There aren’t many places in the world where you can visit four countries in one trip without traveling farther than a few dozen miles. One of those places is Lake Constance (aka Bodensee in German).
Lake Constance is fed by the Rhine River and borders Germany, Austria, Switzerland – and just 40-minutes away – the small Principality of Liechtenstein (one of the smallest countries in Europe).
Lake Constance is just 40-miles long and not so wide that you can’t see across to the other side. It’s absolutely stunning!

The Lake Constance region is the perfect destination to maximize your vacation. Not only can you effortlessly tick four countries off you bucket list, you’ll be able to experience four cultures, four languages, four different cuisines and even go wine tasting in four different countries – all in one easy trip.
Will you believe there are no borders between these countries, either? You can drive between the countries without ever stopping at a border crossing. And if you’re especially adventurous, you could do as I recently did and have breakfast, lunch and dinner in a different country all in one day.
We’ve put together a really exciting Lake Constance itinerary that you can follow, in order to see and do many of the top cities and activities in Lake Constance. The itinerary is written as 5 days, but you can spread out the days as you see fit. If you only have 3 days, you can shorten it, but if you have more time, you can spend more time in each location.
The ideal amount of time to spend is between 5-10 days. You can also visit more cities around Lake Constance than we mention in this itinerary. There are many more fascinating and adorable towns to discover.
WANT MORE: There’s another tri-country area nearby, where you can visit France; Basel, Switzerland; and the Black Forest area of Germany all in one trip.
Planning your trip to Lake Constance?
- Rent a car from the airport through Discover Cars.
Where to Stay in Lake Constance:
In Lindau;
- Hotel Bad Schachen ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor.
- Hotel Bayerischer Hof ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor.
In Bregenz;
- Hotel Schwartzler ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor.
In St. Gallen;
- Hotel Dom ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor.
In Liechtenstein
- Park Hotel Sonnenhof ⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor.
How to Get to Lake Constance
There are a couple of ways to get to Lake Constance. The best way really depends on where you’re coming from. From the United States, one way is to fly into Zurich and drive or take the train to the lake, which only takes about an hour.
An even easier way is to fly through Frankfurt to the small, regional Friedrichshafen airport. This is a particularly good way to avoid traffic and jump right into your vacation.
While there is pretty good methods of public transportation around Lake Constance, it will definitely be easier to do everything you want to do if you have a car. You can rent a car from the Friedrichshafen airport.
Once you’re in Friedrichshafen, you can immediately begin your vacation. It’s not difficult to drive around the lake – it’s rather laid back and relaxed. As I mentioned already, there are no border crossings to worry about, so you can drive between countries without even realizing you’ve done it.
Another option for getting around the lake is by bicycle. There is a 170-mile flat and well-paved cycle route around the lake where you can ride mostly without any cars to contend with. The path is well-marked so you won’t get lost. And best of all, you can complete this entire itinerary by bike.

Best Time to Visit Lake Constance
If you like to avoid the crowds, then the best time to visit Lake Constance is really any month other than August, when everyone is on holiday and the lake becomes quite busy. To have the best weather to play outdoors (think hiking, biking, swimming), you’ll want to visit between May and July, September and October.
This itinerary is perfect for spring, summer and fall. Of course, there are a lot of other things to do in the Lake Constance region that don’t require warm weather.
One of the best times to visit is during the Christmas market season, when cities like Vaduz in Liechtenstein and Lindau in Germany are all dressed up with beautiful lights and festivities for Christmas. If you’re a skier, you may also enjoy the winter months, as the lake is within close proximity to great skiing and shoe activities.
Top Spots Included in This Itinerary




When you fly into Friedrichshafen, you’re in Germany, so we start our itinerary there. If you come into Zurich, you can start the itinerary in St. Gallen, Switzerland (which is just a 1-hour train ride from the airport).
- Lindau, Germany
- Bregenz, Austria
- Vaduz, Liechtenstein
- St. Gallen, Switzerland
One-Week Lake Constance Itinerary
DAY ONE: Airport to Lindau, Germany
If you arrive in Friedrichshafen airport, your first stop is just a short walk from the airport terminal. The Dornier museum is an aerospace museum housing a fine collection of airplanes designed by Claude Dornier, whose achievements in aviation include crafting the 12-engine Dornier Do X flying boat, which was once the largest and most powerful airplane in the world.
The museum takes about 45 minutes to look around, and they have a very nice restaurant where you can stop for lunch or dinner with a view of the landing strip.

The next stop you make should be at the Zeppelin Hanger. It’s just a 10-minute drive from the airport. You will, of course, already have made a reservation to fly. A 30-minute flight over Lake Constance will set you back 220€ (there are longer routes available), but what other chance will you ever have to fly in one of these giants?
The Zeppelin measures 247 feet long and 57 feet high. You can’t imagine how big that is until you see it for yourself. If you don’t want to shell out the cash for a ride, you can stop by the hanger for a 45-minute guided tour (from March – November, Tuesday & Friday at 4pm – advance booking required.)

Drive to Lindau, Germany. It’s just an 18-minute drive from the airport, or the Zeppelin Hanger. Lindau is a small, charming Bavarian town, located on an island in the lake. Take some time to stroll around the picturesque lakeside town and harbour.
In the busy summer months, you’ll find the streets and plazas packed with people enjoying the weather. There are many shops and cafes to explore.
WHERE TO STAY IN LINDAU

There are two different options for accommodations in Lindau. One is to stay at a lakefront resort with an incredible view and sprawling grounds to explore. The other is to stay in right on the picturesque town harbour. Both are high class, very nice hotels.
- Hotel Bad Schachen: Beautiful hotel by the lake with a terrace and garden. Read reviews on TripAdvisor
- Hotel Bayerischer Hof: 4-star hotel near the train station; great location! Read reviews on TripAdvisor
DAY TWO: Lindau, Germany

One of the cute little shops to explore in Lindau is Kase Ecke, located at Reichsplatz 7. The store is full of thoughtfully selected cheeses, local products, and wine. You can sit inside or out at the little cheese shop and enjoy a cheese plate with wine.
Or if you’re looking for something a little more extensive, if you plan ahead, you can arrange for a cheese and wine tasting with the owner, Michael Bode, who is an expert in fine wine and cheese.
From Lindau, you can take a 20-minute passenger-only boat ride across the lake to Bregenz, which is the city that is next on our itinerary. If you’ve got a car parked in Lindau, you can just take the boat ride roundtrip to see the lake. If you’re biking around the lake, you can just take your bike on board and cross over to Bregenz.
You may want to consider taking your Lake Constance trip in October in order to attend the autumn food festival. You can sample the area’s food, wine and beer, take a guided wine tour, listen to jazz, and enjoy special seasonal menus at many of the local restaurants. Different events and activities are planned every day of the week.
WHERE TO EAT IN LINDAU

Restaurant Valentin is the perfect spot for dinner in Lindau. It has a very nice, modern dining room, but the real magic in their hidden garden behind the restaurant. It’s the best atmosphere for enjoying the very well-thought out and designed plates of food you’ll be eating.
We had an array of tasty dishes, beginning with a strawberry salad that was practically bursting with flavor, and ending with a plate of handmade pasta with wild garlic and shaved truffles.
Address: In der Grub 28a, 88131 Lindau Phone number:+49 8382 5043740
Day Three: Explore Bregenz, Austria

One of the most spectacular views of Lake Constance can be found at the top of Pfänder. You can ride up to the mountain paradise on the Pfänder cable car, which runs from April to October. The cable car whisks you to the top where you’ll find a panoramic viewpoint, an alpine wildlife park, and lots of biking and hiking trails (my favorite is the cheese-teaching hike – yes, you read that right!).
There is also a restaurant at the top (3 actually). You can easily spend half a day or more up there, especially if the weather is clear and nice.

Bregenz is definitely where you want to be in July and August as that is when they hold the yearly Bregenz Festival. The “festival” is an opera production on the world’s largest lake stage. Yes, the stage is IN the lake. It’s really something. And the tickets are as low as 50€. They change the show every 2 years.

There are many great things to see and do in Bregenz. You can go on a city walking tour of the upper and lower towns, visit one of the top museums (Vorarlberg Museum, Kunsthaus Bregenz), walk along the promenade, or stop for a coffee and cake.
A culinary treat for food lovers is the KäseStrasse (Cheese Street). Though it’s not an actual physical route, farmers, alpine dairymen, cheese-makers, and restaurants have all come together to form a fun “cheese route” where you can make visits to different producers, participate in events.
WHERE TO EAT IN BREGENZ
You’re in Austria now, so you should definitely try some Austrian specialties, like Käseknopfel and Schnitzel (check out our recipe here). Two restaurants in town to try for local foods are Goldener Hirschen and Stadtgasthaus.
For the view, you can’t beat Burgrestaurant Gebhardsberg, perched high up on the mountaintop overlooking Lake Constance. It’s is an incredible place to have a meal, especially if you can get a table during sunset. The food is good, but not earthshaking.
WHERE TO STAY IN BREGENZ
Although located a bit outside of town – about a 25-min walk, Hotel Schwartzler is where you’ll find affordable luxury. It’s very nicely appointed and modern, has a sauna and swimming pools, a restaurant and bar, and it’s very reasonably priced… what more could you ask for!
Hotel Schwartzler: charming 4-star hotel in town with a terrace and on-site restaurant. Read reviews on TripAdvisor

You might not have known Liechtenstein existed before you read this. If you did, then kudos on your geography knowledge. Liechtenstein is one of only a few principalities in the world (Monaco and Andorra are two others). It’s very small (only 25km long), but it’s packed with exciting things to see and do.
It’s known for its mountain and forest landscapes, medieval castles, and tiny villages that are linked by hiking trails. The capital city of Vaduz is only a 35 minute drive from Bregenz. There are plenty of things to do for a day or even three! You should definitely ride the Citytrain for a 35-minute tour of the city.
Once you have your bearings, you can set off to do other things, like visit the art museum, the national museum, and the treasure chamber. Admire the Vaduz Castle perched high up on the hill (you can’t visit unless you’ve been invited by the Prince).
One thing you can do that involves the Prince is taste the wine from his winery, Hofkellerei. You can stop in for a tasting, or to buy a bottle of the princely wine. There is also craft beer and local spirits to try in town. You can find both at the Liechtenstein Center.

There are two ways to enjoy the incredible view over Liechtenstein. One is to drive up the mountain and visit the viewpoint above the city. The other is to walk up!
You can park on the side of the road and walk down to the vantage point and perfectly placed bench. If you want to spend some time hiking, you’ll find 400 kilometers of well-developed and marked hiking trails throughout the country.

WHERE TO EAT IN LIECHTENSTEIN
You can dine in the Prince’s vineyard. Restaurant Torkel can be found among the vineyards just outside of town. The location is hard to beat, as is the food. Another favorite restaurant in Vaduz is Restaurant Maree at the Park Hotel Sonnenhof.
It’s worth dining there, even if you’re not staying at the hotel. It boasts one Michelin star and has a terrace where you can dine with an incredible view. Both of these are great dining experiences to have in Liechtenstein.
PRO TIP: To make things easier, you could stay at your hotel in Bregenz for two nights and just take the day trip to Vaduz.
WHERE TO STAY IN LIECHTENSTEIN
There are a few hotels in the city center, but if you want to stay at the best location in Vaduz, it’s got to be Park Hotel Sonnenhof. It offers great accommodations, a fantastic restaurant, and a truly relaxing environment.
Park Hotel Sonnenhof: 4.5-star luxury hotel adjacent to a golf course and near the Prince’s winery. It was renovated in 2019. Read reviews on TripAdvisor
DAY FIVE: ST. GALLEN, Switzerland

It is about a 40-minute drive from Bregenz or Vaduz to St. Gallen in Switzerland, which is the only city on our itinerary that isn’t located directly on the lake. It has a charming pedestrian-only old town, with many things to see as you stroll around.
One of the top attractions of St. Gallen is the architecture. There is a 8th-century monastery – the Abbey of Saint Gall – and the Baroque St. Gallen Cathedral, which is part of the Abbey; the neo-Gothic protestant church, St. Laurenzen, and the best example of rococo architecture in the 16th-century library.
St. Gallen is also home to the world’s oldest library, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the library, you’ll find as many as 30,000 priceless books and manuscripts handwritten by monks during the Middle Ages. The entire collection at the library totals over 150,000 volumes.
If you love chocolate, you should definitely make time to visit the Schoggiland chocolate factory, which is just 20 minutes away in Flawil.
Another top activity to do in this area is ride the cable car to the top of Säntis, the highest mountain in northeastern Switzerland, at 2,501 meters above sea level. Six countries can be seen from the observation deck at the summit.
While up on the mountain, you can go on a walk or hike, visit the show dairy, take a carriage ride, eat at the restaurant. You can even stay overnight in their hotel at the foot of the mountain.
WHERE TO EAT IN ST GALLEN
While in St. Gallen, you’ll also want to stop off at a Chocolaterie Koelbener to sample some Swiss chocolate. You’ll find boxed chocolates, as well as delicious hot chocolates that you stir into warm milk yourself. You can also have lunch, or sit for a coffee, in the cafe.
Food is a fun way to get to know a city and its culture. You can learn all about the culinary landscape in St. Gallen on one of the food tours offered, like the Culinary “Tryout” Tour of St. Gallen, or the Culinary Walk Around Town.
There’s also a pub tour for a change of pace. Don’t miss trying one of the area’s culinary specialties, the St. Gallen bratwurst. You can find a tasty bratwurst at the low-key Restaurant Marktplatz.

WHERE TO STAY IN ST. GALLEN
The best place to stay in St. Gallen is in the old town, where cars are not allowed. You can walk just about anywhere quickly from Hotel Dom, located just around the corner from the Abbey, on Webergasse 22. It leans more toward the budget side, but it’s really clean and comfortable for the price.
Hotel Dom: Read reviews and see current prices on TripAdvisor
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lake Constance famous?
Lake Constance, also known as Bodensee in German, is famous for its stunning landscapes, cultural significance, and recreational opportunities. It also serves as a natural border for three nations; Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. One of its islands – The island of Reichenau, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Where is Lake Constance located?
Lake Constance, also known as Bodensee in German, is located in Central Europe at the meeting point of three countries: Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is situated in the northern foothills of the Alps and serves as a natural border between these three nations.
Is Lake Constance worth a visit?
Yes, Lake Constance is worth a visit! It is a stunning and diverse destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, outdoor activities, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty, Lake Constance offers a diverse and memorable experience. It’s a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway, an active adventure, or a cultural exploration.
Which country does Lake Constance belong to?
Lake Constance, also known as Bodensee in German, is shared by Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It serves as a natural border between these three nations, with parts of the lake belonging to each country.
CONCLUSION
As you can see, the Lake Constance region is full of incredible thing to do and see. It’s the perfect place for a glimpse into four European countries at once. If you’ve been to this area, or are planning a trip, we’d love to hear from you. What did you like most? What would you recommend?Many thanks to the wonderful team at Lemongrass Marketing , who arranged a press trip to Lake Constance, in collaboration with various tourist boards and companies. As always, all opinions and thoughts shared here are my own honest recommendations.

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.
This is a wonderful way to see four neighbouring countries. I’m sure you would have discovered several commonalities in culture and architecture. Making a note for future travels.
Yes, there are definitely similarities, especially in the cuisine. It’s really fascinating how many countries can meld together like that.
One of my favorite lakes on earth! Great pics! ❤️
Thanks Marineira. It is a gorgeous lake.
Funny, I was in this area last Fall. We went to Vaduz. We were also told to visit Bregenz by the Austrians and we skipped and went to Innsbruck instead. Looks like you had a lovely trip around the lake.
Well, next time you’ll have to hit up Bregenz. It’s really nice. Innsbruck is too though!
Four countries in one lake? Don’t mind if I do. My OMG moment: I had a model of that Dornier airplane as a kid!
That’s so great, Peter! What a memory.
Nice overview. A friend was just there 10 days ago and tried to convince us to join them — I should have taken him up on it. Love that set for Carmen.
You definitely should have, Bob! Next time.
I love Lake Constance! I celebrated New Year’s in Konstanz a few years ago after a couple weeks in Switzerland and it was awesome. People gathered at the lake the usher in the new year with Sekt and fireworks. So much fun!
That sounds absolutely wonderful, Cate.
Oh yes, Lake Constance is so beautiful isn’t it? And as you say, a great way to visit four countries in a single trip. Your practical guide is really helpful, lots of details to help plan a great trip. Beautiful photos too.
Thanks Kavey. I do think it’s a wonderful area that more people should visit (and would, if they knew it was there).
I’d have to see that Zeppelin Hanger Laura. Talk about a blast from the past. Reminds me of the 2nd Indiana Jones movie as the film began with the Zeppelin scene. Gorgeous place and fascinating too. 4 countries with 1 stone methinks 😉
Ryan
Isn’t it really impressive, Ryan? I couldn’t believe how insanely large that thing is. I didn’t remember that it was in the Indiana Jones movie 🙂
That itinerary looks so cool…and everything around just one lake! Very impressive indeed. By the way Lindau reminds me of another city in Switzerland – Lucerne 🙂
I can see that, Siddhartha, definitely! There are so many cute and wonderful towns in Switzerland – and Germany, too!
I wouldn’t have imagined of such a place which has so much around to Offer. Quite impressive, must say!
Exactly! You’ll have to check it out Saakshi.
The Bodensee is such an amazing region of Europe. Thanks for the detailed and beautifully written itinerary!
What a hoot to get to bop to four different countries from the glory of a single beautiful lake! I think I’d go first to St. Gallen to see “the world’s oldest library!”
So, what if I have ONE day, coming from Stuttgart, and want to do the 3 meals in 3 countries? How do I do that? I see conflicting information about going to Konstanz but the ferry looks like it departs from Friedrichshafen. Am I not digging deep enough?
It’s awesome that you’re going to give it a try. Are you relying on public transportation? It will be much harder that way. I’ll tell you how I did it. I had breakfast in Bregenz, Austria, then drove to Vaduz, Liechtenstein, for lunch, then drove on to St. Gallen, Switzerland for dinner. It’s only about 45 minutes driving between each, so it’s rather easy. On public transportation, you could go from Konstanz on the train to one of the cities along the lake in Switzerland, then again over to Bregenz. Do you have to get back to Stuttgart at the end of the day?
Hey there, wonderful travel suggestions! I’m planning to come for the 3 country marathon in Oct. from India for 9 days. I don’t drive in Europe, are there are any recommended tour operators that you recommend? Many thanks!! Cant wait to visit these marvels!!
Hi Ambika, most of tours in this area are bicycle tours. You can do this trip fairly easily on your own with public transportation though. There are good trains between the cities.
Which is the most central place to stay
Near lake constance that’s makes it easy to access transport to visit all those country’s with or without car,a train or bus maybe for senior citizens.
Are there any fare concessions for seniors.what accommodation would you recommend .Be grateful for advice.
Thinking of going July 2019.
Thank you .
Johnnie.
Fair warning to anyone attempting this – we rented a car in Lindau, and we were told by the car rental agency to avoid any tolls or highways in both Austria and Switzerland. We ended up still driving down to Liechtenstein, but by avoiding tolls/highways the drive took nearly two hours in each direction. We never saw anywhere that we could have purchased a short-term vignette in Austria that would have allowed us to take the highways for a quicker drive. It was fine, I’m glad we still went, we just weren’t prepared for the drive to take that long.
Chelsea, did they want you to avoid the tolls just so you didn’t have to pay them? I know it can get expensive, but the time saved on the toll roads is worth it.
Thanks so much for sharing. I wonder if it is easy to find car parking in most places around the lake and is parking expensive. I am deciding on whether to drive or to use public transport.
It would be so much easier to drive. If you’re staying at a resort, there will be parking often for free. In towns there is a charge to park, but it’s easy to find.