Islands & Volcanoes a treat for the senses
The shimmering turquoise water, wonderful lush islands and towering volcanoes put us in high spirits. Time and again, we reach into our coat pocket for our phone to capture the beauty and expanse of this landscape. But wait a minute … did you say volcanoes? Here on Lake Constance? Yes! The region’s fiery past created a magical scenery, with picturesque islands and intact nature. This land born of ice and fire guarantees unforgettable moments.
It may have been millions of years since Hegau’s volcanoes were active, but the magma that cooled down in the volcanic vents has withstood time and the pressures of various glacial periods. It was the latter that gave this landscape its unique character: Where the Rhine Glacier once carved Lake Constance, formed mountain ranges and created idyllic islands in the lake, visitors seeking peace, adventure or pleasure can now find a natural paradise along the German-Swiss border.
Photo: Kristen Kohler, Mammern
Island hopping in the Garden of Eden The islands at the western end of Lake Constance glisten like jewels in the blue water. They are ideal for a day leisurely hopping from island to island, whether by bicycle, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, solar ferry or boat. One destination is Reichenau Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site now known for vegetable-growing. Or Mainau Island, famous for its magnificent flower displays in myriad colours, to get a whiff of royal roses. The diminutive Liebesinsel (Love Island) near Radolfzell can easily be paddled around by canoe. For hikers and cyclists, the Mettnau peninsula, Bodanrück ridge and Höri peninsula are a great experience. Of course, scheduled boats also criss-cross the lake, and the season is even extended into the late autumn on four weekends for shopping tours. “Borderless Garden Rendezvous” event: 79 private oases and parks are open to the public.
18
Bodensee Magazine | Westlicher Bodensee
Photo: Achim Mende
FEEL THE ELEMENTS IN WESTERN LAKE CONSTANCE
