Surrounded by the land of three countries the lake dresses into the different names depending on the direction from which one looks onto the waters.
Standing on the ( German ) Northern side one would call it Bodensee, while looking from the Southern side ( Austria and Switzerland ) the waters are named Lake Constance.
the Bavarian lion and the lightouse guard the entryway to Bodensee
The second name comes from the important medieval town Konstanz located between the present Switzerland and Germany. The old merchant town also today supplies the visitors
with the vast range of goods in the local shops and nice selection of food in the restaurants and cafes. The nightlife offer is strenghtened by the presence of a casino.
The largest lake in Germany and one of the biggest in Europe receives enough sun for vineyards situated almost under the snow of the Alpine peaks.
The mild climate and the stable temperature are good enough not only for sun worshipers but also for famous subtropical gardens growing on the small island Mainlau.
The gardens surround the former residence of Teutonic Knights, the castle now is in the private hands and unfortunately closed for the public, but during the daylight the gardens are open for evrybody. Although the lake receives plenty of sun, the water temperature is not very high, but comfortable.
If you prefer warmer water, you can enjoy swimming in one of the heated swimming pools around the lakes. Many of the pools belong to the lakeside hotels, which quite often evolve into the benessere spas offering the relaxing way of holiday leisure.
But the active people will also find plenty of opportunities, not without a reason the lake is called the capital of summer sports in Germany.
There waters of Bodensee are perfect for swimming, diving, sailing and windsurfing. The sailing shools offer the boats to rent, while the hotels usually provide faster motorboats for cruising.
There is no problem with renting the bike to travel around the shore of the lake. The popular cruise boats moving around the lake have the new competition.
The new attraction are the flights inside of the old fashioned Zeppelin above the picturesque waters of the lake.
The small towns around the lake hide hide inside the old churches and other interesting pieces of architecture.
The most interesting is Lindau, which over thousand years ago was an outpost town of the Holy Roman Empire. In the following centuries Lindau remain prosperous as the main trade centre between Bavaria and Switzerland. The historic centre of Lindau features 15th century town hall, the Diebsturm (Thieves’ Tower) and two lighthouses, one from 12th another from 18th century.
Both lighthouses offer the staircases to the top, the effort of climbing will be awarded with picturesque views of the Alps surrounding the lake.
[photo courtesy of EnDie1]
