A Bavarian island town on Lake Constance, known for its medieval old town, lighthouse, and harbor entrance guarded by a stone lion statue.
Lindau sits on an island in Lake Constance, connected to the Bavarian mainland by a causeway and railway bridge. The medieval old town covers most of the 70-hectare island, with narrow lanes and colorful historic buildings. From the harbor, marked by a 33-meter lighthouse and a 6-meter Bavarian lion statue, you can see the Alps across the lake. Lindau's location at the intersection of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland makes it convenient for exploring the wider Lake Constance region.
Exploring Lindau's Island Old Town
As you walk through Lindau's compact old town, you'll see buildings spanning several centuries and architectural styles. Along the main street, Maximilianstrasse, many structures have elaborately painted facades. This pedestrian-friendly street has shops and cafes housed in historic buildings.
The Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus), built in the 15th century, stands out with its colorful frescoes depicting local history. Nearby, you'll find the Renaissance-era Haus zum Cavazzen, now home to the Lindau City Museum. Religious buildings in the old town include the Gothic St. Stephen's Church and the Baroque Münster Unserer Lieben Frau.
Harbor Area and Lake Views
The harbor forms a central part of Lindau's landscape. Two structures mark its entrance: a 6-meter tall Bavarian lion statue and a 33-meter lighthouse. You can climb the lighthouse for panoramic views of Lake Constance and the surrounding mountains. During summer, the harborfront promenade becomes lively with outdoor cafes and boats departing for other lakeside towns.
Lake Constance Activities
Lake Constance provides various recreation options, particularly in warmer months. You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, or small electric boats to explore the shoreline. Several beaches and lidos allow for swimming when the weather is warm enough. Many visitors enjoy cycling on paths that follow the lakeshore. For a more relaxed experience, take a ferry ride to other spots around the lake, such as Bregenz in Austria or the garden island of Mainau.
Cultural Venues and Events
Despite its small size, Lindau has several cultural venues. The Stadttheater hosts regular shows, including the unique Lindau Marionettenoper (puppet opera). You can view changing art exhibitions at the Kunstverein Lindau gallery. Consider timing your visit with one of Lindau's events, such as the Lindau Oktoberfest in September or the Christmas market in December.
Since 1951, Lindau has hosted an annual meeting of Nobel Prize laureates and young scientists. While the meetings are closed to the public, the event brings many intellectuals to the town each summer.
Getting to and Around Lindau
Trains connect Lindau well, with direct routes from Munich taking about 2.5 hours. The main train station is on the island itself. If you drive, you'll need to park on the mainland, as car access to the island is limited.
You can easily walk around the compact old town. Buses connect the island to mainland areas and nearby towns. Renting a bicycle is a good way to explore further along the lakeshore paths.
Where to Stay and Eat
Lindau has accommodations ranging from lakefront hotels to guesthouses and vacation rentals. The historic Bayerischer Hof overlooking the harbor is a high-end option. You can find more affordable choices on the mainland.
For dining, Lindau has restaurants serving Bavarian dishes and international cuisines. Try local lake fish or have a filling meal at a traditional beer garden. For a special dinner, you can book a table at the Michelin-starred Villino. Don't forget to taste some of the fruit brandies (Obstler) made in nearby orchards.
