Germany: Lake Constance - Part 2

There has been civilization living in, on and around the Lake Constance area since prehistoric times. This is part of the reason that UNESCO has classified the region’s lake dwellings, which are houses built on stilts, as a World Heritage area. You can visit them and while doing so you can take a trip to the fascinating Museum which recreates the past. It shows how our Stone Age and Bronze Age ancestors made pottery, wove cloth and farmed this area. The trip to this area is accessible by ferry with the time taken being around 45minutes from Konstanz city.

Konstanz city is at the western end of Lake Constance, for which it gets its name. It is a very fine and mostly original old town with stunning views of the lake and mountains. If you approach from the lake then you are greeted at the harbour entrance with a contemporary statue of Imperia which slowly rotates. Away from harbour area there are many pedestrian streets which are lined with historic buildings. You can view the medieval frescoes in the former city Hospital which is now the post office and look out for the Napoleonic gold eagle on the Zum Goldener Adler Hotel in Markstatte square.

A few minutes from Konstanz and reached by a causeway is the island of Mainau, which if you are a keen gardener will be somewhere you will want to go. Surrounding the 13th century Baroque palace is one of Europe’s finest gardens as it boasts exotic trees, flowers and shrubs from all over the world. The garden good at any time of the year, but when the blooms are out it is spectacular. Many of the trees are at least 150 years old and there is also a palm house and butterfly house.

If you like romantic palaces and castles then you should not miss the craggy Old Castle that stands guard over Meerburg on Lake Constance. It is the oldest inhabited castle in Germany and within its medieval museum it has an armoury collection dating back over 500 years. In contrast, the pink walled New Castle reflects the elegant style of the 18th century. It was once the seat of the Prince-Bishops and its exhibits include antique furniture, paintings and porcelain from the period. If you happen to be there during the summer you may be able to catch one of the many concerts take place.

Another place worth a visit on Lake Constance is the tiny Monastic island of Reichenau. It is only 5 km long and is famed for its Benedictine Monastery. This was founded in 724 and it became one of the great medieval intellectual and cultural centres of Europe. You can visit the island by boat or by a causeway. While you are there you can take your time and walk or cycle around the island which is also well known for its vegetables.

There are also three village churches in the town which are also remarkable for their early medieval architecture as for their wall paintings.