It's no surprise that Lindau sees many visitors since it offers food, historical sights, family-friendly activities, and romance.
The highlight in Lindau has to be its picturesque harbor. The Neuer Leuchtturm (New Lighthouse) is actually from 1853 and is Germany's southernmost lighthouse. At 136 meters, this tower provides one of the best views of the lake if you can brave the 139 steps. Wondering where the old lighthouse stands? The 13th-century Mangturm (Old Lighthouse) is at the northern edge of the port. Though not generally open to the public, there are Marchenstunden (Fairy Tale hours) in August for children.
Across from New Lighthouse is the iconic Bayerische Lowe (Bavarian Lion). The lion is the symbol for the region of Bavaria and this one is carved from Kehlheim sandstone and weighs in at 50 tons. It presides over the harbor on a pedestal with the Roman numerals MDCCCLVI marking the date it was erected, 1856.
Maximilianstrasse is the main promenade and is pedestrians only. There are family-run shops, quaint cafes and restaurants, as well as row after row of beautiful homes. Admire the decorative gables then step inside to enjoy the ceiling paintings that tell stories of the town. Pass the butchers in the west, then bakers, then walk through the old market. The 15th-century Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) is also off this street. Decorated with frescoes of cherubs, this is the city's most important building.
Merchant house Haus zum Cavazzen is the most beautiful Baroque building in Lindau and holds the Stadtmuseum (city museum). Another stand-out building is the Romanesque Peterskirche. This church is over 1,000 years old with frescos of the Passion of Christ.
Ride the Ferry around Lake Constance because the best views of Lindau are from the water. Jump on one of the many ferries that travels between the cities on the lake like Bregenz, Konstanz or Friedrichshafen and cross over to Austria and Switzerland. Make sure to bring your camera to take pictures of the entry to the harbor and Alps. If you have more than sight-seeing on your itinerary, different tours also offer plated lunch and dinner, as well as cruises with live entertainment and themes.
Swim and Bike on and off Lindau Island. You can't talk about visiting an island without talking about the beach. Some people jump in year-round, but summer season (mid-May to mid-September) is the best. Along with lake-access, at least four Freibads (open-air pools) are available. You can also rent a boat and spend your time rowing around the aquamarine waters. To travel around the island, many visitors choose to bike. There are multiple bike rentals and paths as well as the opportunity to travel onto the mainland and continue riding around the massive lake.
If your visit to Landau is in winter, strap on a pair of skates rather than a bathing suit or bike helmet. An ice-rink is set-up next to the lake. The nearby mountains also offer the opportunity to go skiing at Vorarlberg in Austria or at Schiedegg.
Walk to Austria from Lindau. With so many fantastic locations nearby, Lindau is the ideal location to base your travels. You don't even need to hop in the car (or boat) to reach Bregenz, Austria. The town is within walking distance on the eastern shores of the lake. It features a summer music festival, Bregenzer Festspiele, with a magnificent stage right on the water. There is also a cable car that takes visitors up the Pfander.
Visit a Magical Butterfly Island. Mainau is a tiny, nearby island that is renowned for its gardens and greenhouse butterfly sanctuary. It is both practical as a model of excellent environmental practices and beautiful as one of the main tourist attractions of Lake Constance. Stop to smell the nearly 30,000 rose bushes, find some shade beneath the 150 year old giant sequoias and step into the 18th century castle.
Historical Sights:
Many people come to experience the charm of the historic old town. The old town is located on Lindau island in Lake Constance. It has quaint buildings and many waterfront restaurants.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Lindau. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Guided Walking Tour for $253 details
- Lindau Private Christmas Market Tour for $289 details
- Lindau - Town Highlights Walking Tour for $346 details