Photo by Oleksandr Prykhodko ()
It isn’t often that a lake can be considered international, but Lake Constance is just that. Bordering Germany, Switzerland and Austria, it is a prime location for water sports and outdoor recreation. The Swiss town of Kreuzlingen neighbors the German border and this scenic lake.
WATERSPORTS GALORE
Lake Constance, with depths of up to 827 feet, was formed by the Rhine Glacier during the Ice age. Located in the foothills of the Alps, it is surrounded by vineyards, mountains, colorful gardens and towering church steeples. Kreuzlingen is an ideal location to visit along the lake. With a population of just over 20,000, this delightful Swiss town is just waiting to steal your heart!
Kreuzlingen is a water sports hot spot with swimming, windsurfing, waterskiing, sailing, diving and canoeing all viable options for activities. An aqua lover’s dream, you can even take cruises on the lake. A favorite destination is Mainau Island, where tulips, rhododendrons, perennials and dahlias bloom in colorful varieties. The island is also home to a Baroque castle from the 1700s and the church of St. Marien, which are surrounded by beautiful green palms and citrus plants.
Lindau harbour
Visitors who want to enjoy viewing the lake without getting into the water can enjoy hiking the Seerrücken hill range or simply walking, biking, or rollerblading up and down the shore. Hiking fans should try the Thurgauer Bodenseeauferweg. This 13-mile-long trail takes approximately five hours on a groomed path. The journey starts at the harbor quay by the Romanshorn railway station and passes many swimming areas. It eventually leads to Seeburgpark, the public recreation area with a playground and zoo.
At Seeburgpark, visitors can enjoy lounging in the sun, relaxing in the shade, swimming in the lake. There is even a small zoo, children’s playground, boat rental and mini golf course. Access to the park is free and it is always open.
CURB YOUR CRAVINGS
For a special lunch location in the park, head to Schloss Seeburg. With a summer terrace, it’s the perfect place to grab lunch and enjoy the views. The afternoon menu is less expensive and serves smaller portioned regional dishes. Guests can also reserve a teatime between 2:30 - 5 p.m.
Seegarten Restaurant at the Kreuzlinger marina is close to the nature reserve and serves up fresh, local food. The veggies are from local farms and fishermen provide seasonal menu items. They also have a well-stocked wine cellar that may entice you to walk through their door.For a more laid back, moderately priced location, visit Roter Gugelhan. Their extensive menu includes options for all the picky eaters in your family. Items like wood oven cooked pizzas, steak, pork steak and flammkuchen are all available, in addition to German favorites like bratwurst and schnitzel. Finish off with a “Forbidden Love” tarte flambé, made with apple pieces, toffee cream brittle, cinnamon and just a smidge of calvados (French brandy).
Lake Constance
GETTING THERE
The lakeside town of Kreuzlingen directly borders the southern German town of Konstanz. From the Bavaria region, travel times vary from starting point, but range from three to four hours. From Stuttgart, the fastest route is just under two hours.
Pack up the car with all the floatation devices you can find and head south to Kreuzlingen and Lake Constance for the day. With water sports galore, hiking and great food are available in one place, it’s no wonder families choose this area for a brief summer getaway.
“Kreuzlingen is a water sports hot spot with swimming, windsurfing, waterskiing, sailing, diving and canoeing all viable options for activities.”
