What to do in Konstanz
Konstanz is a small town with a lot to offer. As part of the GfP 2024 program, we will be vistiting popular destinations around town: the historic Konzil, Affenberg Salem, and botanical island of Mainau.
But there's plenty more to do. Below are some of the other attractions here and in the surrounding areas. For a full list of activities, click here
HISTORICAL KONSTANZ
A place of perfectly preserved medieval architecture and cafe-lined cobblestone alleys, Konstanz is a city best explored on foot. The many walking tours on offer will help you uncover hidden gems, like the old district of Niederburg. Choose from guided walks covering different themes like churches and historical figures or self-guided walks that start from the Tourist Information Office at the central train station (pick up maps there).
WORLD HERITAGE ISLAND
A short train and bus ride from Konstanz lies the UNESCO world heritage-listed island of Reichenau. The island is anchored by three medieval monasteries that date back to the 9th century. Around them, fields of vegetables, flowers, and grape vines spread out in a pastoral patchwork. Don’t miss the chance to try local fish at the legendary restaurant Bei Riebels.
THE ALPS
Sharing a boarder with Switzerland, Konstanz is the perfect jumping-off point to explore the snow-capped mountains of the Alps. This famous mountain range system—the highest and most extensive in Europe stretching 1,200 kilometres across eight countries—can be easily accessed by car or public transport. Only 2.5 hours by train from Konstanz, the stunning Säntis mountain (2501 m) in eastern Switzerland is a great nearby option, with towering mountain views and a cable car ride.
NATURE RESERVES
The nature reserve known as Wollmatinger Ried, where the Rhine flows from the main lake into the Untersee, is the largest and most important nature reserve on the German shores of the Bodensee. Over 290 bird species flock to the reserve’s rich reed beds. An excellent place from which to explore the nature reserve as well as the flora and fauna of Lake Constance is the NABU-Centre, which offers exhibitions, slideshows, and informative guided tours.