Lindau in Lake Constance

A historic old town, mediterranean ambience and modern lifestyle: The island city Lindau is an internationally known and popular travel destination. Whether you stroll through the romantic, winding alleys of the island, spend a relaxing day by the water in the spacious Lindenhofpark or visit the small galleries and the Lindau Art Museum: guests of all ages will find a wide range of activities on offers here – in every season. Events such as the sailing regatta “Rund Um”, numerous wine festivals or the harbour Christmas enthuse thousands of visitors from near and far every year. Germany’s most southern lighthouse and Bavaria’s only lighthouse – together with the Bavarian Lion – also forms an unmistakable historical ensemble at the harbour of Lindau Island.

The eventful history of the city is still present today

With an area of around 70 hectares, Lindau Island is the second largest island in Lake Constance. Its shape is reminiscent of a linden leaf – and thus of the tree that gave the city its name: in 882, a monk first mentioned in a document the “island where linden trees grow”. The small settlement with fishermen’s houses and a noble convent became a prosperous town, which today is well connected due to its central location in the border triangle Germany – Austria – Switzerland. The eventful history of the city can still be seen today in the historic buildings and squares: On the island, centuries-old houses crouch close together and form narrow alleys; the spacious promenade Maximilianstrasse is lined with magnificent patrician houses; on the harbour promenade, traditional hotels welcome their guests with an impressive view of the Austrian and Swiss Alps.

Marvel at the sights, enjoy the Mediterranean flair

The 36-metre-high lighthouse, the lavishly decorated Old Town Hall, the baroque house “Zum Cavazzen”, the 1000-year-old St. Peter’s Church or the fortified “Pulverturm” as part of the city wall: Historical sights can be discovered almost at every corner, and the city guides know how to tell many an amusing anecdote. In between all the medieval splendour, a modern, fresh wind is blowing: many guests feel transported to Mediterranean regions by the charming flair of the Lindau island. Small galleries and individual shops invite you to stroll and shop, in many places on the island you can enjoy a refreshing
swim in the summer, and in one of the numerous cafés guests can linger and let the ambience take effect.

Swimming, paddling, sailing – water sports are booming

In summer, guests can sunbathe and swim at lido pools such as the Lindenhofbad, the outdoor area of the Therme Lindau or the Art Nouveau pool at Lindenhofpark. The lake is also accessible at several places on the island. Of course, canoes, kayaks, pedal boats or stand-up paddling boards can also be rented. Those who like to go a little further afield can rent a motor or sailing boat or charter one for several days and enjoy the peace and quiet of Lake Constance on a private tour. During the season (April to October) the excursion boats of the “White fleet” (Bodensee Schifffahrtsbetriebe) are also on the way, from which the alpine panorama can be admired in a relaxed manner.

Enjoy nature with all senses

Lindau’s gardens and parks offer a particularly relaxing ambience – for picnicking, jogging or walking. Especially the Lindenhofpark along the Bavarian Riviera – a shore lined with picturesque villas –fascinates with its vastness, the mighty old trees and the magnificent view of the Lindau Island. Lindau’s surrounding area, which is characterised by apple orchards and orchard meadows, also appeals to all the senses – for example on a cycling or hiking tour. For breaks in between, wine and fruit growers serve delicious home-grown food in farm shops and the seasonally open “Rädlewirtschaften”.

Cultural highlight 2023: “Andy Warhol – Stars & Stories”

The Lindau Art Museum is devoting this year’s special exhibition entirely to Warhol’s Pop Art. From 21 April to 15 October 2023, it will be brightly coloured, iconic, abstract and simply timelessly beautiful at the Museum am Inselbahnhof. Today, the legend Andy Warhol has at least as much cult status as many of his famous paintings, which have left a lasting mark on the global visual memory. When the keyword “Warhol” is mentioned, it is not only art lovers who immediately think of impressive motifs that evoke advertising or comic strips. Prof. Dr. Roland Doschka is curating the exhibition for 2023 and will once again bring works to the island city that cannot be seen anywhere else. In this sense: clear the stage for Warhol’s Pop Art!

Event highlights

When it gets warmer outside again and the days get longer, there is a lot going on in Lindau. The “Rund Um”, the long-distance night regatta around Lake Constance, attracts numerous sailors to the Lindau harbour for the mass start on 9 June 2023. At the “Komm & See” winegrowers’ festival from 30 June to 1 July 2023, people will move from one winegrower to the next, sit together among vines and take plenty of lifestyle from Lake Constance with them. The Children’s Festival on 26 July 2023 is a firmly rooted tradition for the people of Lindau and puts the whole town in a celebratory mood. From 1 September to 3 September, the Lindau Oktoberfest will take place. Thanks to these and many other event highlights, a visit to Lindau is an unforgettable experience.