Exploring Lake Constance, Europe - 8 Best Attractions and Photo Spots
Nestled between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Lake Constance stands as a jewel in the heart of Europe, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and charming towns. With its crystal-clear waters, historic sites, and diverse cultural offerings, Lake Constance is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
We did a road trip to Lake Constance in the first week of our 20-week Europe trip in 2023, a few days after landing in Frankfurt.
Day 1 Itinerary
We started our trip from Wiesbaden on Day 0 and arrived in our airbnb near Bregenz on the Austria side of Lake Constance at night. We spent three nights at the same airbnb and drove around both sides of the lake during our trip. There were many sites to explore. The following were our major stops and our favorites.
1️⃣ Vaduz Castle, Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a small, landlocked principality nestled between Switzerland and Austria, known for its stunning Alpine landscapes and charming medieval villages. Despite its size, Liechtenstein boasts a prosperous economy, a constitutional monarchy, and a rich cultural heritage, making it an intriguing destination for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and historical charm.
Vaduz Castle, situated on a hill overlooking the capital of Liechtenstein, is a medieval fortress that serves as the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, contributing to the principality's iconic skyline and offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. Unfortunately, the castle was going through repair during our visit. It was heavily covered by scaffold so we had to move on. Nevertheless, the view on the hill around the castle was stunning.
2️⃣ Appenzell, Switzerland
Nestled in the Appenzell Alps of Switzerland, Appenzell is a charming town renowned for its picturesque landscapes and traditional Swiss charm.
With its cobblestone streets, colorful houses adorned with flower boxes, and the unique practice of direct democracy conducted in a central square, Appenzell offers visitors a glimpse into authentic Swiss rural life.
The town is surrounded by lush green meadows, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil retreat in the heart of the Swiss countryside.
3️⃣ St. Gallen, Switzerland
Situated in northeastern Switzerland, St. Gallen is a vibrant city renowned for its cultural richness and historical significance. Home to the Abbey of St. Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city boasts a harmonious blend of medieval and modern elements, featuring a thriving cultural scene, educational institutions, and a picturesque Old Town.
The Abbey Library of St. Gall is known for its rich collection of manuscripts dating back to the 8th century. The library's architecture is also a masterpiece, blending Carolingian, Romanesque, and Baroque styles.
4️⃣ Lindau, Germany
My favorite of day 1.
Lindau, located on an island in Lake Constance in Germany, is a picturesque town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and stunning views of the Alps.
The iconic Lindau Lighthouse, the Bavarian Lion sculpture, and the charming harbor create a delightful atmosphere, making Lindau a popular destination for those seeking a blend of historical charm and natural beauty.
The Old Town Hall in Lindau (below left), is a historic and visually striking building that is hard to miss. With its distinctive facade, clock tower, and prominent location in the heart of Lindau's Old Town, the Old Town Hall stands as a captivating example of medieval architecture and adds to the town's charm and character.
In addition to the Old Town Hall, Mangturm (above 2nd left) is another landmark in Lindau. A historic tower standing at the entrance of the harbor on Lake Constance, Mangturm is known for its distinct onion-shaped dome and serving as a symbol of Lindau's maritime heritage.
Day 2 Itinerary
5️⃣ Meersburg, Germany
Meersburg, located on the northern shore of Lake Constance in Germany, is a charming medieval town known for its well-preserved architecture and scenic views of the lake. The town is famous for Meersburg Castle, a medieval fortress that offers panoramic vistas of Lake Constance, making it a delightful destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil lakeside experience.
6️⃣ Affenberg Salem monkey park, Germany
Affenberg Salem, located a bit away from Lake Constance in Germany, is a unique monkey park where visitors can experience close encounters with free-roaming Barbary macaques. Spread across a wooded area, the park allows guests to observe and interact with these monkeys in a semi-natural environment, providing an educational and entertaining experience.
We had a small incident before arriving at the park. We stopped at a beach at Überlingen. My husband slipped on a rock and got a bit cut on his foot. This delayed our schedule.
By the time we arrived at Affenberg Salem, the park was already closed although it was still before the closing hour. Next to the parking lot, there was a big restaurant / cafe, with many bird’s nests on top. We saw tons of storks standing on the roof, at their home I guess. It was quite a scene.
We stopped at a couple of community swimming pools along the north side of Lake Constance and had a dinner with one of my friends I have’t seen for almost 20 years in Überlingen. It was a slow and relaxing day for us.
Day 3 Itinerary
7️⃣ Schwarzach, Austria
Schwarzach is a small and charming town located in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg. With a backdrop of scenic landscapes and traditional Austrian architecture, Schwarzach offers a tranquil atmosphere, making it a pleasant destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the Alps.
It was away from Lake Constance, but the mountain scene was absolutely spectacular. For our kids, we also made a stop at a local Doppelmayr Zoo in a nearby tiny town called Wolfurt. The zoo was small and at best at farm size, but there was a good selection of farm animals and birds that kept our kids entertained.
8️⃣ Bregenz, Austria
Honorable mention. Bregenz, situated on the shores of Lake Constance in Austria, is a picturesque town celebrated for its cultural events and stunning lakeside scenery. Also known as The City by the Lake, Bregenz is the capital of Vorarlberg, Austria's westernmost region.
The reason we chose to stay in an airbnb close to Bregenz is because of Pfänder, a prominent mountain offering panoramic views of Lake Constance and the surrounding Alpine landscapes. Ironically, we tried everyday but the parking lot at Pfänderbahn, the cable car going up the mountain was full. We never made it to the mountain top, and wish we did.
9️⃣ Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg is not at Lake Constance. In fact it was almost 4 hours drive away. Since we had to come back to Wiesbaden with my husband, we made a quick stop along the way.
Heidelberg, situated along the Neckar River in Germany, is a romantic and historic city renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the iconic Heidelberg Castle.
The Heidelberg Old Bridge, also known as Karl Theodor Bridge, is a picturesque and iconic structure spanning the Neckar River, adorned with medieval architecture and offering stunning views of Heidelberg's Old Town and Castle. Interestingly, when I took the bridge photo before sunset, I had hundreds of people sitting behind me, waiting for a major boat event that evening.
We drove back to Wiesbaden, and stayed for a couple of more days with my husband before flying out to Bulgaria.
Lake Constance, with its captivating scenery and diverse attractions, offered us a unique multi-country travel experience that caters to a range of interests for everyone in our family. It was the first major destination of our 20-week Europe trip in 2023.
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