2_1_DiscoverGermany_Issue32_November2015:Scan Magazine 1
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Lake Constance Experience the extraordinary The region around Germany’s university city of Constance does not only impress with its proximity to the beautiful Lake Constance, but also thrills visitors and locals alike with extensive green spaces, breath-taking hiking paths, an impressive history and art scene, as well as an incredible view over the Alps. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF
With over 16,000 students and approximately 84,000 inhabitants, Constance does not only comprise of an international and young character, but the surrounding region also offers a wide range of leisure activities in summer and winter. A city with many faces As the former seat of the biggest bishopric in the Holy Roman Empire, it seems no wonder that Constance is steeped in history. The city held the only papal election north of the Alps in 1417
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during the Council of Constance. Today, visitors can enjoy cosy wine cellars, unique fashion shops, small alleyways, eccentric cafes and cute art ateliers in crooked houses in the medieval town centre, called Niederburg. Shopping fans should head to the ‘Lago Center’, the biggest shopping centre on Lake Constance and gourmets can visit numerous restaurants at Constance’s harbour front for amazing views or local specialities, such as ‘Dünnele’, the pizza of Baden, and fresh fish.
Treasures from the past Visitors can also find a wide range of interesting historic sites around Lake Constance. The 27-year-old poet, novelist and painter Hermann Hesse built his own first home on the lake’s peninsula Höri with wife Mia. From 1904 until 1912, he lived in Gaienhofen and today, one can find the Hermann-Hesse-Höri-Museum Gaienhofen here which makes a great start for a literary exploration tour. On offer are also a geocaching tour around the topic of Hesse or a staged walking tour with a farm girl on the trails of Mia Hesse. Reichenau Island’s medieval Benedictine abbey holds great religious and cultural importance. Furthermore, visitors can explore traces of the first settlement in Hornstaad-Hörnle, visit several museums, conservation areas or