Around Lake Constance there are three countries, three cantons (five if you count the sub-cantons), three federal states and God knows how many smaller administrative units. In general, they try to cooperate in the field of tourism and this cooperation has resulted in the form of guest cards of Lake Constance. But they are not always as profitable as we would like. So plan carefully if you’re on a budget.
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Public transport around Lake Constance
Lake Constance is large, and the road that goes around it is narrow and there is only one. The speed there is severely limited almost everywhere, and for those who are too fast, not noticing the signs, there are radars. There is almost always a traffic jam from may to september, because of too many people.
Public transport can help, but it is not cheap. This page is about what public transport around Lake Constance is available. Read more about guest and tourist cards – Tourist and guest cards of Lake Constance
Lake Constance. Meersburg attractions
Meersburg is the most beautiful town on Lake Constance, although some might prefer Lindau. Plan at least half a day for Meersburg Castle and the town’s picturesque streets.
Meersburg is located in the very center of the main attractions on the lake.
Lake Constance. Mainau Island of flowers
Mainau Island of flowers is a must see from late April to May and a good park for the rest of the time.
Photos of the three visits: the beginning of the tulip bloom, towards the end of the tulip bloom and in August.
Lake Constance (Bodensee). 1. Lake Überlingen
Lake Überlingen is the most interesting part of Lake Constance: picturesque hilly shores, many attractions from natural to cultural, from parks to castles. This part has towns Überlingen, Uhldingen, Bodman, island Mainau and at the end of the lake Überlingen Meersburg.
Lake Constance (Bodensee). 2. Konstanz
Konstanz is very known, and it is usually included in the tourist program. But in reality, it is just the first candidate for deletion from the program if there is not enough time (and there are so many sights on the lake that there is hardly enough time).
Hallstatt old town – history and natural jewel
Salt was mined here already in the 5th millennium BC. The wealth of the local population was based on salt, which traded with both the Baltic and the Mediterranean countries. An entire cultural era has been named for this small Hallstatt old town.
For me, the charm of Hallstatt is a combination of antiquity, beauty and the feeling of isolation from the whole world that arises there. However you can feel that, only if you accomodate in the town or come in the unpopular season. The region is worth a stopover for a at least few days (better 1 week). One-day exursion might be only disappointment – too short and soooo many people.
Lake Garda East side
The most popular destinations on Lake Garda East side are Garda and Malcesine.
From Bardolino to the north, the mountains begin to rise gradually. In the Garda they are still small, in Torri they are already of a decent height. Each village offers hiking and cycling trails of varying difficulty in these mountains.
Starting from Torri, the proposed accommodation is often high above the lake level.
Lake Garda South
The most popular of the Lake Garda South are the amusement parks between Lazise and Peschiera, Sigurta Park and the old town of Sirmione. But even smaller sights deserve attention.
Lake Garda. What to see in Sirmione
The old part of Sirmione is a busy and overcrowded very small old town surrounded by walls. What to see in Sirmione? There are a fortress, Roman ruins, a thermal pool and an ancient water source for it, and one special beach. Picturesque, but tiring, it’s more suitable for excursions than for recreation.
The place with healing waters was used as a resort even by the Romans. The next generations were not so smart and valued the protective function more. In the 19th century, tourism was rediscovered. And now the tourist plan is clearly being overfulfilled.