Lake Constance
One of the things I loved about visiting Lake Constance was the sheer volume of potential things to do.
Hiking
The Lake Constance region offers excellent hiking opportunities, with trails ranging from gentle lakeside walks to more challenging routes in the nearby pre-Alpine landscapes. The Pfänder mountain near Bregenz offers one of the most spectacular views, with panoramic sights of the lake and surrounding Alpine peaks.
Cycling
Lake Constance is a cyclist’s paradise, with over 170 miles of well-marked paths encircling the lake. Popular routes include the Danube-Lake Constance way and the Upper Swabian-Allgäu cycle path. Wherever you bike, you can expect views of picturesque villages, vineyards, and serene landscapes. Many paths are suitable for both beginners and more experienced cyclists.
Water sports on the lake
Lake Constance is renowned for its variety of water sports. You can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing at several spots around the lake. Sailing schools, like those in Konstanz, offer lessons for beginners and more experienced sailors alike. Pedal boating and even motorboat rentals are available for a more leisurely experience
Explore islands in the lake
Lake Constance is home to a few stunning islands. Mainau Island, known as the “Flower Island,” is a must-visit for its botanical gardens and butterfly house. Reichenau Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its medieval monasteries and churches, providing a serene, historical experience. Stay tuned for more on Mainau Island below!
Take the boat to different cities
Crisscross Lake Constance by boat – it’s a great way to explore the region’s various cities and countries. Ferries connect Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, allowing easy visits to popular towns like Lindau, Friedrichshafen, and Bregenz. Many boats offer scenic rides where you can relax and take in the alpine views.
Wine tastings
The Lake Constance region is also a notable wine area, particularly for its Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir varieties. (2) You can visit vineyards in towns like Meersburg or explore the state-run wine estates. Many vineyards offer tastings where you can sample regional wines while enjoying views of the lake.
Bird watching
The Wollmatinger Ried Nature Reserve, near Konstanz, is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The reserve offers the potential to spot up to 250 species of birds, including rare waterfowl to majestic birds of prey while walking through reed beds and along the lakeshore.
Best towns and places to visit
While dozens of cute and quant villages ring Lake Constance, there are a few worth calling out, especially if you’re a first-time visitor to the area.
Konstanz (Germany)
Konstanz is the largest town on Lake Constance. The Old Town is quintessentially lovely, full of medieval architecture and a bustling atmosphere. It’s also a college town full of restaurants, shops, and historic sites such as the famous Konzilgebäude, where the Council of Constance took place.
The Council of Constance is particularly interesting to those interested in the religious history of the region. Finally, the Niederburg district and the harbor are especially scenic. Thibault and I aren’t the most captivated by religious history, but a fresh Chardonnay along the riverwalk on a clear summer evening? Count me in!
Mainau Island
Now that I’ve been to Konstanz, I can insist that no trip is complete without a visit to Mainau Island, a botanic garden open year-round. A friend tipped me off to this place and I really owe her one because it was a truly lovely way to spend the day. After waking up and enjoying a sumptuous breakfast at our hotel, Thibault and I drove out to the island.
In making her recommendation, my friend referred to Mainau Island as “Butterfly Island” because there’s a stunning butterfly house tucked at the back of the premises. More commonly though, you’ll likely hear the Mainau Island referred to as “Flower Island” because of the thousands of lovingly maintained flowers in various varieties, including tulips and roses. (3)
The island itself is enormous and beautifully landscaped – you can tell the people who work at the park love their jobs and take enormous pride in their work. (This sort of mitigated the ding to our wallets after paying the entry fee – while kids 12 and under are free, a single admission adult ticket is 26.50 euros.) (4)
Lindau, Germany
This picturesque Bavarian town is partially located on an island connected to the mainland by a bridge. Lindau’s Old Town has a beautiful harbor easily recognized by a Bavarian lion statue and a lighthouse. The island itself features narrow alleys, centuries-old buildings, and lively squares.
Meersburg, Germany
Meersburg is known for its medieval character and vineyards. The town is home to the oldest inhabited castle in Germany, the Meersburg Castle, and the New Palace (Neues Schloss). Its cobblestone streets, lined with colorful houses, add to the town’s fairy-tale-like ambiance. Meersburg is also a major ferry terminal, making it an easy base to explore Konstanz and other towns around Lake Constance.
Friedrichshafen, Germany
Famous for its Zeppelin history, Friedrichshafen is home to the Zeppelin Museum, where visitors can learn about the iconic airships and even see a replica of the Hindenburg. The town also offers vibrant lakeside promenades and beaches, making it an attractive spot for both history buffs and those seeking a relaxing lakeside experience
Bregenz, Austria
Bregenz, located on the Austrian shore of the lake, is well-known for its cultural offerings, particularly the annual Bregenz Festival, which features a floating stage on the lake. The town also offers outdoor activities, including hiking up Pfänder Mountain (via cable car or by foot), with stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounding Alps.
Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
Located just across the border from Konstanz, this Swiss town shares a metropolitan area with its German neighbor. Kreuzlingen is quieter but offers scenic lakeside parks, walking paths, and a tranquil atmosphere. Its proximity to Konstanz makes it a convenient and peaceful base.
Langenargen, Germany
Nestled between Friedrichshafen and Lindau, Langenargen is known for its sandy beaches and the stunning Montfort Palace, a Moorish-style building with an observation tower that provides beautiful views over the lake. It’s a great spot for both relaxation and water sports.
Where to stay
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Hotel HOERI am Bodensee, located in the municipality of Konstanz. (5) We booked a hotel overlooking the lake with private beach access and a full breakfast buffet included for just 153 euros per night last minute, at the height of tourist season. There’s also a spa and wellness center onsite, as well as a restaurant, and the staff spoke great English.
Given the sheer volume of places to stay in and around the area, I would highly recommend checking on Booking.com to get a lay of the land and a sense of what’s in your budget.
Visiting Lake Constance – FAQ
How many countries border Lake Constance?
Three countries border Lake Constance: Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Liechtenstein is also highly accessible from the lake as well.
Is Lake Constance in Germany or Switzerland?
Germany and Switzerland are two of three countries bordering Lake Constance. The third is Austria.
Can you see the Alps from Lake Constance?
Yes! The Alps provide a gorgeous backdrop and are an accessible day trip away from the beautiful Lake Constance.
And, that’s a wrap
Lake Constance is an excellent, off-the-beaten-path destination for travelers. Thanks for reading!
