This medieval Lake Constance town has 1,200-year-old walls, thermal baths, and Germany's longest lakeside promenade lined with Renaissance buildings.
Überlingen stretches along Lake Constance's northern shore, where palm trees shade a 2-kilometer lakeside promenade. You can climb the 52-meter tower of St. Nikolaus Münster for lake views, explore the 16th-century Council Hall with its carved wooden figures, or swim in the 36-degree thermal waters at Bodensee Therme. The city's seven medieval gates still stand, and the Stadtgarten grows over 500 species of cacti alongside Mediterranean plants.
Walking the Lake Promenade
The 2-kilometer lakeside path connects the old town to the Bodensee Therme spa. Palm trees and seasonal flowers grow along the walkway, creating a Mediterranean feel from May to September. The landing stage serves ferries to Constance and Meersburg every 30 minutes. On Wednesdays and Saturdays since the 14th century, local vendors sell fresh produce and crafts at the waterfront market.
Exploring the Medieval Center
St. Nikolaus Münster rises 52 meters above the city as the Lake Constance region's largest late Gothic church. The Renaissance City Hall contains the Council Hall, where you can see 40 limewood figures carved by Jakob Ruß in 1490. Walk through any of the seven remaining medieval gates to follow the old city walls. The former moat now forms a green walkway between the Old Town walls and the Stadtpark.
Gardens and Parks
The Stadtgarten, dating from 1875, grows over 500 cacti species and maintains 200 varieties of fuchsia. A 4-kilometer garden path links the city's green spaces, including the Spetzgart castle gardens and several themed plant collections. Local artists display their work in these gardens from April through October.
Health and Wellness
At Bodensee Therme, thermal water flows from 1,006 meters underground at 36.2 degrees Celsius. The spa follows Sebastian Kneipp's water therapy methods, combining warm and cold water treatments with specific exercise routines. Local clinics run structured programs ranging from supervised fasting to physical rehabilitation.
Family Activities
At Reutemühle animal park, you can see meerkats, camels, and farm animals, with three playgrounds for children. The lake has three public swimming areas with designated shallow zones for young swimmers. From December 6th, wooden market stalls fill the old town streets for the Christmas Market. Each July, the Sweden Procession recalls a 1632 siege with costumed parades through town.
Getting There and Around
Three train stations serve Überlingen: Überlingen-Nussdorf, the central station, and Überlingen-Therme. Friedrichshafen Airport is 32 km away, while Zurich Airport lies 100 km to the south. Ferries run daily between April and October to other Lake Constance towns. By car, take the Bundesstraße 31 highway, which follows the lakeshore.
