The 10 Best Day Trips From Konstanz Germany

Konstanz’s selling point is its amazing location. It perches on the shore of one of the prettiest lakes in Germany, happens to be among the sunniest regions in the country and is a great base to explore amazing locations in Germany, Switzerland, Austria. Here is our top pick for the best day trips from Konstanz across three countries.

Mainau Island

The island of Mainau is a short drive away from Konstanz and has enough magic to keep visitors happy for the better part of a day. In Spring-Summer, over 200 varieties of rhododendron and azalea, almost 20,000 dahlias and 30,000 rose bushes across 500 species burst into dazzling colors and aroma across the island. Alongside, there are palm, bougainvillea, hundreds of deciduous and coniferous trees, a greenhouse, sculptures, fountains and an amazing butterfly garden.

Lindau

Meersburg

Meersburg is another jewel on the shore of Lake Konstanz that can be easily accessed by car or ferry from Konstanz. It is mainly known for the hilltop Meersburg Castle (Alte Burg), the oldest inhabited fortress-castle in the country and a museum open to public tours. Also worth checking out are the baroque New Palace and the Droste Museum dedicated to poetess Annette von Droste-Hülshoff. Take some time off to explore the romantic nooks of the town and enjoy a hearty meal by the lake.

Bregenz

Bregenz, a captivating town in Austria only around 1.5 hours by car from Konstanz, is best known for its massive Bregenz Festival held annually in July-August on a stage that “floats” over Lake Constance. Even at other times of the year, the town promises a bustling harbor, panoramic river views and a generous dose of culture thanks to its many awesome museums. A popular activity is to take the gondola to the Pfänder Mountain to enjoy sweeping views of the lake, the Swiss Alps and the Allgäu highlands.

Lucerne

The fairytale town of Lucerne is a perfectly doable day trip from Konstanz. No trip to Lucerne is complete without a lazy cruise across the unbelievably beautiful Lucerne Lake. Take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to Mt. Pilatus, explore the medieval buildings in Lucerne old town, click pictures of the famous Chapel Bridge, visit the Lion of Lucerne – and you won’t even notice the day whizzing by.

Zurich

Zurich, the commercial capital of Switzerland, is also a fascinating city to explore. A day is just enough time to catch a glimpse of the famous churches in Zurich old town, enjoy panoramic lake views, cool off in the sprawling Rieterpark and indulge in some retail therapy at the internationally famous shopping street, Bahnhofstrasse.

Titisee

Titisee is one of the most popular spots in Germany’s famed Black Forest. A day here can be as lazy or active as you wish. While it’s a great idea to take a leisurely stroll around the lake, linger over a meal at one of the lakeside restaurants or simply feast your eyes on the beauty of the setting, the more active can indulge in a multitude of sports.

Triberg

The picturesque town of Triberg in Black Forest is only around 105 km (65 miles) from Konstanz. A perfect day in Triberg would include hiking to the top of the gushing Triberg Waterfall – Germany’s highest waterfall, a visit to the House of 100 clocks to gape at a huge range of cuckoo clocks and digging into a slice (or more) of the legendary Black Forest cake.

Tübingen

Tübingen, with its cobbled streets, colorful gabled houses and a medieval heart, is straight out of the picture books. Being a university town, its streets and pubs are always buzzing with a young, vibrant energy. When in town, check out Hohentübingen Castle, the Hölderlin Tower and the Bebenhausen Monastery, and take a ride on Tübingen’s unique boat named the Stocherkahn. If you happen to be there in November, your sweet tooth is going to be grateful as this is the time for the Chocolate Festival.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart, steeped in culture, and boasting historic architecture, snazzy automobile museums and a series of outstanding galleries and museums, certainly deserves more than a day. With only a day at your disposal, take a pick from its long list of attractions, depending on your interest. If you find yourself there in August-September, don’t miss the huge wine festival.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.