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Historic site · Constança, Baden-Württemberg
Klosterinsel Reichenau
The largest island on the lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site because of the former Benedictine monastery, with three Romanesque churches such as St. Georg, which has wall paintings over a thousand years old. It is about 10 km from Constança.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Klosterinsel Reichenau
Reichenau is the largest island in Lake Constança, connected to the mainland by a causeway with a road. The Benedictine monastery founded there in 724 was one of Europe's major cultural centers between the 9th and 11th centuries, and the island has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2000.
Three Romanesque churches define the visit. In Mittelzell is the Münster St. Maria und Markus, the church of the former abbey, with its treasury and reliquaries. In Oberzell, the church of St. Georg preserves murals from the Ottonian period, around the year 1000. In Niederzell is the church of St. Peter und Paul.
A manuscript-painting school worked at the monastery and produced illuminated books now listed in the UNESCO Memory of the World register. The originals are held in libraries off the island.
Outside the churches, the island is filled with vegetable gardens and greenhouses: Reichenau is known for its vegetables, and there are farm stalls along the way. The island is flat and good to explore by bicycle.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for the three churches; a full day with a bike and lunch.
Best time
From April to October, when cycling is pleasant and the gardens are producing. Churches may close for services; check times before you go.
How to get there
By regional train from Constança to Reichenau (Baden) station on the mainland, and from there by bus or on foot across the causeway to the island. In season there may be boats, which depend on the water level; check in advance.
Tip
Rent a bicycle: the three churches are at different tips of the island, and the route is flat.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Klosterinsel Reichenau
Why is Reichenau a World Heritage Site?
Because of the former Benedictine monastery, founded in 724, which was one of the most important cultural and religious centers in medieval Europe, and for its Romanesque churches.
How to reach the island without a car?
By regional train to Reichenau (Baden) station and then by bus or on foot across the causeway.
Which churches should you visit?
The Münster St. Maria und Markus in Mittelzell; St. Georg in Oberzell, with mural paintings dating from around the year 1000; and St. Peter und Paul in Niederzell.