Perched on the eastern shore of Lake Constance, Lindau is a historic town near Germany’s borders with Austria and Switzerland. Its atmospheric Altstadt clusters on picturesque Lindau Island, which is connected to the mainland via a bridge, and is home to centuries-old watchtowers, lighthouses and an iconic statue of the Bavarian Lion.

Things to do

Stretch your legs on Lindau’s palm-lined promenade, which offers picturesque views across Lake Constance and the boats bobbing in its water. Marvel at the 12th-century Mangturm where the retelling of classic fairytales takes place and photograph the famous Bavarian Lion that guards the harbour entrance. For alpine vistas, climb the 139 steps that lead to the top of the 36-metre-high Neuer Leuchtturm, the southernmost lighthouse in Germany.

Spend an afternoon wandering through Lindau’s atmospheric Old Town, which is home to beautifully preserved Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque buildings. Admire the colourful facade of the 15th-century Altes Rathaus and visit Lindau’s oldest building, the Peterskirche, then relax in one of the cafes along the cobblestoned Maximilianstrasse.

You can delve into the local history at Stadtmuseum Lindau, which occupies an 18th-century Baroque townhouse overlooking the Marktplatz. In addition to antique furniture, weapons and costumes, the museum also boasts an impressive collection of paintings by artists such as Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall.

Getting around

Lindau is around 30 minutes’ drive from Bodensee Airport Friedrichshafen and an hour from Memmingen Airport, both of which have flights to destinations across Europe. Trains arrive from across Germany at the Lindau railway station while ferries travel across Lake Constance to neighbouring towns in Austria and Switzerland. The centre of Lindau is compact enough to explore on foot or by bicycle.