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Introducing Lake Constance
The watery expanses of Lake Constance (Bodensee), framed – if you’re on the German shore – by a row of breathtaking snow-capped Swiss peaks, is the perfect tonic if you’re feeling a bit landlocked. Sometimes called the ‘Swabian Sea’, this giant bulge in the sinewy course of the Rhine offers a choice of relaxation, cultural pursuits, hiking, cycling and water sports.
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Lake Constance has a circumference of some 273km, of which the southern 72km belong to Switzerland, the eastern 28km to Austria and the remaining northern and western173km to Germany (including a little strip in Bavaria). It measures 14km at its widest point and is up to 250m deep. The distance from Konstanz to Bregenz (Austria) is 46km. During stormy weather, Lake Constance can get quite dangerous, with huge waves crashing onto the shoreline. Visibility is especially good when the Föhn – a warm dry wind that’s common in March, April and October – is blowing northward from the Alps.
April and May are among the best times to visit Lake Constance because that’s when the fruit trees are flowering. Summers are humid but at least the lake is warm enough for swimming (around 20° to 23°C). The autumn wine harvest is also a pleasant time to come. Winters are often foggy, or misty at best. The area gets extremely crowded in July and August, when it may be hard to find a room for the night and the roads are constantly choked.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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