Hohoho! Winter Magic at Lake Constance
The scent of gingerbread and mulled wine. Hand-crafted gifts. Sweet treats. Warming melodies.
2015 Pocket guide for groups and tour operators 1
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Map Useful Information
10 – 11 05
Singen 06 Überlingen 07 Friedrichshafen 08 Ravensburg 09 Lindau 12 Vorarlberg 13 St. Gallen 14 Constance 15 Mainau Island
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White Fleet 17 Lake Constance Experience Ticket
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Distances 19
Foto: © Paul Aschenborn 3
„10 good reasons to be enchanted by Christmas at Lake Constance“ Because…
there are delicious specialties such as Käsknöpfle, Dinnele and the famous Olma-Bratwurst from St. Gallen
attractions like candle making, handicraft work and story time not only inspire children
the musical entertainment creates a festive atmosphere
young and old meet for a stroll at the Christmas market
there is a wide range of craft, art and design
every Christmas market around the Lake Constance is unique
the sea of lights warms up every heart
different customs and traditions from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein will be celebrated
there are even floating stalls on a „Christmas ship“
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Christmas knows no frontiers
Useful Information Currency
â‚Ź / Euro (Germany, Austria) CHF / Swiss Franc (Switzerland, Principality of Liechtenstein) Both currencies are usually accepted in the border areas. Credit cards are generally accepted, but some of the smaller shops and restaurants only accept payment in cash. Also tickets for public transport that you buy directly on the ferry or the bus have to be paid in cash.
Pass control
When travelling in the international region of Lake Constance you might cross the border between two countries sometimes even several times a day. On the Swiss border there are routine pass controls, so guest should always carry their ID card with them.
Language
People speak German in the whole region, but with different dialects, for example Swabian or Swiss German.
Roaming
Since the four countries are so close to each other, it might happen that a mobile phone connects to a Swiss network in Germany and the other way around. This can cause high roaming tariffs, so we recommend to select the mobile phone network manually.
More information about Lake Constance: www.lake-constance.com Internationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbH | Hafenstr. 6 | 78462 Constance | Germany Phone: +49 7531-909490 | info@bodensee.eu 5
27.11. – 23.12.
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Singen Hüttenzauber and Christmas Market The Singener Hüttenzauber and Christmas market is a place for the whole family. Over 50.000 lights turn the place at the town hall into a sparkly and shiny sea of lights and becharm attendees of every age. Next to this you can find the guild hall which offers a wide choice of entertainment (concerts, festivals, opera, musicals etc.) and the hotel Holiday Inn Express that completes your trip with special charm. The varied programme and the versatile topics appeal to a huge target group. The exciting performances and the fanciful installations make also kids’ hearts leap for joy. Highlights: Mountain romantic, Handcrafts, Nostalgic horse carousel from the 19th century, Ice-skating rink, Artists & Gleeman, “Glühwein” (mulled wine) & “Feuerzangenbowle” with nostalgic cult character, “ERDINGER Urweisse Hütt’n” (heated alpine chalet with high-class ambient and rustic, regional culinary art). The Singener Hüttenzauber creates an atmosphere of comfort - lovely illuminated areas, high-class equipped gastro sections and the heated “Erdinger Urweisse Hütt’n” invite warmly to a cosy ambience and an unforgettable Christmas time. Bus parking Festplatz Offwiese | Schaffhauserstrasse 43 Opening times
500m | 5min by foot | Free of charge
Monday to Friday 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
For more information Tourist Information Singen
Opening times “Erdinger Urweisse Hütt´n”
Hohgarten 4 | 78262 Singen | Germany
Monday to Friday 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
P +49 7731-85262 | tourist-info.stadt@singen.de
Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
www.singen.de
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10.12. – 20.12.
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Überlingen Pure Christmas Feeling Every December, the Hofstatt, the main square in the historic city center of Überlingen, is transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland. On festive decorated stands, artisans and traders from Überlingen and the Lake Constance region will offer their lovingly handmade goods, while the smell of freshly baked waffles and other delicious treats typical for the Christmas season fill the air of the picturesque market square. The Christmas market is accompanied by diverse program with musical performances, Advent readings and a colorful spectrum of activities for kids. A visit to the Christmas market can be combined with a stop at „ÜB on Ice“. The ice-skating rink is located next to Lake Constance and offers ice-skating fun for the whole family. You can either skate a few rounds on two blades yourself or watch others while enjoying a cup of hot punch or mulled wine. You will certainly not be bored at the ice-skating rink in Überlingen.
Opening times daily 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
For more information Kur-und Touristik Überlingen GmbH
Opening times ÜB on Ice
Landungsplatz 5 | 88662 Überlingen | Germany
from November 20 to January 10
Phone +49 7551-9471522
Sunday to Thursday 1:30 p.m. to 20:00 p.m.
info@ueberlingen-bodensee.de
Friday and Saturday until 22:15 p.m. Contact person for group tours operators Bus parking
Astrid Manner | Phone +49 7551-9471531
10 parking space at station “Stadtmitte”
manner@kutueberlingen.de
7min by foot
www.ueberlingen-bodensee.de 7
27.11. – 20.12.
Friedrichshafen
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Christmas Market For 24 days Christmas magic fills the alleys among the market stalls in Friedrichshafen – a collection of cosy cottages directly on the lakefront of Lake Constance, right next to the Zeppelin Museum. The market with its panoramic view and even a full-size crib is the ideal place to take a stroll, do your Christmas shopping or just enjoy the festive atmosphere. Here you will find gift ideas for every taste, and with a colorful stage programme and a range of events for children, the Christmas market offers great experiences for the whole family. A few steps away invites the ice-skating rink on 350 sqm young & old to skate in Christmas atmosphere. With attractive food stands and the beautiful view of Lake Constance, visitors can experience a beautiful visit in Friedrichshafen.
Opening times Monday to Thursday 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday to Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Reservation service for group tours Tourist-Information Friedrichshafen
Bus parking
Bahnhofplatz 2 | 88045 Friedrichshafen | Germany
12 parking space
Phone +49 7541-3001-0
Seeparkplatz | Eckenerstrasse 16
tourist-info@friedrichshafen.de
300m | 4min by foot
www.bodensee-weihnacht.de
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27.11. – 20.12. 4
Ravensburg “Christkindlesmarkt”
The unique experience of two special markets! Ravensburg welcomes you to its atmospheric Christmas market, the “Christkindlesmarkt”, in the historic setting of its old city centre. The market takes place in two different locations, each of them displaying a character of its own. Around the “Rathaus”, the city hall, the traditional “Christkindlesmarkt” offers handcrafted goods as well as delicious culinary titbits. Only a stone’ s throw away, in Bachstraße, you find the “Weihnachtsmarkt Reischmann” with its white Christmas tents, where visitors are fascinated by the original creations of candlemakers and wood carvers. Famous for its high quality products, this Christmas market attracts visitors from near and far who come to enjoy the special atmosphere as well as the arts and crafts exhibits with live demonstration. With more than 100 market stands, many of them offering hands-on experiences, the visit becomes an unforgettable event. The kids’ programme includes a gigantic advent calendar, arts and crafts workshops as well as a Christmas bakery in the children’s bakery tent. Ravensburg invites you to discover the “City of Games” in the weeks before Christmas by enjoying the unique atmosphere of our “Christkindlesmarkt” in the historic heart of the city. Contact person for group tours operators Opening times
Tourist Information Ravensburg
Daily from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Anna-Maria Barrelmann | Kirchstr. 16 D-88212 Ravensburg | Germany
Bus parking
Phone +49 751-82375
3 parking space | Olgastrasse
anna-maria.barrelmann@ravensburg.de
700m | 9min by foot
www.ravensburg.de 9
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Switzerland
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CONSTANCE
Germany
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ST. GALLEN
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Austria
Principality of Liechtenstein
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27.11. – 20.12.
Lindau
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Harbour Christmas Without a doubt, “Lindau‘s Harbour Christmas” stands for one of Germany‘s most attractive Christmas markets. On all four “Advent” weekends the market on Lindau‘s harbour promenade offers great opportunities to turn the days leading up to Christmas into unforgettable memories. Lovingly decorated wooden stalls, Christmas music in the air, night-time tours and much more add to the colourful programme of Lindau’s Harbour Christmas. The seasonal spirit gets another boost from the magical fairy-tale forest – mighty firetrees especially set up on Lindau’s waterfront, adding their fresh pine scent to the unique. Yet Lindau’s Christmas magic is by no means limited to the promenade near the harbour: shops and restaurants all over the island invite visitors to spend truly special times at Lake Constance.
Opening times Friday to Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information Lindau Tourismus und Kongress GmbH
Contact person for group tours operators
Alfred-Nobel-Platz 1 | 88131 Lindau | Germany
Christiane Maier | Phone +49 8382-260033
Phone +49 8382-260030
christiane.maier@lindau-tourismus.de
info@lindau-tourismus.de
www.lindau-tourismus.de
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27.11. – 23.12.
Vorarlberg
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Magical Advent on the Austrian side From November until Christmas, Christmas markets enchant those who visit the town centres of Bregenz, Dornbirn and Feldkirch with their picturesque settings and a range of selected offerings. The Christmas market in the town centre of Bregenz is open throughout the entire Advent season. On weekends, an additional market in the tranquil upper town invites you to look around, enjoy yourself and do your Christmas shopping. In Dornbirn, the large marketplace is filled by numerous stalls during the advent season, while the sounds of choirs and brass brands fill the air. With its cobblestoned alleys and covered walkways, the medieval town of Feldkirch is also filled with an atmosphere befitting these special times. The “Christmas magic” package deal The “Christmas magic” package for groups comprises two nights’ accommodation in a three or four-star hotel (including breakfast buffet and dinner) and can be booked at Bodensee-Vorarlberg Tourismus (starting at EUR 155 per person for groups of at least 20 participants). It includes furthermore: visits to the Christmas markets in Bregenz, Dornbirn and Feldkirch; a tour of Feldkirch guided by a night watchman, including a visit to the Schattenburg Museum; a visit to Dornbirn’s Manger Museum; a snack of mulled wine, punch and roasted chestnuts at the restaurant of Gebhardsberg castle near Bregenz; and an evening cruise of Lake Constance with a dinner of Chinese fondue on board.
Contact person for group tours operators
Sabine Spiegel | Phone +43 5574-43443-25
Bodensee-Vorarlberg Tourismus
sabine.spiegel@bodensee-vorarlberg.com
Römerstr. 2 | 6900 Bregenz | Austria
www.bodensee-vorarlberg.com 13
03.12. – 19.12.
St. Gallen
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Advent in the metropolis of eastern Switzerland For those who love Christmas time, St. Gallen is one of the best places to enjoy the festive atmosphere. In December, St. Gallen turns into “The city of stars”, as 700 stars begin to twinkle above the old town, adding a festive sparkle to the historic facades of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another heartwarming sight is the huge Christmas tree in the Abbey district, decorated with 18’000 lights. Numerous concerts in St. Gallen’s magnificent cathedral and special events in the Waaghaus, including a food market, choir performances and readings, add to the city’s varied programme in the weeks before Christmas. Between barley broth and merry-go-rounds Local traders and vendors offer traditional Christmas goods in around 70 stalls and stands at the Christmas market. The “Christchindli market” also offers homemade specialities such as mulled wine and beer or the typical raclette. City of Stars accommodation package For the advent season, St.Gallen-Bodensee Tourism offers you an attractive accommodation package, starting from CHF 122.- per person and including: Overnight accommodation with breakfast, Christmas city tour with pastries and a hot drink to finish, Special meal in a restaurant and a small souvenir. Contact person for group tours operators Opening times
St. Gallen-Bodensee Tourismus
Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Rebecca Kerneza | Bankgasse 9
Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
9001 St. Gallen | Switzerland Phone +41 71-2273737
Bus parking Museumsstrasse | 950m | 10min by foot 14
rebecca.kerneza@st.gallen-bodensee.ch www.st.gallen-bodensee.ch
26.11. – 22.12. 8
Constance Christmas Market by the Lakeside
During the advent season before Christmas, the stalls of the Christmas market fill the historic centre of Constance right to the waterfront. Every year, more than 400,000 visitors come to the large Christmas market to enjoy the magic atmosphere and marvel at the goods offered by more than 170 artisans, traders and food vendors. Their diverse range of mostly local products will inspire your Christmas shopping, and the typical delicacies and sweets will tempt you to enjoy them along with some mulled wine and punch. The “Christmas ship”, moored at the harbour’s quay wall, invites you to come on board and enjoy the special atmosphere. Come and experience the magic!
For more information Tourist-Information Konstanz GmbH Bahnhofplatz 43 (in the railway station) Opening times
78462 Constance | Germany
Sunday to Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Phone +49 7531-133030
Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
info@konstanz-tourismus.de www.konstanz-tourismus.de
Bus parking 10 parking space
Contact person for group tours operators
Parkplatz Döbele | Grenzbachstrasse
Christine Furtwängler | P +49 7531-133026
800m | 10min by foot
christine.furtwaengler@konstanz-tourismus.de 15
13.11. – 14.02.
„Winter Magic“ on Mainau Island and in Constance Mainau-admission, guided tour, culinary delight and overnight stay (on demand) Mainau Island is especially charming in winter. Enjoy the winterly landscape of the island in the middle of Lake Constance and the sparkling shores with the Alps in the background. Our professional guides will take your group through winter’s atmosphere on Mainau, through historic buildings and into the tropical heat of the Butterfly House, one of the largest in Germany. From 13 November 2015 to 14 February 2016, you can also dive into the world of model railways and systems of the traditional brand Maerklin. For your dining pleasure, the Mainau chefs provide you a lunch menu in our restaurant Schwedenschenke, optionally with beef, fish or vegetarian. Your group wish to extend their stay at Lake Constance and visit the council city of Constance or the Christmas market (26th November to 22nd December)? After a Mainau-visit Hotel Ibis offers nights from 55 € * in a double room.
Mainau Island Group (10 or more People)
Parking for coaches Mainau Island & Constance
7,50 € Free
* 20 or more people – price only in combination with admission to Mainau Island and subject to availability. The offer is valid from 13th November to 14. February 2016. Requests concerning this Mainau-offer please adress to: Mainau GmbH | Sabine Gahr | 78465 Insel Mainau | Germany Phone +49 7531-303-249 | vertrieb@mainau.de | www.mainau.de 16
The White Fleet Take a cruise – even in winter! Pace out the Christmas bustle! During the weekends in the run-up to Christmas the Bodensee-Schiffsbetriebe (BSB) offer attractive round trips to get you into the festive spirit. While discovering the enticing Christmas markets around Lake Constance or catching up with your Christmas shopping take a well-deserved rest and treat yourself with a short round trip across the winterly lake or enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee and delicious cakes on a two-hour cruise. Christmas and New Year’s Eve cruises You are looking for a special, extraordinary and exclusive location for your Christmas party? Why not celebrate on board our festively decorated ships. Guests can look forward to culinary treats as the romantic winter landscape passes by on a three-hour dinner cruise. For a New Year‘s celebration like no other, embark on our New Year’s Eve cruise. Enjoy culinary delights, live music and dancing – and not least stunning views of the New Year’s fireworks at midnight! Our gift vouchers In 2016, it will be “Cast off” again! The new season will once more offer a wide range of events and tours with a specific theme. A dinner cruise to the Bregenz Festival with its spectacular open-air performances is just one of the highlights. Other popular tours include fireworks, wine tasting or breakfast accompanied by live music. Tickets for these memorable events are a great gift for someone special!
For more information Bodensee-Schiffsbetriebe GmbH | Hafenstr. 6 | 78462 Constance | Germany Phone +49 7531-3640-0 | info@bsb.de | www.bsb.de 17
Woaaa! Epic Moments at Lake Constance
160 Attractions. One Ticket. Endless Adventure.
The Holiday Pass of Lake Constance During the winter season, take the chance to discover Lake Constance from a quite different angle: appealing excursions and attractive offers in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein leave nothing to be desired! The new winter edition of the all-inclusive card at Lake Constance “BodenseeErlebniskarte� opens the door to more than 50 attractions that present their offers to visitors also during the winter season. Away from hustle and bustle the attractions in three countries and one principality can be visited from mid October to late March. The card offers free admission to museums, baths, mountain railways and ships on three selectable days. Whether one is interested in culture, seeking rest, or enjoys winter sports, the Lake Constance region offers a varied program. In addition, the owners of the winter edition of BodenseeErlebniskarte get some exclusive services. The opportunity of choosing three flexible days makes it also attractive for locals to discover many attractions or to refresh their childhood memories. The season of the new winter edition of BodenseeErlebniskarte begins on 19th October 2015 and ends in March 2016.
Internationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbH | Hafenstr. 6 | 78462 Constance | Germany Britta Frischmuth | Phone +49 7531-909490 | frischmuth@bodensee.eu The Holiday Pass of Lake Constance can be obtained from the tourist offices and many visitor attractions: www.BodenseeErlebniskarte.eu 18
Distances
Constance
Lindau
Ravensburg
Bregenz
Vaduz
St. Gallen
24km
40km
68km
97km
47km
45km
1:05h *
1:15h *
1:15h
1:20h
0:55h
1:20h *
20km
40km
88km
40km
21km
0:25h
0:35h
1:00h
1:25h *
0:19h
52km
100km
96km
30km
0:40h
1:10h
1:10h
0:28h
54km
41km
20km
0:40h
0:40h
0:18h
70km
68km
0:45h
0:46h
Friedrichshafen
Friedrichshafen
Ravensburg
Bregenz
Vaduz
58km St. Gallen All information is supplied without guarantee.
0:49h * incl. ferry
My notes
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Stuttgart
GERMANY
Munich
Ravensburg Friedrichshafen Schaffhausen Constance Lindau
Frauenfeld
Bregenz St. Gallen SWITZERLAND Zurich
AUSTRIA
LIECHTENSTEIN Vaduz
Innsbruck
Milan
Internationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbH Hafenstrasse 6, 78462 Constance, Germany Phone +49 (0) 7531 / 909490 Fax +49 (0) 7531 / 909494 info@bodensee.eu www.lake-constance.com Publisher & Copyright: Internationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbH | Subject to changes Design: Abschnitt eins – visuelle Gestaltung, Konstanz Fotos: Internationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbH & their partners Achim Mende, Mainau GmbH, SHOTmedia Daniel M. Frei, Wolfgang Schneider (www.kultur-lindau.de), Sternenstadt St. Gallen-Bodensee Tourismus (2012), Dornbirn Tourismus und Stadtmarketing
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