"Konstanz - beautiful setting and charming old town" Top 5 Page for this destination Konstanz by german_eagle

Konstanz Travel Guide: 234 reviews and 809 photos

In summer 2010 I spent a couple of days in Konstanz on business (seminar). Fortunately I had quite a lot of time to explore the city and the surroundings. The weather did not really co-operate, though - it rained quite often.

Konstanz is located right where the Rhine river leaves the lake of the city's name (or Bodensee in German). This makes for a beautiful setting with the old town on the left bank of the Rhine and the other parts of the city on the right bank spread over the hillsides.

old town with minster church

The city has the right size (pop. 80'000) to keep you busy for a couple of days. The old town is quite lively, there are enough restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops there. As there is a university in town there are also enough students/younger folks - also from outside Germany - to make life in Konstanz somewhat more international and vibrant than usual for a city of this size.

The old town is really 'old' - many townhouses keep substance of the medieval times, not to mention the ancient Romans who settled there, too.

Imperia statue

Konstanz is a transportation hub. Not only does it have railway connections to anywhere in southern Germany but it is also well connected with the Swiss railway system (direct trains to Zürich e.g.) - no surprise there, it's right on the Swiss border.

Naturally the lake plays an important part in daily life in Konstanz. Ferries leave to the other places around the lake, down the Rhine river and for cruises. People enjoy walking along the harbour front with restaurants, cafes, while watching the ships. And in the distance you might see the snow capped Swiss Alps if the weather co-operates.

Life can be very good in Konstanz!

Intro Updated Feb 18, 2011
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Reviews (37)

Therme Konstanz Sports & Outdoors (2)

Konstanz has a very modern, excellent thermal pool and spa. The large indoor and outdoor pools aside there are jacuzzis... more travel advice

Cycling Sports & Outdoors (2)

Cycling is one of the favourite activities in the region. There is an abundance of cycling trails, starting with the... more travel advice

Petershausen - centre with St. Gebhardt... Off The Beaten Path (6)

The centre of Petershausen is the area around St. Gebhardt square. This is totally off the beaten path for tourists,... more travel advice

Petershausen - Baroque former abbey buildings - Konstanz

Petershausen - former abbey Off The Beaten Path (6)

Petershausen is the district of Konstanz that is right north of the Rhine. Right in the centre of Petershausen once had... more travel advice

Things to Do (17)
See All Excursion: Kreuzlingen
Local Customs (1)
Wine Festival
Transportation (3)
See All Bicycle

Restaurants (7)
See All lakeside cafe
Hotels (1)
Bilger Eck
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Comments (7)

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yumyum Sep 10, 2010 at 10:41 PM

The hotel sounds quite unpleasant for the price!

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HORSCHECK Mar 14, 2011 at 2:35 PM

Comprehensive page with outstanding photos, also of the buses. Unfortunately, I only made it to Radolfzell in the region so far, but Konstanz is of course on my list. I am still not sure if I should arrive at the German or Swiss train station. *winkygrin*
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Kathrin_E Mar 8, 2011 at 10:42 AM

Love the bus photos ;-)
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Nemorino Mar 7, 2011 at 9:02 AM

Hi Ingo, your tips and photos bring back nice memories of the one hour I spent in Konstanz a few years ago. I just got off the boat, walked around for an hour and took the next boat back to Meersburg. Good that you did a cycling trip to Reichenau.
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globetrott Feb 27, 2011 at 9:22 PM

an interesting page and maybe a great place for a daytrip in summertime from Valbella !
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bugulma Feb 27, 2011 at 5:34 AM

Lakeside promenade seems to be nice walking. very interesting architecture in the city (Minster church and city gate)
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Russell_the_Wombat Aug 22, 2010 at 3:45 PM

Do I sniff the birth of a new page?