Lake Konstance

I did a great bike tour around the whole lake for a week in September. There are a few places I would’ve liked to spend more time in, meaning a whole day walking around - Mainau, Lindau, Stein am Rhein. Did a very interesting voicemap gps walking audio tour of Konstanz old town. Considering going back to area to spend full days and take a zeppelin ride.

Germany is alright to ask this, I guess:-)
When are you going to be there? Season might play a role in what to do. Will you be going by train or by car? That impacts which town to recommend - some are not reachable by train.

Some general information:
1. There are a couple of nice old towns that where buzzing trade cities in the Middle Ages: Überlingen, Meersburg, Lindau among others.
2. Many towns have spas
3. Konstanz is the largest German town on the lake - well preserved, site of a grand catholic council in 1410.
4. Bregenz, the largest Austrian town, offers opera on a stage upon the lake in season
5. Reichenau island holds a very old monastery (Charlemagne time) that is very well preserved
6. Mainau island contains a large flower park and exhibition, designed by an exiled Swedish count just pre WW2
7. Most semi-large towns offer all kinds of day cruises on the lake in season - we had one as our wedding reception
8. There is a reconstructed Bronze Age village with houses on poles in the lake in Unteruhldingen
9. Friedrichshafen holds a museum for zeppelin airships - their inventor was from the place
10. Zeppelin rides over the lake have to be booked as far in advance as possible.

I love the area around the Bodensee. North end of the lake I use the Steigenberger Hotel. It's right on the lake. On the South end I prefer to stay in Dornbirn (Austria), and use the 4 Points Sheraton because it's very nice, close to good shopping, has parking, and it's also close to the cable car that runs up the mountain.

Lindau, on the south (German) side is a very popular vacation spot. It's a small island built around the marina.

Meersburg has a fantastic castle and is also a good stop. If the weather is good I highly recommend taking the ferry from Meersburg to Lindau.

You don't say when you plan to be traveling, but Mainau is fantastic just about any time. I've been there in sun and rain, spring, summer and fall, and enjoy it every time. I can't advise on public transport up and down the lake, because I drive there, but I have used the busses in and around Konstanz itself and it was easy.

We spent 5 nights in Überlingen this past September and found it to be a good base without a car. You didn’t say whether you would be driving or not, but it doesn’t really matter. I loved Mainau, Stein am Rhein and The Rhein Falls.

I just want to say a stop at Lake Constance/Bodensee is a great decision! My first choice for base was Lindau, but I had trouble finding something in my price range. So, I stayed at Meersburg and loved it. Drawback to Meersburg: the ascent from the waterfront/boat dock to the main part of town has a pretty intense incline. The main sites (the castle, for example), can be reached by bus without the ascent. I will add that I also found Mainua Island to be gorgeous.

What great information from everybody thanks so much.

So to clarify we will be there May 11 to May 14 something like that. And we will be driving from Colmar to whichever town we decide. And if that inflammation, I’ve just given changes anybody’s thoughts I’d be more than happy for all suggestions. After this, we will drive back to Prague.
Thanks all. Everybody seems to have such great ideas and suggestions. Certainly makes planning much easier.😊

With that information, you are super flexible an it is a really nice time to be there. So it just comes down to what you like :-)
One additional info: Mainau island is doable as part of a day trip cruise from most „larger“ towns (all the ones mentioned) so it can be done from anywhere.

www.bodensee.eu/en is a great resource