The town of Lindau at Lake Constance surprised us very pleasantly during our first visit. We stopped here on our way from Vorarlberg, and after spending the whole day on the shores of this historic German town, we told ourselves that we want to come back again sometime in the future, for at least a weekend.
Lindau at Lake Constance
As we already mentioned in the introduction, the town of Lindau is located in the German part of Lake Constance, but it is connected to the Austrian town of Bregenz, which we wrote about in a previous article, by regular boat service. The towns are thus a great tip for a trip from each other, whether you are staying in Bregenz or Lindau.
Accommodation in Lindau
Search for accommodation in Lindau at Lake Constance by map:
Recommended accommodation in Lindau at Lake Constance:
Insel Hotel Garni 3*
- In our opinion, the best 3* choice in Lindau for a good price
- The hotel is located directly on the island of Lindau in Maximilianstraße, about a 5-minute walk from the harbor and the coastal promenade
- A rich buffet breakfast is included in the price
Hotel Reutemann Seegarten 4*
- The hotel is located in the 1st row from the harbor, with a view of the lighthouse, the lion, and the mountains across Lake Constance
- Buffet breakfast is included in the price, and we especially appreciate the hotel’s location
Lindau at Lake Constance / Hotel Reutemann-Seegarten
Why visit Lindau at Lake Constance?
From the closest trips around Bregenz, we chose Lindau, and this town thrilled us so much that we decided to explore it in detail and write a separate article about it for you. Not because it’s the biggest or liveliest, but because we think it’s completely different.
Bregenz stands between the lake and the Pfänder mountain, while Lindau, on the other hand, is a town mainly connected to its island historic center and harbor. It’s exactly that contrast that we enjoy the most here. A German town with a distinctly historic atmosphere that has great boat connections not only to the Austrian part of Lake Constance but also to other port towns.
For us, Lindau has one big advantage: the historic part of the town isn’t spread out across the mainland but is located on an island, so it’s ideal for walks and you practically can’t get lost, yet there’s still plenty to discover. That’s ideal for a day trip. However, we can personally imagine a long weekend or a longer vacation here with trips to surrounding towns.
Where to park in Lindau?
If you’re staying in Lindau, parking is usually handled by your hotel. However, if you’re only heading here for a day trip by car, it’s good to keep in mind that the paid parking lot right at the entrance to the historic part of town tends to be full early in the morning during high season. We couldn’t park there around 10 AM and had to go back to the large parking lot by the train station, where there were plenty of spaces (also paid). From there, it was a pleasant walk of about 15 minutes to the center.
You might also be interested in:
- Körbersee: A relaxed trip to 2 mountain lakes
- Tip for a trip to Zürsersee (Vorarlberg)
- Trip to the mountain lake Lünersee in Vorarlberg
- 5 tips for the most beautiful mountain lakes in Upper Austria
What to see in Lindau at Lake Constance?
The most famous spot in Lindau is without a doubt the harbor entrance with the New Lighthouse and the Bavarian Lion. It’s a well-known image of the entire Lake Constance, and this place will thrill you in photos and in reality. You can look forward to the open waters of Lake Constance and the boats on it. On a clear day, you’ll enjoy the panoramas of the mountains in the distance, and right behind you, you’ll have the historic town of Lindau. So just walk to the harbor, stay for a while, and then slowly set off to discover the local center.
Lindau at Lake Constance
We personally recommend walking through the local gardens and parks as well:
We continue to Maximilianstraße, the main historic axis of Lindau. This is also where the Old Town Hall stands, one of the town’s most prominent buildings. Lindau lists it among its main monuments, and it’s even said to be partially open to the public, specifically the former town library on the ground floor.
However, we don’t rate Lindau as a town where you have to chase a list of monuments. We enjoyed its coastal, park, and island atmosphere much more. So feel free to walk along the entire coast and enjoy the local promenade. Along the way, you’ll come across several pleasant cafes and pastry shops, which will make you enjoy the local atmosphere even more. Unlike some larger towns on Lake Constance, it doesn’t feel fragmented, and there’s no need to worry about what you’ve already seen and what you haven’t.
If you stay here during the summer season, there’s a coastal lido right by the harbor where you can go for a swim or relax on sun loungers during the day. Entry is for a fee. Additionally, you have the option to rent a boat at the lake and enjoy a day on Lake Constance your way.
The town of Lindau is also known for hosting various festivals and other events. Specifically, during our visit, they were holding a wine festival, so you could go for wine tastings and culinary samplings along the coast, while traditional brass music played by the harbor.
We hope we made you happy with today’s tip for a trip and vacation, and for more inspiration (not only from Austria), don’t forget to follow us on Instagram: @rakouska_jezera / @austrian_lakes / @dovolenkarka
