What comprises Lake Constance? First of all it is Germany's largest lake with a surface area of 536 sq km, 63 km of length and 14 km of width. It was formed by the Rhine Glacier during the Ice Age. But it is more. People feel there is something special about it: it's a source of power, pleasure and inspiration.

Lake Constance, also known as the Bodensee, is bordered by three countries: Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Its three islands are named Reichenau, Lindau and Mainau. More than 4.5 million people in the three countries rely on the lake for supplying their domestic water. The Lake with a climate that is always mild invites the visitor to bathe, sail, surf, water-ski or to dive. There is nothing more beautiful than a boat trip on the Lake with a visit to the "flower island" of Mainau or the monastery island of Reichenau with its famous churches. Or there is the walk through the narrow Marienschlucht, a small, romantic valley.

The shores of the lake were settled as long ago as 8,000 years. Early lake dwellers erected houses on stilts at the water's edge. The village of Unteruhldingen has become famous for its reconstructed lake dwellings.

Constance is the largest and historically most important town of the Bodensee region. The ferries leaving from Constance go to Meersburg, the Mainau Island, Bregenz or even to the Swiss harbours. There is also a ferry between Friedrichshafen and Romanshorn across the widest part of the lake. 

Don't miss the "Seenachtfest" which takes place on the 2nd Saturday in August both on the German and the Swiss shore of the lake. You will have the opportunity to see an unforgettable 1/2-hour firework display.

For more information in English language go to: www.konstanz.de/tourismus/englisch/infos/