A weekend at Lake Constance

Weekend trip to Lake Constance - Travel planning:

Lake Constance (Bodensee) is the third largest inland body of water in Central Europe and connects three countries: Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The Lake Constance region is a popular destination for excursions and travel year-round.

The Lake Constance has a lot to offer. For the weekend we have planned to visit the city of Meersburg, the island of Mainau and the stilt houses in Unteruhldingen.

Arrival in Meersburg:

The starting point of our excursion is the small town of Meersburg, which is located in the middle of the northern shore of Lake Constance. Meersburg can be reached both by car and by public transport.

Meersburg offers numerous hotels and holiday apartments. For the duration of our stay we booked the JUFA Hotel Meersburg at Lake Constance for one night. The sights as well as the harbor can be reached on foot in a few minutes.

The flower island of Mainau:

The Island of Mainau, also known as the flower island because of its plants, can be easily reached from Meersburg by ferry or excursion boat.

Alternatively, the island of Mainau can be reached by land from Constance or Singen. Because vehicles are not allowed on the island, parking is usually available for a fee.

One day is enough to visit the island.

On the island you will be greeted by different, partly three-dimensional flower arrangements. The plantings are changed seasonally.

A map made of flowers shows Lake Constance and the neighboring towns and villages.

The varied planting, as well as different attractions for young and old visitors, ensure an entertaining visit.

Spring, from March to May, is particularly suitable for a visit to Mainau. The plantings on the island are pretty colorful when the tulips are in bloom.

The Italian Floral-Water-Cascade is colorful and impressive when the tulips are in bloom.

Besides a wide variety of flowers, there are also some spectacular trees on Mainau.

A gigantic mountain sequoia, nearly 150 years old, commonly native to California, is just one example.

The biggest visitor magnets are the gardener's tower and the Baroque Palace with its castle garden.

If you like, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of cake in the Castle Café.

Along the way there are always pretty planted beds that make the way across the island various. Here you can find out what is currently blooming on the island. 

In order to be able to experience the tulip bloom at the perfect time, you should plan your visit according to the Flower Barometer.

Another attraction on the island is the Butterfly House. Here you can see about 120 different species of tropical butterflies.

The town of Meersburg:

The small town of Meersburg also has a lot to offer. You should plan half a day to visit the old town and its sights.

The town's landmark is the Meersburg, Germany's oldest inhabited castle.

In addition to the Meersburg itself, the city center with its half-timbered houses is also worth seeing. Opportunities to stop off can be found within walking distance.

A walk to the lake should also not be missed. When the weather is nice, numerous cafés along the promenade invite you to visit. Unfortunately, the weather didn't play along that day, so a break on the lake shore was not possible.

The prehistoric pile dwellings of Unteruhldingen:

The Pile Dwellings from Unteruhldingen have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. They are remains of a settlement from the Stone Age or Bronze Age from 5000 to 1000 BC.

In the museum you can step back in time and learn about the archaeological significance of the pile dwellings.

The settlement in Unteruhldingen on Lake Constance consists of a total of 23 restored houses.

Some of the houses are furnished according to the originals or they serve as exhibition rooms of the museum.

The exploration of the pile dwellings is far from complete. That is why the exhibition is constantly being expanded and supplemented.

Conclusion:

A weekend at Lake Constance with a visit to the island of Mainau, the town of Meersburg and the stilt houses in Unteruhldingen is a more than varied excursion.

Especially during the flowering period in spring and early summer, but also in autumn, Lake Constance is an excellent travel destination.