LAKE CONSTANCE
Looking at a map you’ll note that Lake Constance is made up of two sections; the larger of the two is referred to as “Obersee”, while the smaller arm on the west is called “Untersee”. Lake Constance is a big lake approximately 40 miles in length & 7-1/2 miles across at its widest point. It is fed by the Rhine River which flows out ot the lake at Stein-am-Rhein. All along the lake you’ll find lovely villages & towns. We visited a few in our spotlights on the Cantons of Thurgau & St Gallen. Arbon located on the southern end of the lake is typical. There are two great ways to explore Lake Constance. One is cycle tour around the lake, while the other is to jump on one of the many ships for a cruise on the lake. A good starting point is the City of Konstanz just across from the border in Germany.
Konstanz is one of the best-preserved towns in Germany. Its history dates back to the Roman era and was an important town during the middle ages. A visit to Old Town with is cobblestone alleys and historic buildings is a delight. Foodies will love the many restaurants and cafés. In Tucson we have the “Second Saturdays” events in town. Konstanz from May to October on the first Friday of each month has “Gassen-Freitag” featuring outside live music, street food & a flea market. Before continuing around your journey around the lake, be sure to visit Mainau Island with its 110 acres of beautiful themed flower gardens and the largest butterfly house in Germany. Another worthwhile visit is the World Heritage UNESCO recognized monastery Island of Reichenau with its well-preserved churches dating back to the 9th century.
If you are planning to take the “cycle path” around Lake Constance, the German Cyclists Federation (ADFC) recommends that you cycle the route in a clockwise direction so that you are always on the side of the road facing the lake. On the way to Bregenz, on the Austrian end of the lake, you’ll pass through Friedrichshafen the hometown of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin. The Zeppelin Museum features a recreated section of the Hindenburg which caught fire in 1937 in New Jersey. If you are not a cyclist, a cruise from Konstanz to the lovely town of Bregenz is a treat. The famous opera festival takes place on the world’s largest floating stage during the summer months. The incredible stage is in itself a fabulous destination, and the fine operatic performances make it a once-in-a-lifetime event. This year Giuseppe Verdi’s “Rigoletto” is being featured. Leaving Bregenz you’ll soon be back in Switzerland in the Canton of St Gallen, then Thurgau.
Checkout the videos & web sites by clicking on the highlighted links above.
Looking at a map you’ll note that Lake Constance is made up of two sections; the larger of the two is referred to as “Obersee”, while the smaller arm on the west is called “Untersee”. Lake Constance is a big lake approximately 40 miles in length & 7-1/2 miles across at its widest point. It is fed by the Rhine River which flows out ot the lake at Stein-am-Rhein. All along the lake you’ll find lovely villages & towns. We visited a few in our spotlights on the Cantons of Thurgau & St Gallen. Arbon located on the southern end of the lake is typical. There are two great ways to explore Lake Constance. One is cycle tour around the lake, while the other is to jump on one of the many ships for a cruise on the lake. A good starting point is the City of Konstanz just across from the border in Germany.
Konstanz is one of the best-preserved towns in Germany. Its history dates back to the Roman era and was an important town during the middle ages. A visit to Old Town with is cobblestone alleys and historic buildings is a delight. Foodies will love the many restaurants and cafés. In Tucson we have the “Second Saturdays” events in town. Konstanz from May to October on the first Friday of each month has “Gassen-Freitag” featuring outside live music, street food & a flea market. Before continuing around your journey around the lake, be sure to visit Mainau Island with its 110 acres of beautiful themed flower gardens and the largest butterfly house in Germany. Another worthwhile visit is the World Heritage UNESCO recognized monastery Island of Reichenau with its well-preserved churches dating back to the 9th century.
If you are planning to take the “cycle path” around Lake Constance, the German Cyclists Federation (ADFC) recommends that you cycle the route in a clockwise direction so that you are always on the side of the road facing the lake. On the way to Bregenz, on the Austrian end of the lake, you’ll pass through Friedrichshafen the hometown of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin. The Zeppelin Museum features a recreated section of the Hindenburg which caught fire in 1937 in New Jersey. If you are not a cyclist, a cruise from Konstanz to the lovely town of Bregenz is a treat. The famous opera festival takes place on the world’s largest floating stage during the summer months. The incredible stage is in itself a fabulous destination, and the fine operatic performances make it a once-in-a-lifetime event. This year Giuseppe Verdi’s “Rigoletto” is being featured. Leaving Bregenz you’ll soon be back in Switzerland in the Canton of St Gallen, then Thurgau.
Checkout the videos & web sites by clicking on the highlighted links above.
