Nestled on the shores of Lake Constance (Bodensee), Lindau is one of Germanyโs most picturesque towns. Itโs a small island filled with colourful houses, cobblestone alleys and stunning views of the Alps.
Whether youโre visiting from Munich, Friedrichshafen or Austria, Lindau makes a perfect one-day getaway. Packed with charm, history and lakeside magic, Lindau will fill your day.
How to get to Lindau
Lindau is easily accessible by train or car from nearby cities.
By train:
Lindau is a fantastic day trip from Munich, about 2 h away. From Friedrichshafen, itโs only a 30-minute ride. I visited Lindau from the popular Sankt Anton Am Alberg in Tirol in early spring.
By car:
Parking is available near the harbour or in the mainland area, with a pedestrian bridge connecting to the old town.
Morning: Lakeside walks
Make your way toward the harbour, which lies right as you step off the train. Thereโs a beautiful terrace with a lake view at the Corner Cafรฉ, where you can enjoy your morning coffee.
On the harbour, the Bavarian Lion stands proudly beside the Lindau Lighthouse- the most photographed view in the town. Climb to the top of the lighthouse if you can, the panoramic views are breathtaking.
Stroll through the Old Town of Lindau
The best way to start your day in Lindau is simply to wander. No rush, just follow the smell of the freshly baked pretzels and the sound of church bells.
Walk down the Maximilianstrasse, the townโs main street, lined with colourful facades, boutique shops and cozy cafes. Stop for a cappuccino at Kaffeewerk, one of the most charming, and watch locals go about their day.
Culture & History Discovery in Lindau
If youโre a fan of history or just love discovering charming corners, Lindau has plenty to offer. One highlight is the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus).
This stunning 15-century building is impossible to miss with its colourful frescoes, depicting local legends and historic events. Inside, you can admire intricate woodwork and, if youโre lucky, catch a small exhibition about Lindauโs history. Walking around the courtyard, you will imagine the centuries of festivals, markets and town meetings happening here.
Just a few minutesโ walk away, Lindau features a few small but charming museums. The Lindau City Museum (Stadtmuseum Lindau) provides insight into the townโs history and its connection to Lake Constance. With artifacts from local fishermen, medieval trade, and maritime life, Lindau will become a treasure to visit. If you enjoy art, the museum occasionally hosts temporary exhibitions featuring regional artists.
Midday: A Lakeside Break & Lindau Therme
After exploring the Old Town, head over to Lindau Therme- a beautiful modern spa overlooking the lake. It might be even more majestic, intertwining the Alpine and lake views, than the popular winter destination, Ischgl.
Whether youโre travelling solo or with someone special, itโs a perfect spot to slow down.
You can swim in the infinity pool that seems to blend into Lake Constance or just watch the sailboats. If youโve been travelling for a while, this is the perfect midday reset.
For lunch, try Restaurant Valentin near the harbour for fresh fish or a light salad. If youโre craving something sweet, grab an ice cream from La Gelateria and take it to the promenade. The best bench seats are always the ones facing the water.
Evening: Golden Hour By the Harbour
Thereโs something magical about sunset in Lindau. As the lake turns into gold and the boats sway softly in the harbour, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Find a seat at Seaside Bar Lindau or simply sit on the bench by the water with your fit dangling above the edge. Watch as the lighthouse lights up, reflecting across the calm lake surface. What a perfect ending to your one day adventure.
Itโs hard to describe Lindau without using the word charming, but thatโs exactly what it is. A town where time slows, the air smells like summer, and the world feels beautifully simple again.
If You Have More Than A Day- Hiking Above The Lake
Hiking near the Pfander Mountain will take you to the beautiful town of Bregenz in Austria, only 20 minutes away. Squeezing both Lindau and Bregenz in a day, including the cable car to Pfander, is possible just as I did.
If you have more than a day, itโs time for a little adventure. Taking 2,5h, you challenge yourself with this easy hiking trail through the refreshing forest.
With the Pfanderbahn cable car, the gorgeous panoramic views await wherever you turn around. Stepping off the cable car, you can explore the various trails or visit the Alpenwildpark, which is free.
The easiest hike on Pfander is towards Moosegg and Sorgen and you can complete it in 1,5h.
Even walking along Lindauโs lakeside promenade toward the Stadtgarten park gives you that same feeling of being immersed in nature.
More Hiking Trails- Lindenhof Park in Bad Schachen
For a peaceful retreat from the bustling harbour and Old Town streets, I recommend heading across the water to Bad Schachen. Only 40 minutes walking from Lindau, youโll find a quiet lakeside area.
Here is the Lindenhof Park, a serene green space perfect for a short walk or picnic. Lindau Villa, dating back to the middle of the 19th century, gives honour to its creator Friedrich Gruber. Being a local from Lindau and a successful merchant in Italy, he decided to build this retreat place.
The park is filled with shady trees, flowerbeds and benches with lake views. Watching swans glide across the water, you will feel a sense of calm that only Lindau seems to offer.
A Peaceful Boat Ride On Lake Constance (Bodensee)
One of the loveliest ways to experience Lindau is from the water, if you have time to spare. The starting point for several boat trips can be a harbour in Lindau or Bregenz. Connecting Germany, Austria and Switzerland, it can lead all in one shimmering blue panorama.
Though I didnโt have time, I believe itโs a pure magic joining a short afternoon cruise. Seeing the view of the lighthouse and Bavarian Lion from afar will make you slow down completely. You can see the colourful rooftops of Lindau framed by the Alps- a view that looks almost painted.
If youโre planning a longer trip, boats also go to Bregenz, Friedrichshafen or even Meersburg, each with its own lakeside charm. Letโs not skip the beautiful island of Mainau, known as the flower island.
Even the shortest ride is enough to remind you that travel doesnโt always have to be fast.
If you stay the night
Deciding to extend your trip is something that you cannot resist. Lindau has some lovely places to stay:
Hotel Bayerische Hof- right on the harbour with the stunning views;
Hotel Seereich- modern, calm and just a short walk from the Old town.
Final thoughts
One day in Lindau might seem short, but itโs enough to feel its rhythm. Itโs a mix of lakeside peace, gentle adventure and the gentle charm that stays with you long after you leave.
If you ever find yourself near Lake Constance, give yourself this day. Youโll remember it every time you see a reflection on still water.
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