Lake Constance - la dolce vita on the edge of the Alps

Not far from the Black Forest, Lake Constance is situated in the northern foothills of the Alps between the four countries that share the lake: Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. The third-largest lake in central Europe in terms of total area, it is surrounded by a garden landscape with sloping banks, orchards and vineyards, dotted with small baroque towns and framed by the Alps. Experience the region's cosmopolitan diversity, remarkably mild climate and maritime dolce vita.

Three islands with a Mediterranean ambience
Lake Constance is home to three internationally acclaimed, sunny islands. The flower paradise of Mainau Island is the best-known excursion destination in the region. In summer, the magnificent park and gardens around the baroque family residence of Count Bernadotte attract visitors in their hordes - this sea of tropical blossom made up of 500,000 flowers is replanted every year.

The Monastic Island of Reichenau with its ensemble of three churches and vibrant festivals and processions is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prime example of medieval abbey architecture. The third of the bunch is the Bavarian island and harbour town of Lindau on the northern shore of Bregenz Bay with its idyllic promenade, beautiful harbour, medieval old quarter, golf courses and elegant casino.

Roman history in Constance
The historical university town of Constance with its late Roman fort is always worth a visit. Part of the original imposing fortifications can be seen in an underground museum. Other attractions in the largest town on Lake Constance include the Minster of our Lady, the Council of Constance building, built on stakes in the harbour, and the cloister of the former Dominican abbey.

The literary town of Meersburg
Another highlight not to be missed is the small romantic town of Meersburg with its Old Palace and New Palace featuring a double staircase built according to a design by Balthasar Neumann. The German poetess Annette von Droste-Hülshoff lived and worked in the Fürstenhäusle house in the town. Situated between Meersburg and Überlingen, the pilgrimage church and abbey at Birnau is one of Germany's finest baroque church buildings.

Friedrichshafen - the "Zeppelin town"
Take to the skies in Friedrichshafen! A sightseeing flight on a Zeppelin is an unforgettable experience. You can learn all about the history of the airship, which lifted off from the shores of Lake Constance for the first time on 2 July 1900, at the Zeppelin Museum.

Salem Castle - a Cistercian abbey turned school
Salem Castle, a former Cistercian abbey set in the picturesque Linzgau region, is a fantastic blend of proud Gothic architecture and baroque elegance. It was in this refined setting that the German counterpart of the elite English schools Eton and Harrow was founded - Salem International College is a boarding school with an excellent reputation.

Überlingen - Germany's most southerly hydrotherapy resort
The White Fleet's cruise boats are based in the heart of the former free imperial town of Überlingen, which combines vibrant modernday life with a Mediterranean ambience. You can enjoy views of the lake at tranquil sunbathing areas, experience culture and history in the narrow lanes, or explore the surrounding countryside. The town also has a long, beautiful lakeside promenade and a number of parks. Another highlight is the "Landscaped Garden" trail - starting from the Überlingen trenches and passing through the most beautiful gardens and landscape monuments. Überlingen has also been a hydrotherapy resort for 50 years. The finest of the town's spa facilities are the Lake Constance hot springs with water drawn from a depth of 1,000 metres.

Lake Constance - a paradise for water sports enthusiasts
Everything around the 273 km-long shores of Lake Constance revolves around water sports. The lake has a number of beautiful harbours with fashionable yachting, regattas, swimming and sunbathing along the shore, creating an almost mediterranean atmosphere. Other activities include kayaking, sailing, windsurfi ng, speedboating, water skiing and even diving.

From rustic fare to haute cuisine - gourmet delights on Lake Constance
The cuisine on Lake Constance is strongly influenced by a number of different countries. You can enjoy everything from Swiss rösti potato and kässknöpfle (cheese noodles) to Vorarlberg specialities such as gries-riebeln (semolina mash) and Badensian roast shoulder of pork. The main attraction, however, is freshly-caught fish from Lake Constance - whitefish, pikeperch and perch. Why not round off your meal with a fruit liquor made using the finest fruit?