Konstanz is one of the few towns in Germany left untouched by the Second World War. As such, its beauty and culture are still thriving today. Don't miss this hidden jewel of a German city, with its cobbled-stone streets, old stone buildings, calm waters of the river Rhine and colorful, year-round festivals.
Make like the locals and celebrate the Christmas spirit at this outdoor market. Brightly lit and seasonally decorated, the streets are lined with stalls serving up food, mulled wine, fun art and souvenirs.
Konstanz's smaller community is the perfect way to initiate yourself into the copious amounts of food, beer and live bands that characterize Oktoberfest, that's held during the end of September and beginning of October.
Situated as it is on Lake Constance, Konstanz offers ample opportunities to explore the surrounding islands with a picturesque boat cruise.
At Zur Therme 2, you can relax in the multiple saunas and outdoor heated pools, take advantage of the massage services and end the day with a meal at the restaurant.
Fans of contemporary theater can enjoy more experimental pieces at the Spiegelhalle, while classic theater lovers can experience the Stadttheater. There's even a puppet theatre known as Werkstatt.
Situated in the center of Lake Konstanz, Mainau is a magical island with a fascinating past. For centuries, the island's palace was a center of the Teutonic Knights, before it passed through a string of aristocratic families. Nowadays, it's open to everyone, and it's a gem of an attraction. See the gorgeous arboretum featuring 500 species, the equally stunning Italian rose garden and, of course, the historic palace itself. Everything is accessible via a causeway, and it's not far from central Konstanz.
The city's graceful cathedral is its spiritual heart. Probably founded in the 7th century after Christ, it took its current form in the 16th century when an army of craftsmen turned it into a Gothic masterpiece. Be sure to venture inside to see the elegant decorations and the soaring vaulting, and take in the views from the Observation Tower, too. If you can spare the time, hang around to hear the bells chime the hour; with Germany's second largest collection of bells, the sound is quite something.
The city's harbor was once a key node in European trade, coordinating the movement of goods between Italy and the Holy Roman Empire. You can get a feel for these glory days at the beautiful 14th-century Council Building, which is still used for official purposes. Wandering around the harbor is a delight, with sublime lakefront views. You'll also stumble upon a monument to Ferdinand von Zeppelin, the inventor of the airship, as well as plenty of green space to relax and enjoy the sunset.
SEA LIFE is a world-class aquarium which reflects Konstanz's obsession with water. Located right next to the lake, it hosts over 3,500 marine animals -- a mixture of salt and freshwater creatures. Feeding time is a highlight, as the turtles and sharks receive their treats, but it's always rewarding to wander the corridors and get to know the locals. Don't miss the Nemo-style clownfish and the ghost-like jellyfish as well as the fearsome sharks and the languid sea turtles. There's even a cute penguin colony to round off this family-friendly assortment of sea-dwellers.
Standing proud at the center of the harbor district, Imperia is the most famous symbol of modern Konstanz, and getting a snap with her is a vacation essential when you visit the city. Created by controversial German sculptor Peter Lenk, Imperia commemorates a famous moment in the city's history: the 15th-century Council of Constance. Nine meters tall and rotating at a rate of one turn every four minutes, Imperia balances imperial and Papal power in her two hands. Apparently based on a story by Balzac, the real Imperia sought to seduce Popes and emperors -- giving the statue a complex, provocative double meaning.
Bodensee, or Lake Constance, situated on the Rhine beneath the Alps is comprised of the Obersee - Upper Lake Constance, the Untersee - Lower Lake Constance, and the Seerhein, which connects the lake to the Rhine. Bodensee is bordered by Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The lake has become a tourist destination as a result of its sports attractions, which include swimming, sailing, and boating. It is also possible to bike the 162 miles around the lake on the Bodensee-Radweg trail.
Situated in the center of Lake Konstanz, Mainau is a magical island with a fascinating past. For centuries, the island's palace was a center of the Teutonic Knights, before it passed through a string of aristocratic families. Nowadays, it's open to everyone, and it's a gem of an attraction. See the gorgeous arboretum featuring 500 species, the equally stunning Italian rose garden and, of course, the historic palace itself. Everything is accessible via a causeway, and it's not far from central Konstanz.
The city's graceful cathedral is its spiritual heart. Probably founded in the 7th century after Christ, it took its current form in the 16th century when an army of craftsmen turned it into a Gothic masterpiece. Be sure to venture inside to see the elegant decorations and the soaring vaulting, and take in the views from the Observation Tower, too. If you can spare the time, hang around to hear the bells chime the hour; with Germany's second largest collection of bells, the sound is quite something.
The city's harbor was once a key node in European trade, coordinating the movement of goods between Italy and the Holy Roman Empire. You can get a feel for these glory days at the beautiful 14th-century Council Building, which is still used for official purposes. Wandering around the harbor is a delight, with sublime lakefront views. You'll also stumble upon a monument to Ferdinand von Zeppelin, the inventor of the airship, as well as plenty of green space to relax and enjoy the sunset.
SEA LIFE is a world-class aquarium which reflects Konstanz's obsession with water. Located right next to the lake, it hosts over 3,500 marine animals -- a mixture of salt and freshwater creatures. Feeding time is a highlight, as the turtles and sharks receive their treats, but it's always rewarding to wander the corridors and get to know the locals. Don't miss the Nemo-style clownfish and the ghost-like jellyfish as well as the fearsome sharks and the languid sea turtles. There's even a cute penguin colony to round off this family-friendly assortment of sea-dwellers.
Standing proud at the center of the harbor district, Imperia is the most famous symbol of modern Konstanz, and getting a snap with her is a vacation essential when you visit the city. Created by controversial German sculptor Peter Lenk, Imperia commemorates a famous moment in the city's history: the 15th-century Council of Constance. Nine meters tall and rotating at a rate of one turn every four minutes, Imperia balances imperial and Papal power in her two hands. Apparently based on a story by Balzac, the real Imperia sought to seduce Popes and emperors -- giving the statue a complex, provocative double meaning.
Bodensee, or Lake Constance, situated on the Rhine beneath the Alps is comprised of the Obersee - Upper Lake Constance, the Untersee - Lower Lake Constance, and the Seerhein, which connects the lake to the Rhine. Bodensee is bordered by Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The lake has become a tourist destination as a result of its sports attractions, which include swimming, sailing, and boating. It is also possible to bike the 162 miles around the lake on the Bodensee-Radweg trail.
Take your fill of the popular "Döner Kebap" at Ali Baba in the Old Town, starting at EUR5. Otherwise, check out Suppengrün for fresh vegetarian and vegan salad selections (that charge by the weight!) or soups for around EUR4.20.
Visit Konstanz during the months of June through September for warm temperatures between 50°F to 79°F. Autumn is also very pleasant, though in winter, it gets chilly with heavy rain.
To get to Konstanz, land at either Zurich Airport (Switzerland) or Stuttgart Airport (Germany). From here, take the train to Konstanz, which takes 1 hour from Zurich and 2 hours from Stuttgart.
Arrive at the main station Konstanz Hauptbahnhof, located in the old town. Fares vary, depending on where you're coming from. From Zurich, for example, fares can be around EUR26.00.
There are various routes for getting to Konstanz by car, all accessible by the highway. From Zurich, for example, use the A1, then exit onto the A7 and continue on to the city.
Taking the bus from nearby cities like Zurich is very cheap when using companies like FlixBus and Polski Bus. Fares start at EUR6.
Mainau Island - Known for its beautiful flower gardens and lush, gorgeous green parks, the island is a boat ride away from Konstanz.
Niederburg - A charming district with some streets that are more than 700 years old. Visitors will love the town in the summer, when shops stay open late and music fills the air.
Petershausen - This neighborhood is home to the Archaeology Museum of Baden-Württemberg and the annual Bodensee boat festival.
Getting around by bus is easy. Fares cost EUR2.20 for adults. Grab a day pass for EUR4.10.
Taxis are available around town and at the bus stations. Fares start at EUR3 for the first mile and EUR9.30 for each successive mile.
Rent a car from companies like Sixt or Europcar, starting at EUR75.90 for a 4-door sedan.
Konstanz is a small town, so farmers' markets and open-air flea markets are the local favorites, along with mom-and-pop stores for clothing and furniture. Check out the shops in the Old Town or visit the Lago Center shopping mall.
A quart of milk costs around EUR0.66 and a dozen eggs will run you EUR1.93.