Churches, castles, and gourmet itineraries on Lake Constance

In a single day, you can admire churches, castles, and abbeys, but also sip a glass of fruity white wine while watching the sun set over the water, or cycle along the lakeside, losing yourself in the narrow streets and villages. It seems impossible, but thanks to a convenient network of road, water, and rail connections, all this is possible in the Lake Constance International Region (Bodensee in German), nestled between southern Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the Principality of Liechtenstein. Autumn is dedicated to harvest and wine festivals, held throughout the region, or to the Apple Weeks, celebrating the famous Bodensee fruit. Finally, when winter arrives and the atmosphere becomes more tranquil and contemplative, a particularly enchanting period begins on Lake Constance. The many Christmas markets, set up around the lake and in the nearby Alpine regions, offer crafts, regional products, and a varied entertainment program.

Birnau vineyards in autumn. (Achim Mende)

Since the times of the Celts, Romans, and Alemanni, the lake has been an important hub for trade and commerce. Even today, the macro-region is part of four countries, reflecting their many traditions and diverse cultures. Evidence of its rich history can be found everywhere, from the most intimate to the most populous and well-known. Constance, the largest city on Lake Constance, boasts a historic center of narrow medieval streets and crooked houses—the Niederburg—ancient palaces, and an imposing cathedral. Lindau, whose delightful historic center sits on an island connected to the mainland by a bridge, is also famous for its buildings, lush gardens, and enchanting lakeside harbor. Bregenz, the capital of Vorarlberg, stands elegantly between the mountains and the lake, offering a fascinating mix of culture, entertainment, shopping, and nature. In the Principality of Liechtenstein, the capital, Vaduz, nestles beneath the famous princely castle. Among the many smaller towns are Wasserburg, an ancient fishing village now an excellent health resort, and Meersburg with its castles, lakeside terraced gardens, and vineyards. Friedrichshafen, which also has a small airport, is home to the futuristic Zeppelin and Dornier museums, dedicated to the history of airships and flight, respectively.

Mainau Island. (Achim Mende)

The region is also home to three exceptional UNESCO sites: the monastic island of Reichenau with its three Romanesque churches, the abbey complex of St. Gallen – considered the cradle of European civilization and spirituality – and the prehistoric pile-dwelling remains of the Alpine arc, dating back to prehistoric times and found in many Swiss and German stations around the lake and in its waters.

(Achim Mende)

Europe's third-largest lake, Lake Constance is an immense natural reservoir of drinking water. The Rhine River, its main tributary, enters the lake's eastern reaches and flows invisibly westward, running its entire length. After about 60 kilometers, the Rhine resumes its river form just before the Swiss town of Stein am Rhein, before forming, a few kilometers further, Europe's largest and most spectacular waterfalls near Schaffhausen: a mass of 700 cubic meters of water that plummets 23 meters high and 150 meters wide every second, creating an unusual and fascinating spectacle. The blue of the water and the green of nature dominate everywhere. Lake Constance is also famous for its landscapes and wonderful gardens. When you're here, a must-see is Mainau, also known as the "Island of Flowers": an oasis where, thanks to the lake's mild climate, 60 lush gardens thrive, including exotic plants such as palms, lemon trees, bananas, and bougainvillea.

Meersburg Castle.

The region is a paradise for those who love outdoor experiences. Water sports enthusiasts can choose to try water skiing, surfing, or sailing in the summer, while those who prefer dry land will find numerous opportunities for trips and hikes, even challenging ones, in the area's Alpine resorts from spring to fall, and for skiing or snowshoeing in the winter. The 273-kilometer lakeside bike path, which almost never leaves the shore, is one of the most popular itineraries among cycling enthusiasts, and the mountain and foothill areas offer interesting trails for mountain bikers. The area is also known for its numerous golf courses. And after sporting activities, you can relax by choosing from the many wellness options, from spa hotels to high-end thermal spas.