Mainau Germany, View of the Flower Island Mainau, Lake Constance, Germany, Europe (123RF)
In the cold German winter, it can get old hunkering down and trying to stay warm. Not too far away is the island of Mainau on Lake Constance. While this is not a total escape from cooler weather, the island has a great blend of Christmas tradition and tropical atmosphere. During winter, the island of Mainau hosts a Christmas Garden. In 2024, it will occur from Nov. 19 through Jan. 6, 2025, from 5-9 p.m. A huge part of the Christmas market vibe are the sweet and savory scents of food warming the air. It’s delightful to sip a hot beverage like cocoa or glühwein as you walk around sampling treats and marvel at twinkling light displays.
Mainau, Germany - December 27, 2023: A Christmas garden is a Christmas event with beautiful light creations and illuminations on the island of Mainau on Lake Constance (123rf)
Mainau’s Christmas Garden has traditional market food, however since the lake is bordered by Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, you may find other specialties to try. Riebel is an Austrian comfort dish which is a warm, savory or sweet polenta. German Schupfnudeln are finger-shaped potato dumplings and Swiss Nusstorte is a nutty (usually hazelnut) cross between a cake and pie with a buttery, flaky crust. You may also find Käknöpfle mit Apfelmus, cheese dumplings with apple sauce, a specialty from Liechtenstein. For more information, visit christmas-garden.de.
German Schupfnudeln (Blyatman25, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)
For a slice of paradise, you can stay in Hawaiian-themed hotel, Ko’Ono. The family-friendly hotel and restaurant sits directly on Lake Constance. Embodying the meaning of “Aloha,” they make it their mission to have an attitude of love, happiness, and enjoyment for their guests. The hotel restaurant serves delicious Hawaiian food and has a lovely view of Mainau Island from the mainland. There are various room categories like single rooms for solo travelers and larger “family & friends” rooms. Each booking includes breakfast as well as access to the sauna. Spa treatments are available for additional fees.
Best of all, Ko’Ono offers the Mainau Ticket which includes a trip to the island with no queuing, as well as a snack and drink. Typically, the ticket is €40.50, but in winter it is reduced to €28. For more information, visit koono.de
Mainau Island, located on beautiful Lake Constance, is what’s known as a garden island and offers nature experiences 365 days a year. You can easily walk around its circumference on a trail which takes approximately 50 minutes to complete. The flower island has thousands of tulips, hundreds of rhododendrons, roses, dahlias and even giant sequoia trees. There are trees over 150 years old, and the island is home to one of Germany’s largest butterfly houses. When visiting in the winter the flowers lay dormant under frost adding to a magical winter-wonderland aesthetic.
Butterflys, Island Mainau, Germany (123RF)
Many fun activities are available for children including The Insect Garden: a combination treasure hunt and tour of the playgrounds themed “Waterworld,” “Blumis Shoreline,” and “Dwarf Village.” Kids up to 12 years are free of charge. The island is open year-round with seasonal programs; all tours have an English option.
In the baroque-style, Meersburg Castle you can learn about the oldest inhabited castle in Germany and taste specialty pancakes. You can always find warmth at Mainau. In colder winter months, head inside to The Butterfly House or Palm Tree House (always kept warm) and get a dose of summer vibes. Throughout winter 2024, on Nov. 27, Dec. 4, and Dec. 11, special family day rates and kid-friendly surprises are offered. For more information, visit mainau.de.
