Set on Europe’s 3rd-largest lake, the Swiss-German border, and the Rhine River, Konstanz has been in the thick of things for thousands of years. This World War II-surviving town has a history in spades, from its medieval Old Town (Altstadt) to its Gothic cathedral and more. But things to do in Konstanz aren’t limited to time travel: The city has a decidedly Mediterranean vibe, with plenty to do on, near, and in the water. Here, history meets scenery meets luxury—all in one place.
Konstanz's high season is summer, aka June to August. Most visitors will tell you this is the best time to visit, as the weather is warmest, the lakeshore pops with events and things to do, and the days are sunny and long. It’s also when tourists flock to the area, so you can expect more crowded attractions and higher accommodation prices. For smaller crowds and lower prices, visit in the offseason.
Unless you're road-tripping Germany, leave the rental car behind. Konstanz has excellent public transit options—the train station is on the edge of Old Town, for starters. From there, you can take the city’s excellent bus system or the ferry across the water for sightseeing in nearby towns like Meersburg. Taxis are on offer, too, and if you’re into biking, the city’s great for cyclists as well.
Four words: Get on that ferry. Lake Constance is a sight for sore eyes from the Konstanz harbor, but there are many worlds to explore from the water. Take the ferry to nearby Mainau Island, aka Flower Island, and check out its exquisite gardens. And don’t miss nearby towns like Meersburg—right off the ferry, you’ll catch views of sites like Meersburg Castle and the bubblegum-pink Meersburg New Palace.
