Holiday in Lake Constance Germany
Are you looking to plan a holiday that has you nestled between three countries? Why not plan your next holiday in the Lake Constance region. It straddles Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Making this a great destination for those that want to travel to as many countries as they can. It’s also a short drive to Liechtenstein, one of Europe’s smallest countries. That’s why it’s known as the four-country region.
What makes this a great destination…
As the most southern tip of Germany, it tends to be a popular holiday for Germans all-year round. Many are attracted to this area because of the hiking, biking, swimming, sailing. It offers the perfect combination of a beautiful lake, picturesque towns and the majestic Alps. Culture, castles, history, elaborate gardens – it offers something for everyone to enjoy.
A bit about this region…
Lake Constance is the largest lake in Germany. It encompasses 270km of shoreline. It’s separated into 3 parts: Lower Lake (Untersee), Upper Lake (Obersee) and Überlingen Lake (Überlingersee). The largest and deepest part of the lake is Upper Lake. It extends from Bregenz Bay to Konstanz offering incredible views of the Swiss Alps from many old lakeside towns dotted along the coastline.
Lake Constance is also the starting point, or the last stop, on the 450km German Alpine route through the Alps. This trip of a lifetime is not to be missed!
The Must-See Towns
The Lake Constance region has so many wonderful cities and towns dotted along its shoreline. To make the most of your holiday, I will share the top five places you need to visit while in this area.
1. Lindau
Lindau offers travellers a unique location of being completely lakeside. The impressive harbour entryway to this island features the iconic Bavarian lion on one side and lighthouse on the other.
The town’s lakeside promenade is bustling with activity. Locals and tourists alike enjoy walking, biking and sunbathing along the waterfront. Why not climb the lighthouse and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding Alps.
Not to missed is a visit to Lindenhof Park. This large park offers a lush green space with its towering trees and beautiful gardens. It’s the perfect respite to the bustling harbourfront. Lastly, visit the small old town with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings.
2. Meersburg
Meersburg, a name that literally translates to “Castle on the Sea”, is home to two old castles. The oldest of the two is a well-preserved medieval fortress, which can trace its roots back to the 7th century.
When you first arrive to Meersburg, either by boat or car, you will be in the lower town. The lower town has a resort feel, with many hotels, pier-facing restaurants and touristy shops. The uptown is where you will find the charming historic old town.
The old town is impressive. You could spend the entire day getting lost in the maze of cobblestoned streets, admiring the historic townhomes. All of these delightful buildings have been turned into boutiques, cafes, wine taverns, and restaurants.
3. Mainau
Mainau is known as ‘flower island’ as it features 110 acres and close to a million different flowers and plants. It’s considered the most popular attraction in the Lake Constance region.
The Mainau Castle, built in 1746, makes a beautiful backdrop to all the flower gardens. Germany is well-known for creating beautiful parks and gardens, and this is said to be among the best in the country.
4. Konstanz
Konstanz is the largest city on Lake Constance. It dates back to the medieval times and features some great historical landmarks. Some of those significant sites include the 14th century Konstanz Minster Cathedral and 14th century Kaufhaus (or can be known as Konzilsgebäude). In addition, the remaining medieval circular wall with 20 towers, of which only 3 stand today, protect the historic old town. Wander the quiet winding cobblestone streets and gaze upon the well-preserved half-timber houses.
Konstanz is a shopping city. There are numerous shops, cafes and restaurants lining the streets.
Take a walk along the waterfront boulevard where elegant and elaborate townhomes look out onto the picturesque lake and the Swiss Alps.
5. St. Gallen
St. Gallen is a culturally vibrant city just across the border in Switzerland. We arrived on bike along the Lake Constance Cycle path and headed straight to the charming, traffic-free historic town.
The city’s most famous landmark is its baroque cathedral and Abbey library. Its been declared an UNESCO World Heritage site as it features almost 170,000 written documents dating back over a 1,000 years.
Recommended Stay
The ideal home base to explore this region is Konstanz. It’s centrally located to all of the must-see places I’ve featured but also offers great dining and accommodation options.
We stayed at the RIVA boutique hotel just steps from the waterfront. This lux property offers 5-star dining, spa, wellness center and a gorgeous rooftop pool. Not to mention the gorgeous interior and spacious rooms. RIVA is the place to stay and dine when in this area.
As a hoildaymaker…
Lake Constance region is a wonderfully laid back and relaxing destination. There is something so calming to see those lake and mountain views. There is also a certain novelty in the fact that you could wake up in Germany, cycle into Switzerland for the lunch and then go to Austria later that afternoon for coffee and a strudel.
Disclosure: if you click on the Riva Hotel link contained in this post, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to book.
55 Comments
Faith
Wow, this place sounds dreamy! The best of all worlds. Love your recommendations!! Happy travels
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you Faith for taking the time to comment and glad you found the recommendations helpful.
Dana Howard Freeman
I was in Germany for the first time last year and loved it! This looks like an amazing region to explore. Can’t wait to go back. Thanks for tips.
The.Holidaymaker
That’s great. I am glad that it inspired you to explore more of Germany!
Nic
Wow, this place is like a fairytale! We’ve never heard of it before but we’ve visited Switzerland and Liechtenstein as well as areas of Austria and Germany though not over this side. We really would love to return to this region as we fell in love with it so this seems like a perfect place for us. We just love that architecture and culture as well as the landscape.
The.Holidaymaker
That’s great to hear you may have been inspired to add this region to your future travel plans. You are right, there is so much to see and do. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Sandra
this is one part of Europe that we are yet to explore so this will be super helpful for our next European sojourn. These photos are really inspiring!
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks Sandra, I am happy to hear that this post has inspired you to look into it further. Happy travels!
Delphine
This is such a charming region of the world! I love the little coloured houses, the whole place looks really peaceful.
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you! It really is a relaxing and peaceful area waiting to discover. Even on a rainy day, those colourful houses seem to brighten it.
Veronica of Vacay Visionary
I would love to explore the four countries around Lake Constance. I had a chance to explore Switzerland a little bit this spring and all of these photos make me want to go back ASAP!
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, we definitely want to return to see more of Switzerland too, definitely a couple hours on bike doesn’t even come close to it! 😊 Happy travels, hope you get to return to this area one day soon.
APRIL KEY RODE
Wow, I didn’t know that these three countries are very near to each other. I love the idea of having a bike ride between the three countries. Thanks for sharing it’s good to know this one.
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks for commenting April. Yes, it does sound great to ride around the lake and be instantly in different countries. Glad to hear this was helpful to you.
Wendy
This looks like a beautiful place to explore. I especially like that yoy can visit 3 countries on one lake.
The.Holidaymaker
Yes Wendy, it is pretty neat to think that in a matter of a day, you could easily enjoy 3 different countries.
Brooklyn
This region looks so picturesque and charming, I feel like Belle will come singing down the street haha.
Danik
I love this region, it was one of the first places I visited when I did Germany and Austria. I been here a few times and even walked from Bregenz to Lindau which I loved very much. My favourite thing to do is hiking at the summit of Mt Bregenz, fantastic views of the lake. Love this post, sure did bring back some great memories.
The.Holidaymaker
I am a bit envious, I would have loved to have done some hiking in this area. But, glad this brought back some memories for you. Thanks for commenting.
Anchored Adventure Blog
This looks incredible, especially Lindau. I assume the best time to visit is in the summer months? Adding to the travel wish list! 🙂
The.Holidaymaker
We didn’t spend a lot of time in Lindau and wish we had. I think yes, definitely the summer months, along with Spring and Fall. We were there in May, but unfortuntely saw a lot of rain.
Josy A
Oooh how gorgeous!
It’s funny the architecture really reminds me of the South Tyrol area in Italy. Although that area used to be part of Austria, so I suppose it is not too surprising. I love the way they paint buildings, it is so whimsical and fun.
It is sooo nice to see the snow-covered Alps as a backdrop to the town too.
The.Holidaymaker
I haven’t been to the south Tyrol area, but that definitely makes sense that it may be similiar. If you want to see the painted murals, the best place is Oberammergau, it’s in Bavaria along the Alpine Road.
Marya
First of all, the pictures alone make me add the Lake Constance region into my bucket list. Since I’ve never been to Europe, it’s also a great thing to know that the region straddles three countries all at once. I have a long term plan with my boyfriend to travel to Europe maybe in 2 years since he’s doing his Phd in the Netherlands as well. And once the time comes, I’d definitely put this in my itinerary. Thanks a lot for sharing this! 🙂
The.Holidaymaker
Thank your kind words Marya. I am glad that this inspired you. Netherlands is wonderful, you will be so close to Belgium and Germany and there are lots of places to see that are just a couple of hours away. Happy future planning!
Evan Petzer
Those pictures are so amazing, I too want to take stunning images as those.
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for your kind compliment.
Vanity
First and foremost your pictures are absolutely amazing! Please teach us your techniques. Lovely detailed post I feel like I was there. A true gem.
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for your kind compliments. This amateur photographer will take it! 😉
Nitin Singhal
very fascinating to know that lake constance is nestled between Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The houses are beautiful ; have to visit this place
The.Holidaymaker
Hope you do one day!
Cindy
These towns in the Lake Constance region look utterly charming. I like nothing better than wandering cobblestone streets in medieval towns, as you did in Meersburg. The wisteria and wine make it all the more alluring. Loved your photos, especially the one of the staircase in the RIVA Hotel.
The.Holidaymaker
So glad you liked the post! Yes, if you like to wander, then this is a good place to do this. Thanks for commenting.
Patricia Pagenel
I think I might have passed by Lake Constance when I was little, but we did not stop to explore any of these cute cities. Meerburg seems especially charming, with the old houses and the stonework. These mural paintings are really stunning, and though I had seen some before, I did not know these were based on an actual tradition – stunning!
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, some beautiful towns in this area that we didn’t get to see everything either. Thanks for commenting.
Alice Ford
Beautiful tree lined streets, amazing architecture, castles, and dreamy lakeside hotels. This sounds like such a whimsical trip and something that I now have on my radar thanks to your great article. I haven’t been to the Alps region in almost 20 years and you are reminding me that I need to get back there.
The.Holidaymaker
I am so glad you enjoyed the article and that it may have inspired you to return to the Alps. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Bernadette Jackson
Those buildings are incredible, and I love that they encompass such different themes. The spiral staircase in the hotel, unwinding like a seashell, is also gorgeous. I’ve never been here, and the combination of outdoor living, time spent on the water and beautiful buildings is absolutely my kind of place. I need to explore more.
The.Holidaymaker
That’s great that this may have inspired you to explore more. It really does offer a vast amount of options, making it a great holiday destination.
Melody Pittman
What a fabulous place! I’m with you, that canopy of trees was something we admired at nearly every port of call on our Paris to the Swiss Alps cruise with Viking a few weeks ago. I’m not sure if we were at Lake Constance or not, but every town we went to looked the same as your gorgeous pictures. After a while on those cruises, the towns start running together. Thanks for sharing your beautiful destination.
The.Holidaymaker
You are most welcome. It sounds like you had a wonderful time on your cruise, if it did stop, it would have been in Lindau. That has a much bigger port. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.
Georgina
Such a charming colourful village! Love those buildings with different themes and colours – I am sure they plenty of stories to tell when layers of history are peeled.
The.Holidaymaker
The towns are so picturesque – just as if lifted from a storybook. Thank you for your comment and stopping by.
Angela
I haven’t travelled to Germany very much but this area looks like somewhere I would love. The Konstanz buildings with their painted illustrations are so beautiful. It is fabulous that one lake borders 3 different countries!
The.Holidaymaker
It is, where else can you say you have biked through 3 countries in one day! This is a lovely resort town, hopefully you get a chance to visit soon. Thanks for your comment Angie.
Renata
Although I’m based in Germany, I’ve never been to the Bodensee. But I’ve heard so many good things – and your post really convinces me. I would particularly like to see the Lüftlmalerei – that looks just amazing. Also, I love to cycle, so Konstanz would be the perfect hug for me. Thank you for this wonderful inspiration 🙂
The.Holidaymaker
I am so glad I inspired you to visit there. You will love it if you love to cycle. Thank you for your comment.
Riana Ang-Canning
What a gorgeous region! I’d love to stay on the lake and visit all of these little towns. Sounds so relaxing!
Emma
I love a place with some history and it sounds like this area has plenty. Germany is one of my favorites and especially love the architecture and traditional building styles. That lake looks huge, more like an ocean view.
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks Emma for your comment. Lake Constance is a large lake, the largest in Germany in fact.
Gus Feliciano
This place looks amazing! Talk about visiting all the countries in a weekend lol.
The pictures make it so dreamy!
The.Holidaymaker
Isn’t it just amazing how easy it is to be in 3 countries in one day! Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
Linda (LD Holland)
We visited so many cities when we were in Austria and Switzerland. It would be great to visit Lake Constance and enjoy this area. The towns are certainly story book picturesque. The RIVA boutique hotel looks like a charming base to relax and explore.
The.Holidaymaker
This is such a laid back area that I really think you’d enjoy Linda! You’ll have to keep it in mind for future travels.