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Konstanz [1] is a city in southern Germany. It lies on the border with Switzerland and on the Bodensee, known in English as Lake Constance. It is a historical city which survived WWII intact thanks to its proximity to Switzerland, and could be named the jewel of the region. It is actually located closer to Switzerland than to the rest of Germany, as it is more or less an enclave.

[edit] Get in

The bus services of southern Germany are, as in all of Germany, excellent. Konstanz has a train station as well, from which trains leave for many towns in the area. Connections can also be obtained from other stations.

By Plane: Konstanz has no commerical airport. Closest airports are Zurich in Switzerland (1 hour drive), Friedrichshafen (1 hour drive) and Stuttgart (est. 2 hours drive). Zurich airport: There is a direct train connection from Zurich International Airport and various smaller connections twice an hour throughout the day. Friedrichshafen airport: Take the Highspeed Ferry from Friedrichshafen (Bus from Friedrichshafen Airport to Friedrichshafen Harbor) directly into Konstanz (runs every hour). Alternatives: train from Friedrichshafen, change in Radolfzell and continue to Konstanz.

[edit] Get around

Konstanz's centre is largely pedestrian and very walkable. Taxis or buses are also available in large quantities.

[edit][add listing] See

The Munsterturm Cathedral. Construction completed on the North Tower in about 1100 AD. Built between 1100 and 1854, the church is a magnificent example of architectural styles of the centuries. Climb up the tower for a fantastic view of Konstanz and the Bodensee.

• The harbour
• The old market
• The cafés and restaurants
• The nearby countryside
• der Bodensee/Lake Constance
• The Black Forest/Schwarzwald

[edit][add listing] Do

Don't miss the oldest district of Constance,named "Niederburg".Its a very charming district with old houses,sometimes more then 700 years old.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

Konstanz has a rich variety of all kinds of restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars. Due to the proximity of the Swiss border, prices are higher than in other cities (mentally add 2 Euros to every main dish you are eating in other German cities). In summertime most restaurants offer outside sitting and eating, in the evening hours it is hard to find a place, occasionally.

A good start to discover the Konstanz restaurant scene is to start at the central marketplace "Marktstätte: "Casablanca" offers italian food, a great place to sit outside and watch the tourist masses walk by or catch the performances of the street artists. "Aran" is an upscale cafe with great snacks (wood oven bread slices with various toppings, hot wraps, custom made icecream) "La Piazza" offers italian food of all different varieties.

Close to the "Marktstätte" is the old fish market site "Fischmarkt". "Los Latinos" offers Tex-Mex food of high quality. "Rossini" is an Italian restaurant with a great bistro atmosphere. If you are fond of the turkish "Döner Kebap" dish, there are lots of very good "Dönerbuden" (kebap houses) in the city center. "Ali Baba" near the Cinestar movie theater is a special recommendation.

A yearly published magazine "Die Seezunge" covers many of the Konstanz eateries and is available in tabac shops and kiosks.

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

One good place is the Hotel Hirschen. The proprietors speak English and can arrange for nearby parking for a modest fee. It is just south of the old city center.

[edit] Get out