Lake Constance

Travel Guide

Constance showing a river or creek and a city
Constance Harbor showing a small town or village and a river or creek as well as a couple
Mainau Island
Constance
Constance

Sail between three different countries in the space of one day on Lake Constance, which is surrounded by spectacular scenery and charming historical towns.

If you can’t choose between Austria, Switzerland or Germany for your vacation to central Europe then visit all three on the shores of Lake Constance. Stretching for almost 40 miles (63 kilometers) along the borders of all three countries, the lake passes breathtaking mountain ranges, lively towns and pleasant beaches that are ideal for watersports and sunbathing.

Visit the largest town on the lake, ConstanceOpens in a new window, which has a quaint old town and numerous attractions. Meet underwater creatures in Sea Life Konstanz and admire the medieval beauty of the Konstanz Münster (Constance Cathedral). Catch a boat from scenic Constance HarborOpens in a new window to the castles and gardens on Mainau IslandOpens in a new window.

On the opposite shore to Constance is the pretty town of MeersburgOpens in a new window, dominated by the stunning Meersburg Old CastleOpens in a new window. Ascend a tree-covered hill to discover what lies within its conical towers and ancient walls. Some say that the castle dates back to the 7th century.

Explore the town of LindauOpens in a new window, which includes a lake island. Here, learn about German history in the Stadtmuseum and climb to the top of the Lindau Lighthouse for panoramic views of the lake.

Rent a boat and head out onto the lake, skimming around the coastline for views of the Austrian Alps. Pedal along a cycling route that forms a complete circuit around the lake or simply find a sandy beach where you can sunbathe and swim.

There are several different ways to reach Lake Constance. Fly into Friedrichshafen or Altenrhein to land right next to the banks of the lake or opt for ZürichOpens in a new window, which offers routes to and from most of Europe’s major cities. Most towns around the lake’s edges are connected by train.

Lake Constance gets busiest in summer, when the sun is out and people flock to its shores for swimming and relaxing. Come in spring or fall for a quieter retreat to the lake amid multicolored foliage.

Family-friendly vacation apartment in a quiet location with a large terrace
Family-friendly vacation apartment in a quiet location with a large terrace
Überlingen
Stay at this apartment in Baden-Württemberg. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Mainau Island and Bodensee-Therme Uberlingen ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Fantastic location and very comfortable
"My family of 5 thoroughly enjoyed our stay. There was space and amenities to make it comfortable, and the location was amazing. We were able to walk down to the lake, have dinner, and listen to live music, and then walk back. Thank you!"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2024

Family-friendly vacation apartment in a quiet location with a large terrace
PLAZA Hotel Buchhorner Hof
PLAZA Hotel Buchhorner Hof
Friedrichstraße, 33, Friedrichshafen
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥19,967 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥19,967
¥22,324 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Friedrichshafen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (341 reviews)
"Convenient to railway station (no noise noticed during our stay). Right on the promenade. Bar was completely closed on a Monday, so no snacks or drinks other than a vending machine. For an otherwise lovely hotel this was a bit disappointing."

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2025

PLAZA Hotel Buchhorner Hof
Holiday Inn - the niu, Flower Konstanz by IHG
Holiday Inn - the niu, Flower Konstanz by IHG
Line-Eid-Straße 6, Konstanz, BW
The price is ¥12,845 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥12,845
¥17,016 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Konstanz. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Mainau Island and Pulverturm are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (159 reviews)
"Excellent stay here. Rooms were great, comfortable and clean. Front desk staff lovely and helpful. Breakfast staff not so pleasant, but overall would highly recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

Holiday Inn - the niu, Flower Konstanz by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Family-friendly vacation apartment in a quiet location with a large terrace
Family-friendly vacation apartment in a quiet location with a large terrace
Überlingen
Stay at this apartment in Baden-Württemberg. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Mainau Island and Bodensee-Therme Uberlingen ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Fantastic location and very comfortable
"My family of 5 thoroughly enjoyed our stay. There was space and amenities to make it comfortable, and the location was amazing. We were able to walk down to the lake, have dinner, and listen to live music, and then walk back. Thank you!"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2024

Family-friendly vacation apartment in a quiet location with a large terrace
Rioca Konstanz Posto 10
Rioca Konstanz Posto 10
Weberinnenstraße 4, Konstanz, BW
Stay at this aparthotel in Konstanz. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and Netflix. Popular attractions Mainau Island and Pulverturm are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (158 reviews)
"Very comfortable beds. Nice and quiet."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Rioca Konstanz Posto 10
Boardinghouse HOME - adults only -
Boardinghouse HOME - adults only -
Fürstengutweg 4, Konstanz, BW
Stay at this aparthotel in Konstanz. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (467 reviews)
"Very cool location"

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2025

Boardinghouse HOME - adults only -
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Lake Constance