Holiday in Lake Constance

Lake in Germany — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇩🇪

Country

Germany

Type

Lake

Best time to travel

May–September

Budget/day

80–130 €

Getting there from Germany

Constance can be reached by IC train from Stuttgart (2.5h) and Zurich (1h). Friedrichshafen has a regional airport.

About Lake Constance

Lake Constance is the largest lake in Central Europe, covering 536 square kilometers, and a unique tri-border area where Germany, Austria, and Switzerland meet. The combination of a mild climate, alpine panorama, and cultural diversity makes the lake, often referred to as the 'Swabian Sea', one of the most popular holiday destinations in Southern Germany. Mainau Island, the jewel of Lake Constance, is a 45-hectare subtropical paradise with millions of flowers, a butterfly house, a baroque palace, and Mediterranean gardens. In spring, tulip fields and rhododendrons transform the island into a sea of colors, while in summer, roses and dahlias bloom. The entrance is worth it at any time of the year. Lindau, the Bavarian island town, delights with its protected old town, the famous harbor entrance with a lion and lighthouse, and an alpine panorama that stretches from Säntis to Zugspitze on clear days. Meersburg enchants with the oldest inhabited castle in Germany and picturesque vineyards right by the lake. Constance, the largest city on the lake, offers urban flair with its cathedral, historic old town, and the Imperia monument at the harbor. The pile dwellings in Unteruhldingen, a UNESCO World Heritage site, bring the world of Stone Age and Bronze Age settlers at the lake to life. The lake can be comfortably explored by ferry, catamaran, or excursion boat, and the Lake Constance Cycle Path (260 km) is one of the most popular cycling routes in Europe. The region also shines with top-quality wines, especially the Spätburgunder and Müller-Thurgau from the northern shore.

Safety
90
Families
80
Nature
75
Relaxation
75
Romance
60

Top 5 highlights in Lake Constance

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Mainau Island

The flower island with subtropical gardens and a butterfly house is a year-round highlight at Lake Constance.

2

Meersburg

The picturesque wine town with the oldest inhabited castle in Germany and the baroque promenade enchants every visitor.

3

Lindau

The Bavarian island town impresses with its harbor entrance featuring a lion and lighthouse and a car-free old town.

4

Pile Dwellings Unteruhldingen

The UNESCO World Heritage site showcases reconstructed prehistoric and Bronze Age pile dwellings directly over the water.

5

Lake Constance Cycle Path

The 260 km circular path around the lake passes through three countries and offers constant views of the Alps.

Hotels in Lake Constance

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Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Lake Constance

Recommended travel time

May–September

Summer

Warm, 22–28 °C, mild due to proximity to the lake

Winter

Mild, -1–5 °C, fog possible

How much does a holiday in Lake Constance cost?

Average costs per person per day

🎒

Budget

45–65 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

🏨

Mid-range

80–130 €

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

🌟

Luxury

180–320 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

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5 travel tips for Lake Constance

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

The Lake Constance Cycle Path can be completed in 5-7 days – ferries shorten the distance.

The Constance-Meersburg ferry operates year-round and offers wonderful views of the lake.

Meersburg's Lower Town is less crowded than the Upper Town and has charming wine taverns.

The Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen tells the story of aviation on Lake Constance.

Lindau's old town island is especially atmospheric for an evening stroll by the harbor.

Food & drink in Lake Constance

These specialties you must try!

Lake Constance whitefish
Apple fritters
Lake Constance wine
Meersburg perch
Flammkuchen
Lake Constance pike-perch
Suitable for:LakeCycle PathAlpine ViewIslandsThree Countries

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