Lake Constance

This attraction is related to the countries:GermanySwitzerlandAustria

Lake Constance is the third largest lake on the European continent. It is located in the foothills of the Alps, between Germany, Switzerland and Austria. But the three neighboring states share it only de facto: there are no formal agreements that define the boundaries between them within the limits of this body of water. Lake Constance, which covers an area of 536 km² with a length of 63 km and a depth of up to 254 m, is not regarded as a common property, but more as not belonging to any country. It is a unique natural area with all the conditions for a complete vacation.

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Video: Lake Constance

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General Information

Numerous tourists who come here on vacation hardly think about the international legal status of Lake Constance. And very few people know or guess that for many years it was among the most ecologically problematic bodies of water in Europe, all thanks to the efforts of the Rhine, which carried its dirty waters here. Nothing reminds of those not so pleasant times, as the ecological situation has been safely corrected. Today, Lake Constance or the Swabian Sea – a unique body of water well known by these names – is a model of cleanliness.

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The lake, which is the largest in the Alps and very rarely freezes in winter, offers visitors a wide range of opportunities for recreational activities. Do you want to laze on the beach? As they say, welcome. Are you interested in water sports? Or have a desire to fish? You will have both. And there is a lot of interesting things waiting for you: cruises on Lake Constance on a comfortable boat or snow-white yacht, acquaintance with local historical and cultural sights. We are not talking about the concerts and festivals regularly held in the coastal German city of Konstanz, which gather a large audience of locals and tourists.

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Lake Constance cannot be seen in isolation from the surrounding mountains and the surrounding towns and cities. All of this together creates an amazingly beautiful picture, all the shades of which cannot be conveyed in words – this splendor, which is a harmonious combination of natural and man-made, must be seen at least once in your life with your own eyes. Transparent emerald water, clean mountain air, wide opportunities for treatment with mud and thermal waters – nature or God was clearly in a wonderful mood, since they managed to create such a magical place – the only one of its kind.

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Geographical features

Lake Constance stretches between the city of Bregenz in Austria and the municipality of Bodmann-Ludwigshafen in Germany. It reaches its maximum width in the section from Romanshorn to Friedrichshafen – 14 km. The deepest place – 254 meters – is between Utwil and Fischbach. The latter is a district of Friedrichshafen.

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The Swabian Sea is essentially three bodies of water: the Upper Lake, the Lower Lake and the Rhine River connecting the first two. In the northwest is the finger-shaped arm of the Upper Lake. It even has its own name – Uberlingen. It is often regarded as an independent water reservoir, with its boundary running between the Bodariuk Peninsula and the city of Mersburg. The Bodariuk Peninsula also serves as the natural boundary of the Upper and Lower Lakes. The latter, in turn, is divided into several, shall we say, regions by different geological deposits – moraines. They also have their own names: these are Lakes Gnaden and Zeller. The latter is located west of Reichenau Island, more precisely between the Mettnau and Höri peninsulas.

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Along the perimeter of Lake Constance – navigable, spread out in an ancient glacial valley at an altitude of 395 meters – are such world-famous resorts as Konstanz, Mersburg and Lindau. The water body is “rich” in eleven islands, the most famous of which are Mainau and Reichenau. There is a ferry service between the islands and the towns. Since legally Lake Constance does not belong to any of the states of the region and, in addition, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Austria and the Swiss Confederation are parties to the Schengen Agreement, locals and tourists can move around the reservoir and visit any of these countries without visas. Undoubtedly, this is very convenient: such opportunities are willingly used by everyone.

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History of Lake Constance

Approximately 100,000-110,000 years ago, the last of the glacial epochs on the territory of Europe began. It was during its existence, as it is believed, that Lake Constance was formed. And all thanks to a glacier on the Rhine. It can still be seen today: it protrudes to the surface of the beautiful alpine valley spreading here.

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About 10-12 thousand years ago, the area around the “newborn” reservoir was characterized by swampiness, along the perimeter there were many forests. However, this did not prevent people from developing this territory and staying here permanently. The first buildings began to be erected around 3000 BC. Fragments of ancient settlements, which are of great interest to historical science, researchers find on the shores of Lake Constance even today.

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Flora and fauna

The flora and fauna around Lake Constance is so variegated and diverse that it seems that nature has gathered so much beauty in one place on purpose – to the delight of people. Coniferous and deciduous forests neighbor in amazing harmony, lush alpine meadows combine with fields of daisies, poppies, clover and forget-me-nots. If you visit these places in April, you can enjoy the bright colors of luxurious tulips and daffodils. In May, the azalea blooms with its fascinating delicacy, and in summer – regal roses, as well as dahlias, velvets, zinnias and lion’s green. In the parks of cities adjacent to the coast, you can even find exotic trees – banana trees, palm trees, magnolias.

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The local fauna is no less rich. The lake has long been home to ducks and herons, swans and red-headed dives, rarely seen chomgas. The underwater world can also be called densely populated and “multinational”. Pike, eel, zander, blue grayling and perch are among the local inhabitants. In the 80s of the last century, all trout disappeared from Lake Constance, which was caused by water pollution with phosphate fertilizers. After the German government took all measures to clean it of harmful impurities, the population of this fish recovered.

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Sights of Lake Constance

The magnificent nature of Lake Constance is complemented by the sights on its islands and shores, with breathtaking panoramas visible from all three countries. Cozy European towns and villages filled with medieval buildings, the island of Reichenau with its ancient monastery, and the famous Rhine Falls are by no means a complete list of places worthy of the attention of travelers to Lake Constance.

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City of Konstanz

The most popular city on the German shores of Lake Constance is, of course, Konstanz. Its location is truly unique: it is located on the border of two parts of the reservoir and forms one whole with the village of Kreuzlingen, which is on the Swiss coast. It is not for nothing that a joke was born here that when a local resident goes to bed, his head is in one state, and his feet – in the other.

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Constanta has a lot of young people, because it is a university city. But not only representatives of the younger generation come here and not only for knowledge. Here is concentrated a lot of beautiful sights, of particular interest are the fortifications of the late Roman era and various religious buildings. Medieval burgher houses and architectural monuments embodying the Gründer era also define the city’s appearance.

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Germany’s oldest municipal theater is also located here. There is in the city and a real, if I can say so flower attraction – it is the island of Mainau. It is located on Lake Constance, and with the “big land” it is connected by a bridge. Surprisingly, this piece of land has a truly tropical climate, which is not typical for Germany at all. Thanks to such conditions, rare species of Mediterranean flowers and plants – orchids, daffodils, tulips, hyacinths – have taken root here. In summer, magnificent roses, exotic hibiscus and passiflora bloom here.

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The city of Lindau

Another city on the German coast is Lindau. It too enjoys the deserved fame of a resort tourist center, because there are many historical and cultural monuments. Most of them can be seen in the island part of the city, known as Old Lindau. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge and a dam. In this city is the most beautiful port on the entire Lake Constance, founded in the early XIX century. On its territory there is a majestic monument to the Bavarian Lion, the height of which is 6 meters. The work was done by local sculptor Johan von Halbing. Visiting the old burgher’s house Kavatzen, you will find yourself in the city museum with very entertaining exhibits. Another popular attraction is the City Hall, which dates back to the Middle Ages.

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Reichenau Island

A separate mention should be made of Reichenau Island, another hallmark of the Swabian Sea. It is the largest here (4.5 km long, 1.5 km wide) and on its land is an ancient Benedictine monastery, founded in the eighth century by the itinerant preacher Pirmin. The oldest church on the island is the Church of St. George, part of its interior are frescoes discovered in 1880. The debate as to whether they belong to the Carolingian or Saxon dynasty is still not finalized. Reichenau is inhabited by about 3,500 people. Some are engaged in farming, others in fishing. It is interesting that besides fruits and vegetables traditional for our climate, even exotic kiwis have taken root on the island. And one more thing: the whole island together with its ancient abode is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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City of Mersburg

Now let’s move to the town of Mersburg with a population of just over 5,500 people. It was founded at the end of the IX century, then it was a fortified fortress on a strategically important road connecting the region of Upper Swabia and Switzerland. From the position of today, the geographical location of Mersburg can also be called successful: it is at the crossroads of several famous sightseeing routes. The main attraction is the medieval fortress itself, inside which the collections of the local museum are kept. Interesting in itself and the interior of this structure, combining elements of Baroque and late Gothic. Other museums in the city include the Zeppelin Museum, the Dornier Aviation Museum in the New Castle, the Municipal Museum, the House Museum of the poetess Annette von Droste-Hülshoff (she is a native of Mersburg) and even the Museum of the Bible.

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Bodman Community

One of the oldest settlements on Lake Constance is Bodmann, a suburb of Ludwigshafen. It originated from one of the local ancient settlements. The age of the settlement is indicated by the preserved fragments of the old fortress, which served as a residence for the Kaiser himself. In earlier times, the town was called Sernatingen. In the first half of the 19th century, it became the most important point on the trade routes that led to Frankfurt am Main from Italy. The modern appearance of Bodman is defined by the presence of excellent infrastructure, equipped beaches, water sports schools. At the disposal of vacationers are also boat rentals, excursions on the lake on motorboats, mini golf.

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Zipplingen Village

You won’t waste time if you visit the village of Zipplingen, rightly called the most beautiful on the lake. It is nestled on the southern slope of the Alps. Connoisseurs of beauty will appreciate the picturesque landscapes of this place, which are based on the magnificent panorama of Lake Constance and views of the surrounding mountains. Despite the fact that Zipplingen is a village, its developed infrastructure would be the envy of any city. There is a large beach, which is framed by lush green meadows, there are two harbors for yachts. Sailing school classes are waiting for lovers of active recreation. You can rent boats. Right on the coast locals and tourists play mini-golf and even chess – all conditions are created for this. On the seafront there are many bars and restaurants, where you can also have a good rest.

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City of Friedrichshafen

Finally, Friedrichshafen is the second largest German city on the shores of Lake Constance after Konstanz. If you compare it with neighboring settlements, it is still young, it got its name in honor of the Prussian monarch Friedrich I. It began to turn into a tourist harbor in the middle of the XIX century. A curious fact: the city had an airship factory – the very first in Germany. It should not come as a surprise that one of the most favorite tourist attractions is airboat rides over the city and the lake itself. Such trips seem to take you back to the beginning of the last century. Ticket costs 30 minutes of flight – 220 euros, 120 minutes – 795 euros. For children from 2 to 12 years old there is a 20% discount. The most recognizable symbol of Friedrichshafen is rightfully called the church Schlosskirche, erected back in the Middle Ages. There are many museums in the city, the most popular being the Count Zeppelin Air Museum and the School Museum.

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City of Bregenz

The most popular city on the opposite, Austrian coast is undoubtedly Bregenz, which also offers wonderful opportunities for recreation and tourism. The symbol of the city is the tower of St. Martin, which today houses a military museum. The old Town Hall, whose history dates back to 1662, as well as the medieval church of St. Gall in the Gothic style are also of great interest. If you climb to the top of Pfander, you will see the panorama of three states, which are united by Lake Constance. By the way, right on the water there is a stage on which the opera festival is traditionally held. It is very fond of tourists, in addition, they can boast to family and friends that their foot stepped on the largest floating stage in the world.

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Rhine Falls

To talk about Lake Constance and not mention the continent’s largest waterfall, the Rhine Falls? That would be an inexcusable omission. This mesmerizing natural spectacle, surprising with its power and swiftness of the falling stream, is located in the bend of the Rhine (although, already on the territory of Switzerland). The waterfall is separated from the Lower Lake by some 20 kilometers. It is impossible to forget how tons of water rush down from 25-meter height, crashing on the banks and rocks. The width of the waterfall is no less impressive – about 150 meters! To make it more convenient for tourists to view it, there are several viewing platforms around the waterfall. The central platform is located right in the middle, you can reach it only by boat. There is a museum dedicated to the Rhine Falls, which is located in Laufen Castle. There is a parking lot near it, there is no charge for use.

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How to get there

Lake Constance is located in the central part of the European continent. Europe is known to have a well-developed transportation system, which gives travelers the opportunity to choose which way they would like to get here. The multiplicity of options is also due to the fact that adjacent to the reservoir Germany, Austria and Switzerland not only have modern air, rail and road transport, but also closely cooperated with each other in terms of transport links.

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The fastest and most comfortable way to get to this wonderful place at the junction of three countries is by air. The regional airport, located in the city of Friedrichshafen, is the closest air harbor in Germany to the lake. However, some tourists find it more convenient to fly to Munich, Zurich, Innsbruck, Stuttgart or Memmingen first. From these cities to the Lake Constance region there are buses and trains. Travel time is from 2 to 3 hours. It is advisable to buy tickets in advance on the website of the carrier company, otherwise there may be no seats for the day you need. A normal adult ticket, for example, on the train from Munich costs about 40 euros.

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One of the alternative, but no less popular options to get to Lake Constance is to rent a car. Find a suitable car is not difficult, because the centers that provide the appropriate services are available in many German airports. Tourists can choose from a wide variety of cars: in size, model, class, and filling. Several factors can influence the choice of car, such as the total number of people traveling, whether they have a lot or a little luggage, and, of course, the cost of the rental car itself.