Lindau sits on the eastern shore of Lake Constance, roughly two and a half hours by direct train from Munich. The town is built around an island old town dating to the twelfth century and a small working harbour facing the Swiss and Austrian Alps. Lindau is worth visiting if you want to walk compact medieval lanes, eat fresh lake whitefish, and explore the water by ferry. Look elsewhere if you want late-night clubbing, sprawling sandy beaches, or vast urban museum complexes.
Last updated 27 Sept 2026
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What to do in Lindau Bavaria Germany
Lindau is divided between a modern mainland and a pedestrian island moored in Lake Constance. Life here moves around the stone harbour, where passenger ferries dock beneath the Bavarian lion, and the cobblestone spine of Maximilianstrasse. It suits travellers who prefer unhurried mornings, crisp lake breezes, and dinner taken outdoors with a carafe of dry local wine while watching the Swiss Alps fade into dusk.
24 hours in Lindau Bavaria Germany
Start early at the harbour to climb the 1856 lighthouse before crowds arrive. Walk past the painted Altes Rathaus on Maximilianstrasse, then order pan-fried Felchen for lunch near Marktplatz. Spend your afternoon along the quiet ramparts of the Hintere Insel, finishing with a glass of Müller-Thurgau on the waterfront promenade as boats return. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in Lindau Bavaria Germany
Day two expands to the mainland and water. Take the morning passenger boat over to nearby Bregenz to see the open-air lake stage, or rent a bicycle and follow the Bodensee-Radweg through the orchards of Wasserburg. For dinner, seek out a mainland tavern serving roasted Maultaschen or Allgäuer Kässpätzle with fried onions. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in Lindau Bavaria Germany
A third day allows for a full boat excursion west to the medieval fortress town of Meersburg or the botanical gardens on Mainau island. Returning in the afternoon gives you time to sit quietly at the Gerberschanze wall, watch local fishermen mend nets, and enjoy an unhurried dinner of fresh perch fillet paired with Lake Constance Pinot Noir.
Lindau Bavaria Germany itineraries by interest
Freshwater Fish in Lindau Bavaria Germany
Order pan-fried Felchen (whitefish) or Kretzer (perch) with browned butter and boiled potatoes, caught fresh by local fishermen at dawn.
Historic Harbours in Lindau Bavaria Germany
Climb the Neuer Leuchtturm lighthouse for lake panoramas opposite the six-metre Bavarian Lion statue guarding the 1856 stone harbour entrance.
Wine & Vineyards in Lindau Bavaria Germany
Sip crisp Müller-Thurgau and light Spätburgunder produced on the terraced shoreline slopes of nearby Nonnenhorn and Wasserburg.
Lakeside Cycling in Lindau Bavaria Germany
Rent a touring bike to ride flat sections of the 260-kilometre Bodensee-Radweg trail toward Bregenz across the Austrian border.
Island Architecture in Lindau Bavaria Germany
Walk the arcaded Maximilianstrasse to examine 15th-century frescoed facades and the Gothic Altes Rathaus built in 1422.
Sacred Architecture in Lindau Bavaria Germany
Compare the 15th-century frescoes in Peterskirche with the ornate Rococo ceiling stuccowork inside the Damenstift church on Marktplatz.
Lakeside Walks in Lindau Bavaria Germany
Follow the shaded Uferpromenade along the southern shore for unobstructed views of the snow-tipped Swiss Appenzell Alps across the water.
Regional Baking in Lindau Bavaria Germany
Pick up fresh Dinnete, a Swabian flatbread topped with sour cream, onions, and bacon, straight from the wood-fired island bakeries.
Day Trips in Lindau Bavaria Germany
Board the BSB passenger ferries from the main pier for day trips to Meersburg castle, Friedrichshafen, or the flower island of Mainau.
Local Markets in Lindau Bavaria Germany
Visit the Saturday morning farmer market on Marktplatz for Allgäu mountain cheeses, local honeys, and crisp autumn apples.
Old Town Alleys in Lindau Bavaria Germany
Wander the quiet residential lanes of the 'Hintere Insel' and Fishermen's Quarter along Gerberschanze for quiet stone corners.
Scenic Viewpoints in Lindau Bavaria Germany
Climb the 12th-century Mangturm watchtower or rest on the stone jetty benches at sunset to watch the alpine light shift across the lake.