Key Features of the Bodensee
The Bodensee (German: Bodensee) is the third largest lake in Central Europe and lies where Germany, Austria and Switzerland meet. Its shorelines are dotted with picturesque towns and cities including Constance, Friedrichshafen, Bregenz and Lindau in the Upper Lake, Reichenau and Radolfzell am Bodensee in the Lower Lake.
Historically, the region was an important crossroads on the north-south and east-west trade routes of the Holy Roman Empire. While the bleak war years of the mid-20th Century put a brake on the area’s illustrious past, in recent decades, the region has recovered and flourished. While the region is home to a variety of activities and experiences, there are a few key features that set the Bodensee district apart. Among them, a wealth of baroque churches and medieval castles, vineyards and orchards. Plus, the breathtaking panorama of peaks of the Swiss and Austrian Alps.
Lake Constance is easy to get around by foot, bike or car. The main highlights are within a few minutes’ reach, whether it’s the flower-paradise of the island of Mainau or the medieval town of Konstanz with its illustrious university. The lakeside resorts of Bregenz and Meersburg are within easy driving distance as well, as is the popular Bodensee-Airport Friedrichshafen with its wide range of scheduled flights to and from London Gatwick and Manchester.
What Are the Key Features of the Bodensee Landscape?
The famous lake and mountain bike path called the “Bodensee-Radweg” encircles the entire lake and brings visitors close to scenic landscapes of orchards, vineyards, historic towns and romantic castles. Those looking for a more leisurely way to explore the landscape can hire a kayak or canoe at several locations around the lake, including Meersburg, Friedrichshafen and Radolfzell.
A trip to the Bodensee is also a great opportunity for water sports, with scuba diving, windsurfing and sailing offered in abundance. The region is also a top location for outdoor sports, with hiking and biking trails, golf courses and mountain biking available in the surrounding mountains. In addition, the Bodensee offers a wide variety of restaurants and hotels. The quality of the regional cuisine is high, with fish, fruits and vegetables a particular specialty. The many wineries of the area also produce a superb variety of wines.
In terms of tourism, the region is 95% German-speaking, which makes it less accessible to tourists from other parts of Europe. But it is getting more and more attention with the emergence of new and innovative destinations such as the Mettnau Peninsula, a half-island known for its spas and healing properties. The area also boasts an exciting collection of contemporary art and culture. In recent times, the region has also become a leading venue for congresses and corporate events. The new airport in nearby Friedrichshafen is opening a number of additional connections to and from London Gatwick, Manchester and other European cities. This, combined with the recently launched schedule of UK-based Monarch Airlines to and from Friedrichshafen, is set to boost international visitor numbers.