This flower-filled island in Lake Constance has over 1 million tulips in spring and hundreds of dahlias in summer. A 150-year-old arboretum surrounds a baroque palace.
On Mainau Island, you'll walk through gardens where millions of tulips create colorful patterns in spring, and 12,000 roses bloom in summer. This 45-hectare island in Lake Constance includes a baroque palace from 1746, a butterfly house with 1,000 tropical species, and giant sequoia trees planted in 1864. As you explore the grounds from March to October, you'll discover seasonal flower displays, Mediterranean plants, and three themed playgrounds for children.
Seasonal Garden Displays
Starting in March, more than a million tulips paint the island's landscape in vibrant colors. The Italian Rose Garden comes alive in late May with 12,000 rose plants representing 400 varieties. From summer until the first frost, 20,000 dahlia plants in 250 varieties line the southern slopes. Early spring brings snowdrops and crocuses, while chrysanthemums add color to the autumn landscape.
The Baroque Ensemble
At 425 meters above sea level, the white-faced Teutonic palace (1746) marks the island's highest point, with 15-meter palm trees growing alongside it. Inside the St. Marien Church (1739), you'll see intricate baroque decorations. The church hosts regular concerts and weddings, while the palace opens for seasonal exhibitions. You can walk around both buildings' exteriors year-round.
Mediterranean Climate and Plants
The sheltered location creates ideal conditions for Mediterranean plants throughout the year. The Palm House grows 1,200 orchids in climate-controlled conditions. During summer, citrus plants and palm trees line the outdoor paths. In the Arboretum, you'll find the Viktoria lime tree from 1862, giant sequoias planted in 1864, and a 150-year-old pagoda tree with characteristically twisted branches.
Butterfly House and Children's Activities
The Butterfly House maintains a tropical climate where 1,000 butterflies fly freely around visitors. Children can play in three distinct areas: "Waterworld" with water-based activities, "Blumis Shoreline" with its beach theme, and the "Dwarf Village" inspired by fairy tales. An insect garden teaches children about local insects through hands-on exhibits. The island runs regular treasure hunts and seasonal family activities.
Getting to Mainau and Opening Hours
Take bus number 4 from Konstanz railway station for a 15-minute ride to the island. Between May and October, boats connect Mainau with Meersburg (20 minutes) and Unteruhldingen. The island welcomes visitors daily from 9 AM until sunset. The Butterfly House opens from 10 AM to 4 PM. Winter hours (November to March) end with last entry at 3:30 PM.
Historical Background
The island's garden tradition began when Grand Duke Frederick I of Baden established the Arboretum in the 19th century. In the 1930s, Prince Lennart Bernadotte II expanded the gardens after taking control of the island. Today, the Lennart Bernadotte Foundation maintains the gardens and organizes yearly events like the Count's Island Festival and Count's Castle Festival.
