Lake and City of Constance tour in Germany in Baden Wurttemberg
With its Mediterranean climate, colorful flowers and a dreamy lakefront, Constance is the ideal place for a weekend getaway in Baden Wurttemberg
Konstanz is the “capital” of the Bodensee, which in Italian takes its name, Lake Constance. It is one of the lucky few German cities to have survived the bombings of World War II. With a history as old as its name, dedicated to Emperor Constantius Chlorus, made up of bewitching architecture and water attractions, there is a Mediterranean air about Constance that will not make you regret visiting the city on Europe's third largest lake.
WHERE IS IT?
Lake Constance is located in southwest Germany and is a very nice place to take a vacation. It has a pleasant climate and there are snow-covered mountains around it. The lake is located where three countries meet: Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In German it is called Bodensee and is divided into two parts: the upper lake (Obersee) and the lower lake (Untersee). The Rhine River is very important to this lake because it carries water and connects the two parts of the lake. Germany has the northern part of the lake, and this is divided between two regions, Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. To the south, there are three cantons in Switzerland: St. Gallen, Thurgau, and Schaffhausen. Finally, the small east coast is in Austria, near the city of Bregenz.
For Germans, Lake Constance is a real sea, so much so that they call it “Schwäbisches Meer” . We have been there several times reaching this location either by car or by bike (there is a whole bike path) but then returning by train in the evening. Scenic and very popular with locals who flock this way at the first ray of sunshine to kayak, or a ride in a pedal boat or Sup or just to relax and get a tan. If you are in these parts, the sunlight stays until 10 p.m. offering you plenty of time to visit the medieval town of Constance. It is the southernmost city in Germany.
HOW TO REACH CONSTANCE
Constance is the city that gives Lake Constance its name, so it is the perfect place to start your visit. It is a city with a population of almost 90,000 and is located in the Baden-Württemberg region of Germany. Constance is also a famous University city. It is known for being the site of an important Church meeting, called the “Conclave,” which took place here a long time ago, in 1414..
The city is special because it lies between two lakes: the Obersee and Untersee lakes, which are connected by the Rhine River. The oldest part of the city lies to the south and overlooks Obersee Lake. One attraction you can't miss is the 9-meter-high Statue of Imperia, pictured in my profile photo, which stands at the entrance to the harbor. This statue commemorates the Council of Constance that took place right here. From Villingen by Deutche Bahn train Constance is as easy to reach as any town on the German side of Lake Constance.
A trip to Lake Constance, more commonly known to everyone as the Bodensee. the third largest freshwater lake we have in Europe, is worth a full day especially if time permits.
IMPERIA STATUE SYMBOL OF CONSTANCE
Symbol of Constance is the statue of “Imperia.” I found out that she was a curvy harlot and that in this statue dedicated to her, she holds in her fist, or rather in the palm of both hands, her father Martin V and King Sigismund, two of the most powerful men of the Middle Ages enslaved to the weaknesses of the flesh. The statue of “Imperia” has the peculiarity of rotating 360 degrees so that it never shows only the “B side” to those arriving from the lake or those strolling along the harbor.
Also interesting to see in Constance is the museum of Jan Hus, an important Czech theologian who was condemned by the Church. Also, don't forget to see the Constance Cathedral, called Minster. This church is very old, but its appearance that we see today is the result of renovations done in the 1800s.
Visit to the island of Reichenau UNESCO World Heritage Site
Circa 1.200 anni fa, un monaco chiamato Walahfrid Strabo, che viveva sull'isola di Reichenau, scrisse un libro chiamato Hortulus, considerato il primo manuale di giardinaggio d'Europa. Oggi, sull'isola, chiamata anche "Isola delle verdure" per via dei tanti ortaggi che ci crescono, come pomodori e insalata, si può ancora vedere un piccolo orto che segue i consigli dati nel suo libro. Questo orto si trova dove una volta c'era il giardino del vecchio convento. L'ho trovata molto colorata, ricca di serre e di fiori, insomma un meraviglioso giardino a cielo aperto www.reichenau-tourismus.de E' facilmente raggiungibile in auto Reichenau è collegata alla terraferma da una strada rialzata. In bici da Costanza la strada rialzata sull'isola è lunga quasi 3 km e ha un percorso pavimentato dedicato per ciclisti, pattinatori e pedoni. In treno la fermata è la stazione di Reichenau che si trova sulla terraferma. Una volta scesi si può prendere l'autobus 7372 per l'isola.
HISTORICAL CENTER OF CONSTANCE
The old town is one of the main attractions of the city and is worth walking around appreciating its winding streets.
WHAT TO DO ON LAKE CONSTANCE
If you come during the winter season with the frozen lake in the bay next to the island, you can skate, play field hockey, and buy mulled wine and currywurst at the ice stalls. Or if you can, it would be wonderful to visit a xmas market during Advent. Lake Constance combines the Christmas traditions of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. During Christmas, festively decorated towns are reflected in the lake, with markets located on the shores, islands, snow-capped mountains, and baroque castles. The atmosphere is made even more magical by the scents of sweets and cinnamon, and the Advent ships that connect the various markets. In addition, hotels and restaurants in the area offer special packages to make the winter vacations even better. Links to the xmas market on the Costance Lake
If you come during the summer, it's all a party. It is wonderful to sail along the lake (by kayak or canoe) or even by pedal boat. You can bring your own or rent one at one of the centers you find just around the German side of the lake.
And while you are sailing the lake be sure to cross at least one frontier. Interesting and very sporty as an activity to ride your bike on the lakefront and walk the whole thing, even on foot if you want.
You can relax on the lawn and lie in the sun, giving yourself a well-deserved rest.
If you love wine, you are in the right place. The most beautiful places above Lake Constance traditionally belong to the grape. From the Rhine Valley to the Rhine Falls, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir enjoy the sunshine and the view of the lake. All the details and experiences Best wine experiences on Costance Lake
Durante l'estate quasi tutti i fine settimana è possibile mangiare cibo locale in uno degli stand gastronomici allestiti intorno al lago.
Dove mangiare a Costanza
A Costanza ho mangiato un ottimo burger di pollo e panino multicereale in un posto molto bello, tipo jungle bar che vi consiglio Hans im Glueck
Comments