AND sunset time at the port of Lindau. The sun colors the faces of those enjoying an aperitif at the Al Porto kiosk with a rosy light. «I often come here after a day of work» says an exceptional local, Alexander Warmbrunn, director of the museums and councilor for culture of Lindau. The gaze is lost among the blue and very clean waters of the Lake Constance – in German, Bodensee – which at times looks like a sea. It is the second largest Alpine lake and borders three states (Germany, Austria and Switzerland).
Lindau is not just any German town. This is the sunny south of Bavaria. A cult destination: in 2025 there were 2.5 million tourists. What makes it special is the presence of the water that surrounds the ancient village. Leaving the modern neighborhoods behind, on the island you forget about the car and enter a maze of pedestrian streets.
Walking along the central artery, Maximilianstrasse, the facades of the houses show half-timbered elements, bay windows, decorated gables. «Many inhabitants of Lindau were merchants, they traveled abroad and when they returned they were inspired by what they had seen to build their homes» explains Kornelia Netzer, tour guide.
In the city museum
The island on Lake Constance, where the historic center of Lindau is located. Courtesy Lindau Tourismus.
Trip to Germany, to discover Baden Württemberg
The first surprise that Lindau reserves for the Italian visitor is linked precisely to trade. On the Marktplatz stands a baroque building, finely restored and painted, which houses the Cavazzen Museum. In one of the rooms, it is discovered that the “Lindò courier” existed since the 16th century, a regular horse-drawn diligence service that linked Lindau to Milan via the Spluga pass, Chiavenna and Como until 1826. The Germans mainly sold Austrian fabrics and salt. The last owners of the building, Mr and Mrs Kick, donated it to the city in 1929 as a museum. It reopened in 2025 after a five-year restoration. Among the works, the enormous painting by Anton Remm from 1579 which depicts Lindau: the artist proudly portrays the imperial city, autonomous since 1275 and governed by a local council bringing together merchants and artisans. The Cavazzen also hosts temporary exhibitions: it will be held from May 2nd Picasso. Handmade60 drawings and ceramics by the great artist.
Lindau, two churches, two religions
In front of the museum, two large churches: on the left, St. Stephen and on the right, the Unserer Lieben Frau Cathedral. The first is Protestant, the second is Catholic and it has an original story to say the least. Lindau became a Lutheran island in 1528, surrounded by neighboring towns that remained Catholic. From the beginning, there were two churches because today’s cathedral belonged to a female convent. Legend has it that Count Adalberto di Rezia, having saved himself from a shipwreck on the lake, founded a monastery on the island covered with lime trees, Linde in German, hence the name Lindau. We are in the 9th century. Then, between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, the nuns disappeared and the institution became a foundation for Catholic noblewomen, without obligation of vows or poverty, free to leave to get married. These “canonesses” represent a thorn in the side of the city: rich, Catholic and independent, they challenge male power. Clashes and rivalries continued until 1802, when the abbey principality of Lindau was suppressed. The walls that surrounded it were demolished, the former convent buildings are now used by the urban administration.
A look from the lighthouse
Continuing along Linggstrasse, you pass the Municipal Theater, famous for its puppet shows. From here you can reach the port, where from the top of the lighthouse you can enjoy a superb view of the lake and the city. In the marina there is also the old lighthouse, or Mangturm. Take the Reichsplatz on the right: the nineteenth-century Lindavia fountain, a mythical figure with the lime branch representing the city, is surrounded by symbolic figures: fishing, viticulture, shipbuilding. On the other side, a stepped gable building is the back of the old Town Hall. In the station square there is the Kunstforum Hundertwasser, where the monographic exhibition is hosted until 10 January 2027 The art of diversity dedicated to the Viennese artist Friedrich Stowasser (1928-2000), stage name Friedensreich Hundertwasser, visionary and multifaceted artist. «As a young man, his first trip was to Bregenz and Lindau. Hence his connection with the city and the plan to pay tribute to him four exhibitions over five years” explains Alexander Warmbrunn. Last stop: the church of San Pietro, the oldest on the island, dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen.
Mainau, the island of flowers
A view of the island of Mainau, Lake Constance, Germany. Photo by Peter Allgaier.
Two other fascinating destinations complete the journey. The first is Reichenau Islandwhose churches and abbeys experienced a golden century under Charlemagne and Louis the Pious. United by a bridge to the mainland, today it is the kingdom of organic vegetable cultivation. Not to be missed, in the church of San Giorgio, is the most important cycle of frescoes from the year 1000 north of the Alps.
Mainau, on the other hand, is the island of flowers. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the park’s founder, Grand Duke Frederick I of Baden. Mainau boasts a castle originally belonging to the Teutonic Knights, then rebuilt in the eighteenth century. It is immersed in a 45 thousand square meter park with an arboretum that includes nineteenth-century sequoias, a butterfly house and a greenhouse where there is an orchid exhibition until May 11th. From April to October, spectacular blooms follow one another. Tulips, peonies, rhododendrons, roses, fuchsias, dahlias create immense colorful carpets.
St. George’s Church on Reichenau Island, Lake Constance. Photo by Theo Keller.
Where to sleep in Lindau
Das Ludwig
Ludwigstraße 36/38, Lindau. Art & Boutique Brand new hotel, in a 15th century house in the heart of the island of Lindau. From 145 euros for a double room. dasludwig.li
Hotel Alte Schule
Alter Schulplatz 2, Lindau. In a building in the historic center, modern rooms with themed decor inspired by the lake, the island of Mainau and the closest mountain to Lindau. Double room from 150 euros. hotelalteschule-lindau.de
Where to eat
Engel restaurant
Bavarian restaurant, with meat dishes, sausages, sauerkraut, knödel and other specialties on the menu, washed down with Augustiner beer from Munich. Better to book as it is very popular with locals. engel-lindau.de
KARRisma
Inside the Adara boutique hotel, it is the only restaurant on the island with a Michelin star. Creative cuisine with local ingredients. adara-lindau.de/restaurant
What to buy
Weingut Haug
Small winery produces wines with organic grapes. weingut-haug.de
