A charming city with the perfect combination of its past and present. This is Lindau, located on the shores of Lake Constance, with its island of the same name, and an incredible view of the Alps.
Lindau’s old town retains the beauty of medieval towns and historic richness. Full of flowers, beautiful buildings, and a captivating landscape, blending the milder climate of southern Germany with the Alps in the background. Another point in favor of Lindau is that, by staying on the shores of Lake Constance, which also contemplates Austria and Switzerland with its waters, when staying there, in addition to the traveler being able to enjoy the island, you can visit these two countries on day trips.
Lake Constance
Lake Constance is the largest in Germany, 18 km, of almost 540 km, the lake is located in Lindau. The Bodensee, its name in German, is divided into two parts: the Obersee (upper lake), which is the part that passes through Lindau, and the Untersee (lower lake).
Lindau is the second-largest island located in the magnitude of these waters, and to honor this title, this island has the most beautiful entrance to the port, of the entire lake. The port, which is the last of Germany in its southern tip, is one of the most striking parts of the city, with the majestic statue of the imposing Bavarian Lion in front of the New Lighthouse, both guarding the port entrance to the blue expanse of the Lake Constance.
The New Lighthouse and the Bavarian Lion
With 36 meters of height, and an unrivaled view of the lake and the island, the New Lighthouse of the port is a perfect point to have a panoramic view of the region. There are 139 steps, this may scare you, but in the end, it is very worthwhile since the landscape is breathtaking!
The New Lighthouse had its work completed in 1856 and succeeded the Old Lighthouse (we’ll talk about it in the next topic), which still remains in Lindau, near the port, a preserved medieval work of art.
Mangturm Tower
The Old Lighthouse, also known as the Mangturm Tower, was built in the 12th century, and once played an important role in the city of Lindau, as a defense and signaling fortification.
“Protect and defend the port”
This is the phrase written on the tower wall, which recalls the time when it was part of the city’s medieval fortifications. Today, the place can be visited, and not only is the view from its top charming but the various images distributed on the tower wall along the 5-story path, which tells facts about Lindau and Lake Constance.
If you see a blonde braid over 6 meters from one of the tower’s tall windows, then it’s “Fairytale Time”, when one of the tower’s rooms is full of charm. It is at that moment, that one of the three “fairy tale aunts” narrates stories by the Brothers Grimm, with presentations that ooze mystery and the playful world of children’s stories.
Cathedral of Our Lady
On the outside, it looks simple, but on the inside … It is impossible not to fall in love with the incredible Baroque art on its roof and the smallest details of the entire building.
The library of the ancient imperial city
The site was opened in 1538 due to the demand of Lindau residents for knowledge after many cities started to build more libraries at the request of Martin Luther.
Its initial collection had about 100 books from a recently dissolved Franciscan monastery, today in the library it counts more than 13,000 titles, among them History, Theology, Law, and Alchemy books.
Some of the treasures in this library are some of the first printed documents and a colorful copy of the Bible edition translated by Martin Luther.
Lindau’s Old Town Hall
You will not regret including the old city hall in your itinerary! The colorful facade with its paintings that portray characters from everyday life and the history of the city is stunning. Located in a highlight of Lindau, the city hall and its exterior are some of the highlights in the city.
The construction was completed in 1436, and to this day the site is used for city meetings and committees, in addition to receiving guests.
We offer private guided tours in English not only in Lindau but throughout the Lake Constance region, selecting the best activities and experiences according to the profile of the travelers.
