Before you go

Your trip to Lindau.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Lindau – Baviera Destination Lago de Constança about 180 km from Munique

How to get there

Flughafen München Franz Josef Strauß (MUC) Munique · 215 km
Flughafen Zürich (ZRH) Zurique (Suíça) · 125 km
Lindau-Reutin 3 km
Lindau-Insel 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before you buy. The most common route is by train from Munique: fast trains stop at Lindau-Reutin, on the mainland, in about 2 hours. Regional trains arrive at Lindau-Insel station, on the island. In season, boats link Lindau with Bregenz, Friedrichshafen, Meersburg and Constança.

How many days

A full day is enough for the island: harbor, Maximilianstraße, churches and museum. With one night you can see the harbor lit up and the next day take a boat or go to Bregenz in Austria, a few kilometers away.

When to go

From May to September the harbor is lively and the lighthouse is usually open to visitors, generally from March to October. In October and November there are fewer people and a lot of morning fog over the lake. The Christmas market at the harbor typically runs from late November until close to Christmas.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The island is explored on foot and car traffic on it is limited. Parking lots are at the island's entrance and on the mainland. Trains and boats serve the other towns on the lake.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Lindau

Morning
Harbor, lion and lighthouse
Start at the Hafeneinfahrt, the harbor entrance, with the león da Baviera and the Neuer Leuchtturm. If the lighthouse is open, climb the 139 steps to see the island and the Alps. Then pass by the Mangturm, the old quay tower.
Afternoon
Maximilianstraße and Altes Rathaus
Walk along the Maximilianstraße, the island's main street, admiring the arcades and old facades. Stop at the Altes Rathaus to see the facade paintings and continue through the lanes to the Peterskirche and the Diebsturm tower.
Late afternoon
Marktplatz and Cavazzen
At the market square, enter the Münster Unserer Lieben Frau and the church of St. Stephan and visit the museum in the Haus zum Cavazzen. Finish at the western tip of the island, by the Pulverturm, with the sun setting over the lake.
Evening
Dinner at the harbor
Return to the harbor for dinner with views of the illuminated lion and lighthouse. Lake fish, such as Felchen, appears on many menus.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Which train station should I get off at in Lindau?

Fast trains from Munique and from Zurique stop at Lindau-Reutin, on the mainland, about 2 km from the island; from there you can take city buses and regional trains to Lindau-Insel station, which is on the island itself next to the harbor. Travelers on regional trains often arrive directly at Lindau-Insel. Check the station on your ticket before boarding.

Can you climb the Lindau lighthouse?

Yes, in season, which usually runs from March to October. There are 139 steps on narrow wooden stairs up to the platform, 36 meters high. In bad weather the lighthouse may be closed. There is an admission fee. Check before you go.

Is Lindau close to Austria and Switzerland?

Yes. Bregenz in Austria is a few kilometers away and can be reached by train, bus or boat in season. The Swiss shore is on the other side of the water. Take your passport if you plan to cross the border.

Is it worth staying overnight in Lindau or just passing through for the day?

The island can be seen in one day, but staying overnight allows you to see the harbor at night and start early, before the tour groups. Those short on time can visit en route between Munique and Constança.

Are the island's shops open on Sundays?

Most shops are closed on Sundays, as in the rest of Germany. Restaurants, cafés and some attractions are open. Plan shopping for weekdays and check opening times before you go.

Back to Lindau