Konstanz is one of the few towns in Germany left untouched by the Second World War. As such, its beauty and culture are still thriving today. Don't miss this hidden jewel of a German city, with its cobbled-stone streets, old stone buildings, calm waters of the river Rhine and colorful, year-round festivals.
Make like the locals and celebrate the Christmas spirit at this outdoor market. Brightly lit and seasonally decorated, the streets are lined with stalls serving up food, mulled wine, fun art and souvenirs.
Konstanz's smaller community is the perfect way to initiate yourself into the copious amounts of food, beer and live bands that characterize Oktoberfest, that's held during the end of September and beginning of October.
Situated as it is on Lake Constance, Konstanz offers ample opportunities to explore the surrounding islands with a picturesque boat cruise.
At Zur Therme 2, you can relax in the multiple saunas and outdoor heated pools, take advantage of the massage services and end the day with a meal at the restaurant.
Fans of contemporary theater can enjoy more experimental pieces at the Spiegelhalle, while classic theater lovers can experience the Stadttheater. There's even a puppet theatre known as Werkstatt.
Visit Konstanz during the months of June through September for warm temperatures between 50°F to 79°F. Autumn is also very pleasant, though in winter, it gets chilly with heavy rain.
To get to Konstanz, land at either Zurich Airport (Switzerland) or Stuttgart Airport (Germany). From here, take the train to Konstanz, which takes 1 hour from Zurich and 2 hours from Stuttgart.
Arrive at the main station Konstanz Hauptbahnhof, located in the old town. Fares vary, depending on where you're coming from. From Zurich, for example, fares can be around EUR26.00.
There are various routes for getting to Konstanz by car, all accessible by the highway. From Zurich, for example, use the A1, then exit onto the A7 and continue on to the city.
Taking the bus from nearby cities like Zurich is very cheap when using companies like FlixBus and Polski Bus. Fares start at EUR6.
Check into Hotel Hirschen for luxury stays. Hotel Graf Zeppelin is better for modest travelers and the Otto-Moericke-Turm Youth Hostel is good for travel nomads on a budget.
Mainau Island - Known for its beautiful flower gardens and lush, gorgeous green parks, the island is a boat ride away from Konstanz.
Niederburg - A charming district with some streets that are more than 700 years old. Visitors will love the town in the summer, when shops stay open late and music fills the air.
Petershausen - This neighborhood is home to the Archaeology Museum of Baden-Württemberg and the annual Bodensee boat festival.
Getting around by bus is easy. Fares cost EUR2.20 for adults. Grab a day pass for EUR4.10.
Taxis are available around town and at the bus stations. Fares start at EUR3 for the first mile and EUR9.30 for each successive mile.
Rent a car from companies like Sixt or Europcar, starting at EUR75.90 for a 4-door sedan.
Konstanz is a small town, so farmers' markets and open-air flea markets are the local favorites, along with mom-and-pop stores for clothing and furniture. Check out the shops in the Old Town or visit the Lago Center shopping mall.
A quart of milk costs around EUR0.66 and a dozen eggs will run you EUR1.93.
Take your fill of the popular "Döner Kebap" at Ali Baba in the Old Town, starting at EUR5. Otherwise, check out Suppengrün for fresh vegetarian and vegan salad selections (that charge by the weight!) or soups for around EUR4.20.