Mainau Island

When you hear Mainau, you think of beautiful flowers – that’s what the third-largest island in Lake Constance is known and loved for. Covering an area of around 45 hectares, visitors are transported to a Mediterranean oasis where enjoyment and relaxation are just as welcome as wonder and discovery. The island, which is around one kilometre long, is owned by the Swedish noble family Bernadotte, who still reside in the castle complex today. And although some areas of this Baroque building from the mid-18th century are open to the public, most guests come for a different reason: they want to marvel at the magnificent specimens that nature has produced.

Flower island on Lake Constance

There is, for example, the park-like arboretum with its approximately 500 deciduous and coniferous trees, some of which are over 150 years old: in addition to precious Atlas and Lebanon cedars and impressive tulip trees, one of Germany’s oldest sequoias can also be found northwest of the castle. If you are looking for Mediterranean flora and tropical flair, the palm house is the place to go: in addition to citrus plants, over 20 species of palm trees grow there – including a 15-metre-high Canary Island date palm, which was planted on Mainau in 1888. The butterfly house is similarly exotic, where you may find a colourful butterfly from Africa, Asia, Central or South America landing right on your nose.

Mainau open all year round

One major advantage of the flower island is that it fascinates visitors all year round. In spring, the orchid show in the palm house, with over 3,000 specimens, offers an unforgettable sight, as does the tulip ‘sea’ of almost 400 different varieties. In summer, the flowers in the Italian rose garden are in full bloom, and from the end of August, around 12,000 dahlias create a firework display of colours and shapes.

The island, which belongs to the city of Konstanz, is accessible 365 days a year – from sunrise to sunset. You can reach Mainau by public transport (bus, boat) as well as by bicycle or car (car park on the mainland). Dogs are allowed on Mainau Island on a leash, but not in the butterfly house or the exhibition rooms of the castle.