You can easily immerse yourself in an amazing fairy-tale world by visiting Lake Constance - the largest fresh water reservoir in Central Europe, mesmerizing with its beauty all travelers. Along the entire coast are numerous vineyards, relief foothills, alpine meadows and lush gardens, where you can meet rare plant specimens. In winter, the lake is often shrouded in fog, which creates the impression of a fabulous mystery and excites the imagination.
General information
Lake Constance was formed during the ice age and is located on the border of Germany, Switzerland and Austria at the foot of the Alpine mountains at an altitude of 395 m above sea level. The lake includes three reservoirs: the Upper and Lower Lakes and the Rhine River, connecting them together. The unusual climate in this area allows the water to not freeze all year round, with the exception of a period of extremely rare severe cold weather. The lake has an area of 536 km², a length of 63 km and a depth of 251 m. It should be noted that most of the coastline of the reservoir (173 km) belongs to Germany, 72 km to Switzerland and only 28 km to Austria .
Nature
Flora of Lake Constance plays with bright colors. Deciduous and coniferous forests, meadows and flower fields coexist in perfect harmony on the banks of the reservoir. In early spring, the time for tulips and daffodils comes, then dahlias, roses, marigolds and azaleas begin to bloom. In the parks you can see exotic magnolias and a wide variety of palm trees.
The fauna of the reservoir is striking in its diversity. Here you can meet swans, diving, herons and even a chomga! Zander, eels, pikes and perches live in the waters of the lake. However, for comfortable fishing on the beach you will have to purchase a license.
Interesting places
The lake is striking in its natural beauty, which can be enjoyed from anywhere. Along the coast are architectural and natural attractions that can interest every traveler!
Lindau
Lindau, or the Bavarian Riviera, is a resort on an island in the eastern part of the lake that can attract the attention of many tourists with the following buildings:
- Church of St. Peter;
- 15th Century Old Town Hall;
- Maximilianstraße with houses of the XV and XVI centuries;
- Lindavia-Brunnen Fountain;
- New and old lighthouses;
- City Museum;
- Embankment.
Meersburg
The city of Meersburg is the pearl of Lake Constance: surrounded by vineyards, it is able to move you into a fairy tale thanks to the preserved medieval castle and half-timbered houses.
The resort is worth a look:
- Fortress of the 7th century, built by the monarch Meroving;
- 18th century baroque castle;
- Ancient castle with complex underground passages, a tower and a lifting mechanism;
- House Museum Annette von Droste-Hulsshoff;
- Museum of winemaking.
Konstanz
The port town of Konstanz is one of the most picturesque settlements on the territory of the German state, surrounded by the Alpine mountains. The resort attracts tourists with its rich natural beauty and architectural attractions:
- Roman fort ruins;
- Niederburg Quarter;
- Defensive tower;
- Cathedral;
- Embankment.
The geographical location of Konstanz is very remarkable: one part is in Germany, and the second in Switzerland.
Friedrichshafen
The industrial city on the north shore of the lake is known for its nature and amazing sculptures. In Friedrichshafen you should visit:
- Chapel chapel;
- Conquering sky museum;
- Viewing platform;
- Flower embankment.
Waterfall and Islands
- The largest flat waterfall in Europe - Rheinfall - can surprise even experienced tourists! Everyone can take a walk on a small ship to the rock, located in the heart of the Rhine Falls.
- Mainau is rightfully considered the most romantic island on the lake: in late spring and early summer it is covered with a multi-colored thick carpet of fragrant flowers.
- Orchards and ancient monasteries of Reichenau - the largest and most popular island on the lake - will not leave indifferent any traveler!
Restaurants
- Münsterhof offers its visitors a variety of German dishes: in this place you should definitely try espresso, schnitzel, soup and escalope. The restaurant offers beautiful views of the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary. The cost of a two-course lunch is approximately 10 €.
- Hexenküche Steakhouse has prepared delicious beef steaks for its visitors. For meat, you should definitely order a delicious wine. The cost of a meal will be on average 15 €.
- Tolle Knolle offers a wide selection of potato dishes for every taste. For dessert, you can try delicious strudel and good pancakes. Lunch at the restaurant will cost approximately 7-9 €.
Interesting Facts
- In the south of Germany, Lake Constance is known as the Swabian Sea;
- SD Hohentwiel, a wheeled steamer built in 1913, is the oldest passenger ship on the lake;
- The ships of Austria, Germany and Switzerland go together on Lake Constance, united under the single flag of the White Fleet (Weiße Flotte des Bodensees).
Type of facility: pond.
