Lindau is a Bavarian city that is fantastically beautiful located as an island in Lake Constance. The old part of the city is located on the island, while newer parts of the city are located on the mainland a few kilometers from the border with Austria. Lindau is an old town, on which a monastery was described in the 9th century. Later, the city became a free imperial city in the Holy Roman Empire, which it was until 1802. Later in the 19th century, the city’s harbor and railway embankment were built.
Lindau is a popular excursion destination in southern Germany due to the city’s special location and unparalleled view of Lake Constance. The lake is central to many of the city’s activities, and if you sail to or from Lindau, you are greeted by the city’s famous harbor entrance, where the Lion of Bavaria stands on one pier with Bavaria’s only lighthouse on the other. The lighthouse dates from 1856, and so does the six-metre high lion.
When on a walk in Lindau’s old town, it is natural to enjoy a stroll along Maximilianstraße, which forms Lindau’s main street. Along the street you can see a long line of e.g. craftsman’s houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. In addition, the squares Marktplatz and Bismarckplatz and their side streets are very pleasant to explore. Along the way you can also see the beautiful city halls Altes Rathaus from the 15th century and Neues Rathaus from the 18th century.
There are also fine churches in Lindau. Münster Unserer Lieben Frau and Kirche St. Stephan are both worth a visit, and also take a walk along the harbor at Hafenplatz. Here you can see one of the city’s landmarks, the Mangturm lighthouse, which was in use in the years 1180-1856. The Mangturm stood as part of Lindau’s city walls and fortifications, as did the Diebturm from 1380. On a tour you can also see the Lindavia Fountain from 1884.
The Marktplatz in Lindau has been the city center since the Middle Ages. As early as the 14th century, the square was used for weekly markets, where farmers, fishermen and craftsmen sold their goods. The square also served as a ceremonial setting for public celebrations, religious processions and market days.
Architecturally, the Marktplatz appears as a harmonious urban space surrounded by buildings from different style periods. Many of the houses have decorative facades with colorful paintings, cornices and ornaments, which testify to Lindau’s historical wealth and status as a free imperial city. The square also houses several prominent buildings such as the churches of Münster Unserer Lieben Frau and Kirche St. Stephan.
The Münster Unserer Lieben Frau has been Lindau’s most important church since the 11th century. The church was expanded and restored over the centuries and has served as both a religious center and a symbol of the city’s independence as a free imperial city. Historically, the church remained Catholic in connection with the Reformation, and it continues to be so.
The architecture combines Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements. The original Romanesque core has been preserved in the crypt, while the church’s nave and high pointed vaults bear witness to Gothic influence. Baroque frescoes and decorations from the 18th century adorn the interior, creating a harmonious balance between simplicity and splendor. The characteristic tower, which can be seen from several parts of the city and from Lake Constance, serves as the city’s landmark.
Kirche St. Stephan is one of Lindau’s oldest churches. It was built in the 12th century as a neighboring church to the Münster Unserer Lieben Frau, and throughout history it has served as both a parish church and a chapel for the city’s citizens. The church is prominently located in the old town center and has undergone several reconstructions and restorations, reflecting different historical periods and architectural styles.
The architecture is a harmonious blend of Romanesque and Gothic features. The church has a simple but elegant nave with high vaults and narrow windows, which provide a clear light. The facade is characterized by small decorative elements and a single tower, which mark the church’s function as a local church. The interior contains, among other things, beautiful frescoes and wooden sculptures.
Kirche St. Stephan is the largest church building in Lindau, and in contrast to the Catholic Münster Unserer Lieben Frau, St. Stephan is the city’s main Protestant church.
Bismarckplatz is one of Lindau’s most central squares and has served as a traffic hub and meeting place since the 19th century. The square was named in honor of Otto von Bismarck and symbolizes the city’s connection to the German Empire after the unification in 1871. Since its establishment, it has been an important place for both trade and the city’s political government.
The square is surrounded by buildings from different periods, reflecting changing architectural styles from historicism to neoclassicism. Many facades feature ornaments and architectural details that emphasize the area’s importance as a prestigious urban space, home to both the city’s old and new town halls.
The Altes Rathaus in Lindau was built in the late 15th century and served as the city’s administrative and political center for several hundred years. The building was a symbol of the city’s status as a free imperial city, thereby marking Lindau’s independence. The town hall was used for city council meetings, court cases, and important decisions that regulated trade, tax collection, and the rights of the citizens.
The facade is an excellent example of the South German Renaissance with detailed frescoes illustrating both biblical scenes and mythological motifs. These works of art served not only as decoration, but also as visual narratives of morality, justice, and civic duty. The interior contains beautiful council chambers and historic meeting rooms with original wood paneling and decorations.
The Neues Rathaus was built at the end of the 19th century to meet Lindau’s growing administrative needs. It was built as a modern replacement for the old town hall, which could no longer accommodate all functions. The building was designed in the neo-Renaissance style, combining functionality and decoration.
The facade is characterized by ornaments, sculptures and reliefs that tell the story of Lindau’s history as a trading and port city. The distinctive corner tower with clock and spire emphasizes the building’s status. The interior contains large council chambers, representative rooms and offices where the city’s daily administration was managed.
Maximilianstraße is Lindau’s main street and one of the most distinctive streets in the historic city center. The street has served as the main trade route since the Middle Ages, connecting the Marktplatz with the harbor and other central parts of the city. It was and still is a center for shops and cafes, and it is always pleasant to take a stroll or visit a café where you can enjoy the atmosphere.
Architecturally, Maximilianstraße is dominated by well-preserved half-timbered houses, Renaissance buildings and Baroque facades, many with brightly coloured decorations and ornate cornices. The cobblestone pedestrian street and the many gabled houses give the street a distinctly medieval feel. Several buildings have retained original details that testify to Lindau’s historical wealth and civic pride.
Hafenplatz is a square located centrally by Lindau’s harbour. The square originated in the Middle Ages as a centre for trade in fish, shipping and goods from the Lake Constance catchment area. Goods were unloaded and sold here, and the square also became a natural meeting point for merchants and fishermen, among others.
Architecturally, the square is characterised by port buildings with robust stone and brickwork, which testify to its practical function as a trading port. Many buildings have retained their traditional gables and half-timbered details, and from the square you can enjoy views of Lake Constance, the harbour basin and the famous Lindauer Leuchttürme, the name for the city’s famous lighthouses.
Mangturm is an iconic 12th-century defensive tower that was once part of Lindau’s city fortifications. The tower was originally used for observation and defense, from where guards could monitor the entrance to Lake Constance and protect the city from enemies and pirates. The name may derive from the German word Manger or stable, as the tower also had associated functions such as storage and a checkpoint.
The tower’s architecture is typical of medieval city walls, with thick stone walls, small windows and a characteristic conical roof. The robust construction has ensured that the tower has survived centuries of climatic influences and urban development. From the top of the Mangturm, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lindau, the harbour and Lake Constance, providing a unique opportunity to experience the city’s strategic location.
The Diebturm is a former prison tower that was built in the Middle Ages as part of Lindau’s defenses. The tower was used to detain criminals and as a watchtower, and the name suggests the connection to crime and law enforcement, as Dieb means thief in German.
The tower’s architecture is robust and functional, with thick stone walls and small, narrow windows that made escape difficult. The building is a good example of medieval prison architecture, where defense and surveillance were also integrated into the city’s infrastructure. The interior has simple rooms that show how prisoners were kept and how the tower was part of the overall fortification system in Lindau. The Diebturm serves as a museum and historical landmark, where visitors can learn about law enforcement and punishment in the Middle Ages.
The Lindavia Fountain is a beautiful fountain in Lindau, named after the mythological figure Lindavia, who symbolizes Lake Constance and the city’s maritime connection. The fountain stands on Reichsplatz and was built in the late 19th century as a tribute to the city’s history, trade and relationship with the lake. It quickly became a central visual element in the city and a popular place for citizens and tourists.
Architecturally, the fountain combines classical elements with detailed sculptural work. The figure of Lindavia stands centrally and is surrounded by allegorical figures, symbolizing trade, fishing and seafaring, all of which are central aspects of Lindau’s identity and development over the years.
The Neuer Leuchtturm is a lighthouse in Lindau, built between 1853 and 1856 at the entrance to Lindau Harbor and commissioned in October 1856. It replaced the old Mangturm, which dates back to the Middle Ages. The lighthouse is the only one in Bavaria and the southernmost active lighthouse in Germany, making it a special feature of Lake Constance.
The building is a cylindrical stone tower about 33 meters high with a focal height of about 35 meters, depending on the water level in the lake. On the facade there is a large clock, which is unusual for lighthouses. The light was initially powered by oil and later by kerosene and gas, before electric operation was introduced in 1936. In the early 1990s, the lighthouse became fully automatic, and today ships can activate it themselves using a radio signal.
Today, the lighthouse not only serves as a navigation aid, but also as a popular attraction. Visitors can climb the tower’s 139 steps to a viewing platform from which there is a panoramic view of Lindau, Lake Constance and the surrounding Alps. Inside, exhibitions are presented about nature, weather and maritime history, and together with the monumental Bavarian lion statue on the opposite side of the harbor entrance, the lighthouse is one of Lindau’s most iconic landmarks.
The Löwe von Lindau is a large stone sculpture of a seated lion that guards the entrance to Lindau Harbor. The lion was created in 1856 by sculptor Johann von Halbig and symbolizes the city’s strength, freedom and connection to Lake Constance. Together with the Mangturm and the Neuer Leuchtturm, the lion marks the entrance to the harbor and has become one of the most photographed and recognizable symbols of Lindau.
The sculpture was carved from limestone and stands on a stone plinth, from which it looks out onto the lake. The naturalistic depiction shows details such as the mane, musculature and facial expressions, making the lion both majestic and alive. The combination of the monument’s size and location creates a dramatic effect that can be experienced from both the water and the harbor promenade, which ends in the Löwenmole.
The Städtisches Museum Lindau is located in a historic building in the old town and documents the city’s rich history, art and culture. The museum was founded in the early 20th century and has since functioned as a central institution for the dissemination of local history. The collection ranges from medieval objects and crafts to documentation of Lindau’s role as a trading town and free imperial city.
The building itself is architecturally interesting with Renaissance facades and decorative details that reflect its original function as a burgher’s house. Inside, there are spacious exhibition halls with permanent and temporary exhibitions, where both locals and tourists can experience Lindau’s development over the centuries.
The Seepromenade is Lindau’s picturesque promenade along Lake Constance, connecting the harbor, lighthouses and the city’s old town. The promenade was built to provide both citizens and tourists with a recreational area where they can walk, cycle or enjoy the view of the lake. It functions as a popular public space and is a suitable place for both relaxation and social activities.
The wide path of the Seepromenade is flanked by benches, green areas and small sculptures, which create a pleasant and harmonious urban space. There are many viewpoints along the way from which you can admire the Lindau Lighthouse, the Lion of Lindau and the gentle waves of the lake.
Konstanz is beautifully located on the western shore of Lake Constance in the state of Baden-Württemberg. It is a city located on the banks of the Rhine and on the German-Swiss border opposite the city of Kreuzlingen. Konstanz is an old city, which was settled by Romans from about AD 40, and the Roman name later became Constantia. For a long time, the town was the only place in the area with a bridge over the Rhine, and that was one of the reasons for the town’s growth and importance.
Today, Konstanz is characterized by the waters of the Rhine and Lake Constance, and the city has an old city center, the Altstadt, which is very cozy. The Altstadt lies south of the Rhine, and here you just have to walk and explore the narrow streets and the city squares to indulge the atmosphere. The area between Münsterplatz and Augustinerplatz is the business district of Konstanz, and the lovely promenades along Lake Constance are to the east from here.
Zürich is a Swiss city that is both cosy, elegant and magnificent with beautiful and extensive natural surroundings that already start in the middle of the city centre, which in many places is a beautiful labyrinth of medieval streets. Zürich has its share of churches with the cathedral Großmünster, St. Peter with the large clock face and Fraumünster with Chagall’s glass art in the lead.
There is also a wide range of museums with everything from Swiss watches to toys and international art. There is plenty of shopping in Zürich. The main thoroughfare is Bahnhofstraße and the many narrow alleys in the neighborhoods around the central course of the Limmat River are excellent places to walk in search of good views and places to eat.
Sanssouci, Potsdam
Overview of Potsdam
Potsdam is the capital of the state of Brandenburg and one of Germany’s most beautiful baroque cities. With a history of over 1000 years, there are naturally many sights. Potsdam is a former royal residence, and from this time there are beautiful palaces and buildings of great historical interest. It was also here that the Potsdam Conference was held in connection with the end of the Second World War.
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