Germany/Switzerland: A Tour around the Bodensee (Lake Constance)
The mild climate, friendly scenery and picturesque towns make the Bodensee (Lake Constance in English) an attractive destination. A fleet of round-trip-boats connects all sites in three countries: Germany, Switzerland and Austria. And a cycle trail circling the lake - the Bodensee-Radweg - makes it Europe's first bikers destination.
[GERMANY.BAYER 00677] Good alternative to the car: the 'Weiße Flotte', as the combined German, Swiss and Austrian round-trip-boats on the Bodensee are called. Punctual, arriving at all main destinations and accepting cyclists. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAYER 00681] Calling Lindau the 'Venice of Bavaria' is overstated, allthough indeed it's situated on an island. The other slogan fits better: 'The Happy End of Germany'. Waterside terraces overlook the port. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAYER 00684] The popularity of cycling has grown so much, that the Bodensee is now Europe's bike destination no. 1, mostly thanks to the Bodensee-Radweg. It's a signposted roundtrip that mostly avoids busy traffic and walkers as well. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAYER 00687] Wasserburg is situated at a small peninsula in the Lake of Constance, against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAYER 00699] Mother and child enjoying themselves at the shore of the Bodensee near Wasserburg. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAWU 00709] It is the combination of a mild climate, friendly scenery and picturesque old towns like Meersburg that makes the Bodensee attractive. A fleet of round-trip-boats connects all towns and sites. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAWU 00710] Most people don't leave Meersburg, one of the top attractions at the Bodensee, for a walk. That's a pity, because it is surrounded by vineyards. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAWU 00724] West African huts? Rather a German Stone Age lake-dwelling, reconstructed in the Pfahlbau open air museum in Unteruhldingen. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAWU 00726] West African huts? Rather a German Stone Age lake-dwelling, reconstructed in the Pfahlbau open air museum in Unteruhldingen. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAWU 00740] Everybody seems to enjoy himself in and around the Lenkbrunnen, a fountain at the lakeside promenade of Überlingen. It's called after Peter Lenk, who sculpted it . Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAWU 00748] Some people say it's the culmination of tastelessness. But most people love the bright colours of Germany's famous flower island, where countess Bettina Bernadotte, known from the German tabloids, rules. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAWU 00767] Not only is Mainau extremely busy between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the light is the least flattering and the flowers are less fresh. Go before 10 (from 7 a.m. on) and the flowering fields are at their best ... and all yours. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAWU 00775] Not only is Mainau extremely busy between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the light is the least flattering and the flowers are less fresh. Go before 10 (from 7 a.m. on) and the flowering fields are at their best ... and all yours. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAYER 00672] Calling Lindau the 'Venice of Bavaria' is overstated, allthough indeed it's situated on an island. The other slogan fits better: 'The Happy End of Germany'. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAYER 00679] Calling Lindau the 'Venice of Bavaria' is overstated, allthough indeed it's situated on an island. The other slogan fits better: 'The Happy End of Germany'. Waterside terraces overlook the port. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAYER 00685] Wasserburg is situated at a small peninsula in the Lake of Constance, against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAYER 00695] Proudly stepping into the lake beside his mother, the little boy in his cute 'Lederhose' braves the early May water temperature of the Bodensee near Wasserburg. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAWU 00700] It is the combination of a mild climate, friendly scenery and picturesque old towns like Meersburg that makes the Bodensee attractive. A fleet of round-trip-boats connects all towns and sites. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAWU 00712] Meersburg is the most visited town at the Bodensee, because of its picturesque historical centre. Busy during the day, its evenings have a calmer flair. Then the lakeside promenade is where you want to be. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAWU 00720] West African huts? Tahiti shore? Rather a German Stone Age lake-dwelling, reconstructed in the Pfahlbau open air museum in Unteruhldingen. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAWU 00728] German Stone Age lake-dwelling, reconstructed in the Pfahlbau open air museum in Unteruhldingen. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAWU 00744] Good alternative to the car: the Weiße Flotte, as the combined German, Swiss and Austria round-trip-boats on the Bodensee are called. Punctual, arriving at all main destinations and accepting cyclists. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAWU 00732] The old centre of Überlingen, with the St. Nikolaus church rising above the rooftops. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAWU 00756] Some people say it's the culmination of tastelessness. But most people love the bright colours of Germany's famous flower island, where countess Bettina Bernadotte, known from the German tabloids, rules. Photo Paul Smit.
[GERMANY.BAWU 00769] Not only is Mainau extremely busy between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the light is the least flattering and the flowers are less fresh. Go before 10 (from 7 a.m. on) and the flowering fields are at their best ... and all yours. Photo Paul Smit.
