Using public transport to visit places all around Lake Constance, based in Freidrichshafen next week. Know the ferries call into the popular places like Lindau, Meersburg, Mainau, Konstanz but are there any other pretty little towns we should see that won't be so busy with tourists at this time of year?

You might want to consider a day trip to Reichenau Island, just a few kms outside of Konstanz. It was awarded a UNESCO World Heritage Site a few years ago. It is a small Monastery Island founded in the early 700s. Though I have not been there, it looks like a great place to visit, and will definitely be on the agenda the next time I visit the area. The other areas you mention are all worth day trips!

June- just had another thought. You might want to consider a train to Sigmaringen (1.5 hours)a delightful small town with a nice castle on a rocky outcropping right in the center of town. From there take a train to Hechingen (30 minutes), then a short bus ride to Hohenzollern castle. I think this is the most impressive castle in Germany. In my opinion it is more majestic and impressive than Burg Eltz, and definitely more "realistic" than Ludwig's confections. I think this would make a wonderful day trip. Too bad you wont have a car as you could also throw in Schloss Lichtenstein. In any event have a wonderful time in a truly delightful area.

Meersburg and Lindau are the spectacular towns, but if you run out of destinations, I loved Uberlingen up along the shore. I particularly remember a fountain or two and a charming little town museum. J. p.s. Wasserburg has a very pretty peninsula.

If you are interested in beautiful buildings, go to Ottobeuren and visit the marvelous Benedictine abbey there. It's worth a special trip.

Many thanks to all who suggested places to visit. Will get the map out and see if its feasible for two oldies to manage! Has anyone heard of the Bodensee Day Pass - would it be worth the money or best just to pay as we go on the local ferry/bus/train?

As one oldie to another, with the wonderful trains, boats, and buses, managing will be a snap. ---Especially if you have a good pass which allows you to hop on and off. J.