BodenSeeWest

Kayakers appreciate the multitude of islands and peninsulas in the western Lake Constance, walkers the paths along the shore, and hikers the dense forests of the Bodanrücken and the Thurgau lake ridge. Mountain bikers get their fill on the steep slopes of the Hegau volcanoes. The Rhine becomes a river again and offers a magnificent backdrop for one of Europe's most beautiful river cruise routes until it plunges down the Rhine Falls near Neuhausen.

The nature reserves on the western Lake Constance are among the oldest and most important in the Lake Constance region. Reed forests provide a unique natural habitat for rare animal and plant species. In winter, more two-legged visitors (migratory birds) rest here than arrive at the lake in the summer months. The often rare guests can be admired from the observation platforms at the Reichenau island dam, the Hegne campsite, the Mettnau peninsula, and on the shore of the Höri peninsula. Well-equipped hiking trails lead to breathtaking lake views. The art route "Experience Landscape – Discover Art" recalls the many artists who have settled here.

Gardeners on the western Lake Constance invite you to the garden rendezvous. Over 80 private gardens in the Untersee, Hegau, and Schaffhausen regions open their doors to interested visitors. The flower and palm island of Mainau invites visitors all year round, one of the main attractions at Lake Constance.

Weather, travel time, and equipment

It is no surprise that the summer season at Lake Constance sometimes begins as early as Easter in some years. Because around Europe's third-largest inland lake, the thermometer always shows a few degrees more than in comparable latitudes. This also means that thick snow covers are rather rare in winter.

You can hike year-round on the western Lake Constance, usually light hiking shoes or mid-height trekking shoes are sufficient. Those who wish to travel by bike should focus on the warmer months. On some days in the early morning, the autumn and winter fog exudes a very special charm. Then warm clothing is needed in the morning and something to change into by midday.

Freshness and regionality are paramount at Lake Constance. Apples, pears, plums, and cherries grow in the orchards. Radishes, Bülle (Höri onions), and lettuce have become trademarks of the Höri vegetable farmers, while the vegetable island of Reichenau contributes "island pearls" (particularly tasty tomatoes), cucumbers, fennel, and numerous vegetable varieties. The restaurateurs on the Lower Lake serve freshly caught Lake Constance whitefish and regional products, accompanied by a freshly pressed drop from the vineyards on the lake shore.

Funded by the European Regional Development Fund