Top Reasons to Go

The Bodensee: Whether you're circling the lake on foot, or by bike, car, or train, crossing the water by boat, or dipping into it on a hot summer's day, the beautiful Bodensee affords myriad pleasures.

Zeppelin Museum, Friedrichshafen: Step inside the gracious passenger rooms of the airship, and you may question whether the air transport of today, though undeniably bigger and faster, is a real improvement.

Altes Schloss in Meersburg: Explore the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Germany, from the sinister dungeons to the imposing knights' hall.

Schloss Salem, near Überlingen: The castle itself offers plenty to see, with furnished rooms, stables, gardens, and museums.

Wallfahrtskirche Birnau, near Überlingen: A vineyard slopes down from this pilgrimage church to Schloss Maurach on the lakeshore. The scene inside the church is a riot of colors and embellishments.

Mainau Island: More than a million tulips and narcissi grace the flower island in spring—later they're followed by rhododendrons and azaleas, roses and dahlias.