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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lake Garda North is very beautiful: the lake is narrow, the banks are high, and the water is emerald. It is the best choice for hikers and surfers.
Gmunden is located on the edge of the Salzkammergut. A little further – and already the mountains come to an end, industrial zones begin, highways intersect around Wels. But in Gmunden you still enjoy the mountain scenery.
Gmunden is suitable as a base for exploring the region around Traunsee, Bad Ischl. It’s not near to Hallstatt for day trip, although it is still possible. But for a real exploration of the mountainous part of the Salzkammergut, it is better to find an accomodation closer.
Looking at the photos in the first part, you may ask – where are these lakes, there is only a meadow and wooded mountains. Nevertheless, three decent-sized lakes are hidden in the forests, and in the neighboring valley towards Reutte there are two more large lakes, on which there are even pleasure boats. And there are many small mountain lakes and reservoirs, some of which are used to provide snow for trails, and in the summer they are very beautiful landscapes.
Mountain lakes were hidden under clouds, but in the forest ones we even managed to swim.
In comparison with the German coast, where everything is subordinated to tourism, the Swiss side of Lake Constance seems to know nothing about tourists and does not want to know. Therefore, you need to prepare especially carefully for a vacation there.
Does it make sense to go there at all? Consider the pros and cons below.
You need to load content from reCAPTCHA to submit the form. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More Information