 A space to breathe, to stay and to balance. Lakeside views meet flair in Konstanz, defined by vibrant shopping, café culture and a two-Michelin-star dining in effortless elegance. Travel | Destination Konstanz is a city in southern Germany. The city lies on the border with Switzerland and on the shores of Lake Constance, also known as the Bodensee. This city may be less known to the general public, but that certainly does not make it any less pleasant. BY HANAN, 5 minutes read Upon my arrival, I immediately notice that Konstanz is a vibrant, lively and cosmopolitan city with something for everyone. The destination is highly recommended for couples seeking tranquillity and who enjoy good food, wellness, pleasant shopping or strolling along the shores of the lake. Add history and culture to that, and Konstanz can rightfully be called a complete destination. The city is perfectly suited for a holiday with the whole family. There are many options for those who enjoy cycling, swimming, sailing and more. No other location on Lake Constance offers as many shopping and dining opportunities. Narrow streets, medieval architecture, a maritime flair and breathtaking views of the lake and the Alps are just some of the reasons to visit this city. Palm trees and a mild climate help you get into the atmosphere straight away. History and cultureEven in the Middle Ages, people already knew this place was special, as around six hundred years ago it was decided that the new pope would come from here. In 1388, a large building was constructed at the harbour. In this building, the Council of Constance took place between 1414 and 1418. The building has been preserved to this day. The Council of Constance paved the way for Pope Martin V. Between 2014 and 2018, the city therefore invited everyone to come and experience a piece of the past once again. The atmosphere of centuries ago still lingers in the streets of Konstanz. The street scene has an Italian feel.
In Konstanz, I discover the oldest city theatre in Germany. Productions have been staged there since 1607. Naturally, there is much more to discover culturally. Whether you choose to attend the famous ‘Seenachtfest’ (a summer festival), visit the jazz festival in autumn, or explore one of the many smaller cultural events, there is something happening in Konstanz all year round. Tourism has existed here since 1440. In the Middle Ages, many tourists arrived here daily. At that time, the city had only 6,000 inhabitants. Today, the city has roughly 85,000 inhabitants and is somewhat less overwhelmed by tourists. Personally, I very much enjoyed the beautiful and old frescoes that can be admired throughout the city. The oldest dates back to 1320 and can be found in the so-called Haus zur Kunkel. At the Konstanz tourist office, you can obtain a map with a complete route along the city’s frescoes. Shopping, strolling and diningKonstanz is a shopping paradise. If you want to shop, eat or visit one of the many local sights, Marktstätte (the square in the heart of Konstanz) is the perfect place to start. Within a few minutes, you walk past antique shops, art dealers, numerous specialist shops and many charming cafés and restaurants where you can taste regional dishes. Their terraces are located along Mediterranean-style squares, and honestly, what could be more enjoyable than resting your feet in such a beautiful place while enjoying a drink?  Strolling, shopping and everyday flow. This German city is unique because it has merged into one with the Swiss city of Kreuzlingen on the other side of the border. As you walk through the streets, you cross the German-Swiss border without noticing it. Since both countries use different currencies, it is possible that prices in one shop are displayed in euros and in another in Swiss francs. This should not be seen as a problem. You can easily pay in euros on the Swiss side, but you will receive change in Swiss francs. On the German side, it works the other way around.  Nothing holding back, every route within reach. Sun, beach and actionGo out with the whole family and discover the Sea Life Centre. Here, you can admire more than 3,000 fascinating creatures from the underwater world in thirty aquariums. Swimming, diving and sailing? Windsurfing or canoeing? It is all possible in Konstanz. With the whole family, you can also swim at Hömle beach. The entire area has quite a lot to offer. You can explore the picturesque landscape along several well-marked paths. Feel free to bring your bicycle or inline skates and take a trip along the shores of the lake. By the way, the sunsets here are beautiful. Sleep, wellness and enjoymentI stayed at Hotel Riva. This hotel is located right on the shore of the lake and features a design that is both luxurious and impressive. The hotel has a very pleasant spa, but the main attraction is the swimming pool on the roof of the hotel.
Do you enjoy good food? Then this hotel is also the right place. Chef Dirk Hoberg is in the kitchen of the gourmet restaurant Ophelia, which has two Michelin stars. He tells me that his main goal is "to make people happy". And he does. Your taste buds are delighted by all the culinary creations he presents. I am still impressed by all the sensations that overwhelmed my senses. Hoberg is assisted by the renowned sommelier Jerom Nicke. The capacity of the restaurant, a beautiful art nouveau villa, has been deliberately kept limited. This creates a cosy and intimate atmosphere. Hotel Riva is also the place to be for sailors. The marina of Konstanz is located right at its doorstep. You can take sailing lessons or even rent a sailing boat. A step in the surroundings
I did not count them all, but on the flower Island of Mainau, not far from Konstanz, there are said to be more than 9,000 rose bushes and 1,200 varieties of orchids. In addition, there are thousands of butterflies, a baroque castle and numerous trees to admire. One of the highlights is an ancient Victoria lime from 1892. The giant sequoias and swamp cypresses that can be seen there are also quite impressive. Fortunately, the gardens on this flower island cover ‘only’ 45 hectares. Just enough to enjoy all this beauty in a single visit. I personally experience it as pure pleasure to take in all the scents and sensations of the gardens of the Island of Mainau. The perfect way to round off a visit to Konstanz, the city by the lake. Hanan: text, photo • 1 April 2016, updated 29 March 2026 You Might Like This Loved this one? Hanan picked a few more you might like. Your voice!
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