The German Riviera Lake: The Perfect Summer Getaway on Three Borders

A Summer Escape to Lake Constance

Lake Constance, nestled at the foot of the Alps, is a breathtaking destination that spans the borders of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Known for its turquoise waters, scenic mountain views, and picturesque villages, it offers an array of attractions that make it a top summer getaway in Central Europe. From historical sites to natural wonders, there’s something for every traveler.

Meersburg (Germany) and Its Hanging Vineyards

Located on the north shore of the lake, the charming town of Meersburg provides panoramic views of Lake Constance. The town features a quiet harbor, two castles built on the summit, and steep vineyards that cling to the slopes down to the water. Burg Meersburg, Germany’s oldest inhabited fortress, showcases over 1,000 years of history with its Romanesque keeps, Gothic kitchens, and Baroque flats. Below, the promenade leads past public baths, natural beaches, and several wine bars where visitors can enjoy the local vintages, primarily made from the Müller-Thurgau white grape variety.

Friedrichshafen (Germany), the Zeppelin Museum and Industrial History

Friedrichshafen has long been a hub for aviation and mechanical engineering. In the early 20th century, Zeppelin airships took flight from the shores of the lake. The Zeppelin Museum, housed in a former Bauhaus-style airport, exhibits archives, films, and a life-size reconstruction of the cabin of the LZ 129 Hindenburg. Nearby, the Dornier Museum tells the story of German civil and military aviation. The recently renovated promenade combines public gardens, cafes, and family beaches, offering a blend of urban charm and lake views.

Mainau (Germany), the Garden Island of the Bernadottes

Just a few kilometers north of Constance, the 45-hectare island of Mainau is home to a remarkable botanical garden created in 1856 by Grand Duke Friedrich I of Baden. Accessible via a footbridge, the island boasts rose gardens with over 1,200 varieties, rows of palm trees, giant sequoias, and cascading fountains. The baroque castle, once home to the Bernadottes, overlooks sunny terraces. A large butterfly hothouse, the largest in Germany, adds to the tropical ambiance of this unique island.

Bregenz (Austria), Operas on the Water and Alpine Scenery

Bregenz, located on the eastern shore of the Upper Lake, is the capital of Vorarlberg and a must-visit for hiking around the Bodensee. The old town features cobbled streets near the old town wall, but the shores of Lake Constance are the main attraction. Every summer, the Bregenzer Festspiele, an opera festival founded in 1946, presents concerts on a floating stage. Productions such as Carmen, Madame Butterfly, and Il Trovatore draw up to 7,000 spectators each evening, set against the backdrop of mountains and their reflections on the water.

Stein am Rhein (Switzerland), Where the Untersee Meets the Rhine

At the western end of the Lower Lake, where the Bodensee becomes the Rhine again, Stein am Rhein guards the way into Switzerland. This village of 3,500 inhabitants is known for its corbelled houses adorned with 16th-century frescoes. The Rathausplatz is an open-air museum featuring wrought-iron signs, pointed-roofed buildings, and trompe l’oeil paintings. Hohenklingen Castle, which has watched over the Rhine since 1225, offers panoramic views and exhibition rooms. Just beyond the bridge, a warmer swimming area is a popular spot for locals.

Reichenau (Germany), the Island of Monasteries and Quiet Shores

Reichenau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, was a significant religious center in Europe between the 9th and 11th centuries. The island is home to three Carolingian churches, including St George’s, which contains biblical frescoes dating back to the year 1000. Today, the island is known for its market gardening, cycle paths, and quiet quays. A 10km tour can be completed in half a day, offering open views of the Alps and little-frequented natural swimming areas.