BODENSEEMAGAZINE

LabhardsB

OD

EN

SEE

MAG

AZINE

ENGLISH EDITION

ENGLISH EDITION

TRIPS & SIGHTS, CULTURE & HISTORY, FOOD & WINE

Germany/Austria € 5,–Switzerland CHF 9,80

Germany | Switzerland | Austria | Principality of Liechtenstein

Pfänderbahn AG Steinbruchgasse 4 6900 Bregenz / Österreich Phone.: +43(0)5574/42160-0 Fax.: +43(0)5574/42160-4 Weather: +43(0)5574/43316 offi ce@pfaenderbahn.at

The Pfaender Cable CarThe top can be reached quickly and comfortably with the Pfaender cable car in just 6 minutes.

The Pfaender Eagle Sanctuary - Birds of Prey showIn a presentation lasting about 40 minutes, you will experience eagles, vultures, falcons, kites and eagle owls fl ying freely in the sky on the upcurrent of Pfaender‘s slope. Open daily from 1st of May to 5th of October; shows at 11am and 2.30pm.

The Pfaender Alpine Wildlife ParkOn a 30-minute loop with an educational nature trail that provides information about the fauna and fl ora, you will see Alpine ibexes, red deer, wild boar, mouffl ons and marmots. Children especially love small animal enclosure with dwarf goats, rabbits and potbellied pigs as well as the adjoining playground.

Paradise for Hikers and BikersMany well signed and paved paths are available.Bikes can be transported in the Pfaender cable car the whole day.

With its unparalleled view of the Lake Constance, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and 240 peaks of the Alps, the Pfaender (1064m) is the most famous loukout point in the region.

The Mountain at Lake Constance 1064m

w w w. p f a e n d e r b a h n . a t

BO

DE

NSE

E M

AGAZINE

ISBN 978

-3-939

142-95-9

ENGLISH EDITION

Experience the variety Friedrichshafen has to o� er – right in the heart of the Lake Constance region. From cultural highlights and the history of airships to the exceptional leisure activities in the area – enjoy holiday at its best.Friedrichshafen welcomes you!

Discover FriedrichshafenLake, sunshine and mountains – enjoy a greatholiday in the home town of the zeppelin

www.friedrichshafen.infowww.tourism-bw.cominfo@tourismus-bw.de

With four fabulous seasons, there’s always a right time to visit one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. In sunny summer, explore the romantic Black Forest; in autumn, watch grapes being picked for award-winning wines; in winter, shop at Christmas markets in medieval towns; in spring, photograph gardens ablaze with flowers and blossom. And everywhere is so close: tour historic Heidelberg castle and Stuttgart’s glamorous palace; enjoy Baden-Baden’s elegant spas and casino; watch the sunset on Lake Constance; ride the rollercoasters at Europa-Park Rust.

We are just a click away: www.tourism-bw.com

WELCOME TO SUNNY SOUTHWEST GERMANY

18:31

Pho

to:

Achim

Mend

e

IMPRINT

Published byLabhard Medien GmbHMax-Stromeyer-Straße 116D-78467 ConstancePhone: +49 (0) 7531 9071-0verlag@labhard.de, www.labhard.de

ISBN 978-3-939142-95-9All rights reservedCopyright © 2013 by Labhard Medien GmbH

Managing Directors Thomas Willauer, Gabriele SchindlerProject team Stephan Bickmann, Beate Laub, ClaudiaManz, Johanna Maus, Nathalie Peter, Thomas WillauerTranslator Claire Gordon-KühlDistribution Katharina SchludeGraphic design Helga StützenbergerPhotography Unless otherwise stated, the photos were provided by the respective tourist office.Cover photo Achim MendePrinted by Stürtz GmbH, Würzburg

Bodensee Magazine English Edition is published in coopera-tion with Internationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbH (IBT).The Bodensee Magazine English Edition is also distributedby IBT as a special issue.

For enquiries about Lake Constance please contactInternationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbHPhone: +49 (0) 7531 909490www.bodensee.eu

Fourcountryregion Bodensee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Mobility on Lake Constance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Cruise across Lake Constance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Stadtwerke Konstanz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Cities, regions & sights

Germany

Constance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Mainau Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Untersee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Radolfzell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Singen and the Hegau region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Birnau pilgrims’ church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Überlingen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Hagnau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Meersburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Immenstaad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Friedrichshafen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Upper Swabia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

“Schwäbischer Bodensee” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Nonnenhorn / Wasserburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Lindau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Austria

Vorarlberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Feldkirch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Principality of Liechtenstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Switzerland

St.Gallen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Thurgau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Bischofszell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Art and culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

UNESCO World Heritage Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Monasteries & churches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

600 Years Council of Constance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Historisches Museum Thurgau, Schloss Frauenfeld . . . . . . . . . . 64

St.George’s Abbey, Stein am Rhein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Meersburg Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Salem Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Meersburg New Palace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Hohentwiel fortress ruins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Arrive, relax, enjoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Culinary delights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Hits for kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Facts & figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

2 Bodensee Magazine | Fourcountryregion Bodensee

Pho

to:

Achim

Mend

e

Lindau Bregenz Rorschach

Feldkirch

Romanshorn Uhldingen Bischofszell

Friedrichshafen Immenstaad Meersburg

Wasserburg | Kressbronn | Nonnenhorn | Langenargen St. Gallen

Mainau Constance Überlingen

Säntis Mountain

Bregenz Festival Zeppelin Museum, Friedrichshafen Rhine Falls, Schaffhausen

Pho

to:

Ben

no H

agle

itner

Pho

to:

Zep

pel

in M

useu

m

Pho

to:

Sch

affh

ause

n To

uris

mus

Vaduz

Hagnau

Fourcountyregion Bodensee | Bodensee Magazine 3

Reichenau Frauenfeld SingenRadolfzellSchaffhausen

Welcometo the “Fourcountryregion Bodensee”

St. Peter and Paul’s church, Reichenau Island Vaduz Castle, Liechtenstein Schwägalp, Switzerland

Pho

to:

Ach

im M

end

e

Pho

to:

Liec

hten

stei

n To

uris

mus

Pho

to:

Ach

im M

end

e

4 Bodensee Magazine | Intro

Pho

tos:

Achim

Mend

eGlittering water, idyllic villages and an impressive Alpine panorama – Lake Constanceis still a favourite among the major tourist destinations in Central Europe. Whetheryou are looking for relaxation and recuperation, cycling and hiking, sailing and waterskiing, or fun and adventure, the diversity of the international Lake Constance regionis unique. That also applies to the four neighbouring countries of Germany, Switzer-land, Austria and Liechtenstein. Each holds cultural and historical treasures, culti-vates its own traditions and lives modern culture to the full. The people in each ofthese four nations attach great importance to preserving their individual characteris-tics, while sharing a love of the region and the lake. Four countries – four cultures,that means contrasts but also an exciting diversity that is worth discovering.

Discoverendless possibilities

Mainau Island

Fourcountryregion Bodensee | Bodensee Magazine 5

A boundless expanse of water

Situated north of the Alps, Lake Constance, or Bodensee in German, is Europe’sthird largest lake. Germany, Switzerland and Austria share the 273 km long shore-line. At the heart of the Alps, wedged between Austria and Switzerland to the eastof the river Rhine, lies the Principality of Liechtenstein. The Rhine is the main sourceof water, entering the lake at its eastern end and meandering imperceptibly acrossit. Some 60 kilometres further west it leaves the lake again at Stein am Rhein inSwitzerland before cascading down the biggest and most spectacular waterfalls inEurope near Schaffhausen in Switzerland. With its maritime flair and the uniquebackdrop of the Alps, the lake is a watersports paradise for millions of holiday -makers. Thanks to the excellent quality of the water, Lake Constance is not onlyone of the most popular lakes for swimming in Germany, but also Europe’s largestdrinking water reservoir.

Easy to reach from all over the world

Lake Constance is only an hour’s drive from Zurich airport in Switzerland andless than two hours from the airports in Stuttgart or Munich in Germany – all inter-national transport hubs. It also has two local airports in Friedrichshafen in Germanyand Altenrhein in Switzerland. The outstanding choice of accommodation and pub-lic transport makes it easy and enjoyable to travel around in the Lake Constanceregion. Other regional airports within an extended radius in Basel (CH), Memmingen(D) and Baden-Baden (D) offer low-budget flights, ideal for a long weekend or ashort break.

Steeped in history and culture

The Fourcountryregion Bodensee offers a wealth of opportunities to discover itsastounding history and culture. For thousands of years, this area has been a meltingpot of different cultures and a crossing point for trade between the south and thenorth side of the Alps. Celts, Romans and Alemanni have left their traces. Medievaltowns, castles and fortresses are strung around the lake like a pearl necklace. His-toric towns of stunning beauty like Constance, Überlingen, Lindau or St.Gallen standalongside gems such as Meersburg, Bregenz, Stein am Rhein, and the flower islandof Mainau. The region also boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: ReichenauIsland, the lake dwellings that are brought to life in the Pfahlbausmuseum inUnteruhldingen, and the abbey precincts in St.Gallen. Visitors can encounter theregion’s history in one of the numerous museums or take a step back in time in themedieval castles and churches. The region’s rich cultural past is also reflected in the lifestyle of the inhabitants today,their enjoyment of celebrations and the fine arts. Innumerable concerts, festivals, the-atre productions, traditional events and exhibitions of all kinds can be enjoyed thewhole year round. Museums and galleries with international renown, such as Kunst -haus in Bregenz, Dornier Museum and Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen, put onexhibitions that draw visitors from far beyond the region’s borders. The famous operaat the Bregenz Festival, set on a spectacular floating stage in the lake, St.Gallen Festival and Zurich Festival are highlights of the cultural year.The landscape between Lake Constance and the river Danube, the Allgäu region andthe Swabian Alb is an ideal place to spend your holidays. Upper Swabia draws visi-tors with unique nature reserves, baroque churches, monasteries and castles, idyllicsmall towns and a wide choice of natural lakes and modern spas.Vorarlberg in Austria presents art in the mountains. Cultural events are held inunusual venues: Watch grand opera in the midst of spectacular scenery on thefloating stage, or listen to music with views of alpine meadows. The new Vorarl-berg Museum once again testifies to the region’s penchant for outstanding archi-tecture. And the small Principality of Liechtenstein with its hereditary constitution-al monarchy also boasts a varied cultural scene.

From top to bottom:

Meersburg Castle,

Mettnau peninsula,

Birnau basilica

In December, countless Christmas markets of all

sizes guarantee a festive atmosphere. Visitors can

browse through the stands and sample the many

culinary delights.

Pho

to:

Mic

hael H

äfn

er

6 Bodensee Magazine | Constance

Pho

tos:

Achim

Mend

e

Fourcountryregion Bodensee | Bodensee Magazine 7

Out and about on the water and in the mountains

Sports enthusiasts can find plenty of things to do on Lake Constance. The regionoffers a wide choice of fantastic sports and leisure opportunities. The Lake Constance Cycle Track promises pure delight for cyclists. The 273 km path aroundthe lake is probably the best known in Central Europe. Why not try out the won-derful hiking routes, take a swim in one of the many lidos and thermal baths withwonderful views of the lake and the mountains behind, or in one of the countlessopen-air and indoor pools in the surrounding countryside. Row a boat, paddle acanoe, sail across the lake, or tee off on one of the well-maintained golf courses. The Principality of Liechtenstein, surrounded by the majestic Alps, offers a uniquemountain experience with breathtaking panoramic views, blossoming alpine mead-ows and rustic accommodation in mountain chalets. Hikers have a good chance ofseeing ibexes and chamois cross their path. In winter, the ski resorts of Malbun inLiechtenstein and Laterns, Bödele or Pfänder Mountain near Bregenz in Vorarlbergare ideal for a day out in the snow with the whole family.There are many ways to enjoy Lake Constance. The most popular for visitors issurely to take a boat trip on one of the passenger ships of the legendary WhiteFleet. Put your feet up for a few leisurely hours on board. In summer, a visit to oneof the many lidos is an absolute must. The quality of the water in the lake is excel-lent. There is nothing more refreshing on a hot summer’s day than to take a dip inthe cool waters. Make sure you take your swimming things with you when you visitLake Constance! The wonderful spas around the lake are also well worth visiting:Even in winter, you can enjoy views of the lake in water temperatures of over 30°C.Those who appreciate the benefits of “health from nature” on holiday will find qualified expertise on all aspects of fitness, wellness and “medical wellness” in thevillages along the Swabian Spa Route.

Culinary delights

A holiday on Lake Constance is a treat for the palate. Enjoy the region’s diverseculinary delights. The award-winning international fare features the best dishes fromthe four nations around the lake. Regional products flourish under ideal conditionsand are used by local chefs to create delicious dishes: mouth-watering fish special-ities with trout, whitefish and pikeperch, fruit, vegetables and salad of the highestquality directly from the farms around the lake, milk and cheese specialities from thenearby mountains as well as top wines and spirits. Try out one of the many beer gar-dens or dine in style in a castle restaurant, watch the world go by in a street café orrelax on one of the fantastic lake-side terraces. Sample the delightful wines grownaround Lake Constance at a winery, or discover local delicacies on the colourfulweekly food markets. Titillate your taste buds in a cultivated and stylish ambience –it’s simply delicious! Not to be missed: Visitors to the region of Lake Constance in autumn can enjoy oneof the delicious fish specialities offered at the annual fish weeks on the Lower Lake.

Landscapes and art

The scenery around Lake Constance is also unbelievably varied: fascinating vol-canic mountains in the Hegau region, picturesque vineyards, hops plantations andorchards around the lake, the famous waterfalls on the river Rhine, gently rolling hillsspreading from the Black Forest in the west across Upper Swabia and Bavaria tothe majestic peaks of the Alps in the east – rounded off with the ever-changing bluewater of Lake Constance. It’s a feast for the eyes. For centuries, the lake hasinspired writers, artists, poets and philosophers. Famous names include NapoleonIII, Emperor of the Second French Empire, airship inventor Count Zeppelin, aircraftmanufacturer Claude Dornier, the poet Hermann Hesse, the mesmerising FranzAnton Mesmer, the artist Otto Dix and the poet Annette von Droste Hülshoff. The region of Lake Constance also has a long horticultural tradition. With its mead-ows, fruit orchards and forests, historic parks and a wide range of magnificent gar-dens, the region is the cradle of European garden culture. Not to be missed: a tripin a Zeppelin over Lake Constance in the world’s largest working airship is a uniqueexperience!

Endless fun with the BodenseeErlebniskarte

Explore the lake with just one ticket: The all-inclusiveBodenseeErlebniskarte opens the door to over 160destinations in four countries on Lake Constance!For those who want to spend smartly or are hungryfor adventure, the card offers free or reduced entry toalmost all destinations and attractions in the region ofLake Constance. The BodenseeErlebniskarte enablesyou to visit exciting attractions, fantastic family desti-nations and fascinating exhibitions without taxing yourpurse!The card can be bought at all tourist offices aroundthe lake and at the ticket offices of the White Fleet.

For more information on holidays

on Lake Constance:

Internationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbHHafenstraße 6 D-78462 ConstanceGermanyPhone: +49 (0) 7531 909490info@bodensee.euwww.bodensee.eu

Top left: Arenenberg Palace and Park

Bottom left: Lighthouse at Lindau

Top: Lake dwellings

Bottom: Bregenz harbour

TreasuresUNESCO World Heritage Sites on Lake Constance

Pho

tos:

Ach

im M

end

e

UNESCO World Heritage Sites | Bodensee Magazine 59

Lake dwellings in UnteruhldingenIn the Museum of Lake Dwellings (Pfahlbaumuseum) in Unteruhldingen, visitors can travel 6000 yearsback in time to the Stone Age and 3000 years to the Bronze Age to witness the fascinating world of thefarmers, fishermen and bronze founders who lived on the shores of Lake Constance at the time. On 27June 2011, the UNESCO declared the prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps a World Heritage Site. www.pfahlbauten.com

The abbey precincts of St.GallenIn 612, the Irish itinerant monk Gallus settled in what is now the Swiss town of St.Gallen, where he livedas a recluse. Over time, the hermitage developed into an abbey in the early 8th century. The abbey precinctwith its magnificent baroque cathedral is a unique historic site. The world-famous collegiate library, with whatis probably the most beautiful profane baroque hall in Switzerland today, contains 170,000 books. 50,000of these are on display in the baroque hall together with a 2700-year-old Egyptian mummy.www.st.gallen-bodensee.ch/en

Monastic island of ReichenauThe monastic island of Reichenau on Lake Constance was incorporated into the list of UNESCO WorldHeritage Sites on 30 November 2000 as a cultural landscape that bears outstanding witness to the religiousand cultural role of a large Benedictine monastery in the Middle Ages. Even today, the monastic traditioncan still be seen in religious festivals and processions that cannot be witnessed anywhere else in the world.www.reichenau.de

The list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites currently includes 936 properties in 153 countries. 725 ofthese are cultural monuments and 183 are natural monuments; another 28 are part of the world’s cultural and natural heritage. Three of them – the prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps, the abbeyprecincts of St.Gallen in Switzer land and the monastic island of Reichenau – can be found in theregion of Lake Constance and offer visitors a fascinating insight into the history of western culture.

Pho

to:

St.

Gal

len-

Bod

ense

e To

uris

mus

60 Bodensee Magazine | Monasteries & Churches

Monks, nuns and cloisters have shaped the landscape around Lake Constance since the early Middle Ages.Their farming methods and way of life not only created a unique cultural landscape, but were a drivingforce for innovation in many respects. By developing land for farming that had laid waste since Romantimes, reviving the art of writing in their scriptoria, allowing science to flourish, and not least by spreadingChristianity along with intellectual and spiritual renewal, they triggered an enormous economic and cultur-al boom with an impact that went far beyond the region’s borders. The Lake Constance region can justifi-ably be regarded as the cradle of middle European culture!

Monasterieschurches

Pho

to:

Mar

kus

Lese

r

Pho

tos:

Ach

im M

end

e

Monasteries & Churches | Bodensee Magazine 61

It began in the 6th century, in the early Middle Ages, when thebishop ric of Constance was founded, continued with the establish-ment of the monasteries in St. Gallen and Reichenau Island, includedthe historic milestone of the Council of Constance from 1414 to1418, and ended in the heyday of the 18th century – a long period oftime during which the Lake Constance region grew to become a political, religious and spiritual centre in present-day Europe. TheLake Constance region as a whole across all national borders is cha-racterised by churches and monasteries. They were centres of

power, not just because of their wealth, but above all their spiritualvalues. With its store of knowledge documented in libraries and itsvaried and impressive architecture, the region around Lake Constan-ce was a starting point for a cultural and political development of trulyhistoric and ultimately European significance. This continues to havean effect today, in particular with the UNESCO World Heritage Sitesof St. Gallen and Reichenau Island and the anniversary celebrationsfor the Council of Constance starting in 2014.

A Cradle of European Culture

From left to right: The Cistercian monastery at Salem | The Romanesque All-Saints’ Abbey district in Schaffhausen | Medieval life in St. George’sAbbey, a Benedictine monastery in Stein am Rhein | Constance is known for its churches, monasteries and the Council of Constance | Experiencehistory and art at Ittingen Charterhouse | On the trail of monasteries on the Untersee | Above: Upper Swabia – a baroque heaven

Pho

to:

Kar

taus

e Itt

ingen

62 Bodensee Magazine | Council of Constance

One of the biggest events in the Middle Ages took place 600 yearsago in Constance. Sigismund, King of Germany and later Holy RomanEmperor, called the Council on Lake Constance together with PopeJohn XXIII. Ever since 1378, the Catholic Church had been divided bythe Western Schism with three popes simultaneously laying claim to theHoly See. The Council of Constance not only ended this schism andproduced a new Pope, but the secular leaders present at the eventmade important political decisions that still shape European historytoday. The Council also provided a platform for the many participantsto exchange and replicate their knowledge and culture; the town onLake Constance became a melting pot of different cultures. Among thetragic events at the Council of Constance was the fate of the two Bohe-mian reformers Jan Hus and Jerome of Prague: They came to defendtheir teachings and were condemned and burnt by the Council.

From 2014 to 2018, Constance invites Europe to Lake Constanceonce more. To celebrate “600 Years Council of Constance”, the townof Constance is forging a link between the historic event and the fu tureof Europe with a varied programme of events. The anniversary buildson the essence of the Council of Constance: Interaction and dialoguebetween participants and the inspiration resulting from this for eachindividual and society as a whole. At the anniversary celebrations, Con-stance presents itself again as a town of encounters, dialogue andinspiration and as a platform for European exchange. The Council ofConstance and the anniversary act as a kind of springboard to com-municate the European idea. Over a period of five years, a modern andvaried programme of events is being organised with a cultural, scienti-fic and religious focus. The five years are symbolized by five headsstanding for five issues that are still as topical today as they were then:

2014 – King Sigismund “Year of the European Congress”2015 – Jan Hus “Year of Justice”2016 – Imperia “Living Middle Ages”2017 – Pope Martin V “Year of Religions”2018 – Oswald von Wolkenstein “Year of Culture”

ConstanceWelcomesEurope2014 – 2018

600 years Council of Constance

Council of Constance | Bodensee Magazine 63

Selection of events from the anniversaryprogramme in 2014

27.04.2014Opening ceremony for the anniversary celebrations of the Council of Constance and the grand state exhibition

29.04.–21.09.2014The Council of Constance1414 – 1418. A Medieval World EventGrand state exhibition by the Badisches Landes -museum Karlsruhe in the Council Building

from 27.04.2014Constance around 1414 –Everyday Life at the Time of the CouncilExhibition in Rosgartenmuseum

until 22.02.2015Packed to the Rafters – Constance and its CouncilArchaeological and Playmobil exhibition in the Archäologisches Landesmuseum Baden-Württemberg

24.05.2014Cross-Border Sigismund BanquetGrand banquet

19.–22.06.2014European Avant-Garde Around 1400Music festival in cooperation with SWR radio

06.07.2014Ceremony to commemorate Jan Hus andinauguration of the new permanent exhibition in the Hus Museum

29.08.–03.10.2014your Eyes on MeEuropean video installations

All year roundFollowing the Trail of the CouncilWide choice of guided tours in and around Constance: Bicycle tours, staged tours of thetown, geocaching

For further details on the programme, see:www.konstanzer-konzil.de

72 Bodensee Magazine | Relax

arrive.relax.enjoy.

Pho

to:

Met

tnau

Pho

to:

Bod

ense

e The

rme

Kons

tanz

Relax | Bodensee Magazine 73

Rest your body, mind and soul

More and more people are using their holidays to improve theirhealth. We can prevent illness before it breaks out if we preserve ourhealth by living consciously, and fully capture the potential inherent ineach and every one of us to achieve a higher quality of life. All fourcountries around the lake are home to high-quality institutions thatguarantee a relaxing healthy holiday. METTNAU, set in a unique posi-tion, is one of oldest centres for physiotherapy in Germany with a longtradition. It offers a range of treatments under the motto “Movementis life”. Because only an ideal mixture of exercise and relaxation, men-tal balance and healthy nutrition can help the body to generate theenergy it needs to cope with the challenges of everyday life. Buchin-ger Wilhelmi clinic sits high over Lake Constance, surrounded bypark lands. Its method of therapeutic fasting combined with integra tivemedicine supports the healing process and prevents physical andmental illness, allowing its guests to regain or preserve their quality oflife. The 4-star BORA Hot SpaResort hotel in Radolfzell on thewestern shores of Lake Constance opened in May 2013. The heart ofthe hotel, the hot spa, promises everything to do in the broadestsense with warmth, heat and steam. In the only Japanese onsen poolwithin a radius of many hundreds of kilometres, visitors can take partin this Far Eastern bathing ritual while enjoying views of Lake Con-stance. All around the lake, those looking for relaxation can find excel-lent hotels with spas, such as the 4-star Hotel Bad Schachen or the5-star Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Lindau.

Some like it hot

The spas in Constance, Meersburg and Überlingen are the idealplace to pamper yourself and indulge in a fantastic sauna and spa cul-ture. Bathing in warm or cold thermal water has the primary purposeof cleansing the body, but also helps to promote health and wellbeing.Thermal water contains mineral salts that boost the water’s naturalbuoyancy, reducing pressure on the muscles and joints and promo-ting mobility. It causes the blood vessels to dilate and improves circu-lation. After just a few minutes in the water, the minerals and trace ele-ments in the thermal water are absorbed through the skin. The threespas on Lake Constance offer everything guests in need of relaxationcould dream of against a magnificent backdrop. Wellness with Alpineviews – what can you do but relax?

Restorative prospects

Visitors to Lake Constance come back every year to find pleasureand fun, but also peace, relaxation and healing in the many spas,award-winning wellness hotels and medical clinics around the lake.Once you arrive here, a deep breath is sufficient to trigger the healingprocess. Take a walk along the lake shore, listen to the gently lappingwaves and breathe calmly in and out. After just a few minutes, you willnotice a pleasant feeling spreading through your body and yourhealth-conscious holiday can begin. And if you dream of spendingyour old age on the lake, there is a wide choice of retirement homes,such as the Augustinum in Meersburg or Bodenseeresidenz Lindau,where you can continue to lead an independent life while enjoyingprofessional care.

Our daily lives are governed by deadline pressure, stress and commotion. We are constantly onthe go and rarely find time to relax and put our feet up. However much we look forward toenjoying our well-deserved holidays, traveling can also be a strain on the body. That’s why it isimportant to take time to arrive, relax and enjoy! Lake Constance at the heart of Europe is anoasis with countless opportunities to take it easy and regain your equilibrium.

Pho

to:

Bod

ense

e The

rme

Üb

erlin

gen

Pho

to:

Bod

ense

e The

rme

Kons

tanz

Pho

to:

Ach

im M

end

e

AllAllin the very best taste

Pho

to:

Ho

lger

Sp

iering

Pho

to:

Tourism

us U

nte

rsee

A slice of fresh farmhouse bread for breakfast, a “Dünnele” (similar to Tarte Flambée) to takeaway for lunch, a portion of “Appenzeller Mostbröckli” (Swiss dried and cured meat speciality) in-between, and freshly caught whitefish for dinner on a terrace with lake views – just some of themany culinary delights that gourmets can enjoy in the “Fourcountryregion Bodensee.” Lake Constance is a paradise, not only for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and culture buffs. Foodiesand aficionados of fine cuisine also get their money’s worth here. Restaurants in the region offereverything from traditional to modern cuisine and place great value on regional products.The region of Lake Constance is known for its fresh, high-quality and tasty food. Treat yourpalate on a culinary tour of the region!

P

ho

to:

Ho

lger

Sp

iering

Pho

to:

Tourism

us U

nte

rsee

76 Bodensee Magazine | Culinary delights

Pho

to:

Schaff

hauserland

, sw

iss im

ag

eP

ho

to:

Reic

henau G

em

üse

Culinary delights | Bodensee Magazine 77

Outstanding quality

Fruit and vegetables, freshly caught fish or poultry, sausages andcheeses, honey or schnapps – nowhere can you find fresher andtastier ingredients or a wider choice of high-quality produce than atthe weekly and farmer’s markets around the lake. The many restau-rants and hotels also serve their guests almost exclusively local delicacies and tempt them with regional products, such as mouth-watering treats from the Reichenau, the “vegetable island,” freshlycaught fish from the lake or high-quality game specialities. A surpri-singly large number of restaurants in the region have been awardedGault Millau points or Michelin stars.

Wheel out the cheese

The “fourcountryregion Bodensee” is a paradise for cheese lovers– strong-flavoured mountain cheeses from Appenzell in Switzerland,high-quality soft cheeses from the Allgäu region in Germany, a “Sura-käs” (sour milk cheese) from Liechtenstein or a wide variety of cheeseproducts from the Bregenzerwald area in Austria. Visitors can find outabout the characteristics of the different cheeses and how they aremade in showcase dairies or along the so-called “cheese streets,”where they can enjoy the local specialities, find and buy their favouritecheese.

Fine wines to refresh the palate

Wine connoisseurs know why wines grown around Lake Constanceare so special. The lake acts as a heat reservoir, creating a temperate,almost Mediterranean climate. In addition, the surface of the waterdirects part of the sun’s energy to the nearby vineyards, heating up theground even more. Red wines such as Pinot Noir or white Müller - Thurgau grapes thrive here. From the valleys of Eschnerberg in thenorth to the slopes of Gutenberg Castle in the south, the Principality of

Liechtenstein is also home to excellent wine-growing estates. The climate is influenced by the warm foehn winds that help the grapes togrow, and the local winegrowers are masters in their trade. Not onlythat, the region also boasts an abundance of stronger liquors. Apples,plums and quinces from the many fruit orchards and gardens are re -fined in distilleries around the lake to create fine brandies and high- quality schnapps. At “Bodensee-Essig-Manufaktur,” tasty fruits fromthe Lake Constance region are converted into delicious vinegar thatcan be used to refine not only salads, but almost any dish.

Culinary highlights

In the summer months, visitors can enjoy food and beverages ingood company with entertaining music at the many wine and fish festi-vals. Numerous stands offer regional culinary delicacies such as Fisch -knusperle (crunchy fried fish), Kartoffelrösti (fried grated potatoes) orsavoury Dünnele. They are served with Lake Constance wines from different estates. Those looking for something more unusual can enjoyculinary treats at dizzying heights, for example on Säntis Mountain. Orhow about dinner on the water: Gourmet cruises on the Hohentwielsteam ship, built in 1913 for the Royal Württemberg State Railways, area highlight for connoisseurs. To mark the start of the game-hunting sea-son, the “game ship” of the Swiss Lake Constance Shipping Company(Schweizerische Bodensee Schifffahrt AG) sets sail with a buffet of tender roast game specialities served on board, along with unforgetta-ble sunsets. And in Schaffhausen, you can enjoy a boiled egg andmuesli for breakfast on a boat tour down the river Rhine. As the daysgrow shorter and the weather stormier, nature paints the Lake Con-stance region in magnificent colours. Numerous towns and destina-tions organize special apple-themed events at this time of year. The fishweeks on the Lower Lake are hugely popular, as are hunting weeks,when restaurants around the lake titillate guests’ palates with regionalautumnal menus comprising domestic game, salads and vegetables.

Pho

to:

Helg

a S

tütz

enb

erg

er

Pho

to:

Bre

genze

rwald

To

urism

us

1 2

3 4

5 6

7 8

Hits for Kids | Bodensee Magazine 79

Affenberg Salem (1)

Germany’s largest and most attractive open-air monkey enclo -sure is in Salem near Lake Constance (approx. 10 km from Überlin-gen). Over 200 cheeky Barbary Macaques run around in a 20-hec tare forest area. Specially prepared popcorn is distributed free and can befed to the monkeys. This fascinating contact with our relatives is notonly fun for kids but also a great experience for grown-ups. The Bar-bary Macaques share their idyllic enclosure with an impressive colonyof wild white storks and a herd of elegant fallow deer. The extensivegrounds of Affenberg Salem guarantee an optimum environment forthe animals. Visitors can see them at close quarters in their naturalhabitat without physical barriers. Of course there is also a children’splayground and a restaurant for refreshments. In summer, an “adven-ture bus” (ErlebnisBus) transports visitors between the Affenberg,Salem Palace and the lake dwellings in Unteruhldingen.www.affenberg-salem.de

Adventure Park Immenstaad (2)

Nestled in the middle of woods near Immenstaad (10 km west ofFriedrichshafen), this adventure park is for families with children fromfive years upwards. Overcome your fears and climb through the treeson high wires or swing from tree to tree like Tarzan. There are coursesset up for all levels. Of course maximum security is ensured at all times.www.abenteuerpark.com

Ravensburger Spieleland (3)

This theme park belongs to the famous book and game publishingcompany Ravensburger and can be found not far from the town of thesame name, approx. 20 km north of Friedrichshafen. Families will findmore than 50 attractions for small and older child ren. They in cludeaction-packed fast rides as well as more leisurely slow ones.www.spieleland.com

Sea Life in Constance (4)

Visitors to the SEA LIFE in Constance can dive into the fascinatingworld of freshwater and saltwater fish without getting wet. They followthe course of the river Rhine from the Alpine glaciers to Lake Con-stance and on to Rotterdam harbour, where it finally flows into theNorth Sea. A detour to the colourful world of the Red Sea or an adven-turous expedition into the realm of penguins as well as various specialexhibitions round off a fabulous visit to the SEA LIFE in Constance. www.visitsealife.com/Konstanz

Mainau Forest Experience (5)

Since April 2013, the adjacent mainland has been incorporated intoMainau’s operations. “Erlebniswald Mainau” is an adventure forest forlovers of nature and climbing, allowing them to experience the forest’secosystem in several interactive stations and gain a better understan-ding of this biosphere. Covering an area of 1.6 hectares, the park com-bines elements of a classical high rope course with the appeal of aclimbing forest, and the special features of a treetop path with unusualtree house architecture. The concept caters for people of all agegroups and interests, who enjoy exercising either individually or in agroup. “Erlebniswald Mainau” is suitable for events with a focus onadventure for school classes, youth groups, clubs or works outings aswell as for seminars and training courses.www.erlebniswald-mainau.de

inatura Dornbirn (6)

The inatura natural adventure park and science centre in Dornbirn(approx. 10 km south of Bregenz) is the largest of its kind around LakeConstance. This unusual museum presents live animals, life-likemodels, 3D multimedia shows and interactive science zones on 3,000square metres of exhibition space. An earthquake measuring devicelets you experience the power of the earth while an avalanche instal-lation simulates the real thing. Each door in inatura takes you into adifferent habitat, dimension or time.www.inatura.at

Technorama (7)

The Technorama science centre in Winterthur, Switzerland, isapprox. 40 minutes drive from Constance (on the motorway towardsZurich). Technorama is not only great fun; over 100 exhibits teach children about technology, inviting them to touch, try, play and under-stand – a feast for all the senses.www.technorama.ch

Connyland (8)

Connyland is owned by a well-established Swiss family of showmen.A lot of the attractions in this adventure park are therefore reminiscentof the good old fairground. The main feature of the park is Europe’smost modern and attractive open-air dolphin lagoon. In several dailyperformances, these fascinating animals demonstrate their naturaland breathtaking talents. Connyland is situated approx. 10 km south-west of Constance in Lipperswil in Switzerland.www.connyland.ch

A holiday on Lake Constance is always great fun for the whole family. There arelots of places to visit in the region that offer fabulous entertainment for children andparents alike. On these pages you can find the best family attractions for a day out.

Hits for Kids

StatesGermany: Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg Austria: Vorarlberg Switzerland: Thurgau, St.Gallen, Appenzell, SchaffhausenPrincipality of Liechtenstein

LanguageThe language spoken all around the lake is German. But the manylocal dialects vary enormously. They can even change from onetown to the next.

MoneyThe currency in Germany and Austria is the euro. The currency inSwitzerland is the Swiss franc. Many shops in Switzerland alsoaccept euros.

Size of the lakeAltitude above sea level: 395 mSurface area: 541 km2

Max. length: 63.5 km (between Bregenz/A and Ludwigshafen/D)Max. width: 14 km (between Friedrichshafen/D andRomanshorn/CH); Max. depth: 254 mTotal circumference: 273 km (173 km in Germany; 72 km in Switzerland, 28 km in Austria)Water temperature in summer: up to 25 ºC;Mean water temperature in July: 20 ºC

Largest towns on the lakeGermany: Constance 81,000, Friedrichshafen 58,000, Radolfzell 30,000Austria: Bregenz 28,000Switzerland: Kreuzlingen 20,000

Largest islandsThe Island of Reichenau – UNESCO World Heritage Site with churches and former monasteryLindau island – medieval townIsland of Mainau – the Flower Island

Geographically, the lake is divided into three regions:Obersee – the Upper Lake, is the largest section of Lake Constance beween Bregenz and ConstanceÜberlinger See – Lake Überlingen, is the northwestern arm of the lakeUntersee – Lower Lake, is the southwestern arm and is further divided into the “Gnadensee” and the “Zeller See”

Drinking waterLake Constance supplies around 4 million people with drinkingwater. Approx. 180 million cubic metres of water are extracted fromthe lake each year for this purpose.

It is not easy to describe Lake Constance in a few words. The cultural diversity and the changinglandscape make the region unique and outstanding. As a result of its century-long history, the shore-line is not only divided between three countries, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Within these coun-tries and across their borders, the region is also dissected into separate states, landscapes and valleyseach with their own identity and traditions. But this diversity is exactly what makes the region ofLake Constance so special and exciting. Visitors to the region will find a wealth of things to discover.

80 Bodensee Magazine | Facts & figures

Pho

to:

Achim

Mend

e

Experience the variety Friedrichshafen has to o� er – right in the heart of the Lake Constance region. From cultural highlights and the history of airships to the exceptional leisure activities in the area – enjoy holiday at its best.Friedrichshafen welcomes you!

Discover FriedrichshafenLake, sunshine and mountains – enjoy a greatholiday in the home town of the zeppelin

www.friedrichshafen.infowww.tourism-bw.cominfo@tourismus-bw.de

With four fabulous seasons, there’s always a right time to visit one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. In sunny summer, explore the romantic Black Forest; in autumn, watch grapes being picked for award-winning wines; in winter, shop at Christmas markets in medieval towns; in spring, photograph gardens ablaze with flowers and blossom. And everywhere is so close: tour historic Heidelberg castle and Stuttgart’s glamorous palace; enjoy Baden-Baden’s elegant spas and casino; watch the sunset on Lake Constance; ride the rollercoasters at Europa-Park Rust.

We are just a click away: www.tourism-bw.com

WELCOME TO SUNNY SOUTHWEST GERMANY

18:31

BODENSEEMAGAZINE

Labhards

BO

DE

NSE

E

MAG

AZINE

ENGLISH EDITION

ENGLISH EDITION

TRIPS & SIGHTS, CULTURE & HISTORY, FOOD & WINE

Germany/Austria € 5,–Switzerland CHF 9,80

Germany | Switzerland | Austria | Principality of Liechtenstein

Pfänderbahn AG Steinbruchgasse 4 6900 Bregenz / Österreich Phone.: +43(0)5574/42160-0 Fax.: +43(0)5574/42160-4 Weather: +43(0)5574/43316 offi ce@pfaenderbahn.at

The Pfaender Cable CarThe top can be reached quickly and comfortably with the Pfaender cable car in just 6 minutes.

The Pfaender Eagle Sanctuary - Birds of Prey showIn a presentation lasting about 40 minutes, you will experience eagles, vultures, falcons, kites and eagle owls fl ying freely in the sky on the upcurrent of Pfaender‘s slope. Open daily from 1st of May to 5th of October; shows at 11am and 2.30pm.

The Pfaender Alpine Wildlife ParkOn a 30-minute loop with an educational nature trail that provides information about the fauna and fl ora, you will see Alpine ibexes, red deer, wild boar, mouffl ons and marmots. Children especially love small animal enclosure with dwarf goats, rabbits and potbellied pigs as well as the adjoining playground.

Paradise for Hikers and BikersMany well signed and paved paths are available.Bikes can be transported in the Pfaender cable car the whole day.

With its unparalleled view of the Lake Constance, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and 240 peaks of the Alps, the Pfaender (1064m) is the most famous loukout point in the region.

The Mountain at Lake Constance 1064m

w w w. p f a e n d e r b a h n . a t

BO

DE

NSE

E M

AGAZINE

ISBN 978

-3-939

142-95-9

ENGLISH EDITION