Lindau is a quaint little island town featuring plenty of old-world charms. This historic island sits on the shores of Lake Constance or Bodensee in southern Bavaria. The immediate charm of this island is its bordering neighbours—you can see Germany, Austria, and Switzerland just a boat ride away. Exploring the island is akin to being in a romantic movie with medieval timbered buildings, churches, squares, and bustling markets as backdrops. From its enchanting lighthouse and harbour to its cafes, Lindau has plenty to do and see.
Best Places In & Around Lindau
Visiting Lindau is like concealing yourself in an oasis of relaxation for the senses. This picturesque town has a lush green countryside landscape by the pristine Lake Constance and the backdrop of magnificent snow-capped Alps. Lindau is very small; you can travel its length by foot in 30 minutes, but it is packed with beautiful gardens, forest trails, waterfront promenades, and romantic alleyways. The island is connected via bridges, and a vast Bavarian lion statue and lighthouse instantly greet visitors. Traverse the pedestrian-only cobblestone squares on foot, stroll by the waterfront, and witness the cultural excellence of Lindau at the town museum in the House of Cavassen. A soul-stirring experience awaits at Lindau.
1. Old Town Hall
Image Credit: Ștefan Jurcă for Wikimedia Commons
Lindau’s old town is a charming locale that culminates into its magnificent town hall. Located at Maximilian Street in the centre of the town, this historic building was built in 1436. Learn all about the history of the Insel and look back at the Medieval life of this town. The front facade of this historic building is a visual treat, with intricate frescoes and murals carved alongside its great sundial and 15th-century clock. The magnificent stairs up to the entrance make the composite architecture stunning. Although the Old Town Hall is not open to the public, you can marvel at its architecture and explore the town centre. After a visit to the town hall, you can also walk by the lakeside and enjoy the beautiful Bavarian Alpine landscape.
How to Reach: You can take a train to the Lindau-Reutin station and walk to the Old Town Hall (400m)
Nearest Railway Station: Lindau-Reutin Station
Nearest Airport: Altenrhein Airport
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2. Mangturm
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Mangturm is a 20-metre-high observation tower that also serves as the lighthouse at the end of the town wall. Built in the 12th century, Mangturm was once surrounded by water on all sides. It was decommissioned when the new Lindau lighthouse was built in the 19th century, but it still retains its fondness amongst locals. The square stone building consists of 89 steps that lead to the tower room that hosts fairytale hours and offers mesmerising views. Visitors can also spot a long, blonde braid suspended from one of the embrasures, an ode to Rapunzel and the fairy tale story sessions it hosts today. During the evening, you can also walk by the lakeside.
How to Reach: You can take a train to the Lindau-Reutin station and take a taxi or walk to Mangturm (3.2km)
Nearest Railway Station: Lindau-Reutin Station
Nearest Airport: Altenrhein Airport
3. Lindau Lighthouse
Image Credit: Julian Herzog for Wikipedia
The New Lighthouse that replaced Mangturm. Standing tall at 33m with a base circumference of 24m, it is also the entrance to the Lindau harbour and Germany’s southernmost tower. The facade has a typical 19th-century clock just below the observation deck, and the entrance consists of a Bavarian Lion on the opposite side. After climbing 139 steps and five floors, you will reach the observation deck with panoramic views of Lake Constance. During the climb, you can read facts about Lindau and Lake Constance on the interior walls.
How to Reach: You can take a train to the Lindau-Reutin station and walk to Mangturm (73m)
Nearest Railway Station: Lindau-Reutin Station
Nearest Airport: Altenrhein Airport
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4. Lindenhof Park
Image Credit: Böhringer for Wikimedia Commons
Lindenhof Park is one of the most lush green and beautiful parks in South Germany. Officially known as the “Förderverein Gartendenkmal Lindenhofpark”, it is built to preserve the pristine landscape by the shores of Lake Constance. The garden is also a horticultural hotspot that consists of cubed paths around artificially created mounds and grove plantations. Created by the garden maestro Kreuter, the Lindehof Park symbolises undisturbed nature straight out of a novel. Along with its rich history of horticulture, this lush green space in the enchanting island town preserves its natural heritage for the world to see.
How to Reach: You can take a train to the Lindau-Reutin station and walk or take a taxi to Linehof Park (4.1km)
Nearest Railway Station: Lindau-Reutin Station
Nearest Airport: Altenrhein Airport
5. Lindau City Museum
Image Credit: Dguendel for Wikimedia Commons
No tour of Lindau is complete for history buffs without a tour of the city museum. This baroque architectural excellence has been on Lake Constance since 1729 and embodies the region’s glorious history. The Stadtmuseum Lindau portrays the imperial city of Lindau in all its glory. It consists of historical artefacts and curious mediaeval merchandise like toys, clocks, furniture, and other household items. You can find Patrician portraits depicting the life of Lindau citizens in the bygone era. There is also a fascinating collection of musical organs and instruments and retail automatons with dancing dolls, beer barrels, and much more. The museum is also home to famous paintings and sculptures from the 15th to 19th centuries.
How to Reach: You can take a train to the Lindau-Reutin station and walk or take a taxi to the Lindau City Museum (3.0km)
Nearest Railway Station: Lindau-Reutin Station
Nearest Airport: Altenrhein Airport
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Adorned with medieval buildings and artistic facades, alleys akin to a secret love story, green parks to embrace greenery, cobblestone pathways to stroll along, majestic harbours with panoramic views, and bustling squares – Lindau offers a soulful retreat into a Bavarian experience distinct from its counterparts. Beyond the charms of an island city, Lindau surprisingly has a garden landscape full of natural refuges that add more magic to Lake Constance. Do you want to know more about Lindau and all the glorious adventures that await you? Check out these places to plan your itinerary to Bavaria and all the secrets to unfold. Plan your trip to Germany today!
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Cover Image Credit: Edda Praefcke for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Lindau
How can I get to Lindau?
The closest airport to Lindau is the Altenrhein Airport, and the closest train station is the Lindau-Reutin station. You can take a bus or a taxi across the bridge to Lindau from the mainland.
Can I drive to Lindau?
Yes, you can reach and explore Linau by car. However, parking on the island is very limited and hence not advisable. Large vehicles like campers or caravans are not allowed on the island.
When is the best time to visit Lindau?
Being an island town as close to the Bavarian Alps as you'd expect, Lindau sees peak tourist seasons throughout the year. However, the summer months and carnivals like Oktoberfest are the best times to visit Lindau. During the winter, Lindau is less crowded and quieter, ideal for tourists who want to beat the bustle of big cities like Munich and Berlin. The spring season is also a feast for the eyes, with the native fruits of the island in full blossom.
How is the weather in Lindau?
The weather in Lindau is moderate to warm from April to October. Beyond this period, expect the temperatures to drop slightly due to proximity to the Bavarian Alps. January and February are the coldest months in Lindau, and you can expect rain almost every year.
Which are the closest airports to Lindau?
The closest airport to Lindau is the Altenrhein airport in St. Gallen, Switzerland (11.7 km). Other nearby airports include Memmingen (64 km) and Zurich Airport (85 km).
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