Bodensee Magazine

BODENSEE

MAGAZINE

ENGLISH EDITION

BODENSEE

Labhards

MAGAZINE

ENGLISH EDITION Germany/Austria € 5,– Switzerland CHF 6.50

Germany | Switzerland | Austria | Principality of Liechtenstein TRIPS & SIGHTS, CULTURE & HISTORY, FOO D & WINE

Klinik Buchinger Wilhelmi Überlingen · GERMANY buchinger-wilhelmi.com

FASTING · INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE · INSPIRATION

Content

The Lake Constance region Lake Constance region – IBT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Lake Constance Shipping Company (BSB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Cruise across Lake Constance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Exploring the lake – Stadtwerke Konstanz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Vital and active – Arrive, relax, enjoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Hotel Bad Schachen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Culinary treats – All in the very best taste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Four countries, one lake – Tips for excursions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Hits for kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Culture UNESCO World Heritage Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Meersburg Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Salem Monastery and Palace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Meersburg New Palace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hohentwiel fortress ruins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hohenzollern Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Churches, convents and the Council of Constance . . . . . . . . . . . .

Council of Constance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36

Germany Mainau Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Constance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Best of the west . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Untersee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Radolfzell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Singen and the Hegau region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Überlingen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Meersburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“Schwäbischer Bodensee” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nonnenhorn / Wasserburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Upper Swabia and Allgäu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ravensburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

38 42 44 46 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 57

Switzerland Arenenberg Castle and Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Historical Museum Thurgau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Principality of Liechtenstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Austria Vorarlberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Facts & figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68/75 Hotels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Christmas markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Annual events calender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Imprint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Intro | Bodensee Magazine

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Wasserburg | Kressbronn | Nonnenhorn | Langenargen Lindau

Bregenz

St.Gallen

Rorschach

Romanshorn

Uhldingen

Bischofszell Mainau

Feldkirch Friedrichshafen

Immenstaad Vaduz

Säntis Mountain

Meersburg

Photo: Hajo Dietz

Photo: Michael Häfner

Photo: Achim Mende

Hagnau

Lindau

Friedrichshafen

2 Bodensee Magazine | Four-country region of Lake Constance

Constance Überlingen

Säntis Mountain

Reichenau

Frauenfeld

Schaffhausen

Radolfzell

Singen

Welcome

Photo: Achim Mende

to the four-country region of Lake Constance

Birnau pilgrims’ church

St. Peter and Paul’s church, Reichenau Island

St.Gallen abbey precincts

Four-country region of Lake Constance | Bodensee Magazine 3

4  Bodensee Magazine | Intro

Bodensee

Lake Constance Discover a classic European destination at the crossroads of four magnificent countries

Photo: Micheal Häfner

View of the town of Meersburg and the Obersee (“Upper Lake”), the larger of the two parts of Lake Constance.

Intro | Bodensee Magazine 5

The Untersee (“Lower Lake”) with Reichenau Island at the western end of Lake Constance.

Photo: Micheal Häfner

1

The Lake Constance

Region

Lake Constance – lovingly called “Bodensee” by local residents – is the perfect place for your holiday. Refreshingly classic, this European destination marks the point where four fabulous countries meet – Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Principality of Liechtenstein – for year-round breaks that will revive all your senses.

Photo: Paul Aschenborn

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Photo: Thurgau Tourismus Photo: Liechtenstein Marketing

3

4 1) Birnau pilgrims’ church 2) Pfänder, Bregenz 3) Altnau, Thurgau

The Lake Constance region combines nostalgic cultural traditions such as ‘Fasnacht’ (carnival) with baroque castles and churches, luscious gardens, fruit orchards and vineyards. The lake glimmers in all shades of blue, green and turquoise against the dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Alpine peaks. For a change of perspective, guests can enjoy the panorama from a bird’s eye view from state-of-the-art Zeppelins (airships) which rise to 1000 feet. Stroll around Mainau, the island of flowers, or be amazed by the masses of water thundering down the Rhine Falls.

Foodies can enjoy freshly caught whitefish, fresh aromatic vegetables from the UNESCO heritage island of Reichenau, a savoury cheese fondue or a glass of local Müller-Thurgau wine in the warm evening sun – each dish is as exquisite as the next.

Adventurers can see all four countries in just one day: Follow a visit to medieval Meersburg Castle in Germany with a cycle ride across the rolling landscape of the Swiss shores before admiring the spectacular view from Pfänder Mountain in Austria, rounded off with a visit to the Museum of Art in the Principality of Liechtenstein. Those wishing to spend some real quality time discovering more about the culture in each individual country can, of course, take it a little easier.

The ‘Holiday Pass of Lake Constance’ (BodenseeErlebniskarte) offers a world of possibilities and grants access to a wealth of attractions, 160 in total! From museums to castles and from mountains to theme parks and city tours. The brand new ‘Winter All-Inclusive Holiday Pass’ is valid from October, so visitors can enjoy Lake Constance treasures all year round. Even the transportation on the lake is in a league of its own: Enjoy the panoramic views while you criss-cross the lake by boat or explore the shores by rail or road.

With rich cultural links and activities galore there’s never a dull moment on Lake Constance. Traditional at heart, the lake has produced painters, poets and pioneers such as Count von Zeppelin, as well as

5 4) Lindau 5) Malbun, Principality of Liechtenstein

a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites which all make for great days out. Combined with a great choice of outdoor activities for all abilities from leisurely countryside walks to refreshing bike rides and canoe tours across the lake’s waters – you can do anything and everything you like!

Lake Constance is also the ideal place to relax with slow food, professional massages, a wide range of spas and natural moor baths. The thermal spas in Meersburg, Constance and Überlingen have teamed up to alleviate the stress of daily life and allow guests to unwind and recharge their body, mind and soul and get back into shape in the stunning setting of Lake Constance.

When the bathing season is finally over and the year begins to draw to a close, the lake reverts to its natural state of peace and quiet and becomes the ideal place to wind down. Within close proximity to magnificent ski resorts with guaranteed snow and spectacular valley views, guests are welcome to relax and enjoy the snow. Alternatively, you can visit lakeside Christmas markets or immerse yourself in the exceptional atmosphere of the Alemannic carnival as a pre-lent tradition.

Note: Share your Lake Constance experiences and impressions on Instagram using #bodensee4u More information about the Lake Constance region: Tourist Board of Lake Constance: Internationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbH Hafenstraße 6 D-78462 Constance, Germany www.lake-constance.com

Bodensee – Lake Constance region | Bodensee Magazine 9

Cast off!

The boats of the Lake Constance Shipping Company (BSB) link the towns around the lake across national borders.

The best place to spend time on Lake Constance is on the water. A ride on a boat is guaranteed to put you in a holiday mood, thanks to the wide choice of scheduled crossings and pleasure trips to the most beautiful corners of Lake Constance.

The boats of the Lake Constance Shipping Company (BSB) take you to the most popular destinations and attractions in the region, dropping you off right on the doorstep of the Zeppelin Museum or Mainau, the flower island, for example.

The BSB also offers practical, combined tickets that include the boat fare and the entrance ticket for many attractions around the lake.

For more active holidaymakers, a ride on a scheduled boat is a perfect complement to a hiking tour or a cycle ride. The panoramic views on round trips along the shorelines of the different parts of the lake will guarantee unforgettable moments.

Romantic views What better way to relax and soak in the magnificent views than on deck. A light breeze provides refreshment on hot sunny days. With a cup of coffee in your hand and a piece of cake on your plate, you can leave your worries behind. Round trips in the evening are particularly romantic, for example from Lindau to the Bay of Bregenz, where you can watch the sunset from the deck with a glass of wine.

Celebrate and enjoy From Easter to autumn, the focus on board is on enjoyment and the experience: For example, why not start your Sunday with a musical breakfast, eat as much pasta as you want at the “Pasta-Plausch” event, enjoy delicious barbecued specialities at the “Grill & Chill” evening trips, or a wine-tasting session on Lake Überlingen? There are plenty of moments to cherish. As another insider tip, make sure you visit one of the impressive firework displays around the lake. The views from the boat are particularly exclusive.

10 Bodensee Magazine | Lake Constance Shipping Company

Bregenz Festival Trips to the Bregenz Festival are legendary. The classical opera “Carmen” will be performed in 2017. The boats of the BSB take you straight to the world-famous floating stage in July and August. Enjoy the experience of a special festival cruise: The all-round package comprises the journey by boat to the floating stage and back, a festival menu at a reserved table, your entrance ticket to the opera and a midnight soup on the return journey.

Plenty to do in winter The BSB also offers a varied programme during the colder season: In the pre-Christmas period, boat trips with live music and delicious cakes will put you in the mood for the festive season. And if you want to make New Year a special occasion, a New Year’s Eve cruise is just the right thing.

Highlights in 2017 9 April: Start of the season 16 April: Easter brunch 29 April: International rally of the White Fleet 14 May: Mother’s Day cruise 20 May to 3 October: Coffee and cake (daily) 21 May/11 June/17 Sept./1 Oct.: Musical breakfast 23 April/8 Oct.: Music on the waves May to Sept.: Culinary trips such as Pasta-Plausch, Chill&Grill 9 June/22 Sept.: Wine tasting on Lake Überlingen July/August: Cruise to Bregenz Festival 8 July: Fire&Dine to Arbon Lake Night Festival 15 July: Fire&Dine to the Lake Rabbit Festival in Friedrichshafen 29 July: Fire&Dine to the Lakeside Festival in Langenargen 12 August: Cruise to see the fireworks at the Lake Festival in Constance 25 Nov. to 17 Dec.: Advent cruises 31 December: New Year’s Eve cruise The dates for 2018 will be available from the end of 2017 at www.bsb.de

Information Bodensee-Schiffsbetriebe GmbH Hafenstraße 6, D-78462 Constance www.bsb.de

Lake Constance Shipping Company | Bodensee Magazine 11

Photo: Achim Mende

Cruises across Lake Constance The White Fleet

Swimming bridges – the car ferries

The passenger ships of the White Fleet criss-cross the lake between spring and late autumn. The German, Austrian and Swiss shipping companies with 35 ships coordinate their timetables to offer boat trips to all the towns and many villages around the lake as well as day excursions.

Information and timetables Germany: www.bsb-online.com Switzerland: www.bodensee-schiffe.ch Austria: www.vorarlberg-lines.at

The ferry crossing linking Constance and Meersburg was launched in 1928. Today, up to six car ferries offer a continuous service between the two towns. It takes 15 minutes to cross the lake, giving drivers a chance to save time and energy, and have a rest at the same time. The ferry is also an attractive means of transport for cyclists, pedestrians and bus passengers. Every quarter of an hour, bus service no. 1 brings passengers from the centre of Constance to the ferry harbour in the suburb of Staad. The ferry between Constance and Meersburg crosses 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is also a ferry connection between Friedrichshafen and Romanshorn bridging the widest part of the lake (14 km). The crossing takes approx. 45 minutes.

Information and timetables Constance-Meersburg: www.sw.konstanz.de Romanshorn-Friedrichshafen: www.sbsag.ch

MS Sonnenkönigin – queen of the lake In autumn 2008, Lake Constance acquired a new attraction: the luxury liner MS Sonnenkönigin. This futuristic looking ship is a true sensation. It was built using 500 tons of steel and seats 1,000 passengers.

Almost 70 meters long and with a 1,200 hp engine, it beats all records. The MS Sonnenkönigin can be hired for theatre productions, concerts, congresses, fashion shows or exclusive corporate events. The rooms on this event ship are spread over four decks; several bars and a lounge as well as a sophisticated lighting system provide for an exclusive ambience.

Information: www.sonnenkoenigin.cc

12 Bodensee Magazine | Cruises across Lake Constance

Catamaran between Constance and Friedrichshafen Since January 2007, three high-speed catamarans have operated an hourly service between Constance and Friedrichshafen. Travelling at a maximum speed of 40 km/h, they take passengers from one town to the other in around 45 minutes, all year round. The catamaran offers ideal connections to other means of public transport.

Information and timetables: www.der-katamaran.de

Exploring the lake By bus, ferry, ship or catamaran Stadtwerke Konstanz, the town’s public transportation and utility company, gets you around the lake on the public buses, the passenger ships of the Lake Constance Shipping Company (BSB), the ferry between Constance and Meersburg, or the catamarans Constanze, Ferdinand and Fridolin. If you are looking for something to do in your free time, Stadtwerke Konstanz also offers a choice of indoor and open-air pools as well as Bodensee-Therme Konstanz, where you can swim, splash around or simply relax.

Cast off!

The best way to explore the region of Lake Constance, whether you are a regular visitor or here for the first time, is by boat. Scheduled trips on the passenger boats of the White Fleet kill two birds with one stone: Not only are they a relaxed and convenient way to visit many destinations around the lake like Mainau Island, Pfänder Mountain or the Pfahlbaumuseum in Unteruhldingen, the boat trip itself is a special experience. On board, you can enjoy the unique lake views with a cup of coffee and a piece of cake. Visitors are spoilt for choice between a package deal combining the boat ticket and entrance to a particular destination, a themed trip such as the “pasta boat,” a cruise to Bregenz Summer Festival, and many more.

Ferry between Meersburg and Constance Many commuters use the ferry from Meersburg to Constance every day. For tourists, however, the 15-minute crossing is like a mini-break. Cyclists and pedestrians also use the “swimming bridge” that has joined the towns since 1928. Once the ferry has docked at the port in Staad, passengers can take

the no. 1 bus towards the town centre, which is coordinated with the arrival times of the ferry. The locals call their town buses “Red Arnold” after the man who founded them, Fritz Arnold, the mayor at the time.

Fast connections with the catamaran The three catamarans Constanze, Ferdinand and Fridolin have been flitting across the lake between Constance and Friedrichshafen since 2005. These fast boats cross the lake in just 45 minutes. Inside, the catamarans offer comfortable seating, while outside on deck, passengers can let the wind blow through their hair. Both historic Constance and Friedrichshafen are great places to visit with a wide choice of shops and things to do.

Constance’s swimming pools are invigorating The best thing to do in Constance in summer is to take a dip in the cool lake. The five lidos are popular, after all a swim in Lake Constance is something special. The outdoor pool at Bodensee-Therme spa has a long giant slide and a wide water slide that promise an exhilarating ride. Smaller guests will find plenty to do in the toddlers’ pool. Once the summer season is over, there’s no need to do without a relaxing bath. Why not visit Bodensee-Therme spa: Lie back on the water jet loungers and let the warm water wash around you or enjoy a gentle massage from the jet nozzles. The large thermal pool with a flowing water channel allows you to take a vitalising swim outside in any weather. The sauna area with a choice of saunas is ideal for those who like to sweat it out. It also has a relaxing pool and a cold dip pool for refreshment in between sauna sessions, as well as quiet rooms and a panorama deck.

Stadtwerke Konstanz GmbH Max-Stromeyer-Straße 21-29 D-78467 Constance Phone: +49 (0) 7531 803-0 info@stadtwerke-konstanz.de www.stadtwerke-konstanz.de

Stadtwerke Konstanz | Bodensee Magazine 13

Arrive

Relax Enjoy

Our daily lives are governed by deadline pressure, stress and worries. We are constantly on the go and rarely find time to relax and put our feet up. However much we look forward to enjoying our well-deserved holidays, traveling can also be a strain on the body. That’s why it is important to take time to arrive, relax and enjoy! Lake Constance at the heart of Europe is an oasis with countless opportunities to take it easy and regain your equilibrium.

Relaxing prospects Visitors to Lake Constance come back every year to find pleasure and enjoyment, but also peace, relaxation and healing in the many spas, award-winning wellness hotels and medical clinics around the lake.

Once you arrive here, a deep breath is sufficient to trigger the healing process. Take a walk along the lake shore, listen to the gently lapping waves and breathe calmly in and out. After just a few minutes, you will notice a pleasant feeling spreading through your body and your healthconscious holiday can begin. And if you dream of spending your old age on the lake, there is a wide choice of retirement homes, such as the Augustinum in Meersburg or Bodenseeresidenz Lindau, where you can continue to lead an independent life while enjoying professional care.

lands. Its method of therapeutic fasting and integrative medicine supports the healing process and prevents physical and mental illness, allowing its guests to regain or preserve their quality of life. The 4-star BORA Hot SpaResort hotel in Radolfzell on the western shores of Lake Constance opened in May 2013. The heart of the hotel, the hot spa, offers everything to do with warmth, heat and steam in the broadest sense. In the only Japanese onsen pool within a radius of many hundreds of kilometres, visitors can take part in this Far Eastern bathing ritual while enjoying views of Lake Constance. All around the lake, those looking for relaxation can find excellent hotels with spas, such as the Grandhotel Bad Schachen or the 5-star Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Lindau.

Rest your body, mind and soul

Some like it hot

More and more people are using their holidays to improve their health.

We can prevent illness before it breaks out if we preserve our health by living consciously, and fully capture the potential inherent in each and every one of us to achieve a higher quality of life. All four countries around the lake are home to high-quality institutions that guarantee a relaxing, healthy holiday. Mettnau, set in a unique position, is one of oldest centres for physiotherapy in Germany with a long tradition.

It offers a range of treatments under the motto “Movement is life”.

Because only an ideal combination of exercise and relaxation, mental balance and healthy nutrition can help the body to generate the energy it needs to cope with the challenges of everyday life. Buchinger Wilhelmi clinic sits high over Lake Constance, surrounded by park

The spas in Constance, Meersburg and Überlingen are an ideal place to pamper yourself and indulge in a fantastic sauna and spa culture.

Bathing in warm or cold thermal water has the primary purpose of cleansing the body, but also helps to promote health and wellbeing.

Thermal water contains mineral salts that boost the water’s natural buoyancy, reducing pressure on the muscles and joints and promoting mobility. It causes the blood vessels to dilate and improves circulation.

After just a few minutes in the water, the minerals and trace elements in the thermal water are absorbed through the skin. The three spas on Lake Constance offer everything guests in need of relaxation could dream of against a magnificent backdrop. Wellness with Alpine views – what else can you do but relax?

14 Bodensee Magazine | Vital and active

WELCOME TO SUNNY SOUTHWEST GERMANY With four fabulous seasons, there’s always a right time to visit one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. In sunny summer, explore the romantic Black Forest; in autumn, watch grapes being picked for award-winning wines; in winter, shop at Christmas markets in medieval towns; in spring, photograph gardens ablaze with flowers and blossom. And everywhere is so close: tour historic Heidelberg castle and Stuttgart’s glamorous palace; enjoy Baden-Baden’s elegant spas and casino; watch the sunset on Lake Constance; ride the rollercoasters at Europa-Park Rust.

We are just a click away: www.tourism-bw.com

www.tourism-bw.com info@tourismus-bw.de

The farmer Johann Georg Schielin, who made a living growing wine and farming, purchased the “Bath to Schachen” for 600 gulden (a former currency) on 26th June 1752, exactly 265 years ago.

The History and Vision

of the Grandhotel Bad Schachen

The iron-sulphur spring, that was located on his property and was already mentioned in a document from 1474, had been used as a medical spa for over 200 years to treat all sorts of illnesses.

The “Bath to Schachen” included a pump room, a bath cabin, a little house for the bath attendant, a herb garden and some vineyards.

In 1781, the estate was handed over to his 23-year-old son Johannes.

He expanded, improved and refurbished the property. But life was not easy. The Revolution, Napoleon’s armies, constantly changing lords, severe weather and bad crops complicated his situation. But he kept going and fought for the survival of “Bad Schachen”. Shortly before his death in 1819, he purchased shipping rights on Lake Constance and therefore an additional source of income.

16 Bodensee Magazine | Bad Schachen

The 3rd generation - another Johannes - built a ballroom and the first furnished guest rooms around 1844. Before then, it was common practice to bring your own furniture when arriving from the lakeside in big ships. A few years later, the first balconies were attached.

He also bought additional land to plant some fruit trees, a vineyard and a bath house with changing rooms, strictly divided for men and women.

The construction of the railway line between Munich and Lindau in 1853 brought an incredible boom in tourism.

In 1864, the property was handed over to another Johannes. Well prepared by training in notable hotels, the 4th Schielin laid the relevant foundations for Bad Schachen.

He built a new bath house on the lake, two 2-storey houses with 36 rooms and a big dining room with lake views. The first phone rang in 1892; and in 1894, the jetty in front of Bad Schachen was opened for steamboats.

In 1899, his son Robert took over the management of what was now called Hotel Bad Schachen. He had enjoyed an international education in the hospitality industry, from where he brought many new ideas.

He wanted to restructure the business and create a modern and characteristic holiday hotel. Besides a spacious dining room and a central kitchen, he built a reading room, a music room, office space and a tennis court. He also created the beautiful park.

Then, during a trip to Lake Garda with his wife Elfriede, he discovered the newly constructed “Grand Hotel Gardone” and its main building with the tall tower. He took this idea home to Lindau, had most of the old buildings torn down the following winter and commissioned two internationally renowned architects – Billing & Vittali – to build today`s main building, with its 5 floors and an elevator. The striking 54-metre tower has become the hotel`s symbol.

As most guests still arrived by boat, the main entrance was still on the side facing the lake.

The years during World War 1 were difficult. For a few months, the hotel was confiscated as military hospital. When the war was over, Robert Schielin started again full of energy and with new ideas. The existing rooms were redesigned for social events and in 1924, our beautiful lido was built by the famous architect Prof. Littmann. During the day it was used for swimming and in the evenings for dancing.

In 1931, Robert handed over his life’s work – a hotel well-known in whole Germany – to his children Robert (my father-in-law) and Elfriede and her husband Carl Weber. They wanted to start right away with further extensions, but World War 2 interfered with their plans.

First the two men had to fight in the war, then the hotel was used as a

recreation home for members of the German Air Force, and after the war, it was used as a holiday residence for the French army.

Thankfully, Robert’s French was quite good, so he got along very well with the French generals. A great side effect of that was, that the French paid for the complete redesign of the kitchen and introduced the à la carte service in the restaurant. Before that, people used to eat at long tables.

In 1949, regular hotel operation was resumed and Robert continued with his building plans. Most guest rooms got a private bathroom, the hotel bar was created, staff accommodation added and the terrace received a face-lift. In 1979, my late husband Robert took over his father’s business. He had also enjoyed an international education and gained experience all over the world. His intention was to expose Hotel Bad Schachen to an even more diversified group of guests. To keep up with the increased demands of his guests, he had all guest rooms modernized and many single rooms put together to create more double rooms and suites, as couples slowly replaced individual travelers.

All meeting rooms were enlarged, redesigned and air-conditioned, the main building received additional balconies.

He died too early, now 12 years ago, and left me in charge of the hotel management and the preparation for the 8th generation.

We had still planned the creation of a new wellness area together.

So during the winter breaks of 2007 and 2008, I led the construction of our new SPA, which included several treatment rooms, a newly designed indoor pool and a generous sauna area. In memory of the original “White Swan Tavern”, we used the swan symbol to create the new logo for “Schachen Bad & SPA”. I am proud to continue the work of my late husband and his wonderful ancestors. Almost three years ago, Mr Grüneberg joined me as my new director and together, we will continue this exciting journey …

Isolde Schielin

A jewel with tradition Privately run hotel directly on the shores of Lake Constance.

Far away from the hustle and bustle of the town take the time to relax. You may enjoy this enchanting charming place for vacation, wellness, relaxation, celebration, wedding, meeting and conference.

Our two restaurants and the terrace will promise culinary delights with international and regional dishes.

Spend unforgettable days at this peaceful and charming place.

Hotel Bad Schachen Bad Schachen 1 88131 Lindau / Lake Constance Germany

Phone: +49 8382 298-0 Reservations: +49 8382 298-600 info@badschachen.de www.badschachen.de • book directly

Hotel is open April to October Schachen Bad & SPA year-round (Monday & Tuesday closed November till March)

Bad Schachen | Bodensee Magazine 17

All in the very best

Photo: weber&weiss

Photo: Achim Mende

Taste

A slice of fresh farmhouse bread for breakfast, a “Dünnele” (similar to Tarte Flambée) to take away for lunch, a portion of “Appenzeller Mostbröckli” (Swiss dried and cured meat speciality) in-between, and freshly caught whitefish for dinner on a terrace with lake views – just some of the many culinary delights that gourmets can enjoy in the Lake Constance region. Lake Constance is a paradise, not only for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and culture buffs. Foodies and aficionados of fine cuisine also get their money’s worth here. Restaurants in the region offer everything from traditional to modern cuisine and place great value on regional products.

Outstanding quality Fruit and vegetables, freshly caught fish or poultry, sausages and cheeses, honey or schnapps – nowhere can you find fresher and tastier ingredients or a wider choice of highquality produce than at the weekly and farmer’s markets around the lake. But restaurants and hotels also serve their guests almost exclusively local delicacies and tempt them with regional products, such as mouth-watering treats from the Reichenau, the “vegetable island,” freshly caught fish from the lake or high-quality game specialities. A surprisingly large number of restaurants in the region have been awarded Gault Millau points or Michelin stars.

Wheel out the cheese Lake Constance is a paradise for cheese lovers – strongflavoured mountain cheeses from Appenzell in Switzerland, high-quality soft cheeses from the Allgäu region in Germany, a “Surakäs” (sour milk cheese) from Liechtenstein or a wide variety of cheese products from the Bregenzerwald area in 18 Bodensee Magazine | Culinary treats

Austria. Visitors can find out about the characteristics of the different cheeses and how they are made in showcase dairies or along the so-called “cheese route,” where they can enjoy local specialities, find and buy their favourite cheese.

Fine wines to refresh the palate Wine connoisseurs know why wines grown around Lake Constance are so special. The lake acts as a heat reservoir, creating a temperate, almost Mediterranean climate. In addition, the surface of the water directs part of the sun’s energy to the nearby vineyards, heating up the ground even more.

Red wines such as Pinot Noir or white Müller-Thurgau grapes thrive here. The climate is influenced by the warm “foehn” winds that help the grapes to grow, and the local winegrowers are masters in their trade. Not only that, the region also boasts an abundance of stronger liquors. Apples, plums and quinces from the many fruit orchards and gardens are refined in distilleries around the lake to create fine brandies and highquality schnapps.

Y

our first choice on the lake

K AST Creativ-Services GmbH_ 2017

Your hotel for holidays and meetings at any time of year. Hotel Bayerischer Hof, together with the adjoining Reutemann and Seegarten hotels, is situated in a unique position directly on the lake promenade with fantastic views of the lake and mountains. As well as all modern amenities, you can expect elegant rooms and exclusive suites as well as meeting rooms with a very special flair.

Experience the atmosphere and the high-class tradition cultivated by the family for more than 160 years of aiming to always offer guests the very best.

STOLZE - SPAETH - HOTELS

HOTEL BAYERISCHER HOF

SEEPROMENADE I D-88131 L INDAU /L AKE CONSTANCE I PHONE : +49 (0) 83 82 - 91 50 I FAX +49 (0) 83 82 - 91 55 91 I E - MAIL : HOTEL@ BAYERISCHERHOF - LINDAU.DE

I

WWW.BAYERISCHERHOF - LINDAU.DE

20  Bodensee Magazine | Intro

Photo: Holger Spiering

Culinary highlights: fish, hunting weeks and wine In the summer months, visitors can enjoy food and beverages in good company with entertaining music at the many wine and fish festivals. Numerous stands offer regional culinary delicacies such as Fischknusperle (crunchy fried fish), Kartoffelrösti (fried grated potatoes) or savoury Dünnele. They are served with Lake Constance wines from different estates. Those looking for something more unusual can enjoy culinary treats at dizzying heights, for example on Säntis Mountain. As the days grow shorter and the weather stormier, nature paints the Lake Constance region in magnificent colours. Numerous towns and destinations organize special apple-themed events at this time of year. The fish weeks on the Lower Lake are hugely popular, as are the hunting weeks, when restaurants around the lake titillate the palate with regional autumnal menus comprising domestic game, salads and vegetables.

Beer tradition

Photo: Fotolia

Tettnang in Germany is famous for its hops, which are used in a number of European pale lagers and wheat beers. Why not try one – or perhaps more than one? The Lake Constance region boasts many regional breweries such as Ruppaner in Constance or Leibinger in Ravensburg.

Culinary treats | Bodensee Magazine 21

Photo: KuT Überlingen/Bilger

Hiking around Lake Constance

Four countries, one lake,

one fabulous holiday Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Principality of Liechtenstein – all have saved the best of their beauty for the shores and peaks of the Lake Constance region. Come and enjoy the holiday of a lifetime at the point where these four countries meet. It is hard to find a more romantic destination with plenty of outdoor activities than this landlocked paradise at the heart of Europe. Known as “Bodensee” in German, this blue-and-green holiday region offers lots of great things to do all year round.

22 Bodensee Magazine | Vital and active

Photo: Achim Mende

Birnau church with the vineyards of the Margraves of Baden

Sunset at Säntis Mountain

High above Lake Constance on the Pfänder cable car

It doesn’t get much more romantic than this!

Wine-tasting with the Margraves of Baden

Howl with the wolves on a romantic full-moon cable car ride up Säntis Mountain all year round. Far away in the distance, Lake Constance glitters like a diamond and the surrounding mountain peaks have a magical attraction. The fantastic full-moon buffet with musical accompaniment in the panoramic restaurant at the top of Säntis Mountain, 2,502 metres above sea level, is not only a feast for your eyes! The mood grows mystical on the return journey down to Schwägalp later in the evening. (Advance booking required). www.saentisbahn.ch

The largest wine-growing estates and producer groups on Lake Constance are strung along the lakeshore between Überlingen and Hagnau: This is where the “pleasure line” runs. Right next to the famous pilgrim’s church of Birnau is Birnauer Oberhof, where you can sample Lake Constance specialities while enjoying the wonderful views. The wines of the Margraves of Baden are served with fish soup or whitefish. You can also sample and buy wine in the shop next door. One of the best wines grown here by the Margraves of Baden is the Birnauer Kirchhalde pinot noir. A detour to Salem Castle some 10 kilometres inland is worthwhile, not only to see the unique complex of buildings that make up the former Cistercian abbey, but also for the wine shop on the castle grounds that sells wines of the Margraves of Baden. Find out all about wine on Lake Constance at Salem Wine School and take part in one of the many guided tours on different topics. www.markgraf-von-baden.de, www.salem.de

Midsummer celebration on Pfänder Mountain One of the most spectacular midsummer celebrations takes place on the Maldonahang slopes of Pfänder Mountain in Bregenz. The cable car takes you up the mountain in the early evening. From there, it is a 20-minute walk to the festival venue, a meadow where a party with music, fireworks and the solstice bonfire is waiting. At the end, everyone walks down into the valley together – a 45-minute march. Make sure you wear sturdy footwear for the midsummer celebrations and the hike down into the valley and don’t forget to take a torch and a rug to sit on or wrap up in, as chairs are not provided. www.pfaenderbahn.at

Vital and active | Bodensee Magazine 23

Photo: Adolf Bereuter Photo: Christoph Sonderegger

Shopping tour around Lake Constance The pedestrian zones of the many medieval towns around Lake Constance such as Constance, Lindau, Bregenz, St.Gallen or Schaffhausen are ideal for shopping. Shopping centres include Lago in Constance, Säntispark in Abtwil, Bodensee Center in Friedrichshafen, Rheinpark in St. Margarethen, and Lindaupark and Messepark in Dornbirn. Fashion outlets include Seemaxx in Radolfzell, Wolford factory outlet in Bregenz, Strellson factory outlet in Kreuzlingen, Schiesser factory outlet in Radolfzell, Vaude outlet in Tettnang, Mountainshop outlet in Amtzell and Trigema outlet in Allensbach.

Family fun Lake Constance offers some wild, weird and wonderful activities. You can try a tree-top climbing route, go trekking with goats (yes, you read that correctly), or visit one of the unusual playgrounds and theme parks such as Ravensburger Spieleland. Alternatively, you can see wildlife up close and personal: not just goats, but also wild pigs, bison and waterfowl. The Barbary macaque monkeys at Affenberg Salem are so tame they’ll grab popcorn right out of your hand. Take a journey back in time to the Stone Age at various UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Museum of Lake Dwellings in Unteruhldingen presents more than 1,000 original finds from Lake Constance as well as reconstructions of pile dwellings from the Stone and Bronze Ages. The craziest footgolf course in Germany can be found at Seepark in Pfullendorf. Similar to the adventure golf course next door, players have to overcome obstacles to put the ball into the 18 holes.

“Carmen” on the world’s largest floating stage In summer 2017 and 2018, Bregenz Festival presents the opera “Carmen” by Georges Bizet on the world’s largest floating stage. The festival is known for the beautiful backdrop of Lake Constance, colossal stage designs, technical masterpieces and unique acoustics. The programme at Bregenz Festival includes around 80 events attracting well over 200,000 spectators.

It’s time to get active!

The countless lidos around Lake Constance are ideal for splashing about in the water. A visit to the swimming hut in Rorschach on the Swiss shores of the lake will take you back a hundred years in time. Known by the locals as “Badi”, it looks like a Stone Age pile dwelling. The historic wooden swimming pool is built on stilts in the lake and can only be reached from the shore by a bridge. Other attractive lidos include Horn beach in Constance, Strandbad Ost & West in Überlingen, Meersburg Therme lido, Hörnli swimming pool in Kreuzlingen, the natural lido in Kressbronn, and beaches in Friedrichshafen, Radolfzell, Immenstaad, Steckborn, Arbon, Bregenz and Lochau.

24 Bodensee Magazine | Vital and active

Photo: Tobias Störkle

Lake Constance is loved by sailors for its varied landscapes, great wind conditions and famous regattas

The “Mili“ in Bregenz – the former military pool enjoys cult status

Lake Constance and the surrounding countryside are ideal for hiking with a network of paths that take you through four countries. Signposted trails such as ‘Bodensee LandGänge’ and ‘SeeGang’ guarantee memorable walks along the shores and beyond, through vineyards, hilly orchards and lakeside resorts.

For those looking for something more challenging, the mountain peaks around the lake are waiting to be conquered. Why not take the cable car up Säntis or Pfänder Mountain and enjoy stunning views from the paths that skirt the peaks?

Lake Constance’s cycle paths are suitable for people of all ages and abilities, with a wide range to choose from. Some lead along the lake shore and allow you to start where it is most convenient as there is no predetermined start or end. Other paths take you into the idyllic hinterland. The lakeside beaches are certainly tempting, but there’s no need to stay at the water’s edge. Get out into the middle of it! Try stand-up paddling, sailing, wind-surfing, or even a canoe tour along the shore. Things are much better out on the water!

Visit Säntis and Pfänder mountains, go snowshoe hiking – or come to Lake Constance to ski. Snow is guaranteed on some of the local pistes, including in Malbun in Liechtenstein and the Vorarlberg region of Austria, and there are grades to suit everyone.

Vital and active | Bodensee Magazine 25

1

Hits for Kids 2

3 4

A holiday on Lake Constance is always great fun for the whole family. There are lots of places to visit in the region offering f­abulous entertainment for children and parents alike. On these pages you can find the best family attractions for a day out.

Europa-Park (1) Europa-Park in Rust is the most popular theme park in Europe. More than 100 attractions and shows in 14 European themed areas await visitors on a 95-hectare site. The park’s five hotels make Europa-Park a unique destination for a short break in the border triangle of Germany, France and Switzerland. www.europapark.de

Affenberg Salem (2) Affenberg Salem is Germany’s largest open-air monkey enclosure. Over 200 cheeky Barbary macaques run around free in a 20-hectare forest area. The extensive grounds guarantee an optimum environment for the animals. Visitors can see them at close quarters in their natural habitat without physical barriers. Specially prepared popcorn is distributed free and can be fed to the monkeys. This fascinating contact with our relatives is not only fun for kids but also a great experience for grown-ups. The Barbary macaques share their idyllic enclosure with an impressive colony of wild white storks and a herd of elegant fallow deer. In summer, an “adventure bus” transports visitors between Affenberg, Salem Palace and the lake dwellings in Unteruhldingen. www.affenberg-salem.de 26 Bodensee Magazine | Hits for kids

5

8

6 7

9

Allensbach Wildlife and Leisure Park (3)

inatura Dornbirn (6)

Not far from Constance and Radolfzell, nestled between woods, meadows and fields, is Allensbach‘s wildlife and leisure park. Wild animals such as deer, bison, wild boars, lynxes and even bears can be watched in their natural environment in this extensive natural park.

An adventure playground with lots of activities invites children to run around and play to their hearts’ content. In the falconry, 15 birds of prey demonstrate their hunting and flying techniques in two thrilling shows each day. www.wildundfreizeitpark.de

The inatura natural adventure park in Dornbirn (approx. 10 km south of Bregenz) is the largest of its kind around Lake Constance. This unusual museum presents live animals, life-like models and 3D multimedia shows on 3,000 square metres of exhibition space. An earthquake measuring device lets you experience the power of the earth while an avalanche installation simulates the real thing. Each door in inatura takes you into a different habitat, dimension or time. www.inatura.at

Sea Life in Constance (4)

The adventure park in Immenstaad is a fascinating high ropes course with eleven parcours of different grades. This adventure park is for families with children from seven years onwards. There are also two lower trails for smaller kids from the age of three. Kressbronn Adventure Park has seven parcours including three for children aged five and older. www.abenteuerpark.com

This giant aquarium in Constance is home to thousands of creatures from under the seas. Over 3,000 saltwater and freshwater fish and animals are presented in thirty aquariums and the giant “Mediterranean pool”. A circuit takes you through the Sea Life Centre following the course of the River Rhine from its source high up in the mountains down to the depths of the sea. The main attraction is the underwater world of the Mediterranean with blacktip reef sharks and rainbow wrasses that can be viewed through an eight-metre-long glass underwater tunnel. www.sealifeeurope.de

Ravensburger Spieleland (5) This theme park belongs to the famous book and game publishing company Ravensburger and can be found not far from the town of the same name, approx. 20 km north of Friedrichshafen. Families will find 70 attractions for children of all ages including action-packed fast rides and more leisurely slow ones. www.spieleland.com

Mainau Forest Experience (7) Mainau Forest Experience (Erlebniswald Mainau) is an adventure forest for nature lovers and climbing fans. Experience the forest’s ecosystem in several interactive stations and gain a better understanding of this biosphere. Covering an area of 1.6 hectares, the park combines elements of a classical high ropes course with the appeal of a climbing forest, and the special features of a treetop path with unusual tree house architecture. The concept caters for people of all age groups and interests, who enjoy exercising either individually or in a group. “Mainau Forest Experience” is suitable for events with a focus on adventure for school classes, youth groups, clubs or works outings as well as for seminars and training courses. www.erlebniswald-mainau.de

Adventure Parks in Immenstaad & Kressbronn

Technorama (8) The science centre Technorama in Winterthur in Switzerland is approx.

40 minutes by car from Constance (on the motorway towards Zurich).

Technorama is not only great fun; over 100 exhibits teach children about technology, inviting them to touch, try, play and understand. It is a feast for all the senses. www.technorama.ch

Connyland (9) Connyland is owned by a well-established Swiss family of showmen. A lot of the attractions in this adventure park are therefore reminiscent of the good old fairground. The main feature of the park is Europe’s most modern and attractive open-air dolphin lagoon. In several daily performances, these fascinating animals demonstrate their natural, breathtaking talents. Connyland is situated approx. 10 km south-west of Constance in Lipperswil in Switzerland. www.connyland.ch

Hits for kids | Bodensee Magazine 27

Timeless Treasures UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES ON LAKE CONSTANCE

Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps The pile dwellings on Lake Constance and in the Alps date back to the Stone and Bronze Age and have been a universal cultural heritage of humanity since 2011. Twenty sites on the shores of Lake Constance and in Upper Swabia are on the World Heritage list. Many archaeological museums, such as the Archaeological State Museum in Constance or Federsee Museum in Bad Buchau, allow the public to experience these mostly hidden cultural assets, which are often inaccessible due to their location under water or in boggy moorlands. The Pfahlbaumuseum in Unteruhldingen with reconstructed pile dwellings gives a good impression of how these settlements once looked. www.pfahlbauten.de

Monastic island of Reichenau The monastic island of Reichenau on Lake Constance was incorporated into the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites on 30 November 2000 as a cultural landscape that bears outstanding witness to the religious and cultural role of a large Benedictine monastery in the Middle Ages.

Even today, the monastic tradition can still be seen in religious festivals and processions that cannot be witnessed anywhere else in the world. www.reichenau-tourismus.de

The abbey precincts of St.Gallen In 612, the Irish itinerant monk Gallus settled in what is now the Swiss town of St. Gallen, where he lived as a recluse. Over time, the hermitage developed into an abbey by the early 8th century. The abbey precinct with its magnificent baroque cathedral is a unique historic site.

The world-famous collegiate library, with what is probably the most beautiful profane baroque hall in Switzerland today, contains 170,000 books. Of these, 50,000 are on display in the baroque hall together with a 2700-year-old Egyptian mummy. www.st.gallen-bodensee.ch/en

28  Bodensee Magazine | World Heritage Sites

Fabulous

Photo: Holger Spiering

Meersburg Castle

High above Lake Constance stands Meersburg Castle, a stone witness to medieval times and the oldest inhabited fortress in Germany. As soon as they cross the former drawbridge, visitors can get a sense of the magic of bygone days, which are brought back to life on a tour through the museum with its old walkways and numerous rooms such as the great hall, living quarters, water chamber, armoury, knights’ hall, castle dungeon and many more.

The tour starts at the gateway, where a picture hanging over the small lancet door shows a hand almost chopped off as a warning to deter visitors from disturbing the peace of the castle. This was expressed in a painting as most people in the Middle Ages could not read. According to legend, the mighty fortress dates back to the 7th century to the days of the Merovingians under King Dagobert I. In 1211, the castle passed into the possession of the prince-bishops of Constance. It was used first as a summer residence before becoming the permanent seat of the bishopric in 1526. For centuries, the largest prince-bishopric in the German-speaking part of the world was governed from Meersburg.

At the beginning of the 14th century, Meersburg Castle became the first German fortress to be besieged with fire arms, but it was not conquered or destroyed. As a result, visitors to the castle are presented with an undistorted and thrilling view of the past at every turn.

From a fortified bishop’s seat to a museum In the course of secularisation, Meersburg Castle fell to the Grand Duchy of Baden in 1803. During this time, a court of law was established that was held in the old castle walls for many years. However,

Meersburg Castle was so expensive to maintain and upkeep, that the Grand Duchy decided to sell it off. In 1838, it was bought by Baron Joseph von Laßberg, an archaeologist and passionate collector of medieval writings, who turned Meersburg into a magnet for literary figures and researchers of his day. The castle was sold for a second time in 1877 to Carl Mayer von Mayerfels, an enthusiastic collector of castles, who restored the old fortress and created the first castle museum back in 1878. The tour through the museum has been extended several times: The most recent addition, Dagobert’s tower, one of the oldest parts of Meersburg Castle, is now open to the public.

A tour through the Middle Ages

Castle museum Tour the castle on your own all year round Open every day from 9 am to 6.30 pm Nov.–Feb. 10 am to 6 pm.

Guided tours through the castle ­museum are available for groups (in English).

BURG MEERSBURG GmbH Schloßplatz 10 D- 88709 Meersburg Phone: +49 (0) 7532 800 00 burg.meersburg@t-online.de www.burg-meersburg.de

The tour through the castle museum with its living quarters, great hall, water chamber, former kitchen, armoury, walkways, knights’ hall, castle dungeon and much more offers a fascinating insight into bygone days. The torture chamber gives visitors an idea of jurisdiction in the Middle Ages. The rooms belonging to the famous German poetess Annette von Droste-Hülshoff are also included in the tour. In addition, visitors can climb Dagobert’s tower, where they can enjoy the wonderful views of the town of Meersburg and Lake Constance.

Meersburg Castle | Bodensee Magazine 29

Tip:

Old beauty in a new light

Salem

Monastery and Palace

Palace adventure day Sunday 18 June 2017 Theme day all about the enjoyment of art and wine culture Adventure day in the abbey Sunday 8 October 2017 Theme day on monastic life in Salem.

Evening concert in the church – Vocal music by the Cistercian monks in dialogue with contemporary instrumental music.

Salem was founded as a Cistercian abbey in 1134 in the picturesque countryside of the Linzgau region on the northern shores of Lake Constance. The monks’ resourcefulness and imagination had a lasting impact on the village of Salmansweiler, which was given the “holy” name of Salem, meaning “place of peace”.

After a devastating fire in 1697, the monastery was rebuilt in the baroque style and furnished with plasterwork and paintings by wellknown artists. The magnificent architecture and interiors testify to the wealth of the abbots of Salem and their appreciation of art: The precious alabaster adornments in the monastery church are unique, as are the iconographic schemes in the Emperor’s Room (Kaisersaal), which demonstrate the outstanding position of the former imperial abbey.

Following secularisation in 1802, Salem Palace passed into the possession of the Margraves of Baden. Today, it is used as a residence by the house of Baden and the headquarters of the winegrowing estate of the Margraves of Baden. In 2009, a large part of the grounds was acquired by the state of Baden-Württemberg.

■ Daily

Things to do

■ Individual

Attractions for the whole family include the Monastery Museum in the prelacy building with a branch of Baden State Museum in Karlsruhe.

Valuable exhibits from over 700 years of art and architectural history are presented under the title “Masterpieces from the Imperial Abbey”.

The new Salem Fire Brigade Museum next to the Sennhof presents a unique collection of pumps and fire-fighting equipment, including rarities such as historic manual fire pumps, steam pumps and even engine-driven pumps. It also has a special focus on pioneers of firefighting such as Kurtz, Metz and Magirus, who “tell” visitors about their lives.

A comprehensive programme of events brings the history of Salem Monastery to life and takes visitors on a journey through centuries of monastic culture. Fascinating guided tours provide information on the monastery’s background, placing it in an art-historical context. Groups can book topical guided tours and wine tasting sessions.

30 Bodensee Magazine | Salem Monastery and Palace

guided tours through the former monastery and the magnificent interiors of the palace

■ Every

Sunday at 3 pm: “In the footsteps of the white monks.”

Guided tour for children and families

■ “Wine

(hi)story” On a tour through the wine cellars, the monastery with the monks’ dining room, the cloisters and church, visitors get to sample three selected wines, served with fascinating stories about wine culture in Salem. Every day at 11am, no reservation required, duration approx. 1 hour. tour of the palace grounds with an audio guide.

Visitors can spend time in the extensive palace grounds, the court garden with its labyrinths and the artisan workshops. Classical concerts, open-air concerts, exhibitions and topical events round off the programme.

Salem Monastery and Palace Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg D-88682 Salem Phone: +49 (0) 7553 916 53-36 schloss@salem.de, www.salem.de Opening hours 1 April to 1 November 2017 Mon–Sat 9.30 am – 6 pm, Sundays and public holidays 10.30 am – 6 pm

Meersburg

New Palace

HOW THE PRINCE-BISHOPS LIVED

The New Palace in Meersburg towers majestically above picturesque vineyards and the impressive blue waters of Lake Constance. This original baroque residence is still as beautiful now as when it was built in 1710. Its stately architecture and furnishings are impressive, with arched gables and rich ­ornaments outside and fantastic stucco and glorious frescoes inside.

A special highlight The exhibition on the principal floor shows how the prince-bishops of Constance lived in their Meersburg residence with its magnificent state apartment and private rooms. As well as diverse topics such as hunting, music at court and the natural history collections for which the prince-bishops were famous at the time, the museum deals with the town’s later development to the present day.

Visitors can explore the palace with an audio guide, on a guided tour or by themselves.

Special audio guides for children will also get smaller guests interested in the highlights of the New Palace.

Programme of events A varied and sophisticated programme of events is organised with outstanding concerts of classical music. Temporary exhibitions in the museum also offer new, exciting insights into the New Palace. Guided tours on various themes such as wine or life in the court of the prince-bishops allow visitors to delve into the palace’s 300-year history.

Café with panorama terrace The café in the New Palace serves coffee and cakes as well as a small selection of exquisite dishes. End your visit on the terrace with a cup of coffee and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Constance as far as the peaks of the Alps!

Meersburg New Palace Staatliche Schösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg Schlossplatz 12 D-88709 Meersburg Phone: +49 (0) 7532 8079410 info@neues-schloss-meersburg.de www.neues-schloss-meersburg.de Opening times 1 April to 1 November every day from 9.30 am to 6 pm Last entry 30 minutes before closing time Winter: 2 November to 31 March Sat, Sun, public holidays from 12 am to 5 pm Entrance incl. audio guide Guided tours Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm.

In winter no tours on Saturdays, group tours and tours in other languages by prior arrangement.

For special guided tours, see separate brochure Meersburg New Palace | Bodensee Magazine 31

Photo: Hegau Tourismus

Hohentwiel

fortress ruins

The fortress perched on a prominent rock rising above Singen covers an area of some nine hectares and is considered the largest fortress ruin in Germany: Its fortified walls and casemates, mighty broken towers and the ruins of large houses give a good impression today of how this bastion must have appeared as late as the 18th century. The remains hint at Hohentwiel’s great history as a place of enchanted grandeur. Its mysterious walls, nooks and stairways are an absolute paradise for children!

Guided tours Sundays and public holidays from 1 April to 3 October at 11 am and 2 pm.

Guided tours for groups by appointment Audio guide available in English

32 Bodensee Magazine | Hohentwiel

Hohentwiel fortress ruins Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg Phone: +49 (0) 7731 69178 D-78224 Singen info@festungsruine-hohentwiel.de www.festungsruine-hohentwiel.de Opening times 1 April to 15 September: 9 am to 7.30 pm, 16 September to 31 October: 10 am to 6 pm, 1 November to 31 March: 10 am to 4 pm.

Guided tours Sundays and public holidays from 1 April to 3 Oct. at 11 am and 2 pm.

A mountain

of surprises

Swabian counts and princes, the kings of Prussia and even German emperors have their roots here at Hohenzollern Castle in the heart of Baden-Württemberg between Lake Constance and Stuttgart.

The proud fortress perched on conical Mount Zoller offers majestic panoramic views stretching over more than 100 kilometres. Glamorous as well as dark events have shaped the 1,000-year history of this impressive building: In the 15th century, the first Hohenzollern Castle was destroyed by war, but was rebuilt soon afterwards. In the 18th century, the fortress was deserted and fell to ruin. King Frederick William IV of Prussia had his family’s ancestral home reconstructed in its present form in the 19th century, even larger and more magnificent than before. Today, the castle is still privately owned by the Prussian line and the Swabian Royal House of the Hohenzollern. Whenever the current owner, Prince George Frederick of Prussia, and his family are staying in the castle, the family standard flies high on the flag tower.

Some 300,000 visitors from all over the world come to Hohenzollern Castle every year.

On a tour of the state rooms, visitors can learn all kinds of informative and entertaining facts about the lives of their highnesses and majesties. Besides the magnificent Counts’ Hall and the Blue Salon, the Treasure Chamber is particularly impressive with its shining knights’ armours, the Prussian royal crown, the silver-embroidered dress belonging to Queen Louise, and the famous snuff box that once saved Frederick the Great’s life. Little princesses and knights even get to wear a red royal cloak as well as the obligatory felt slippers on guided tours, making a visit to the castle even more fun.

Regular events are held at Hohenzollern Castle, ranging from Spring Awakening at Easter to Castle Adventure Day, open-air theatre performances in English and Shooting Star Nights, as well as the Falconry Weekend in autumn and the Christmas market on the 1st and 2nd weekend of Advent.

Regional specialities are served in the castle’s café restaurant. The braised beef cheeks in red wine sauce and the home-made potato salad are particularly recommended. In summer, the café restaurant boasts one of the region’s most beautiful beer gardens set in the castle gardens.

Getting there Hohenzollern Castle is situated between Stuttgart and Lake Constance above the town of Hechingen. The partly four-lane national road B 27 (Stuttgart–Tübingen–Hechingen– Balingen–Rottweil) runs directly under the castle (exit Hechingen Süd). Arriving via motorway A 81 Stuttgart–Singen, take the Empfingen exit and head for Balingen/Hechingen.

Hohenzollern Castle D-72379 Burg Hohenzollern Phone +49 (0) 7471 2428 info@burg-hohenzollern.com www.burg-hohenzollern.com Opening hours Hohenzollern Castle is open all year round except for Christmas Eve (24 December) with daily guided tours.

Summer season: 16 March to 31 Oct.: daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm.

Winter season: 1 Nov. to 15 March: daily from 10 am to 4.30 pm.

Highlights in 2017 15 to 23 April 14 May 18 June 27 June 7/8 July 11/12 August 16/17 September 30 September to 1 October 1st /2nd weekend in Advent

Spring Awakening Mother’s Day Castle Adventure Day Open-air theatre in English Open-air cinema Shooting Star Nights Falconry Weekend Golden Autumn Christmas market

The dates for 2018 will be available from the end of 2017 at www.burg-hohenzollern.com

Hohenzollern Castle | Bodensee Magazine 33

Photo: Achim Mende

Constance Cathedral of ”Our Dear Lady”

Shedding new light

on an old topic

Churches, convents and the Council of Constance Churches and monasteries are a distinctive feature throughout the Lake Constance region across all national borders.

Mitre from Frauenfeld

Further information can be found at: www.konstanz-tourismus.de www.konstanzer-konzil.de www.reichenau-tourismus.de www.salem.de www.kartause.ch www.kunstmuseum.ch www.oberschwaben-tourismus.de www.st.gallen-bodensee.ch www.stiftsbibliothek.ch www.konzil-thurgau.ch www.thurgau-tourismus.ch www.bodenseewest.eu

Churches and monasteries not only offer a glorified view of the past, they were also centres of power, partly due to their wealth, but above all through their spiritual work.

The store of knowledge documented in their libraries and their diverse and impressive architecture meant that the region around Lake Constance was the starting point for a cultural and political development of truly historic and ultimately European significance.

Monks, nuns and their cloisters have shaped the landscape around Lake Constance since early medieval times. Their farming methods and way of life not only created a unique cultural landscape, but were a driving force for innovation in many respects. By developing land for farming that had laid waste since Roman times, reviving the art of writing in their scriptoria, allowing science to flourish, and not least by spreading Christianity together with intellectual and spiritual renewal, they triggered an enormous economic and cultural upturn with an impact that went far beyond the region’s borders. The Lake Constance region can justifiably be regarded as the cradle of Central European culture!

Its impact can still be felt today, in particular at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of St. Gallen and Reichenau Island and in connection with the anniversary celebrations for the Council of Constance (1414 to 1418). The following examples convey the significance of the Lake Constance region as a centre of European cultural history and make it more tangible.

Constance Cathedral of “Our Dear Lady” The former bishop’s church is not only the largest religious building in town; the preserved gallery-like tunnels in its crypt are also the oldest parts of any church in Constance.

The crypt itself dates back to the end of the 9th century and was expanded when the church acquired the relics of the late Roman martyr Pelagius at the beginning of the 10th century, and after the canonisation of Bishop Konrad of Constance in 1123.

34 Bodensee Magazine | Churches, convents and the Council of Constance

1

2 3 1) St. George’s church, Reichenau Island 2) Ittingen Charterhouse cathedral 3) St.Gallen abbey precincts

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Monastic island of Reichenau

Abbey precincts of St. Gallen

The monastic island of Reichenau was incorporated into the list of World Heritage Sites in 2000 and declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The three Romanesque churches preserved on the island still bear witness to the abbey’s great past. Its architecture and the unique, carefully restored murals in St. George’s church in Oberzell are examples of masterpieces of European art.

The monastery established by the itinerant monk Gallus was a centre of western science, a place of culture and a site of great influence.

Many documents that originated in St. Gallen, both manuscripts and deeds, survived the dissolution of the monastery in 1805 in situ. The former abbey and the Baroque hall of the collegiate library are among the most significant examples of the European rococo style of architecture. The abbey precincts of St. Gallen have justifiably been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

The Cistercian monastery of Salem Monks gave the first monastery built in the Middle Ages the holy name of Salem after the biblical “place of peace”. Since 2009, the monastery has been owned to a large extent by the state of BadenWürttemberg. With a boarding school, the wine-growing estate (and residence) of the Margraves of Baden, two parishes, Birnau basilica, as well as museums, exhibitions and events that attract countless visitors, Salem is still a vibrant ensemble that has preserved its special aura as a “place of peace”.

Traces of the Middle Ages in Thurgau

The former monastery is set in a picturesque location in the idyllic Thur Valley, just a few kilometres from Lake Constance. Communities of monks lived here for more than seven hundred years – first Augustinians, followed by Carthusians from 1461 to 1848. The Carthusians’ monastic way of life and spirituality are brought to life in this unique place. The former monastery is now a lively cultural centre incorporating Thurgau Art Museum and a venue for classical concerts.

Situated at the heart of the Lake Constance region in geographic terms, Thurgau has preserved inestimable treasures to the present day: A diverse cultural landscape, numerous castles and fortresses, churches and monasteries, bustling towns and romantic villages are impressive witnesses to the canton’s wealth. It is hardly surprising that visitors to the Council of Constance, the largest congress in the Middle Ages, valued Thurgau especially. One participant at the Council wrote in 1415, “The lake is clear as crystal and filled with excellent fish ... there is wonderful white bread to be had (accompanied by) wine, meat of all kinds, milk, cheese, eggs, fish, apples and grapes.

Everything that is necessary, useful or enjoyable for man and animal is available in abundance ….” Other guests engrossed their minds in the monasteries’ well-equipped libraries, relaxed on country estates and gardens, or simply enjoyed the hospitality of the local people. All things that can still be experienced by guests today.

From secular hell to earthly paradise

Visit a church and take time out

No other region boasts as many architectural baroque treasures as Upper Swabia. It is said that here, heaven is close enough to touch. That is not because of its high hills, but also the many buildings in the region by baroque masters who created a paradise on earth.

There are plenty of good reasons for visiting the many churches, monasteries and chapels in the Lake Constance region, whether to admire their architecture, as part of a pilgrimage, or simply to enjoy quiet contemplation. For centuries, they have been places of power and refuge, and still offer visitors today a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and the opportunity to pause for a while. Rediscover the landscape around Lake Constance in the footsteps of monks and nuns, pilgrims and crusaders.

Ittingen Charterhouse – Experience history and art

Churches, convents and the Council of Constance | Bodensee Magazine 35

600 Years of the Council of Constance 2014 -2018

Habemus Papam – The papal election in Constance

Selection of events in 2017

The Roman cardinal Oddo Colonna was elected pope 600 years ago, on 11 November 1417, in the warehouse on the harbour in Constance in the only valid papal election to have taken place north of the Alps to the present day. As the universally acknowledged pope, Martin V ended the 40-year Great Schism of Western Christianity.

Since the end of 1414, church and secular dignitaries from all over Europe had met in Constance for the largest congress the West had ever seen: As many as 70,000 visitors stayed in the small town on Lake Constance during the four years of the Council of Constance. High representatives from the clergy and nobility came to discuss matters of the church and politics, bringing in their entourage numerous scholars, merchants and artists to take care of more worldly matters. On the “Eve of the Renaissance,” participants from all over Europe engaged in a lively exchange of beliefs and opinions, knowledge and wares, art and culture.

By now, the Council had already convened in Constance for three years, the incumbent popes Benedict XIII and Johannes XXIII had been removed from office by the Council, and Gregor XII had announced his intention to step down. Progress had been made and the path had been cleared for electing a new pope. After long and difficult negotiations, the assembled dignitaries decided on the electoral regulations: In addition to the 23 cardinals present in Constance, each of the five “nationes” could select six electoral delegates. On 8 November 1417, the delegates were accompanied to the warehouse in Constance. Situated at the harbour, the building was surrounded by water on three sides and was therefore easy to guard. Furthermore, it was an ideal size for holding a conclave.

The electoral rules turned out to be expedient: After just two rounds of voting, a new pope was elected on 11 November, St. Martin’s Day: “Habemus papam” rang out from the Council building.

As part of the celebrations to mark “600 Years of the Council of Constance 2014 – 2018”, the fourth year is dedicated to this historic papal election. The “Year of Religions” is an opportunity for the town of Constance and its partners to focus on the world religions in an informative, entertaining and artistic way. The “Year of Religions”, which is also the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in Germany, is an occasion to intensify the dialogue between religions within Europe. As well as celebratory events to commemorate the papal election in Constance, visitors can look forward to new insights into the world religions. Enjoy a fresh perspective on history!

Year of Religions all year round Kunstfonds Konzil Special focus: Religion and migration 08 April to 29 October 2017 Jewish Life in Medieval Constance Exhibition project by the University of Konstanz in cooperation with the State Archaeological Museum Constance ALM Winter Questions of Faith – A Lecture without Answers Carolin Schulz and Cecilia Preiß as part of Kunstfonds Konzil Under the roof of Constance cathedral

36 Bodensee Magazine | Council of Constance

Konzil 2.0 November 2017 2nd Constance Council Award Martin V – Papal elections 22 October to 17 November 2017 Paper Mitres and Tiaras Exhibition Trinity Church 10 November 2017 Grand St. Martin’s Procession with performance on Münsterplatz square 11 November 2017 Ceremonial act and service to commemorate the papal election SELECTION OF EVENTS IN 2018 1 March to 8 April 2018 “Glorious Paradise, I find you in Constance.

The Ideals and Irony of Oswald von Wolkenstein” Exhibition by the University of Konstanz 7 to 11 March 2018 Minnesong meets Poetry Slam Festival of lyric poetry June 2018 LA JUIVE. Opera in town

THE EASE OF BEING

ARRIVE AND RELAX: RIVA – THE HOTEL AT LAKE CONSTANCE The „Swabian Sea“ at the feet and the Swiss mountains in view: This is the RIVA, the only one-of-a-kind destination from Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) in the Lake Constance region.

Located directly on the stylish lakeside promenade, just a few steps from the historic streets of Constance. Arrive, relax and just be. In the perfect symbiosis of an original Art Nouveau villa and a modern lake house featuring individual design, excellent service, and exceptional dining: international gourmet cuisine at the 2-star Michelin restaurant Ophelia and regional culinary delights in the RIVA lakeside restaurant. 51 light-flooded rooms and suites, an exclusive spa with a spectacular pool deck, a spacious fireplace lounge with a naturally lively terrace and garden by the lake. You could only ever feel more comfortable inside your own four walls! Welcome to RIVA, one of the finest addresses in the world of beautiful private hotels.

RIVA KONSTANZ Seestraße 25 78464 Konstanz Tel. +49 (0) 7531 – 3 63 09-0 Fax +49 (0) 7531 – 3 63 09-99 www.hotel-riva.de

Mainau Island is always worth a visit. The 45-hectare island is a great place to explore, with impressive views and sights at every turn, and is a constant source of new surprises. Leave the stress of everyday life behind you on a tour of the flower island with all its diversity. Magnificent flower displays the whole year round add to the experience.

MAINAU ISLAND

Experience nature

Photos: Mainau Island/Peter Allgaier

all year round

The Mainau flower year traditionally starts with the orchid display in the Palm House in March. Considered one of the most significant of its kind in Europe, it features around 3000 different orchid varieties in imaginative arrangements. Outdoors, too, the flower year begins with magnificent spring blossoms. The first snowdrops and winter aconites often appear as early as February, followed by colourful crocuses and of course tulips with their many different unique colours and forms. Some 400 different tulip varieties blossom in the flower beds and on the meadows lining the paths. More than 100,000 tulip bulbs are planted every year in the gardens on the south-facing slopes of the island alone and are part of the colourful ocean of flowers comprising more than one million spring flowers. Soon after, rhododendrons and peonies show their magnificent blossoms.

June, the month of roses, is the next highlight in the Mainau flower year. More than 1,000 varieties of the queen of flowers can be admired along the promenade lined with wild and shrub roses on the island’s southern shoreline and in the Italian rose garden, which was planted in 1871 at the foot of the castle by Frederick I, Grand Duke of Baden.

Every year, visitors to the island choose the most beautiful of all when they elect the Mainau Queen of Roses. The dahlia display has a long tradition on Mainau Island, heralding the autumn every year from September onwards with an explosion of colours. More than 12,000 dahlias of over 270 varieties unfold into a veritable firework of blossoms and vie for the attention of visitors, who get to choose the Mainau Queen of Dahlias of the year. On a walk through the park with views of the iridescent lake, discover Decorative Dahlias, Pompon Dahlias and Cactus Dahlias, to mention just a few. The arrival of autumn, when the leaves are painted in bright colours, is an ideal time for a stroll through the arboretum, the large collection of trees at the centre of the island with 250 species.

This unique arrangement is considered the heart of Mainau Island and was also planted

by Grand Duke Frederick I of Baden.

His great-grandson, Lennart Bernadotte, a Swedish prince by birth, redesigned the Grand Duke’s former summer residence to create a verdant paradise of plants and flowers and opened it to the public. Since 1974, Mainau Island has been managed as a limited liability company by Countess Bettina Bernadotte and her brother Count Björn Bernadotte.

By working in the middle of and with nature, the Bernadottes strive to create a balance between economic, ecological and social aspects, including the use of renewable energy.

(Island × Palm)² Every year, Mainau Island sets a theme for its exhibitions and events. In 2017, visitors can learn about the close connection between nature and mathematics from different perspectives under the motto “(Island × Palm Tree)² – A Numbers Game and a Plus for Colours”. There will be an exhibition on records in the world of plants, a flower bed planted in the form of an orb and a bed that illustrates the Pythagorean Theorem.

40 Bodensee Magazine | Mainau Island

“80 cm × 120 cm – Pallets full of Beauties” – Orchid exhibition with an unusual concept At the annual orchid display that traditionally takes place in the palm house, the Mainau gardeners combine more than 3,000 of these exotic treasures from the island’s collection of some 7,500 orchids in creative arrangements. The 2017 orchid display from 24 March to 7 May 2017 focuses on two orchid species: Encyclia and Epidendrum. They blossom in a wide variety of forms, colours and sizes. Referring to this year’s mathematical theme, the display has been given the unusual title “80 cm × 120 cm – Pallets full of Beauties”: The Mainau gardeners have chosen to arrange the tropical beauties on standard 80 cm by 120 cm euro-pallets. Visitors can relax among the flowers in a large area with stacked pallets populated by countless orchids. At the centre of the palm house, a water basin constructed out of pallets creates a perfect environment for orchids that prefer a particularly high level of humidity.

Count’s Festivals Among the highlights in the Mainau calendar are the annual festivals.

At the Count’s Island Festival, visitors can “stroll around, shop and enjoy” once again in 2017. From 25 to 28 May 2017, international exhibitors present trends and fashion for aficionados of gardening around the castle and in the rose garden, including all kinds of accessories for the house and garden, lifestyle and wellness articles. Children can enjoy the varied programme of entertainment.

“Noblesse oblige” is the motto at the twelfth Count’s Castle Festival.

From 29 September to 3 October 2017, rooms in baroque Mainau Castle that are not normally accessible are opened to the public, offering visitors a very special shopping experience with exclusive and exquisite jewellery, fashion and accessories. The supporting programme in the festive White Hall includes musical performances, historic fashion shows and the newest creations from Countess Tiana’s hat studio.

Mainau Flower Island D-78465 Insel Mainau Germany Phone: +49 (0) 7531 303-0 info@mainau.de www.mainau.de www.facebook.com/InselMainau

Information on the annual theme in 2018 as well as the dates for the orchid exhibition and the Count’s Festivals in 2018 will be available at www.mainau.de from the end of 2017.

Mainau Island | Bodensee Magazine

41

Welcome to Constance Constance, the largest town on Lake Constance, blends art, nature, business and science. Combining tradition with a modern spirit, art with shopping, quality of life with quality of work, Constance is the vibrant centre of the region at the border between Germany, Austria, the Principality of Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

The historic old town with its picturesque alleys and facades is ideal for leisurely shopping, and the harbour with its Mediterranean feel and breath-taking views of the lake and the Alps is a great place for a stroll. Visitors looking to indulge in some regional food and drink are well-catered for in the bars and restaurants. With signature events such as the Lake Night Festival (Seenachtfest) and the Christmas market, top attractions such as Mainau island, and pleasure cruises on Lake Constance, there is something here for everyone.

In search of history History is brought to life in Constance. Visitors can still find traces of the Council of Constance, the landmark event in the history of the town, which took place around 600 years ago (1414-1418). The Council building, the Imperia statue at the harbour, the Hus stone and other places of interest all have associations with this momentous medieval event.

Venues such as the Rosgartenmuseum, the State Archaeological Museum and the Hus Museum bring history closer. Come and enjoy a trip back in time.

A cultural experience The oldest town theatre in Germany, which has been putting on productions ever since 1607, and the South West German Philharmonic Orchestra are renowned for their excellent programmes throughout the year. Top events such as the Lake Festival (Seenachtsfest), Jazz in the Autumn, the Christmas market, the legendary carnival (Fasnacht) and many other cultural events provide entertainment for all tastes, whatever the season.

Bodenseeforum, the brand new venue for conferences and events in Constance, is also well worth a visit.

42  Bodensee Magazine | Constance

Photos: Dagmar Schwelle

Shopping, sightseeing and eating out If you want to go shopping, eat out or visit the local attractions, Marktstätte square at the heart of Constance is the perfect starting point for a leisurely stroll around the picturesque town centre. More than 400 specialist shops in town and in LAGO, the largest shopping centre on Lake Constance, provide a high-quality mix of brands and stores.

After a day’s shopping, you can unwind at one of the many cosy cafés, wine taverns and restaurants serving local cuisine, take in the amazing views of the lake and of the Alps from the harbour, or explore the charming alleys of the old town, for example in the Niederburg district. A visit to the underwater world of SEA LIFE Constance, a trip on a catamaran or a relaxing end to the day at the thermal baths – there are so many amazing things to see and do all year round.

Discover nature Whether you prefer sailing, surfing, swimming, diving or canoeing, Constance offers many leisure activities on and around the lake. You can swim for free and enjoy lovely sunbathing lawns, playgrounds and restaurants at Horn beach, as well as at other lidos in Litzelstetten, Dingelsdorf and Wallhausen, all with direct access to the lake. In the picturesque countryside around Constance, walkers can enjoy exciting and varied routes along the water’s edge, through the forests and past flowering meadows. Keen cyclists and inline skaters are also spoilt for choice on the well-maintained and signposted cycle routes. Mainau island offers a full programme of events throughout the year, while Reichenau island and the idyllic villages nearby promise an experience close to nature.

Both islands are well worth a visit.

Marketing und Tourismus Konstanz GmbH Tourist-Information Bahnhofplatz 43 D-78462 Constance Phone: +49 (0) 7531 1330-30 kontakt@konstanz-info.com www.konstanz-tourismus.de

Constance | Bodensee Magazine 43

Photo: Dagmar Schwelle

TIP:

Church-goers at Constance Cathedral

Best of the West

New in 2017: Public guided tour in English from June to September on Saturdays at 11:30.

Price: €10 Start: Tourist information office, Bahnhofplatz 43 Duration: 2 hours Take a guided walkabout tour through the old town of Constance, which has remained relatively unchanged since the Middle Ages.

For further information, see page 42

With its many cultural and historical attractions and natural beauty spots, Western Lake Constance stretches from the Hegau region, past the Untersee and the north-western shores of the lake, all the way to Constance, the town that gives the lake its international name. It is shaped by volcanic hills, unspoiled landscapes, prehistoric settlements, and medieval and baroque churches, castles and fortresses. There are plenty of things to see and do for nature lovers and culture buffs alike.

Take a hike through the volcanic landscape on the “Hegau Skittles” trail Vistiors who want to explore the Hegau region by foot will find an intact landscape. Enjoy the quiet paths, stroll across the gentle hills and experience the raw volcanic rocks of the Hegau and the rampaging waters of the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen that plunge down to a depth of more than 23 metres. Admire the magnificent views from the top of the volcanic hills crowned by fortresses as far as Lake Constance and the Alps that seem close enough to touch.

Hegau, the volcanic landscape shaped by fire, water and ice at the western end of Lake Constance offers an unforgettable hiking adventure through unspoilt nature on one of seven routes that make up the “Hegauer Kegelspiel”, or Hegau Skittles trail. www.hegau.de 44 Bodensee Magazine | Western Lake Constance

SeeGang – A unique pleasure for all the senses With breathtaking views, magical forest paths, fortress ruins steeped in history, mysterious ravines, flowering fruit orchards, Mediterranean lakeside promenades, culinary treats, world-famous Mainau island and much more, the SeeGang hiking trail completed in 2014 promises fascinating moments around the north-western end of Lake Constance.

This 50-kilometre-long premium hiking trail allows you a great deal of freedom: You decide where to begin and end your tour. It is a wonderful experience, with the invigorating yet beneficial and calming aura of Lake Constance as your constant companion. www.premiumwanderweg-seegang.de

The pilgrims’ path at the “Schrotzburg“

Bodensee-Therme in Constance

MAC Museum of Arts and Cars in Singen

Bright prospects for church-goers and pilgrims There are plenty of good reasons for visiting the many churches, monasteries and chapels in the Lake Constance region. Even 600 years ago during the Council of Constance, participants from all over the world came to visit the region’s churches. The same is still true today.

The brochure “Bodenseekirchenbesucher” (Lake Constance Churches Visitor’s Guide) offers a guide to the most beautiful churches, chapels and destinations for pilgrimages in Western Lake Constance. These include small gems as well as significant churches with world-class artworks. The brochure also provides information on ancient pilgrims’ trails, ­suggestions for days out, an overview of the most interesting religious festivals and a personal pilgrim’s passport that allows you to enjoy an invigorating “pilgrim’s meal” at many restaurants on the Untersee.

Free ticket for western Lake Constance Guests staying in the towns and villages of Allensbach, Bodman-Ludwigshafen, Gaienhofen, Gailingen, Moos, Öhningen, Radolfzell, Steisslingen, Stockach and on Reichenau Island can enjoy a comfortable ride to destinations in the region by bus or train free of charge during the day. The VHB guest card can also be used as a ticket for the entire district of Constance, even as far as Stein am Rhein and Überlingen. It gives a 20 percent discount on Swiss scheduled passenger boats between Constance and Schaffhausen, and 25 percent off the entrance fee to the Sealife Centre in Constance, to name just two examples. The accompanying brochure “Ausflugstipps am westlichen Bodensee” (Out and About in Western Lake Constance) is a practical planning tool.

Along the SeeGang hiking trail

BodenSeeWest Tourismus e.V. Phone: +49 (0) 7735 919055 info@bodenseewest.eu www.bodenseewest.eu Hegau Tourismus e.V. Phone: +49 (0) 7731 85 -262 tourist-info.stadt@singen.de www.hegau.de Marketing und Tourismus Konstanz GmbH Phone: +49 (0) 7531 133030 kontakt@konstanz-info.com www.konstanz-tourismus.de Bodman-Ludwigshafen Tourist Office Phone: +49 (0) 7773 930040 info@bodmann-ludwigshafen.de www.bodenseepur.de Stadt Stockach Phone: +49 (0) 7771 802300 tourist-info@stockach.de www.stockach.de

www.bodensee.eu/de/wohin-reisen/westlicher-bodensee Western Lake Constance | Bodensee Magazine 45

Two countries one holiday region Untersee

Relaxation, exercise in the fresh air, good food, towns steeped in history, significant personalities and highquality events: That is the agenda for a perfect holiday at the western end of Lake Constance.

Out and about in nature The Untersee boasts an abundance of natural resources in a small area: hidden bays, unspoiled shorelines, extensive nature reserves and plenty of opportunities for hiking or cycling. E-bike tours are an ideal way to explore the hilly Bodanrück ridge. Nature lovers get their money’s worth on excursions organised by the nature protection organisation NABU, for example in the Wollmatinger Ried marshes, where they can observe rare animal species and plant varieties in their natural habitat.

For those who prefer to explore the area by themselves, there are two trails through the marshes. The observation platforms at the end of Mettnau Peninsula, at the campsite in Hegne and on the causeway to Reichenau Island are particularly recommended.

Heading out onto the lake The Untersee is shallower than the main part of Lake Constance, calmer, with fewer waves, maybe even “more sophisticated”, as aficionados of this part of the lake like to say. It is an ideal place to try out different water sports. How about hiring a canoe or a kayak, or even a paddle board – stand-up paddling is all the rage at the moment.

One of the newest kinds of water sports is kite-surfing. Kiteboarders 46 Bodensee Magazine | Untersee

can take to the air in Berlingen near Steckborn, in the lakeside park in Allensbach or at Sandseele campsite on Reichenau Island. “Seewiefke”, an elegant sailing ship from Friesland, promises a more relaxing ride. Alternatively, you can cross the German-Swiss border on one of the scheduled passenger boats in just a few minutes. The two futuristic solar ferries that glide almost soundlessly over the water are an insider tip.

In the footsteps of famous artists The western part of Lake Constance has always attracted artists such as Otto Dix, Adolf Dietrich, or Erich Heckel. Visitors to the region can follow in their footsteps and experience the region through an artist’s eyes. On a walk along the Art Route with 31 stations in total, you can compare the artists’ paintings with the original views in nature.

In Otto Dix’s former family home in Gaienhofen-Hemmenhofen, interested visitors can find out where one of the most important artists of the 20th century spent a large part of his life. Hermann Hesse also lived and worked in the area. The Hesse Museum in his first house in Gaienhofen is a good starting point for a literary tour.

Photo: Marcel Meier

BodenSeeWest Tourismus e.V. Im Kohlgarten 2 D-78343 Gaienhofen Phone: +49 (0) 7735 919 055 info@bodenseewest.eu www.bodenseewest.eu

Tips

Paradise behind garden fences The western end of Lake Constance is a “blossoming” landscape in the truest sense of the word. This region blessed by nature boasts a gardening tradition that dates back centuries. The Reichenau monk Walahfrid Strabo wrote Europe’s first gardening handbook almost 1,200 years ago. An herb garden based on his instruction manual “Hortulus – On the Cultivation of Gardens” has been planted close to Reichenau Minster in his honour. Various castle parks and monastery gardens in the region attract visitors from far and wide, but the private gardens that are open to the public at the Garden Rendezvous are particularly delightful. All 40 gardens tell their own story and reveal their owner’s style and passion.

Pure pleasure Countless fruit orchards and vegetable gardens are strung along the Untersee. During the Whitefish Weeks in autumn, visitors can try more than one type of fish from Lake Constance. Cheese and fine chocolate are made on the Swiss shores using traditional methods, while the Höri peninsula is known above all for the “Höri-Bülle”, a particularly mild onion. A hike with four courses on Reichenau Island, a culinary cycle tour of Höri peninsula, an evening gourmet market in Radolfzell, a boat trip with wine tasting on the Höri ferry, brunch on the scheduled boats of the Untersee and Rhine shipping company and plenty of culinary festivals provide further opportunities to enjoy local delicacies.

Worth Every Moment – Radolfzell celebrates its 750th anniversary in 2017 ■ Radolfzell received its town charter 750 years ago in 1267, triggering an economic boom in this small market town.

■ Event highlights: 5 May “Night of Radolfzell Companies”; 24 September “SWR1 Pfännle”; 22 April to 29 October double exhibition “My Schiesser – Yesterday and Today” www.r750lfzell.de Holidays on Lake Constance with added value – VHB guest card ■ Guests in Allensbach, Bodman-Ludwigshafen, Gaienhofen, Gailingen, Moos, Öhningen, Radolfzell, Steisslingen, Stockach and on Reichenau Island get to travel free on buses and trains in the district of Constance including Stein am Rhein and Überlingen ■ 20% discount on Swiss passenger boats between Schaffhausen and Constance ■ 25% discount on the entrance fee to SEA LIFE Konstanz ■ Reductions at Napoleon Museum Thurgau, Hesse Museum Gaienhofen and many more ■ Free guided tours, reduced entrance to lidos and museums, reduced rent on bicycles or boats Tour planner than 70 cycling and hiking tours at the western end of Lake Constance ■ Detailed descriptions of routes to download www.bodenseewest.eu ■ More

Untersee | Bodensee Magazine 47

RADOLFZELL AM BODENSEE

Much more...

...than just underwear

Dynamic, sexy, exciting, inspiring or just plain comfortable – there are many ways to describe not only Radolfzell’s most famous product, but also the town itself.

Nowadays, most people not only associate the town of Radolfzell on Lake Constance with Schiesser, a well-known underwear brand. The town is also known for holidays, relaxation, leisure and health. Blessed with an ideal climate (Radolfzell boasts the most hours of sunshine on the lake), it has a s­ outhern flair that is reflected in the way of life of the people who live here.

Situated at the heart of the holiday region of Untersee, the town of Radolfzell captivates visitors with its charm. There is plenty to discover here: a medieval town centre, attractive gardens in the town’s former moat, narrow lanes and historic buildings. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through town and enjoy the cosy cafés and restaurants, exclusive shops and boutiques, as well as the Seemaxx factory outlet centre.

With a wide choice of regional products such as fish from Lake Constance, wine, vegetables and salads, the region also spoils guests with culinary delicacies. A visit to the weekly market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings and the culinary evening market in the summer months on the market square should not be missed.

Festivals and events Besides Fasnacht – the region around Radolfzell is known for its carnival celebrations – the traditional Hausherrenfest in July is a special highlight in Radolfzell’s calendar. At this festival, the town’s patron saints are honoured with church celebrations, processions on the water and on land as well as a colourful secular festival programme with music and fireworks.

Radolfzell has a special reason to celebrate in 2017: This year marks the 750th anniversary of its town charter with anniversary editions of popular events such as the musical Summer Academy with concerts in the town centre, as well as new events with a focus on history, music, nature, cuisine and the economy. A further highlight in the anniversary year is an exhibition on Schiesser from 22 April to 29 October with products and stories from the company’s 145-year history.

48 Bodensee Magazine | Radolfzell

Mettnau health resort Vitality up to old age is the aim of Mettnau health resort on the peninsula of the same name. The health concept not only includes medical aspects, but also focuses on exercise and healthy nutrition.

Paradise for water birds The extensive nature reserves on Mettnau peninsula and magical Lake Mindelsee near the village of Möggingen teem with life. Numerous species of birds breed here in the summer months. Countless migrant birds use the lake as a stop-over on their way south. They are also the subject of ornithological research by the Max Planck Institute at Radolfzell ornithological station. Those interested can gain an insight into the scientists’ work in the institute’s new visitors’ centre in Möggingen Castle.

Radolfzell on Lake Constance – a rewarding destination for holiday guests, active holiday-makers, health, culture and nature enthusiasts, bargain-hunters and more.

For more information, see: Tourist and City Marketing GmbH, Radolfzell Bahnhofplatz 2 D-78315 Radolfzell / Lake Constance info@radolfzell-tourismus.de www.radolfzell-tourismus.de

Lively metropolis SINGEN and the Hegau region

under the Hohentwiel

Right at the heart of the volcanic landscape of Hegau, the Hohentwiel rears its majestic head. This extinct volcano watches over the town of Singen, the region’s clandestine capital, and is at the same time its landmark. The lively metropolis at the heart of the Hegau region is a fascinating cultural centre and bustling shopping paradise in one. Two large pedestrian zones in Singen’s city centre offer a wide variety of shops to wander through. After a successful day in town, visitors can relax in one of the many cheerful street cafés or bars. Singen also boasts a lively cultural scene. While the new municipal hall offers a varied programme that can compare with any major city, the town’s art museum presents work by famous artists such as Otto Dix, Max Ackermann and Erich Heckel as well as contemporary art from the region. The town park on an island between the Aach river and the Mühle canal has an impressive population of old trees. In spring, a wonderful sea of flowers spreads as far as the eye can see. Relax and unwind in the shade of gigantic redwood trees.

The new MAC museum in Singen The new Museum of Art and Cars (MAC) stands out with its curved fortress-like concrete facade. The museum presents vintage cars and paintings. Art treasures are displayed here for the first time in temporary exhibitions – every six months all paintings are rehung and the vintage cars replaced. The museum is already a new architectural landmark in the town today.

Come and visit us!

The Hegau region – A fascinating landscape Throughout the ages, numerous poets and authors have sung the praises of the lush countryside at the western end of Lake Constance between the Rhine and Danube rivers. The landscape’s unique, distinctive character is the result of two very opposing elements – v­ olcanic

fire and glacial ice. Bizarre volcanic formations, stately knights’ castles, the thundering Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen and bewitching rivers all characterize the Hegau region in the southernmost corner of Germany. Nine cone-shaped relicts of archaic volcanic activity tower in strange formations throughout the hilly landscape between the Swabian highlands and Lake Constance. Not only is their form highly unusual but their names are unique too: Hohenkrähen, Hohenhewen, Hohenstoffeln. The most famous amongst them, Hohentwiel near Singen, is crowned by the oldest fortress ruins in Germany. An extensive network of hiking and cycling routes along streams and lakes, past volcanic formations and vast fortresses make the Hegau region a fascinating destination for sports lovers.

Premium hiking trails in Hegau High-quality hiking trails lead to volcanic cones topped by fortresses and along idyllic rivers, a treat for anyone who loves rambling. On nine selected round walks, you can enjoy the beauty of the landscape, the peace and solitude, far away from the hustle and bustle of major towns and yet close to Lake Constance. Explore the region on the premium hiking trail “Hegauer Kegelspiel” (Hegau Skittles), a play of words inspired by the unique volcanic hills that rise up unexpectedly from the landscape like bowling pins.

Culture & Tourist Office Singen Hohgarten 4 D-78224 Singen Phone: +49 (0) 7731 85 510 510 tourist-info.stadt@singen.de www.hegau.de

Hegau Tourism Hohgarten 4 / Stadthalle D-78224 Singen Phone: +49 (0) 7731 85 510 514 tourist-info.stadt@singen.de www.hegau.de Singen | Bodensee Magazine 49

Come and enjoy

Überlingen on Lake Constance

Überlingen is nestled between the gentle rolling hills of the Linzgau region and Lake Constance, which spreads out in front of the town like a mirror. Here on the sun-drenched northern shores of the lake, the town with its wonderful parks and gardens, its long waterside promenade lined with cafés and restaurants and the winding lanes through its old town centre invites visitors to linger and enjoy the views.

What better place to do so than in the shady arbours and on the inviting benches in Überlingen’s town park. Looking onto the impressive cactus garden, you can listen to the bubbling fountain and enjoy this peaceful green haven just a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre. The town park is just one of several gardens that can be visited on a walk along the four-kilometre “Gartenkulturpfad” (cultural garden path). Whether Badgarten park, Uferpark directly on the shores of Lake Constance, the panoramic gardens of the municipal museum or the fortress-like town moat that encircles the town centre like a green belt, Überlingen surely offers a unique choice of places to find peace in the midst of nature in the Lake Constance region. Überlingen’s town centre is not the only place where you can discover nature at every step. An extensive network of hiking and cycling routes around Überlingen and the seven surrounding villages is ideal for exploring the region by bicycle, e-bike or on foot. Wonderful panoramic views, steep cliffs, impressive ravines and a sea of fruit orchards and vineyards accompany you on your rambles along Lake Constance and through the Linzgau region. Cosy country inns, cafés and restaurants offer refreshment along the way. And since Lake Constance’s pantry 50 Bodensee Magazine | Überlingen

is always full to bursting with freshly caught fish, crisp fruit and vegetables and tangy wines whatever the season, these outstanding ingredients arrive fresh on your plate. You can also take a piece of Lake Constance home with you in the form of regional delicacies that can be bought at the weekly and farmers’ markets as well as from farm shops and direct sellers.

The best place to relax, especially in autumn and winter, is in the warm water of Überlingen’s Bodensee-Therme spa. The outdoor pool offers fantastic views across Lake Constance to the snow-covered peaks of the massive Alpine range. After sweating it out in the sauna, you can plunge into Lake Constance to cool down. What better way to end an eventful holiday.

Kur und Touristik Überlingen GmbH Landungsplatz 3-5 D-88662 Überlingen am Bodensee Phone: +49 (0) 7551 9471522 info@ueberlingen-bodensee.de www.ueberlingen-bodensee.de

Castles & more

Meersburg

Meersburg’s particularly attractive position surrounded by steep vineyards on Lake Constance drew travellers even centuries ago. According to legend, the Merovingians built the first castle, whose medieval silhouette still dominates the town today. Quaint alleys with half-timbered buildings and picturesque squares surround the representative baroque buildings of the New Palace, the former Priests’ College and the Dominican Convent, while vantage points offer magnificent views of the lake and the Alps.

Culture in Meersburg The living quarters and staterooms of the New Palace show how the Prince Bishops lived during the baroque era. The “picture-book town” of Meersburg has always attracted artists, such as painters and writers. Visitors to historic Meersburg Castle can see the rooms where Germany’s greatest poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff once lived and worked.

Concerts at the New Palace and Open-air Music The New Palace provides an elegant setting for music. Well-known musicians perform between May and December in the Hall of Mirrors with its brilliant acoustics, which are only surpassed by the outstanding views of the lake. The open-air concerts on the castle’s square are a highlight in summer.

Meersburg’s Museums “VINEUM Bodensee – House of Wine, Culture and History”, set in the town’s newly restored cultural monument with the historic wine press from 1607 at its centre, is dedicated to the world of wine around Lake Constance. The Bible Gallery gives insight into the relationship between art and religion. For people interested in the history of airship

Town of Meersburg Tourist Information Kirchstraße 4 D-88709 Meersburg Phone: +49 (0) 7532 440 400 E-mail: info@meersburg.de www.meersburg.de

navigation, the Zeppelin Museum displays historical collectors’ items from the time of the “flying cigars”.

Regional Wine in Meersburg What better way to get to know a wine-growing region than by sampling its wines. The State Winery and Wine Growers’ Association hold wine-tasting sessions four times a week. Wine connoisseurs look forward to the traditional Lake Constance Wine Festival that takes place every year on the second weekend in September. Wine-growing estates from the Lake Constance region present a selection of their products accompanied by an entertaining programme of events and a wide choice of regional food.

Meersburg Therme Meersburg Therme is a spa situated right on the shores of Lake Constance. The large indoor pool is connected to the outdoor pool so that visitors have the opportunity to swim outside and enjoy the unforgettable views of the lake, even during winter, as the water temperature is kept at 34°C all year round. Another highlight is the spacious sauna area with a choice of saunas and steam baths.

Meersburg | Bodensee Magazine 51

Family holidays on Lake Constance

Schwäbischer Bodensee

The “Schwäbischer Bodensee” holiday region on the northern shores of Lake Constance between Friedrichshafen and Lindau is the perfect place for a family holiday on the “Swabian Sea”, as Lake Constance is fondly called.

The four resorts of Eriskirch, Kressbronn, Langenargen and Neukirch with a wide choice of apartments, holiday farms and fruit farms, Gohren campsite directly on the lakeshore, Langenargen family holiday village and the Ravensburger Spieleland theme park just 10 km away, have just what you need for a relaxed and exciting family holiday.

Lake Constance Cycle Track

Boat rides and water sports

From the 2017 season onwards, visitors to Langenargen and Eriskirch can take advantage of the new ECHT BODENSEE CARD. Guests who stay at least one night in Langenargen or Eriskirch can travel free of charge on buses and trains of the Lake Constance and Upper Swabia transport association.

The boats of the White Fleet depart from Kressbronn and Langenargen heading for the best-known destinations around the lake, such as Mainau Island, Meersburg Castle or the pile dwellings in Unteruhldingen. There is also plenty for fans of water sports to do: Lake Constance boasts the largest centre for water sports on the lake. Three modern harbours offer berths for 2,500 boats. Every year at Whitsun at the Match Race Germany, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2017, the world’s best sailors battle it out boat against boat to crown the champion.

The Lake Constance Cycle Track is one of the most popular cycle paths in Europe. Thanks to the region’s central position, guests can combine the tour with a boat or a train ride and cycle round Lake Constance without having to spend each night in a different hotel.

ECHT BODENSEE CARD

Schwäbischer Bodensee Obere Seestr. 2/1 D-88085 Langenargen touristinfo@langenargen.de www.schwaebischer-bodensee.de See here for more information on “Schwäbischer Bodensee”:

52 Bodensee Magazine | Schwäbischer Bodensee

NONNENHORN “ENJOY LIFE ON THE LAKE” …is the philosophy in the idyllic winegrowing village of Nonnenhorn.

This charming health resort on the shores of Lake Constance is surrounded by fruit trees and vineyards as well as glorious panoramic views of the Alps on the opposite shore.

Visitors love it here in the quieter early part of the season, when the first warm sunrays create an almost Mediterranean flair. When the fruit trees come into blossom, active holiday-makers set off on the many cycling, hiking and Nordic Walking routes. Autumn is also a time to enjoy, with vivid colours and aromatic fruits at harvest time For gourmets, excellent restaurants offer culinary delicacies made from regional produce accompanied by local wines. Those who prefer a more rustic atmosphere should take time to visit one of the traditional “Rädle” taverns that grow and sell their own wines and where you can enjoy a hearty snack in good company.

Further attractions include the pretty 13th century St. Jacob´s chapel, the 400 year old wine press, and the beautifully cared-for village museum.

The lido on the lake with a heated pool promises fun and relaxation for young and old.

Various concerts, guided cycle tours and walking paths through the orchards, explanations about the wine press by winegrowers, and popular festivities are organized almost all year round.

Nonnenhorn- “Enjoy life on the lake”…..welcomes you!

Tourist-Information Nonnenhorn Seehalde 2 D-88149 Nonnenhorn Phone: +49 (0) 8382 8250 tourist-info@nonnenhorn.eu www.nonnenhorn.eu

WASSERBURG

Situated on the north-eastern shores of Lake Constance on a heritage listed peninsula, the village of Wasserburg is a real eye-catcher. It offers plenty to discover, whatever the season: In spring, when – earlier than elsewhere – forsythias and magnolias provide a dash of colour; in May, when the fruit trees blossom; in summer, when the lake promises refreshment; in autumn, when fiery red and bright yellow leaves transform nature; and even in winter, when the church steeple in the village is covered with glistening snow.

Festivals are celebrated in style in Wasserburg. Visitors can enjoy traditional culinary delights from the region in a relaxed atmosphere, with fresh, local specialities from the lake and the garden, with wine, beer, rituals and music! Events like the monthly evening market, maypole dancing, the “Fish and Lake” festival, the Wine Festival “Komm und

See“ as well as the open-air cinema in Aquamarin swimming pool right on the shores of the lake promise fun and enjoyment for all.

Wasserburg, surrounded by Lake Constance with views of the Austrian and Swiss Alps, offers a wide choice of sporting activities and leisure opportunities for all the family!

Tourist Information Wasserburg Lindenplatz 1 D-88142 Wasserburg Phone: +49 (0) 8382 887474 tourist-info@wasserburg-bodensee.de www.wasserburg-bodensee.de Nonnenhorn/Wasserburg | Bodensee Magazine 53

Welcome to the holiday region of

Upper Swabia and Allgäu Upper Swabia and Allgäu, the holiday region between Lake Constance and the River Danube in southwest Germany, is an ideal destination for cyclists, nature lovers and wellness fans. There is so much to discover here, with unique nature reserves, baroque churches, monasteries and castles, wonderful small towns, a wide choice of natural lakes to swim in and beneficial thermal baths.

A cycling trip or motorhome holiday is an ideal way to get to know the region and its people at first hand. There are plenty of attractive destinations that promise a great experience for old and young, all year round. To explore the holiday region of Upper Swabia and Allgäu, you can find ideas for excursions and days out at www.oberschwaben-tourismus.de

Discovering Upper Swabia and Allgäu by motorhome A number of well-known motorhome manufacturers are based in the region, such as Carthago in Aulendorf, Dethleffs in Isny, or Hymer in Bad Waldsee. As a result, the infrastructure is especially geared to the demands of motorhome and caravan owners. There are lots of places to park your motorhome in Upper Swabia and Allgäu in southwest Germany, often close to town centres, spas or family-friendly destinations. Motorhome owners will find ideal conditions here for an enjoyable and relaxed stay whatever the time of year, even in winter.

Spas & moor It is hard to find a region with a greater concentration of therapeutic baths and spa towns than Upper Swabia and Allgäu. Visitors can benefit from the natural healing properties of moor, also called the “black gold of Upper Swabia”, and the healthy climate in the region. With its countless spas, unique moorlands and extensive hills, Upper Swabia and Allgäu is the perfect destination for a relaxing holiday.

Divine enjoyment for children A holiday in Upper Swabia and Allgäu is a great experience for the whole family. The Ravensburg Spieleland theme park, just a few kilometres south of Ravensburg, is heaven on earth for children, with games and recreational activities set in glorious nature. The open-air museums in Wolfegg and Kürnbach or the stone-age village in Federseemuseum Bad Buchau organise exciting programmes for all the family, including at weekends and in the holidays.

54 Bodensee Magazine | Upper Swabia & Allgäu

Photo: Fouad Vollmer

Upper Swabia and Allgäu for cyclists – Danube Lake Constance Route Danube Lake Constance Route starts in Ulm on the River Danube and ends on the shores of Lake Constance, linking two well-known longdistance cycle paths, the Danube Cycle Path and the Lake Constance Cycle Path. The first attraction is Ulm Cathedral with the tallest church tower in the world.

From here, the path continues towards Biberach, where the beautiful market square is an ideal place for a rest. This is followed by a steep climb, rewarded with fantastic views and a fast downhill run past meadows and through woods. The Kneipp spa town of Bad Waldsee boasts an attractive historic centre nestled between two small lakes. A visit to Waldsee-Therme spa will revive tired legs.

After cycling through the wild, romantic valley of Wolfegger Ach River, why not visit the Allgäu and Upper Swabia Farmhouse Museum in Wolfegg? Villages, flowering meadows and woodlands line the road to Kißlegg on the shores of picturesque Lake Zellersee. The town centre with impressive Kißlegg New Castle is worth seeing, as is the historic old town of Wangen, our next destination. This is the start of the last section of the route, including a thrilling downhill ride to Lake Constance with magnificent panoramic views of the Alps, as we cycle through nature reserves and extensive apple and cherry orchards and hops plantations to Kressbronn on Lake Constance.

The path has strenuous sections, but there are also plenty of opportunities for a rest in between: Enjoy a swim in the many natural lakes, or relax in the spas and thermal baths, such as Jordanbad in Biberach or Waldsee-Therme spa. There are also plenty of other stops along the way: Museums, historic old towns with medieval centres and the Upper Swabian Baroque Route offer cultural diversity. A visit to an inn or beer garden with regional specialties and traditionally brewed beer is particularly enjoyable.

Danube Lake Constance Route: Start: Ulm End: Kressbronn am Bodensee Length: 153 km, ascent: 936 m, descent: 984 m

The guide “Cycling routes in Upper Swabia & Allgäu” is available free of charge (in German only) from Oberschwaben Tourismus GmbH Neues Kloster 1 D-88427 Bad Schussenried, Germany Phone: +49 (0) 7583 3310-60 info@oberschwaben-tourismus.de www.danube-lake-constance-route.com www.oberschwaben-tourismus.de Upper Swabia & Allgäu | Bodensee Magazine 55

Tettnang New Palace

Baroque Heaven Opulent Splendour In the baroque era, castle owners and abbots outbid each other to build the most beautiful residences.

Their legacy can be admired throughout Upper Swabia to the present day.

This was certainly not a period of austerity and modesty. The lords and monks wanted to be like Louis XIV of France, or at least better than their direct neighbours. And they had a lot of neighbours in Upper Swabia: The region was divided among a large number of rulers with small dominions, so that magnificent castles sprung up everywhere.

For example, the Benedictines of Zwiefalten Abbey built Mochental Castle, a summer residence and retreat, high above the Danube. The new palace at Salem Monastery was even more magnificent, and is a prime example of how religious rulers were becoming increasingly secular in the way they presented themselves. The Counts of Montfort would accept nothing but the best either, when they built their baroque castle at Tettnang; they enjoyed court life so long that they eventually went bankrupt. Other castles in the region worth visiting include Bad Wurzach Castle, which boasts probably the most beautiful baroque staircase in Upper Swabia, and Meersburg Castle with picturesque views from its terrace as far as Constance Cathedral on the other side of the lake.

The guide is available free of charge (in German only) from Oberschwaben Tourismus GmbH, Neues Kloster 1, D-88427 Bad Schussenried, Phone +49 (0) 7583 3310-60 info@oberschwaben-tourismus.de www.upper-swabian-baroque-route.com

Ulm

oberschwäbische Barockstraße Hauptroute Ostroute Südroute Westroute Verbindungsroute

Kloster

Veringenstadt Riedlingen Kloster Heiligkreuztal Sigmaringen

Leibertingen

Donau

Oberstadion Biberach

Bad Buchau

Mengen

Inzigkofen

GutenzellOchsenhausen

Steinhausen Rot an der Rot Bad Saulgau Bad Schussenried Kürnbach Aulendorf Bad Waldsee

Kloster Sießen

Meßkirch

Kloster Habsthal

Kloster Wald Pfullendorf

Kartause Buxheim

Bad Wurzach i. A. Leutkirch i. A. Weingarten

Hilzingen

Basilika Birnau Insel Mainau Konstanz

Wolfegg Kißlegg i. A. Ravensburg Kloster und Schloss Salem Neues Schloss A96 Wangen i. A. Meersburg Neues Schloss Tettnang Isny i. A. Friedrichshafen

Schloss Achberg

Langenargen Bode nsee

SCHWEIZ

Bregenz

St. Gallen

Andreas Steidel 56

Bodensee Magazine | upper Swabia & Allgäu

A7

Kloster Wiblinge Ehingen Munderkingen

10

ca. 20 km

Trogen

ÖSTERREICH

Culture combined with lake views RAVENSBURG – Historical town

Photo: Achim Kleuker.

Ravensburg, formerly a major trade hub in the late Middle Ages, is still the economic centre of the region of Lake Constance and Upper Swabia today. A stroll through Ravensburg’s old town is a refreshing experience. Saunter through the narrow lanes, browse through the shops and sample the wares. The many boutiques and specialist shops in town have something for every taste, whether elegant, trendy or classic. The weekly market is a special highlight: Every Saturday, the lively market draws visitors who come to buy regional produce, fresh fruit and vegetables, aromatic bread, colourful flowers and international specialities.

City of towers and gates Ravensburg is home to seventeen towers and gates – round and square, with crenels and machicolations, brightly coloured and with simple patterns – that stand as elegant witnesses of former centuries.

One is the town’s landmark, the Mehlsack (Flour Bag) built in 1425.

From Blaserturm at the heart of the old town, visitors can look down on the brightly tiled roofs and enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the hills of the Allgäu region, glittering Lake Constance and as far as the snow-covered Alps.

Culture in the Museum District Four museums in Ravensburg’s old town are a magnet for culture buffs. These fascinating and inspiring galleries offer visitors a wide choice of exhibitions, all in close vicinity.

Town of games The Museum Ravensburger offers visitors an exciting experience to the world of Ravensburger, the company with the famous blue triangle.

Visitors of all ages are welcomed exploring interactively the history, playing games and jigsaw puzzles guided by an audio tour in English. www.museum-ravensburger.de

A journey to the Middle Ages Set at the heart of Ravensburg’s old town, the Humpis-Quartier is one of the best-preserved late medieval residential quarters in southern Germany. Back in the 15th century, the Humpis family of international traders built the housing complex we see today. This unusual museum gives visitors an emotional and authentic insight into the city’s cultural history from the 11th to the 21st century. www.museum-humpis-quartier.de

Ravensburg Art Museum This award-winning art museum is not only an architectural highlight.

Its exhibitions are based on the outstanding collections of Peter and Gudrun Selinka comprising more than 200 works by German expressionists as well as by the Cobra and Spur groups of artists. Parts of the collection are on permanent display. In addition, two to three temporary exhibitions are held every year with works of Classic Modernism and contemporary art. www.kunstmuseum-ravensburg.de

Ravensburg Museum of Economics Ravensburg Museum of Economics tells the story of the region’s economy in the 19th and 20th centuries with amusing anecdotes and original exhibits. www.wirtschaftsmuseum-ravensburg.de

Tip: The Ravensburg Museum Ticket is a fantastic opportunity to see all four museums!

Tourist Information Ravensburg Marienplatz 35, D-88212 Ravensburg Phone: +49 (0) 751 82 800 tourist-info@ravensburg.de www.ravensburg.de/tourismus Ravensburg | Bodensee Magazine 57

Switzerland

Numerous holiday destinations are dotted along the 72-kilometre-long Swiss shoreline of Lake Constance. Visitors come here not only to visit the Alps, the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen and the World Cultural Heritage site of St.Gallen, but also the many castles and museums.

Photo: Stefan Arendt.

Rorschacherberg in spring with views of the lake.

Napoleon Museum Thurgau Arenenberg Castle and Park CH-8268 Salenstein Phone +41 (0) 58345 7410 Fax +41 (0) 58345 7411 napoleonmuseum@tg.ch www.napoleonmuseum.ch

Napoleon’s castle Arenenberg

and its gardens

The views from the panorama terrace over Lake Constance are breathtakingly beautiful. A walk through the gardens at Arenenberg Castle is a wonderful experience at any time of year. And on a stroll through the tastefully furnished house, one has the feeling that the imperial family has just gone out for a short while.

The emperor’s nursery A spiral staircase leads from the parlour with its tented ceiling up to the elegant private apartments of the Bonaparte family, who found a new home in the village of Salenstein in Switzerland in 1817. Little Louis Napoleon, who was to become the last emperor of France, spent his childhood here. His revered mother, Hortense de Beauharnais, entertained her rich and beautiful contemporaries in her salons.

Enchanting gardens by Pückler The landscape architect Prince Pückler put the final touches to the park in Arenenberg by order of the imperial family. The historic water fountain in the English gardens below the palace is a wonderful place for a picnic. A newly planted medieval patricians’ garden with grassy banks, aromatic plants and medicinal herbs shows how a refined garden might have looked in the Middle Ages.

60 Bodensee Magazine | Arenenberg

A journey through gardening history Visitors can follow a new trail through the history of gardening. On a walk through the extensive park, you can learn not only about historic gardens from various eras, but also about modern horticulture. Old and new knowledge about plants is taught in Arenenberg’s school gardens. Take a stroll through the vineyards and past mini kiwis, enjoy the imperial views, and learn about the right order for planting fruit in the vegetable garden.

Getting there Arenenberg is just 15 minutes away from Constance by car. But if you prefer not to drive, you can also come by boat or train, both of which stop at Mannenbach.

Guided tours: – Regular tours of the palace and through Arenenberg’s gardens – Guided tours for children in historic costumes with exciting treasure hunts in the park – Special appointments for groups on request Opening hours: Closed on Mondays in the winter season, otherwise open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, ticket office closes at 4:30 pm.

Where it

HISTORICAL MUSEUM THURGAU IN FRAUENFELD CASTLE

all happened

Frauenfeld Castle is the landmark of Thurgau’s capital. Ever since it was built 700 years ago, this medieval gem has been at the centre of historic events. Then, as now, it is a place where people come to meet and experience the fascinating period between the Middle Ages and the modern era.

Frauenfeld Castle is not at all old-fashioned; it is as lively now as it always was. Locals, tourists from far and wide, people of all ages and culture buffs visit the castle every day. This is what it must have been like in the Middle Ages, when chambermaids, servants, noble lords from distant lands, confederate bailiffs and knights populated the castle.

Visitors today sense this link with the past as soon as they reach the inner sanctum beyond the mighty stone walls. Here, inside the castle, historic architecture blends with a modern, elegant exhibition design that makes a visit an aesthetic experience.

Animated exhibits presented in a playful way for children convey historic knowledge of the late Middle Ages, when Frauenfeld Castle was at the focus of European events. Twice, at the Council of Constance from 1414, then a hundred years later during the Reformation, it was the site of dramatic scenes. People at the time were shaken by the upheavals at the beginning of the modern era. Four castle residents take time travellers by the hand, allowing them to take a step back in time to distant epochs through fascinating dialogues, sounds and light displays.

In the cosy coffee corner of the shop, a historic novella set in the castle invites visitors to read further into the lives of the castle residents.

The staff at the Historic Museum Thurgau, who are in charge of the historic exhibitions, are happy to show guests the castle’s highlights on three floors. These include the valuable and stunningly beautiful mitre from Kreuzlingen – a precious object from the time of the Council of Constance. Sophisticated beading, delicate miniatures and bright gold make this a unique work of art.

The sheet of parchment from a hymnbook in St. Katharinental Abbey portraying Jesus as a minstrel, or a wooden Christmas relief from a contemporary of the famous sculptor Meister Heinrich of Constance, are equally outstanding. Several of these marvellous artefacts from

the many monasteries in the region south of Lake Constance can now be found in museums around the world from Antwerp to New York.

They were rescued from iconoclasts, who travelled through Thurgau in the course of the Reformation, looting and pillaging as they went.

Both the Council of Constance and the Reformation wrought significant changes in the area. At the time, Thurgau became a subject territory of the Confederates and the district court was moved to Frauenfeld Castle. The impressive Confederate courtroom with its significant murals is now an official registry office, where bridal couples can exchange their wedding vows in a medieval ambience.

Frauenfeld Castle, Medieval History The castle exhibition is open from Tues-Sun, 1-5 pm, free entrance, for reservations and information see www.historisches-museum.tg.ch St. Katharinental open storage area, the history of everyday life The Historic Museum Thurgau boasts a second venue that is also steeped in history: the former granary of St. Katharinental Dominican convent in Diessenhofen, a picturesque village on the shores of the Rhine. Some 10,000 objects from early modern times on the topics of agriculture, transportation and crafts are displayed here in a special exhibition area on how women lived and worked.

Historical Museum Thurgau Frauenfeld Castle CH-8500 Frauenfeld Phone: +41 (0) 58 345 73 80 historisches.museum@tg.ch

Museum Thurgau | Bodensee Magazine 61

Principality of Liechtenstein

A mountain jewel

to discover and explore

With a surface area of 160 square kilometres and a population of 37,000, the Principality of Liechtenstein is far smaller than neighbouring Germany, Austria and Switzerland, yet holds a unique charm in this region where the four countries converge. Relatively undeveloped as a tourist destination, it is just a 40-minute drive from Lake Constance and boasts 400 kilometres of hiking paths fit for a prince, a wealth of culture and pleasurable moments …

High Alpine mountain tours From the banks of the Rhine to the summits of the Rätikon mountains, the Principality of Liechtenstein offers a fascinating range of landscapes. Among them is the Ruggeller Riet, a nature reserve rising from the river Rhine up to the snow-covered peak of Grauspitze Mountain at 2599 metres. Such diversity means that hikers can choose from high-altitude hikes to gentle strolls, and from family-friendly themed paths to enjoyable culinary tours.

62 Bodensee Magazine | Liechtenstein

Fürstensteig hike and mountain huts Liechtenstein’s mountains have long been a well-kept secret among keen walkers, with soaring summits, cosy mountain huts and breathtaking views stretching all the way to Lake Constance. Sure-footed visitors can enjoy two legendary and stunningly beautiful routes: the Princes’ Trail, which winds its way through the bizarre rock formations of the Alpspitz, and the Drei Schwestern hike traversing the rock faces of Liechtenstein’s central mountain chain. Alpine meadows along the route invite hikers to enjoy a well-earned rest.

Hiking tours Less challenging yet just as beautiful is the hike along the Princess Gina Trail and through the Valüna Valley with Liechtenstein’s highest summits towering far above. D ­ uring the summer months, the Rhine valley offers a number of easy hikes through stunning natural surroundings. For example, try the Historic Ridgeway leading over Eschnerberg mountain in Liechtenstein’s lowlands.

Exciting themed trails The region’s many themed hiking trails are perfect for the young and the young at heart.

On the Walser Legends Trail, walkers of all ages can discover local myths and legends, while the Planet Trail illustrates the distances separating the planets in our solar system and the Bee Trail gives an insight into the world of bees. Fairytale enthusiasts should head to the mountain village of Malbun at an altitude of 1600 metres, which has been awarded the “Family Destination” seal of approval by the Swiss Tourist Board in recognition of its family-friendly facilities and activities.

Majestic peaks in winter From the middle of December, Malbun is transformed into a small but exquisite ski resort for downhill skiers, ski mountaineers and cross-country skiers, with guaranteed snow and a family atmosphere. The Principality’s highest village situated beautifully in a hollow boasts 23 kilometres of excellent pistes and is a paradise for skiers. Enjoy a relaxing and fascinating winter holiday: ice climbing, tobogganing, winter hiking trails, snow shoe tours and mountain hut parties …

TIPS Wine enthusiasts should pay a visit to the Prince of Liechtenstein Winery, where they can sample the excellent wines.

Visitors can choose from a total of eight museums, including the new Treasure Chamber and Hilti Art Foundation at Liechtenstein Art Museum.

Discover the beautiful mountain landscape in the company of a professional falconer with his majestic golden eagle (May to Oct).

Find more even more hiking and cycle paths on the internet: www.tourismus.li/summer Short break in Liechtenstein: 3 nights in a double room in a 3-star hotel starting from 288 euros per person. Price includes 2-day adventure pass “Liechtenstein All- Inclusive”, half-board, free wi-fi and parking.

Liechtenstein Marketing Städtle 39 LI-9490 Vaduz Phone: +423 2396363 info@tourismus.li, www.tourismus.li Liechtenstein | Bodensee Magazine 63

Vorarlberg

Poetry in Nature Vorarlberg is a feast for the senses! The westernmost region of Austria blends strikingly beautiful scenery – from Lake Constance to the high Alps – with inspiring cultural events and first-rate hospitality. It also boasts outstanding contemporary architecture and design.

Formarinsee and Rote Wand

Photo: Š Dietmar Denger / Vorarlberg Tourismus

Photo: © Peter Mathis / Vorarlberg Tourismus

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“The whole of nature is a melody that conceals a profound harmony.” Borrowing this quote from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Vorarlberg invites visitors to let the poetry of nature and the cultural landscape work their magic. With an unfailing focus on quality and sustainability, Vorarlberg’s hosts create a holiday world that provides scope for discoveries and touches the soul.

Breath-taking scenery

Inspiring culture

With meadows and forests, plains and high mountains, Vorarlberg’s diverse natural scenery inspires visitors to explore the surroundings and try out various activities such as hiking, cycling or mountain biking, rock climbing or paragliding. Mindful of the need to preserve this precious natural gem, nature conservation comes first. Focusing mainly on the 40 Natura 2000 areas in the region, the “Naturvielfalt Vorarlberg” initiative aims to generate awareness about using our natural resources considerately.

Festivals and exhibitions promise fascinating moments. Each year in summer, the Bregenz Festival puts on a grand opera performance on the floating stage against the scenic backdrop of the lake and the mountains. Outstanding soloists and ensembles perform at the Schubertiade festival, which is held on several dates in Hohenems and in the village of Schwarzenberg. The Schwarzenberg concert hall offers the audience a glimpse of the surrounding nature from the inside.

The Montforter Zwischentöne festival in Feldkirch features debates and concerts on three weekends. The poolbar festival in Feldkirch celebrates pop culture on six weeks during the summer.

Kunsthaus Bregenz (KUB) is a must-see for lovers of contemporary art.

The building itself, a glass cube construction, is especially worth seeing. Just across the road is the Vorarlberg Museum, which is dedicated to the region’s past and present. Its façade is adorned by more than 16,000 blossoms, and the views of Lake Constance from the showroom on the fourth floor are simply heart-stopping. inatura nature adventure museum plus science centre in Dornbirn encourages visitors to experience science hands-on. The Jewish Museum in Hohenems hosts changing exhibitions.

Eye-catching architecture Wherever you look, Vorarlberg boasts a startling mix of traditional and contemporary architecture. Hardly anywhere else in Austria will you find so many interesting new buildings. With a great deal of sensitivity, architects have designed the buildings to seamlessly fit into their surroundings in a quest for sustainability. Innovative craftspeople create high-quality furnishings. The Werkraum building in Andelsbuch showcases examples of craftsmanship, mainly from Bregenzerwald, all year round.

66 Bodensee Magazine | Vorarlberg

Photo: © Sepp Mallaun / Vorarlberg Tourismus

Photo: © Markus Tretter / Archiv KUB

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Photo: © Anja Köhler / Bregenz Festival

1) Alpine trail in the Arlberg mountains 2) Arlberg ski resort 3) Bregenz Festival 4) Kunsthaus Bregenz art gallery 5) Variations of cheese dumplings 6) Community centre in Andelsbuch

© Michael Gunz / Vorarlberg Tourismus

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Vibrant winter time Vorarlberg is a cradle of Alpine skiing. The world’s first ever ski course was held in the Arlberg mountains some 100 years ago. Today, skiers from all over the world hit the slopes in a string of ski resorts. Hikers and cross-country skiers explore the more tranquil aspects of winter.

Ski schools and several resorts offer courses and guided tours on skis, snow-shoes or on foot.

Compelling hospitality Travellers to Vorarlberg can count on first-rate accommodation and high gastronomic standards. Most hotels, guesthouses and inns are family-run. Attentive hosts go out of their way to make your stay as pleasant as possible, creating a home away from home. Chefs serve delicious cuisine, sourcing their ingredients locally wherever possible.

Tasty spicy mountain cheese is manufactured on high Alpine farmsteads and dairy farms. Fish is caught in Lake Constance and in mountain brooks. Fruit and vegetables grow in the gardens around Lake Constance. Specialised producers manufacture exquisite goods, from chocolate to brandy.

Photo: © Gerald Hotz / Vorarlberg Tourismus

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Vorarlberg State Tourist Board P.O. Box 99 A-6850 Dornbirn Österreich / Austria Phone +43 (0) 5572-37 70 33-0 info@vorarlberg.travel www.vorarlberg.travel/en

Vorarlberg | Bodensee Magazine 67

Facts & figures Part I It is not easy to describe Lake Constance in a few words. The cultural diversity and the changing landscape make the region unique and outstanding. As a result of its century-long history, the shoreline is not only shared by three countries - Germany, Switzerland and Austria - but within these countries and across their borders, the region is also dissected into separate states, landscapes and valleys, each with their own identity and traditions. This diversity is what makes the region of Lake Constance so special and exciting. Visitors to the region will find a wealth of things to discover.

States Germany: Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg Austria: Vorarlberg Switzerland: Thurgau, St.Gallen, Appenzell, Schaffhausen Language The language spoken all around the lake is German. But the many local dialects vary enormously. They can even change from one town to the next.

Money The currency in Germany and Austria is the euro. The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss franc. Many shops in Switzerland also accept euros.

Photos: Dagmar Schwelle

Size of the lake Altitude above sea level: 395 m Surface area: 541 km2 Max. length: 63.5 km (between Bregenz/A and Ludwigshafen/D) Max. width: 14 km (between Friedrichshafen/D and Romanshorn/CH); Max. depth: 251 m Total circumference: 273 km (173 km in Germany; 72 km in Switzerland, 28 km in Austria) Water temperature in summer: up to 25 ºC; Mean water temperature in July: 20 ºC

68 Bodensee Magazine | Intro

Largest towns on the lake Germany: Constance 83,000, Friedrichshafen 59,000, Radolfzell 31,000 Austria: Bregenz 29,000 Switzerland: Kreuzlingen 21,000 Largest islands Reichenau Island – UNESCO World Heritage Site with ­churches and former monastery Lindau island – medieval town Mainau Island – the Flower Island Geographically, the lake is divided into three regions: Obersee – the Upper Lake, is the largest section of Lake Constance beween Bregenz and Constance Überlinger See – Lake Überlingen, is the northwestern arm of the lake Untersee – the Lower Lake, is the southwestern arm and is further ­divided into the “Gnadensee” and the “Zeller See” Drinking water Lake Constance supplies around 4 million people with drinking water.

Approx. 180 million cubic metres of water are extracted from the lake each year for this purpose.

Your hosts around Lake Constance www.bodenseehotels.com

BODENSEEHOTELS Bodenseehotel Immengarten**** Bodenseehotel Immengarten GmbH Überlinger Straße 26-28 D-78351 Bodman-Ludwigshafen Phone: +49 (0) 7773 937420 info@bodenseehotel-immengarten.de www.bodenseehotel-immengarten.de Double room from 65 EUR p.p.

Hotel Alpina Günter Schwarz Höhenweg 10 D-88709 Hagnau am Bodensee Phone: +49 (0) 7532 45090 rezeption@alpina-hagnau.de www.alpina-hagnau.de Double room from 48 EUR p.p.

Bodenseehotel Krone*** Annette Specht-Pichler Hauptstraße 25 D-78351 Bodman-Ludwigshafen Phone: +49 (0) 7773 93130 info@bodenseehotelkrone.de www.bodenseehotelkrone.de Double room from 69 EUR p.p.

Burgunderhof Hotel · Weingut · Distillerie Burgunderhof digestif´s GmbH Am Sonnenbühl 70 D-88709 Hagnau Phone: +49 (0) 7532 807680 info@burgunderhof.de www.burgunderhof.de Double room from 117,50 EUR p.p.

Hotel Concorde*** Hotel Concorde GmbH & Co. KG Dürrheimer Straße 82 D-78166 Donaueschingen Phone: +49 (0) 771 83630 info@concorde-donau.de www.concorde-donau.de Double room from 34 EUR p.p.

Bodenseehotel DreiKönig*** Bodenseehotel Dreikönig GmbH Hauptstraße 18 D-88709 Hagnau Phone: +49 (0) 7532 807960 kontakt@bodenseehotel-dreikoenig.de www.bodenseehotel-dreikoenig.de Double room from 55 EUR p.p.

Comfort Hotel Friedrichshafen***S Equus Hospitality GmbH Ailinger Straße 128 D-88046 Friedrichshafen Phone: +49 (0) 7541 36000 info@comfort-hotel-friedrichshafen.de www.comfort-hotel-friedrichshafen.de Double room from 52 EUR p.p.

Hotel MOHREN*** Markus Ehrlinspiel Am Sonnenbühl 10 D-88709 Hagnau Phone: +49 (0) 7532 9428 info@hotel-mohren-hagnau.de www.hotel-mohren-hagnau.de Double room from 58 EUR p.p.

Bio-Landhotel Gerbehof Garni**** Ursula Wagner Gerbehof 4 D-88048 Friedrichshafen-Ailingen Phone: +49 (0) 7541 50020 info@gerbehof.de www.gerbehof.de Double room from 73 EUR p.p.

Hotel Zur Winzerstube***S Horst Müller and family Seestraße 1 D-88709 Hagnau Phone: +49 (0) 7532 494860 info@zurwinzerstube.de www.zurwinzerstube.de Double room from 62,50 EUR p.p.

Ringhotel Krone Schnetzenhausen****S Guido Rueß (e. K.) Untere Mühlbachstraße 1 D-88045 Friedrichshafen Phone: +49 (0) 7541 4080 info@ringhotel-krone.de www.ringhotel-krone.de P Double room from 80 EUR p.p.

Berggasthof „Höchsten“ Naturerlebnishotel***S Hans-Peter Kleemann Höchsten 1 | D-88636 Illmensee Phone: +49 (0) 7555 92100 info@hoechsten.de www.hoechsten.de Double room from 49 EUR p.p.

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Hotel Schwanen*** Horst Schwarz e. K., Katja Schwarz Friedrichstraße 32 D-88045 Friedrichshafen Phone: +49 (0) 7541 38550 info@hotel-schwanen-fn.de www.hotel-schwanen-fn.de Double room from 55 EUR p.p.

Hotel Seehof*** Hotel Seehof GmbH Am Yachthafen | Bachstraße 15 D-88090 Immenstaad Phone: +49 (0) 7545 9360 info@seehof-hotel.de www.seehof-hotel.de Double room from 60 EUR p.p.

Hotel Hoeri am Bodensee**** Seehotel Hoeri Event KG Uferstraße 20-23 D-78343 Gaienhofen / Hemmenhofen Phone: +49 (0) 7735 8110 info@hoeri-am-bodensee.de www.hoeri-am-bodensee.de Double room from 63 EUR p.p.

Hotel Gasthof Linde Roland Kederer Radolfzeller Straße 27 D-78467 Konstanz Phone: +49 (0) 7531 97420 info@hotel-linde.com www.hotel-linde.de Double room from 50 EUR p.p.

Hotel Gasthaus Hirschen Karl Amann Kirchgasse 3 D-78343 Gaienhofen Phone: +49 (0) 7735 93380 info@hotelhirschen-bodensee.de www.hotelhirschen-bodensee.de Double room from 65,70 EUR p.p.

Landhotel Traube Rommel Gastronomie GmbH & Co. KG Kapitän-Romer-Straße 9B D-78465 Konstanz Phone: +49 (0) 7533 93220 info@landhoteltraube.com www.landhoteltraube.com Double room from 45,50 EUR p.p.

BODENSEEHOTELS

GERMANY

Hotel Landgasthof Dorfkrug*** Egon Leute Tunau 4 D-88079 Kressbronn Phone: +49 (0) 7543 9800 info@dorfkrug.de www.dorfkrug.de Double room from 43 EUR p.p.

Hotel Schwedi*** Hotel-Restaurant Schwedi GmbH & Co. KG Schwedi 1 D-88085 Langenargen Phone: +49 (0) 7543 934950 schwedi@hotel-schwedi.de www.hotel-schwedi.de Double room from 45 EUR p.p.

Bodensee-Hotel Sonnenhof**** Bodensee-Hotel Sonnenhof GmbH Sonnenhof 8 (formerly Dorfstraße 44) D-88079 Kressbronn – Retterschen Phone: +49 (0) 7543 500220 info@sonnenhof-bodensee.de www.sonnenhof-bodensee.de Double room from 69,50 EUR p.p.

Hotel Seeperle Roman Wocher Untere Seestraße 46 D-88085 Langenargen Phone: +49 (0) 7543 93360 hotel@seeperle.de www.seeperle.de Double room from 77 EUR p.p.

Bodensee Yachthotel Schattmaier***S Wassersport Schattmaier GmbH & Co. KG Im Wassersportzentrum 12 D-88079 Kressbronn-Gohren Phone: +49 (0) 7543 60540 info@schattmaier.com www.schattmaier.com Double room from 85 EUR p.p.

Hotel Seeterrasse***S Seeterrasse Hotel und Gastronomie GmbH Obere Seestraße 50-52 D-88085 Langenargen Phone: +49 (0) 7543 93290 info@hotel-seeterrasse.de www.hotel-seeterrasse.de Double room from 45 EUR p.p.

Pension am Bodensee & Park-Villa***** Petra Biggör Schorpp and family Bodanstraße 7 / Parkweg D-88079 Kressbronn Phone: +49 (0) 7543 7382 info@pension-am-bodensee.de www.pension-am-bodensee.de Double room from 47,50 EUR p.p.

Grand Hotel Bad Schachen Schielin GmbH & Co. KG Bad Schachen 1 D-88131 Lindau Phone: +49 (0) 8382 2980 servus@badschachen.de www.badschachen.de Double room from 110 EUR p.p.

Gasthof Zum Adler ADLER OBERDORF Adler-Kugel GmbH Adlerstraße 3 D-88085 Langenargen Phone: +49 (0) 7543 2807 info@adler-oberdorf.de www.adler-oberdorf.de Double room from 55 EUR p.p.

Hotel Bayerischer Hof***** Bayerischer Hof Stolze-Spaeth KG Bahnhofplatz 2 / Seepromenade D-88131 Lindau Phone: +49 (0) 8382 9150 hotel@bayerischerhof-lindau.de www.bayerischerhof-lindau.de Double room from 99,50 EUR p.p.

Hotel Restaurant Engel***S Philipp Wittmann e. K. Marktplatz 3 D-88085 Langenargen Phone: +49 (0) 7543 93440 hotel@engel-bodensee.de www.engel-bodensee.de Double room from 112 EUR p.p.

Hotel Café Ebner***S Ebner Boutique-Hotel und Konditorei Friedrichshafener Straße 19 D-88131 Lindau Phone: +49 (0) 8382 93070 info@ebner-lindau.de www.ebner-lindau.de Double room from 43 EUR p.p.

Hotel Restaurant Hirsch*** Peter Schöllhorn Ortsstraße 1 D-88085 Langenargen Phone: +49 (0) 7543 93030 info@hirsch-oberdorf.de www.hirsch-oberdorf.de Double room from 58 EUR p.p.

Landhotel Martinsmühle*** Ingrid Kirnbauer Bechtersweiler 25 D-88131 Lindau Phone: +49 (0) 8382 5849 relax@landhotel-martinsmuehle.de www.landhotel-martinsmuehle.de Double room from 90 EUR p.p.

Hotel Klett Rudi Klett Obere Seestraße 15 D-88085 Langenargen Phone: +49 (0) 7543 2210 klett@hotel-klett.de www.hotel-klett.de Double room from 50 EUR p.p.

Lindauer Hof**** Hotel Lindauer Hof Betriebs-GmbH Dammgass 2 D-88131 Lindau Phone: +49 (0) 8382 4064 info@lindauerhof.de www.lindauerhof.de Double room from 99,50 EUR p.p.

AKZENT Hotel Löwen**** Reinhold Buck Obere Seestraße 4 D-88085 Langenargen Phone: +49 (0) 7543 3010 info@loewen-langenargen.de www.loewen-langenargen.de Double room from 70 EUR p.p.

Hotel Reutemann/Seegarten**** Bayerischer Hof Stolze-Spaeth KG Ludwigstraße 23 / Seepromenade D-88131 Lindau Phone: +49 (0) 8382 9150 hotel@reutemann-lindau.de www.reutemann-lindau.de Double room from 71 EUR p.p.

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BODENSEEHOTELS

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Mindnesshotel Bischofsschloss****S Bernd Reutemann GmbH Schlossweg 2 D-88677 Markdorf Phone: +49 (0) 7544 50910 info@bischofschloss.de www.bischofschloss.de Double room from 67,50 EUR p.p.

Hotel Haus am See***S Hans-Peter Knörle Uferstraße 23 D-88149 Nonnehorn Phone: +49 (0) 8382 988510 mail@hausamsee-nonnenhorn.de www.hausamsee-nonnenhorn.de Double room from 50 EUR p.p.

Hotel Wirthshof**** Wirthshof GmbH Steibensteg 10 D-88677 Markdorf Phone: +49 (0) 7544 50990 info@hotel-wirthshof.de www.wirthshof.de Double room from 67 EUR p.p.

Weinhof Hornstein Gabriele Hornstein Uferstraße 14 D-88149 Nonnenhorn Phone: +49 (0) 8382 8483 info@gaestehaus-hornstein.de www.gaestehaus-hornstein.de Double room from 31 EUR p.p.

Gasthof Zum Bären Michael Gilowsky e. K. Marktplatz 11 D-88709 Meersburg Phone: +49 (0) 7532 43220 post@baeren-meersburg.de www.baeren-meersburg.de Double room from 53 EUR p.p.

Hotel Seewirt***S Hotel Seewirt Hermann Lanz e. K. Seestraße 15 D-88149 Nonnenhorn Phone: +49 (0) 8382 988500 info@hotel-seewirt.de www.hotel-seewirt.de Double room from 45 EUR p.p.

Hotel Garni EDEN Alberto Verna Menizhoferweg 4 D-88709 Meersburg Phone: +49 (0) 7532 43050 hotel_eden@t-online.de www.hotel-eden-meersburg.de Double room from 69,50 EUR p.p.

Hotel Gasthof Zur Kapelle*** Hans-Jörg Witzigmann e.K. Kapellenplatz 3 D-88149 Nonnenhorn Phone: +49 (0) 8382 8274 info@witzigmann-kapelle.de www.witzigmann-kapelle.de Double room from 43 EUR p.p.

Hotel Weinstube Löwen***S Fischer Gaststätten GmbH Marktplatz 2 D-88709 Meersburg Phone: +49 (0) 7532 43040 info@hotel-loewen-meersburg.de www.hotel-loewen-meersburg.de Double room from 110 EUR p.p.

Torkel Hotel Restaurant Spa**** Gebrüder Stoppel GmbH Seehalde 14 D-88149 Nonnenhorn Phone: +49 (0) 8382 98620 info@hotel-torkel.de www.hotel-torkel.de Double room from 185 EUR

Hotel Seehof*** Jostar GmbH Unterstadtstraße 36 D-88709 Meersburg Phone: +49 (0) 7532 807690 info@seehof-meersburg.de www.seehof-meersburg.de Double room from 42,50 EUR p.p.

Hotel Am Obstgarten*** Wolfgang Metzler Am Obstgarten 1 D-88094 Oberteuringen-Bitzenhofen Phone: +49 (0) 7546 9220 hotel@am-obstgarten.de www.am-obstgarten.de Double room from 49,50 EUR p.p.

Seehotel Off**** See Hotel Off GmbH & Co. KG Uferpromenade 51 D-88709 Meersburg Phone: +49 (0) 7532 44740 info@seehotel-off.de www.seehotel-off.de Double room from 107 EUR p.p.

Landgasthof Salmannsweiler Hof Andrea Schiele Salmannsweilerweg 5 D-88682 Salem – OT Stefansfeld Phone: +49 (0) 7553 92120 info@salmannsweiler-hof.de www.salmannsweiler-hof.de Double room from 41 EUR p.p.

Terrassenhotel Weißhaar*** Jürgen Bloch e. K. Stefan-Lochner-Str. 24 D-88709 Meersburg Phone: +49 (0) 7532 45040 jbterrassenhotel@web.de www.terrassenhotel-meersburg.de Double room from 62,50 EUR p.p.

Hotel Krone am See BoSee Hotel Restaurant GmbH Seestraße 54 D-78354 Sipplingen Phone: +49 (0) 7551 63211 bosee@krone-am-see.de www.krone-am-see.de Double room from 65 EUR p.p.

Gasthaus Schiff*** Sabrina Maßler e. K. Hafenstraße 1 D-78345 Moos Phone: +49 (0) 7732 99080 gasthaus@schiff-moos.de www.schiff-moos.de Double room from 38 EUR p.p.

Hotel Alpenblick Garni*** Mohring family Nußdorfer Straße 35 D-88662 Überlingen Phone: +49 (0) 7551 92040 info@alpenblickhotel.de www.alpenblickhotel.de Double room from 56 EUR p.p.

BODENSEEHOTELS

GERMANY

Landgasthof Keller*** Keller family Riedweg 2 D-88662 Überlingen Phone: +49 (0) 7553 827290 info@landgasthofkeller.de www.landgasthofkeller.de Double room from 42 EUR p.p.

Sternen Hotel & Restaurant***S Sternen Hotel & Restaurant Möcking GbR Daisendorferstraße 4-8 D-88690 Uhldingen-Mühlhofen Phone: +49 (0) 7556 93020 info@sternen-muehlhofen.de www.sternen-muehlhofen.de Double room from 55 EUR p.p.

Landgasthof Löwen G*** Riedbachstraße 21 D-88662 Überlingen Phone: +49 (0) 7551 308070 info@landgasthof-loewen.de www.landgasthof-loewen.de Double room from 44 EUR p.p.

Hotel Lipprandt Liebermann GmbH Halbinselstraße 65 D-88142 Wasserburg Phone: +49 (0) 8382 98760 info@hotel-lipprandt.de www.hotel-lipprandt.de Double room from 57 EUR p.p.

Hotel Seegarten*** Hotel Seegarten Überlingen GmbH Seepromenade 7 D-88662 Überlingen Phone: +49 (0) 7551 918890 info@seegarten.eu www.seegarten.eu Double room from 47,50 EUR p.p.

Hotel Pfälzer Hof Peter Augsten Lindenplatz 3 D-88142 Wasserburg Phone: +49 (0) 8382 988530 info@pfaelzer-hof-wasserburg.de www.pfaelzer-hof-wasserburg.de Double room from 35 EUR p.p.

Landgasthof Zum Adler*** Peter Vögele Hauptstraße 44 D-88662 Überlingen Phone: +49 (0) 7553 82550 info@adler-lippertsreute.de www.adler-lippertsreute.de Double room from 40 EUR p.p.

Hotel Seestern Jutta Pfister Halbinselstraße 60 D-88142 Wasserburg Phone: +49 (0) 8382 988550 info@hotel-seestern-wasserburg.de www.hotel-seestern-wasserburg.de Double room from 40 EUR p.p.

Hotel Seehof Jannelle Wesch Seefelder Straße 8 D-88690 Uhldingen-Mühlhofen Phone: +49 (0) 7556 92930 info@hotel-seehof.com www.hotel-seehof.com Double room from 74 EUR p.p.

BEST WESTERN Parkhotel Weingarten**** Abt-Hyller-Straße 37-39 D-88250 Weingarten Phone: +49 (0) 751 5040 info@hotel-weingarten.bestwestern.de www.hotel-weingarten.bestwestern.de Double room from 52 EUR p.p.

Hotel Seevilla Knöbelspies family Seefelderstraße 36 D-88690 Uhldingen-Mühlhofen Phone: +49 (0) 7556 93370 service@seevilla.de www.seevilla.de Double room from 90 EUR p.p.

Hotel „Alte Post“***S Postplatz 2 D-88239 Wangen Phone: +49 (0) 7522 97560 AltePost@t-online.de www.hotel-alte-post-wangen.de Double room from 50 EUR p.p.

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AUSTRIA

Hotel Weisses Kreuz**** Hotel Weisses Kreuz Kinz & Co KG Römerstraße 5 A-6900 Bregenz Phone: +43 (0) 5574 49880 hotelweisseskreuz@kinz.at www.hotelweisseskreuz.at Double room from 75,50 EUR p.p.

Hotel Pension Sternen*** Josef Eller Im Tobel 14 A-6833 Klaus Phone: +43 (0) 5523 62443 info@sternen.at www.sternen.at Double room from 51 EUR p.p.

Hotel Restaurant Schönblick**** Managing Director Karlheinz Hehle e. U. Dorf 6 A-6911 Eichenberg Phone: +43 (0) 5574 45965 hotel.schoenblick@schoenblick.at www.schoenblick.at Double room from 78 EUR p.p.

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Hotel Brauerei Frohsinn Romanshorner Strasse 15 CH-9320 Arbon, Phone: +41 (0) 71 4478484 info@frohsinn-arbon.ch www.frohsinn-arbon.ch Double room from 90 CHF p.p.

Hotel Kreuzlingen am Hafen*** Hotel Kreuzlingen AG Seestrasse 50 CH-8280 Kreuzlingen Phone: +41 (0) 71 6778899 welcome@hotel-kreuzlingen.ch www.hotel-kreuzlingen.ch Double room from 65 CHF p.p.

Hotel & Restaurant Alte Rheinmühle Markus Hempel e.K. Junkerstrasse 93 CH-8238 Büsingen am Hochrhein Phone: +49 (0) 7734 931990 hotel@alte-rheinmuehle.ch www.alte-rheinmuehle.ch Double room from 99 CHF p.p.

Park-Hotel Inseli**** Inselistrasse 6 CH-8590 Romanshorn Phone: +41 (0) 71 4668888 info@hotelinseli.ch www.hotelinseli.ch Double room from 90 CHF p.p.

Landgasthof Seelust*** Landgasthof Seelust AG Wiedehorn CH-9322 Egnach Phone: +41 (0) 71 4747575 info@seelust.ch www.seelust.ch Double room from 90 CHF p.p.

Bio Schlosshotel Wartegg***S Schloss Wartegg Betriebs AG Von Blarer Weg 1 CH-9404 Rorschacherberg Phone: +41 (0) 71 8586262 schloss@wartegg.ch www.wartegg.ch Double room from 110 CHF p.p.

Hotel Restaurant Seemöwe**** Hotel Restaurant Seemöwe AG Hauptstrasse 54 CH-8594 Güttingen Phone: +41 (0) 71 6951010 info@seemoewe.ch www.seemoewe.ch Double room from 85 CHF p.p.

arcona LIVING Schaffhausen**** arcona LIVING Schaffhausen GmbH Bleicheplatz 1 CH-8201 Schaffhausen Phone: +41 (0) 52 6310000 info@schaffhausen.arcona.ch www.schaffhausen.arcona.ch Double room from 95 CHF p.p.

Hotel Heiden**** Seeallee 8 CH-9410 Heiden, Phone: +41 (0) 71 8981515 info@hotelheiden.ch www.hotelheiden.ch Double room from 120 CHF p.p.

»Säntis – das Hotel« am Fusse des Säntis***S Säntis-Schwebebahn AG CH-9107 Schwägalp | Säntis Phone: +41 (0) 71 3656600 hotel@saentisbahn.ch www.saentisbahn.ch/hotel Double room from 120 CHF p.p.

Hotel Bad Horn****S Hotel Bad Horn AG Seestrasse 36 CH-9326 Horn Phone: +41 (0) 71 8445151 info@badhorn.ch www.badhorn.ch Double room from 230 CHF p.p.

JUCKERs Boutique-Hotel*** | Restaurant Linde Hauptstrasse 96 CH-8274 Tägerwilen Phone: +41 (0) 71 6691168 info@juckers-hotel.ch www.juckers-hotel.ch Double room from 85 CHF p.p.

Errors and omissions excepted, as at January 2017

Facts & figures Part II You probably know Lake Constance is set at the heart of Europe where Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Principality of Liechtenstein meet. You might also know that the German name for it is Bodensee and that it’s a wonderful holiday destination that is brimming with culture including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with breathtaking scenery, tempting local beers, wines and cuisine, and an outstanding range of en­joyable activities all year round. But did you also know the following interesting things about the region?

Try testing yourself and others – and see how well you do!

The world’s biggest floating stage: The venue for the Bregenz Festival holds that title. You may have seen it: It featured in a major scene in ‘Quantum of Solace’, the 2008 James Bond film.

All for a good cause: In 1925 Albert Röhrenbach and Gottfried Ainser smuggled vines across the lake at night from Switzerland to Germany.

If they hadn’t broken the law, the Müller-Thurgau grape wouldn’t be the basis for famous German wine varieties including Liebfrauenmilch and Piesporter, and the world would be a sadder (and thirstier) place.

Europe’s avian service station: The Lower Lake is one of the main stop-off points for Europe’s migrating birds, making it a must-visit destination for all keen bird-watchers.

Ice ice maybe: It’s a rare thing for Lake Constance to freeze over. The last “Seegefrörne” was in 1963. On average it happens only every 70 years.

World’s biggest puzzle: If you’re a jigsaw puzzle fan – and who isn’t? – you’ll know the Ravensburger brand. You won’t be surprised to hear it’s based in Ravensburg – but did you know the company and the city’s residents broke the world jigsaw record there in 2008?

Over 10,000 people laid out 1,141,800 pieces over 600m2 in under five hours – smashing the previous record, which was an unimpressive 212,000 pieces.

Home from home: Wartegg Castle in Rorschacherberg in Switzerland has views of the lake – and you can see them from its English landscaped gardens. Yes, English! They were designed in 1860 for Empress Zita.

Transhumance: Who remembers this word from geography lessons at school? It describes the movement of people and livestock up and down mountainsides to take advantage of the changing seasons.

Farmers still move their cattle in this way in Oberegg, Switzerland.

Europe’s biggest reservoir: Lake Constance supplies up to 4 million households with drinking water every day.

Europe’s biggest waterfall: In the summer, 600,000 litres of water plunge down the Rhine Falls every second.

Stone Age on stilts: Dotted along the banks of Lake Constance and Upper Swabia you’ll find the remains of Stone Age dwellings built on piles or stilts. They’re a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a 4,900-yearold wheel was found near one of them. See? They had off-road experiences even in those days!

Mobile home from home: Some of Germany’s best-known motorhome manufacturers are located in Upper Swabia. Carthago, Dethleffs and Hymer are all based here.

Hotels Intro | Bodensee Magazine 75

Photos: Dagmar Schwelle

They’re playing our song! The national anthem of the Principality of Liechtenstein ‘Oben am jungen Rhein’ has the same tune as Britain’s ‘God Save the Queen.’

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The best

Christmas markets

around Lake Constance

From the end of November to Christmas Eve, locals and tourists alike flock to the towns around Lake Constance to visit the many romantic Christmas markets. Against an impressive backdrop with wonderful views of Lake Constance, beautifully decorated stalls sell handcrafted art and all kinds of delicacies in a festive atmosphere. Concerts and performances are also often held during the Christmas markets.

“Weihnachtsmarkt am See” in Constance (1)

“Bodensee Weihnacht” in Friedrichshafen (3)

The Christmas market on the lakeshore in Constance is one of the largest and most attractive markets around the lake. Visitors are drawn by the festive mood, twinkling lights, atmospheric music, sweet-smelling delicacies and brightly coloured wares. More than 170 market stalls sell products in a spectacular setting. The Christmas market takes place every year from Thursday before Advent Sunday to 22 December. Every day 11 am – 8 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am – 9.30 pm Stalls selling food and mulled wine are open every day until 9.30 pm www.weihnachtsmarkt-am-see.de

The Christmas market in Friedrichshafen takes place on Buchhornplatz and in Platanengarten right on the lakeshore from Friday before Advent Sunday to 22 December. Get your skates on for a twirl on the ice rink on Romanshorner Square.

Monday to Thursday 12 pm – 8 pm Friday to Sunday 11 am – 8 pm www.bodensee-weihnacht.de

“Hafenweihnacht” in Lindau (2) In a unique location right on Lindau’s harbour, Lindau Christmas market is held from the end of November to the Sunday before Christmas Eve. Set against a wonderful backdrop, lovingly decorated stalls offer mulled wine, Christmas cookies and Christmas decorations. Children can explore the magical Christmas forest, while a varied programme of events offers something for all ages.

Friday to Sunday 11 am – 9 pm www.lindau.de 76 Bodensee Magazine | Christmas markets

Christmas market in Überlingen (4) Überlingen’s Christmas market is arranged like a village with an open fire at the centre, a nativity scene, crafts and stalls, a children’s merry-go-round, an inn with snug corners and a festive programme of events. It takes place over eleven days in the second and third weeks of December. Every day 11 am - 8 pm www.ueberlingen.de

Photo: Wolfgang Schneider

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Sternenstadt - The city of stars (6) Every year in December, 700 stars twinkle above the squares and streets in the old town of St.Gallen, draping the historic facades of the UNESCO World Heritage town in a festive Christmas light. A romantic Christmas market in the lanes of the old town, special guided tours, concerts in the baroque cathedral and literary evenings make the period before Christmas a very special experience in the Swiss city of stars.

Thursday before Advent Sunday to 24 December, from 11 am www.sternenstadt.ch

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Märlistadt - Fairy-tale town (7) Stein am Rhein is filled with sparkling lights every year in the pre-Christmas period. Over the Rhine Bridge, a canopy of stars lights up the night. Hohenklingen Castle is brightly lit. Visitors can follow a fairy-tale path (“Märliweg”) with lovingly decorated windows through the town. A wide choice of events takes place at the weekends: a manger scene on Rathausplatz square with a merry-go-round for children, stalls selling snacks, the “Märlihuus” with a Christmas flea market, handicraft and games afternoons as well as storytellers for children and adults, while the Rhein-Singphoniker choir help you to get into the Christmas mood.

Rathausplatz from 1 to 31 December www.maerlistadt.ch

Photo: Achim Mende

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5 Christmas markets | Bodensee Magazine 77

Photo: swiss image

A visit to the Christmas market in Bregenz town centre or to the arts and craft market in the romantic upper town is definitely worthwhile. Bregenz Christmas market is a well-kept secret and just the place for all those who love to browse through small boutiques on the search for individual gifts, rounded off with a drink in a café or a visit to one of the town’s cultural institutions. It takes place from the third Friday in November to 23 December.

Sunday to Thursday 2 pm – 7.30 pm Friday/Saturday and holidays 11 am – 9 pm Stalls selling food and drink every day until 9 pm www.bregenz.travel

Photo: kurzschuss photography

Christmas market in Bregenz (5)

Annual Events Calendar Photo: Reinhard Jakubek

around Lake Constance

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MARCH

JUNE/JULY

Ermatingen Groppenfasnacht Three weeks before Easter, the village of Ermatingen in Switzerland celebrates Groppenfasnacht. This carnival celebration owes its name to the Groppe, or bullhead, a 10-15 cm long freshwater fish that is only caught here. As the lake often used to freeze over in winter, the fishermen welcomed the thawing of the ice in spring with a party and procession. www.groppenfasnacht.ch

St.Gallen Festival St.Gallen Festival is a cultural event including opera performances, concerts in various churches, and dance performances in the baroque cathedral. www.stgaller-festspiele.ch

MAY International Lake Constance Festival The Lake Constance Festival takes place in many German, Swiss and Austrian towns and villages around Lake Constance with a different theme each year. The programme includes orchestra, organ and chamber music concerts, jazz, theatre, ballet and literature. www.bodenseefestival.de Mainau Island Count’s Island Festival Visitors can stroll around, shop and enjoy this unique market. International exhibitors present plants, furniture and accessories for the garden and patio, as well as lifestyle and wellness articles. www.mainau.de Weingarten Blood Friday For more than 900 years, the people of Weingarten have honoured their holy blood relic, which is said to contain a drop of Christ’s blood.

This relic is carried through the town on the Friday after Ascension Day in the world’s largest horseback procession with more than 3,000 horses. www.weingarten-online.de

JUNE Constance International Lake Constance Week International Lake Constance Week in Constance’s harbour lasts four days and features elegant vintage yachts, ultramodern high-tech carbon racing boats, maritime exhibitions, sailing regattas, rowing contests, water skiing shows and all kinds of activities on land. www.internationale-bodenseewoche.com

78 Bodensee Magazine | Annual Events Calendar

JULY Dornbirn Art Bodensee Art Bodensee in Dornbirn is an art fair and exhibition for contemporary art. Around 60 international galleries and institutions present modern and contemporary art, installations and sculptures. artbodensee.messedornbirn.at Singen Hohentwiel Festival This music festival takes place on the ruins of Hohentwiel fortress in Singen. Internationally known artists perform concerts on several stages. Of course, there are plenty of delicious things to eat and drink as well. www.hohentwielfestival.de Friedrichshafen Seehasenfest – Festival of the Legendary Lake Rabbit This town and children’s festival originated after the Second World War to offer children some enjoyment during the post-war reconstruction period. The cultural and entertainment programme also appeals to adults. www.seehasenfest.info Ravensburg Rutenfest – Birch Twig Festival During this five-day town and children’s festival, groups of Ravensburg school drum corps and trumpeters march through the town along with more than 5,500 participants. The festival dates back to the 17th century. www.rutenfest.de

Photo: Schenkl

Photo: Steimer

Annual Events Calendar around Lake Constance

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3RD SUNDAY + MONDAY IN JULY

AUGUST

Radolfzell Hausherrenfest – Patron Saints’ Festival This festival is celebrated in honour of Radolfzell’s patron saints with an impressive procession on water and land as well as a rich programme of cultural events on the lakeshore promenade. www.radolfzell.de

Rorschach Sand Sculpture Festival Ten creative teams from all over the world compete to build impressive sand sculptures, metres high, which are judged by a jury. www.sandskulpturen.ch

END OF JULY

SEPTEMBER

Langenargen Lakeshore Festival The festival programme around Montfort Castle includes a traditional fishermen’s jousting duel. There is also a gondola procession, musical entertainment and a firework display. www.langenargen.de

Meersburg Wine Festival Visitors to the largest wine festival on Lake Constance can enjoy specialties from local bakers, butchers and fishermen and wine from the many wine-growing estates around Lake Constance. www.meersburg.de

JULY/AUGUST

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

Bregenz Bregenz Festival Bregenz has staged this top-class cultural event since 1946. Famous operas are turned into spectacular productions on a large floating stage on Lake Constance, with each performance running for two years. www.bregenzerfestspiele.com

Constance German-Swiss Oktoberfest Experience the atmosphere of the Oktoberfest on Lake Constance with live music, a fairground and festival procession. www.oktoberfest-konstanz.de

AUGUST 1ST Swiss national holiday with firework displays in the evening.

2ND SATURDAY IN AUGUST

OCTOBER Meersburg Medieval Market A historic market with handicrafts, flame - throwers, swordfights, jugglers, music, magicians, storytellers, a “vegetable theatre”, mouse roulette and excellent food and drink. www.meersburg.de

Constance/Kreuzlingen Seenachtfest – Lake Festival The fun starts in the afternoon all along the lakeshore. The programme includes live music on several stages, open-air parties, events for families and children, water-skiing shows, entertainers and clowns as well as a wide choice of food and drink, all in a lively summer atmosphere.

In the evening, a huge firework display is held in the two towns of Kreuzlingen and Constance. www.seenachtfest.com 1) Weingarten Blood Friday 2) St.Gallen Festival 3) Friedrichshafen Seehasenfest – Festival of the Legendary Lake Rabbit 4) Radolfzell Hausherrenfest – Patron Saints’ Festival 5) Constance/Kreuzlingen Seenachtfest – Lake Festival 6) Rorschach Sand Sculpture Festival

Annual Events Calendar | Bodensee Magazine 79

IMPRINT Published by Labhard Medien GmbH Max-Stromeyer-Straße 116 D-78467 Constance Phone: +49 (0) 7531 9071-0 verlag@labhard.de www.labhard.de

Managing Directors: Thomas Willauer, Gabriele Schindler Project team: Stephan Bickmann, Beate Laub, Claudia Manz, Thomas Willauer, Gabriele Schindler, Johanna Lambach, Holger Braumann Translator: Claire Gordon-Kühl (except pp. 8-9, 16-17, 42-43, 66-67) Distribution: Katharina Schlude Graphic design: Marianne Otte Photography: Unless otherwise stated, the photos were provided by the respective tourist office.

Cover photo: Achim Mende Printed by: pva, Druck und Medien-Dienstleistungen GmbH

Photo: Achim Mende

ISBN 978-3-944741-37-6 All rights reserved Copyright © 2017 by Labhard Medien GmbH

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Wonderful overnight stays

Unparalleled views of Lake Constance and 240 peaks of the Alps Alpine wildlife park (admission free) Berghaus Pfaender restaurant (May- September) Pfaenderdohle alpine inn (Sept ember- May)

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