Arrive in Lindau by boat and you will be greeted by a mighty lighthouse and the statue of a proud lion, both symbols of the town’s rich history. The spectacular setting between mountains and a lake will draw you in while the delightful, laid-back atmosphere of its island-bound old town will keep you here.
Lindau’s enviable and desirable location next to the border of Austria has seen it much contested throughout the centuries. Once a free imperial city as part of the Holy Roman Empire and then a trading port in the 18th and 19th centuries, Lindau has played a crucial role in the changing fortunes of central Europe. Explore the city’s churches, halls and museums today to learn about this colorful history.
Hit the streets of Lindau Island on foot to experience the historical atmosphere of the old town. Walk down the picturesque Maximilianstrasse to see the multicolored façades of its townhouses and shops. Step inside one of the oldest churches on the shores of Lake Constance at Peterskirche. Admire the Lindauer Passion, a series of frescoes that decorate the interior.
Also on the island is the Altes Rathaus, the old town hall of the historic center. Get out your camera to take photographs of the distinctive gable, which is decorated with gilded paintings and classical details.
Learn about all of these sights in the Stadtmuseum. The impressive Baroque building not only displays artifacts from the town’s history but also shows artwork by European masters such as Picasso, Miró and Chagall.
After touring all the cultural sights of Lindau, rest on the shores of Lake Constance. Sip coffee on the harbor promenade or rent one of the boats to take a floating tour of the area.
Catch a train or a bus from nearby cities in Germany to reach Lindau. Services run from Bodensee-Airport Friedrichshafen, which is about 15 miles (25 kilometers) away. Visit in the peak months of July and August to see Lake Constance glistening beneath the hot summer sun.
