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Reichenau Island

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Reichenau Island (Germany)
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Practical info — Reichenau Island

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The best way to explore the island is by bicycle. You can rent them right after the causeway or in the villages.
  • The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway, but parking is limited near the main sights. The 'Inselbus' (island bus) is a good alternative.
  • Look for small, unmanned roadside stalls. You can buy fresh vegetables here and simply place the money in an honesty box.
  • Plan enough time for the three Romanesque churches, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: St. Maria and Markus, St. Peter and Paul, and St. Georg.
  • The Hochwart viewpoint gives the best panoramic view of the entire island, the causeway, and Lake Constance.

🍽 Food

🍽
Lake Constance Whitefish (Bodenseefelchen)

Enjoy this freshwater fish fresh from the lake, often pan-fried or smoked, in one of the lakeside restaurants.

🍽
Fresh Island Vegetables

Look for dishes featuring the island's cucumbers, tomatoes, or lettuces. Many restaurants pride themselves on using local produce.

🍽
Reichenau Wine

Try a dry white or rosé wine from local cultivation. The island's winemaking tradition dates back to the Middle Ages.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Farm Shops (Hofläden)

Visit one of the many farm shops for the widest selection of fresh vegetables, herbs, flowers, and homemade products.

🛍
Weekly Market (Wochenmarkt)

Check for the weekly market in the main village. Here you can buy directly from the farmers and enjoy the local atmosphere.

🧘
Shoreline Paths (Uferwege)

Follow the paths along the less-developed sections of the shore for a quiet walk away from the traffic.

🧘
St. Georg Church in Oberzell

Although the church is famous for its Ottonian murals, the surrounding area is often surprisingly peaceful, especially outside of peak hours.

🧘
The Vegetable Fields

A walk on the paths between the vast vegetable fields gives a unique, quiet, and colorful landscape.

The Island of Reichenau in Lake Constance is an extraordinary example of medieval religious and cultural history. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it was home to a Benedictine monastery that served as a major intellectual center in Europe during the Middle Ages. The island's three Romanesque churches, St. Mary and Marcus, St. Peter and Paul, and St. George, feature remarkable wall paintings from the 10th and 11th centuries, considered some of the finest examples north of the Alps. Visitors can explore these historical treasures through guided tours or by wandering the peaceful island paths. Beyond its spiritual heritage, Reichenau is famous today as the 'Vegetable Island.' The mild lake climate is first-rate for growing tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs, which are sold at local farm stalls and featured in regional island cuisine. The island is connected to the mainland by a scenic causeway lined with poplar trees, making it easily accessible from the nearby city of Konstanz. With its vineyards and lakeside promenades, Reichenau gives a well-suited blend of culture and relaxation. The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn when the gardens are in full bloom and harvest festivities take place.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-104913171918141040
Rain mm9474929114113914414610310087102

Geography

Population
5,144
Coordinates
47.69889, 9.06167

Facts

  • UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000
  • Largest island in Lake Constance
  • Three significant Romanesque churches
  • Famed for medieval manuscript illumination
  • Major regional hub for vegetable production
  • Linked to mainland by a scenic causeway
  • Excellent bicycle and walking paths
  • Home to high-quality island vineyards

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Reichenau Island (27)

Strandbad Allensbach🎡 recreation

A child-friendly beach resort on Lake Gnadensee with a view of Reichenau Island.

Lakesup Stand up Paddling🎡 recreation

A provider for stand-up paddling activities on Lake Constance near Allensbach.

Arenenberger Badi🎡 recreation

A bathing beach on the Untersee near Arenenberg Castle.

Napoleonmuseum🏛 museum

A historical museum located at Arenenberg castle in Salenstein, in the Swiss canton of Thurgau.

🕒 Tu-Su 10:00-17:00; Apr 1-Oct 15: Mo 13:00-17:00, Tu-Su 10:00

Vinorama (Haus Phönix)🏛 museum

A history and local history museum situated in Ermatingen, within the beautiful Swiss canton of Thurgau.

Bussenried🌿 nature

A peaceful and highly scenic nature reserve located in the region of Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Bodenseeufer (Gmk. Allensbach, Hegne, Reichenau)🌿 nature

A beautiful nature reserve located along the scenic shores of Lake Constance in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Schloss Königsegg🏰 castle

A pretty and historically significant château that truly delights visitors with its beautiful architecture.

Schloss Arenenberg🏰 castle

An impressive château ensemble situated in Salenstein, in the breathtakingly pretty Swiss canton of Thurgau.

Schloss Hegne🏰 castle

A fascinating and architecturally beautiful historical castle building located in the lovely region of Germany.

Museum St. Georg🏛 museum

An interesting museum in the region that presents exciting and culturally rich exhibitions to its many visitors.

🕒 Apr-Jun,Sep-Oct: Mo-Su 10:30-16:30; Nov-Mar: Sa,Su,PH 14:00-🆓

Grabhügel

A significant archaeological site that provides a truly fascinating glimpse into the distant past of the region.

Ägelsee🌿 nature

An idyllic small natural lake that is entirely surrounded by a deeply peaceful and highly photogenic landscape.

Strandbad Reichenau

A popular water park and beach area on Reichenau Island, perfectly convenient for enjoying sunny days and great relaxing.

🕒 24/7

Pfarrhaus Niederzell⛪ monastery

A welcoming historical parish and monastery building on Reichenau Island with a very rich history.

Gnadensee

A beautiful and highly pretty lake situated within the gorgeous Baden-Württemberg region of Germany.

Schloss Sandegg🏺 historical

A remarkable historical castle located in Switzerland, deeply known for its very rich and fascinating local past.

Hochwart

An excellent viewpoint offering truly wide-open panoramic views across the scenic Reichenau Island area.

Walzenberg

A beautiful and quiet viewpoint, completely well-suited for fully enjoying the wonderful surrounding nature and landscapes.

Sophienplatz

An elegant viewpoint in the region that deeply invites visitors to linger and relax amidst the beautiful local nature.

Kloster Reichenau

A world-renowned attraction and famous historical monastery complex located on beautiful Reichenau Island.

Friedenskrippe

A special and contemplative attraction, deeply appreciated by all for its remarkably peaceful and very loving atmosphere.

Werkgalerie Hochwart🎭 culture

A fascinating cultural institution that proudly presents a wide variety of diverse local artworks and unique exhibits.

🕒 Tu,We,Fr,Sa 14:00-18:00

Kunstzeit Allensbach🎭 culture

An inspiring cultural venue located in Allensbach where modern and contemporary art is highly celebrated and featured.

🕒 We-Sa 10:00-16:30; Su 10:00-14:00

St. Nikolaus⛪ religious

An impressive church building situated in Allensbach, within the lovely Konstanz district of Baden-Württemberg.

St. Maria und Markus⛪ religious

A historical and highly architecturally significant minster located on the wonderful and easy on the eye Reichenau Island.

St. Peter und Paul⛪ religious

A beautiful historical church that strongly serves as a very significant and notable architectural landmark in the region.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Reichenau Island a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Because of its three significant Romanesque churches and the long monastic tradition that influenced Europe culturally.
What is grown on Reichenau?
The island is known as the 'vegetable island.' Tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers are grown here in large quantities and high quality.
How do I get from Constance to the island?
The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway. You can travel by bus, car, or even boat from Constance.
Can the churches be visited?
Yes, St. George (Oberzell), St. Mary and Mark's Minster (Mittelzell), and St. Peter and Paul (Niederzell) are open to visitors during the day.
Is there a circular path on the island?
Yes, an approx. 10 km shore path leads all around the island, offering great views of Lake Constance and the market gardens.
Reichenau Island: where is it located?
Reichenau Island is located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Reichenau Island: what is there to see?
Highlights include Strandbad Allensbach, Lakesup Stand up Paddling, Arenenberger Badi.
Reichenau Island: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Reichenau Island: why is it worth visiting?
The Island of Reichenau in Lake Constance is an extraordinary example of medieval religious and cultural history.
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