Medieval streets and half-timbered buildings line this Lake Constance island town. The harbor entrance has two landmarks: a Bavarian lion and a lighthouse from 1856.
Lindau occupies a small island in Lake Constance, with a bridge and railway causeway linking it to mainland Bavaria. You'll find medieval buildings like the 12th-century St. Stephen's Church alongside baroque townhouses on Maximilianstrasse. At the harbor entrance, a 36-meter lighthouse stands next to a 6-meter-tall stone lion statue, while the Alps create a dramatic backdrop across the water. The town's location makes it an ideal base for exploring the three-country region where Germany meets Austria and Switzerland.
Layout and Location
The historic center covers a 70-hectare island, which makes up just 2% of Lindau's total area. The mainland section includes residential neighborhoods, parks, and the Lindenhofpark with its 1950s swimming pool. A road bridge and railway causeway link the island to the shore. Buses run between the mainland and island every 30 minutes until late evening.
The Medieval Island Center
Maximilianstrasse runs through the old town as the main pedestrian street. The 16th and 17th-century buildings along it have covered arcades and ornately carved window frames. Look up to see the projecting bay windows with detailed woodwork. St. Stephen's Church from 1180 dominates the market square with its white baroque facade and twin towers.
Harbor and Waterfront
Two landmarks mark the harbor entrance: a 6-meter Bavarian Lion statue from 1856 and a 33-meter lighthouse from 1853. You can climb 139 steps inside the lighthouse for views of Lake Constance and the Alpine peaks. The red-brick Mangturm, a 13th-century tower at the northern edge, opens for storytelling events between April and October.
Seasonal Activities
In spring, apple and cherry trees bloom along the lake's cycling paths. Summer brings swimmers to four public lakeside pools. Local wine taverns (Rädlewirtschaften) serve fresh wine from nearby vineyards during autumn. From late November through December, wooden stalls fill the harbor area for the Christmas market.
Getting Around
The A96 autobahn connects Lindau to Munich, about two hours away by car. While the main train station moved to Lindau-Reutin on the mainland in 2020, Lindau-Insel station continues to serve the island. Regular boats connect to other lake towns including Bregenz and Friedrichshafen.
Local Food and Wine
Small vineyards in the surrounding hills grow Solaris, Johanniter, and Cabernet Blanc grapes. Local distilleries produce fruit Schnapps, and wine taverns serve regional dishes. The waterfront has cafes where you can sit and watch harbor activity while having coffee or lunch.
