Located on the shores of the Bodensee (Lake Constance), the city of Konstanz combines a rich medieval heritage with beautifully natural landscapes and is a great place to visit. Easily accessible from Zurich and other Swiss cities by car or via excellent train connections, Konstanz offers a variety of attractions for families and the old and young alike. From historical tours and lush gardens to a beautiful aquarium and modern thermal baths, here is a list of some of the best things to do in Konstanz.
Is Konstanz a Good Day Trip from Zurich?
Konstanz is one of the easiest international day trips from Zurich. The direct IR75 train from Zürich HB takes around 1 hour 15 minutes and arrives just a short walk from the Old Town and harbour, making it very easy to explore the city without a car. Many of the main attractions – including the historic Old Town, Münster, harbour, Imperia statue, shops, cafés and restaurants – can be reached on foot. If you have a full day, you can also combine sightseeing in Konstanz with a boat trip or a visit to the beautiful Flower Island of Mainau.
Fun Activities for all the Family in Konstanz
Historical and Cultural Experiences
Münster Unserer Lieben Frau
The magnificent Münster Unserer Lieben Frau stands on a site which has been at the heart of religious life in Konstanz since around 600 AD. Much of the present Romanesque cathedral dates from the 11th century and was consecrated in 1089, with later Gothic additions. Its impressive architecture and fascinating history make it well worth a visit, and there is much more to discover than the main church itself – so do allow enough time to explore.
Website: konstanzer-muenster
Address: Münsterplatz, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
Guided City Tour
We went on a guided local history tour of the city with a great guide (who speaks perfect English) called Henry. The tour covered the Council of Constance, medieval architecture, top attractions as well as local legends. Our tour was an hour and a half and this is a good length to get a real understanding of the city and its interesting past. Prices vary based on tour length and content. There are various starting points for the tour and you can book using the link below.
Website: konstanz-tourismus
Rosgartenmuseum
Explore this local history museum housed in a former guild house from 1454, showcasing the urban and cultural development of Konstanz. There is also a cafe there with local specialities.
Website: rosgartenmuseum.de
Address: Rosgartenstraße 3-5, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
Sealife Konstanz
Discover an array of sea creatures in this interactive aquarium, ideal for families and people of all ages. The weeknd we were in Konstanz the weather was a bit cold and wet so this was a perfect place to visit where you could learn all about underwater sea life.
Website: Sealife website & Book your tickets to Sealife here
Address: Hafenstraße 9, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
Imperia Statue at the Harbour
Go for a walk along the harbour in Konstanz and you can’t help but notice this iconic rotating statue by Peter Lenk. It’s a nod to the town’s historical past and is somewhat irreverent! I will cover this in a future article. (FREE)
Address: Hafenstraße, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
Konstanz Harbour
Whatever the weather, it’s always worth taking a relaxing stroll along the harbour in Konstanz. There is always plenty going on and it’s the place to go to take a boat tour on the lake. There are also plenty of shops and kiosks nearby as well as a Ferris wheel the weekend we were there. It’s just 5 minutes walk from the station.
Address: Hafenstraße, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
Hus-Haus
Visit the house where Jan Hus, a Czech theologian and philosopher, lived before his execution, now a museum dedicated to his life and work. (FREE)
Website: Hus-Haus website
Address: Hussenstraße 64, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
Zeppelin Museum
The Zeppelin Museum is not in Konstanz, but in Friedrichshafen and is definitely worth a visit. Our tour guide Henry also told us that you can go for trips in Zeppelin airships above the lake for an unforgettable experience – a perfect birthday or anniversary treat.
Website: zeppelin-museum.de
Address: Seestraße 22, 88045 Friedrichshafen, Germany
Archaeological State Museum
Konstanz is one of the cities in Germany with the best preserved buildings. One reason for this is that during the Second World War, instead of turning off all the city lights, they kept them on, pretending to be an extension to neighbouring, neutral Switzerland. As a result they didn’t get bombed like other German cities. Konstnaz is also home to the archaeological state museum so if you like history and archeology, why not explore the archaeological finds of Baden-Württemberg, including exhibits from prehistoric, Roman, and medieval eras.
Website: Archaeological State Museum Konstanz
Address: Benediktinerplatz 5, 78467 Konstanz, Germany
Natural Attractions
Mainau Island (Insel Mainau)
We took a boat trip to this beautiful island, known as the ‘Flower Island’ and were impressed at its extensive botanical gardens and the beautiful palm house. If you don’t want to go by boat you can also catch the bus, which is quicker and you walk across the bridge to the island at the end. The flowers are absolutely stunning and there is so much to see there and every season is different.
Website Information: Read all about the Flower island of Mainau here.
Tickets: You can book tickets for Mainau Flower Island here
Address: Insel Mainau, 78465 Konstanz, Germany
Lake Constance (Bodensee)
Lake Constance, known in German as the Bodensee, lies between Germany, Switzerland and Austria, while nearby Liechtenstein forms part of the wider Four-Country Lake Constance region. The lake offers a huge number of attractions and is a destination in its own right. You can enjoy sailing, swimming, cycling and walking along its scenic shores, but one of my favourite ways to experience the Bodensee is simply to take a boat trip. Head down to Konstanz harbour, where you can find information about the various cruises and boat connections available.
Website: bodensee.eu
Address: Bodensee, Konstanz, Germany
If you are planning to explore more of the Lake Constance region by public transport, you may also find our guide to the Bodensee Ticket useful. It covers travel by train, bus and ferry around the Lake Constance region in Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
Lorettowald
A suggestion for something to do in fine weather is to explore the beautiful wood of Lorettowald. It’s a perfect place for hiking and picnics during the summer months. Discover hidden monasteries and get picturesque views of the lake. (FREE)
Address: Lorettowald, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
Rheinstrandbad
When the weather is sunny, a great place to spend a day is at this popular beach. It is equipped with facilities for volleyball, and of course you can go swimming and sunbathing.
Website: rheinstrandbad.de
Address: Spanierstraße 7, 78467 Konstanz, Germany
Leisure and Relaxation
Photo courtesy of Bodensee-Therme Konstanz
Bodensee-Therme Konstanz
The Bodensee thermal baths offer a variety of indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and spa treatments with views of the lake and are a great place for a family excursion. There are both indoor and outdoor facilities – so you can visit in any weather.
Website: therme-konstanz.de
Address: Wilhelm-von-Scholz-Weg 2, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
Outdoor and Adventure
Bicycle Tour Around Konstanz
Another great way to explore Konstanz and the surrounding Lake Constance region is by bike. You can rent a bicycle in the city and discover some of the scenic cycling routes along the lake and around Konstanz at your own pace.
Website: konstanz bike information
Shopping and Markets
Lago Shopping Center
The largest shopping centre in the Lake Constance region is Lago which features a wide range of stores and eateries.
Website: lago-konstanz.de
Address: Bodanstraße 1, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
Weekly Markets Konstanz
Experience the local flavours of Konstanz and shop for fresh produce, flowers, cheese and other regional products at the city’s weekly markets. From 15th September 2026, the Tuesday and Friday market will temporarily take place at Döbele-Platz while St.-Stephans-Platz is being redeveloped. The Wednesday and Saturday market continues to take place at St.-Gebhard-Platz. As locations can occasionally change for events or construction work, it is worth checking the official Konstanz market website before visiting.
Clothing Alterations – Frau Weber Änderungsschneiderei
If your zip goes on your jacket or you need to shorten your trousers or skirt, Frau Weber in Sigismundstrasse 14 in the old town offers expert clothing and tailoring at a reasonable price. I chanced upon Frau Weber on a trip a few years ago and have been going back ever since. Open Monday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.30pm.
Food and Drink
Restaurants
Restaurant Konzil
Dine in this historic building, once a meeting place during the Council of Constance,where they serve both local and international cuisine. We went during the “Asparagus Season” in Spring and enjoyed some delicious regional fare paired with asparagus.
Website: konzil-konstanz.de
Address: Hafenstraße 2, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
Il Boccone
If you fancy Italian, this popular restaurant is well known for its vibrant ambiance and quality food. It has a lovely dining area with amazing wooden steps with cushions where you can sit and eat a relaxed snack or drink as well as a lovely light interior which spills out onto the pavement and side terrace on sunny days.
Website: ilboccone.de
Address: Bodanstraße 20–26, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
Eugens Bio Cafe Restaurant
This little cafe offers great organic and local cuisine as well as quite a few vegan options and it’s in a cozy, modern setting.
Website: eugens.bio
Address: Münzgasse 4, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
Brasserie Colette Tim Raue
How about trying French cooking with a twist at celebrity chef Tim Raue’s restaurant “Colette”?
Website: colette-brasserie.de
Address: Brotlaube 2a, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
Ophelia – 2 Michelin Star Restaurant at Hotel RIVA
If you fancy a special fine-dining experience, do check out the two-Michelin-starred Ophelia restaurant at Hotel RIVA in Konstanz. Head Chef Dirk Hoberg and his team offer creative fine dining in an elegant setting overlooking Lake Constance.
Website: www.restaurant-ophelia.de
Address: Seestraße 25, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
Meera Restaurant
Fancy an Indian? Meera Restaurant specializes in fine Indian cuisine, offering a range of flavourful dishes.
Website: meera-restaurant.de
Address: Friedrichstraße 42, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
Suppengrün
This local favorite offers a variety of hearty soups and stews, perfect for lunch stops. (Offers vegetarian and vegan options)
Website: suppengruen-konstanz.de
Address: Sigmundstrasse 19, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
Cafés and Cake Shops
Pano
Conveniently located not far from the station and close to the lake, I’ve been coming here for years. It’s good for both breads, cakes and patisserie as well as salads and lunch dishes too.
Website: pano-brotundkaffee
Address: Markstätte 6, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
Voglhaus Café
Not just a café but also a concept store. It has a relaxed, eco-friendly environment perfect for enjoying a good book or a piece of cake.
Website: voglhaus.de
Address: Wessenbergstraße 8, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
RIVA – Das Hotel am Bodensee
We stayed at the RIVA Hotel overlooking Lake Constance. RIVA is a luxury design hotel which opened in 2008, although the history of the building itself dates back to its days as a villa in 1874. It later served as the headquarters of a lawnmower company before being transformed into this prestigious five-star hotel. RIVA combines beautiful historic architecture with contemporary design and enjoys wonderful views over Lake Constance.
The hotel also has a lovely spa with a heated rooftop pool and offers a variety of dining options. We had a wonderful dinner in the Seerestaurant, and for a very special occasion there is also the two-Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant Ophelia.
Fine dining at their 2 Michelin star Opheila restaurant.
Website: hotel-riva.de
Address: Seestraße 25, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
You can see a short reel of this beautiful design hotel here:
Steigenberger Inselhotel
Originally built as a Dominican monastery in the 13th century, the Steigenberger Inselhotel has an interesting and very varied history. It served as a guesthouse for notable figures such as Count Zeppelin and writer Annette von Droste-Hülshoff before becoming a hotel in 1875. This luxury hotel is famous for maintaining its historical architecture and offers superb views of the lake and the Swiss Alps.
Website: steigenberger.com
Address: Auf der Insel 1, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
Hotel Halm Konstanz
The Hotel Halm Konstanz boasts a central location opposite the main train station and has been welcoming guests since 1874. Its grand façade and elaborate interior design reflect the rich history of the area, featuring ornate ceilings and majestic chandeliers, reminiscent of its early days as a grand hotel of the Belle Epoque.
Website: hotelhalm.de
Address: Bahnhofplatz 6, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
Hotel Barbarossa
This hotel’s building has medieval roots evident in its design and ambiance. Located in the picturesque Old Town of Konstanz, Hotel Barbarossa combines rustic charm with modern amenities. The building itself has served various purposes over the centuries, from a guild house to a storied inn, and now as a popular hotel known for its warm hospitality and unique rooms that tell tales of its rich history.
Website: hotelbarbarossa.de
Address: Obermarkt 8 – 12, 78462 Konstanz, Germany
47° Hotel
Opened in 2014, the 47° Hotel is relatively new but sits on a site steeped in history. The area was once home to the Kuhhorn shipyard (1825-1925), which was significant in boat building for Lake Constance. Today, the hotel stands out for its modern architecture and sustainable design, offering contemporary comforts while paying homage to its industrial heritage.
Website: 47grad.de
Address: Reichenaustraße 17, 78467 Konstanz, Germany
Each of these hotels offers a unique glimpse into the history and evolution of Konstanz while providing luxurious accommodations and excellent service.
Campingplatz Klausenhorn
For the more adventurous, the Campingplatz Klausenhorn****” is situated right on the lake in one of the most beautiful lidos on Lake Constance. It’s an ECO-CAMPING site with unique accommodation which includes sleeping in barrels and construction trailers as well as in the “Glück am See” hut. The site offers the facilities of a bakery, a little village square as well as e-bike hire, a holiday programme for children and is an interesting alternative to staying in an hotel.
Website: camping-klausenhorn.com
Address: Hornwiesenstraße 40-42, 78465 Konstanz, Germany
Konstanz is a wonderful destination for a day trip or weekend break from Zurich. The direct train from Zürich HB takes around 1 hour 15 minutes, making it particularly easy to visit without a car. We travelled by train and found the whole experience very easy and stress-free. Despite not having the best weather during our April weekend – we experienced snow, rain and cloud! – we still had a wonderful time and found plenty to see and do.
More Information on Konstanz
There really is so much to see and do in Konstanz and each time of year it is so different.
Website: For more information do visit the Tourism website here and enjoy exploring this beautiful city.
Activities and Tours in Konstanz: Take a look at these tours you can book in Konstanz
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Konstanz
Is Konstanz worth visiting?
Yes. Konstanz is a beautiful historic city on Lake Constance with a medieval Old Town, an attractive harbour, museums, restaurants, shopping and plenty of things to see and do. Its compact centre also makes it very easy to explore on foot.
Can you visit Konstanz as a day trip from Zurich?
Yes. Konstanz is one of the easiest day trips from Zurich and the direct IR75 train from Zürich HB takes around 1 hour 15 minutes. The railway station is conveniently situated close to the Old Town, harbour and many of the city’s main attractions.
What is Konstanz famous for?
Konstanz is particularly famous for its beautifully preserved medieval Old Town, the Council of Constance, its historic Münster, its harbour and the striking Imperia statue. It is also an excellent base for exploring Lake Constance and nearby Mainau Island.
How many days do you need in Konstanz?
You can see many of the main sights in one day, making Konstanz ideal for a day trip from Zurich. However, staying for a weekend gives you more time to explore the museums, restaurants and lakefront, visit Mainau Island and perhaps take a boat trip on Lake Constance.
Updated September 2026 with the latest visitor information, transport details and Konstanz market locations.
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