"Home to Bavaria's only lighthouse" Lindau by CatherineReichardt

Lindau Travel Guide: 71 reviews and 161 photos

Actually my title is misleading as Lindau is actually home to both of Bavaria's lighthouses - only one of which is currently in use.

It would be hard to imagine a more picturesque setting than Lindau's - like Bled in Slovenia, it is so exquisite that it is almost a caricature of perfection. Lindau is located on a small island at the eastern end of Bodensee (Lake Constance) and is linked to the mainland by a causeway. The island is occupied by the historic old town, whereas the newer (less interesting) developments are on the mainland.

Unsurprisingly, Lindau is a magnet for tourists, and in high season, I can imagine that it is chockablock with visitors. Affordable accommodation in the old town is also at a premium over that period (I know - I tried to book with no success!), so if you're planning to be there in high summer, I would suggest that you either adjust your budget upwards or consider staying elsewhere!

Lindau can be reached by road, but it is much more romantic to approach on the ferry. The narrow entrance to the port is flanked by the lighthouse on one side and a huge statue of the Lion of Bavaria on the other, and the view of the old town from the water is magnificent.

Everything about Lindau - including its lyrical name - is beautiful. The old town is beautifully preserved, and invites the visitor to amble around aimlessly, mouth agape at one lovely building after another. In fact, my only slight criticism is that it's almost too perfect ...

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful, historic and just begging to be explored on foot
Cons:Can get extremely crowded in high season, when accommodation is at an absolute premium
In a nutshell:A caricature of perfection - the stuff of which postcards are made!

Last visit to Lindau: Jul 2005
Intro Updated Feb 6, 2011
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Reviews (7)

Explore Bodensee by boat Transportation (1)

By far the nicest way to explore Bodensee (Lake Constance) is by ferry. There is an extensive network of ferry routes... more travel advice

Explore Lindau harbour Things to Do (5)

Everything about Lindau's harbour is lovely, from the elegance of the lighthouse to the massive statue of the Lion of... more travel advice

Explore lovely Lindau on foot Things to Do (5)

The beautiful streetscapes of Lindau invite even the least athletic of visitors to explore on foot. Although there are a... more travel advice

The moving Peterskirche war memorial Things to Do (5)

Of all the historic buildings in Lindau, Peterskirche (also known as the Fisherman's Church) is the one that I found... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Guidance on photography in churches:...

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Comments (6)

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ettiewyn Feb 17, 2011 at 6:35 AM

Ingrid told me she is going to Lindau because of your page, so I thought I should have a look. Great page!!! it looks really beautiful! I visited Bodensee but not Lindau - looks like I need to go back again some time :-)
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balhannah Feb 11, 2011 at 12:30 AM

Nice page on what looks to be a delightful town!
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Trekki Feb 11, 2011 at 12:00 AM

Thank you Catherine for giving me ideas for a weekend trip :-)) Lindau looks lovely and I have already booked :-)
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christine.j Feb 5, 2011 at 5:59 AM

Lindau really is a lovely town.You were lucky to find Peterskirche open, when we were there it was closed.
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travelfrosch Oct 21, 2010 at 4:45 PM

Looks like you enjoyed Lindau. Thanks for sharing! Cheers, Mark
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Maryimelda Oct 9, 2010 at 3:20 PM

I always thought that Lindau was just another attractive German destination, but you have really peaked my interest Catherine. Lovely page, thank you.