Lindau (Lake Constance): Island History and Experiences

The Haus zum Cavazzen is a Baroque town house in the heart of Lindau’s market square. The Cavazzen is also a town house dating from 1729/30, built by the Swiss master builder Jakob Grubenmann. Since 1930, it has housed the Lindau City Museum. The building’s architecture and the museum’s history come together in one place. The Cavazzen Museum also gives children an insight into the history of the region. In this way, the house connects the history of a town house with a look at the history of the region.

Another cultural and historical highlight is the Former Imperial City Library of Lindau. Founded in 1538, it contains around 13,000 volumes from the Early Modern period and is the largest historic council and citizens’ library on the northern shore of Lake Constance. The Library Museum is located in the Old Town Hall and showcases the library. Alongside the architectural history of the Cavazzen, the library’s history offers a second perspective on Lindau: here, the focus is on an extensive collection.

Tours and Special Themes

The classic guided tour of Lindau takes you across the island to several notable sights: the harbor entrance with its Bavarian lion and New Lighthouse; the Old Town Hall with its historic murals; Maximilianstraße, lined with magnificent houses; the Thieves’ Tower; and St. Peter’s Church. More than 1,000 years old, it is one of the oldest churches on Lake Constance. The route brings together the harbor, town hall, street and church in a guided exploration of the city.

The interactive “friedensräume” forum at Villa Lindenhof offers a different thematic approach. It invites visitors to engage with issues of peace through sight, sound and touch. Unlike the historical tour, the focus here is on exploring a theme through the stated sensory experiences. The Cavazzen Museum is also a good option for families, as it gives children an insight into regional history.

Cycling and the Water

The panoramic bike tour in Lindau is 26 kilometers long and takes in six viewpoints on Lake Constance. This gives it a different focus from the classic island tour: a clearly specified cycling route with viewpoints rather than a series of buildings and city sights. Gerberschanze on Lindau Island is also home to a small pebble beach with steps leading down to the water. Together, the bike tour and the swimming access complement the cultural offerings with specific opportunities for outdoor activity and time by the water.

First, consider whether the town house, museum and library, the guided island tour, the bike tour or time by the water will be the deciding factor for your stay. This will give you a clearer idea of which location suits your interests before you search for accommodation.

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Go to the main travel overview: Lindau.