2 Best Hotels in Friedrichshafen, The Bodensee

A former farm and tannery that's about 5 km (3 miles) from the city center, the Gerbe is now a pleasant, spacious hotel; its rooms (many with balconies) overlook the gardens, the countryside, and—on a clear day—the Swiss mountains. In summer you can enjoy Swabian food on the big terrace that leads into the garden. Even if you don't swim in the indoor pool, take a peek at it and its surprising barrel ceiling, which was constructed for the tannery more than 400 years ago.

This large Bavaria-themed hotel in the Schnetzenhausen district's semi-rural surroundings, 6 km (4 miles) from the center of town, has a lot to offer active guests, including tennis, minigolf, bicycles to rent, a gym, saunas, and indoor and outdoor pools. The restaurant specializes in game dishes and fish.