Things to Do in Friedrichshafen

A long lakeside promenade stretching from the harbour to the northern beach. Benches, lawns, and clear views of the Alps across the lake. Good for walking or picnicking.

🕐 Always open

💡 Head north past the marina to the quieter Buchhorn beach – less crowded than the main waterfront, with shallow water for a paddle.

A well-kept lakeside promenade stretching for about a kilometre along Lake Constance, with benches, public art, and clear views of the Austrian and Swiss Alps on a good day.

🕐 24 hours

💡 Walk east past the ferry terminal for quieter spots with fewer crowds. Best at sunset.

A paved walking path along Lake Constance stretching about 2km from the harbour to the Hafenbahnhof. Benches, lawns and direct lake access for a paddle or picnic.

🕐 Always open

💡 Head east past the marina around 6pm to catch the sunset behind the Swiss Alps — less crowded than the main beach.

A 2km paved walkway along Lake Constance with benches, public art, and direct views of the Swiss and Austrian Alps across the water. Connects the harbour to the old town.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Pack a picnic and sit near the Graf Zeppelin monument at sunset for the best light. Free public WC at the harbour end.

A long, well-maintained lakeside promenade stretching from the harbour eastwards. Benches, trees, and clear views across Lake Constance to the Swiss and Austrian Alps. Ideal for a walk, run, or picnic.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Bring binoculars on a clear day to spot the Pfänder mountain cable car in Bregenz across the lake.

Compact public park with a rose garden, small pond and a playground. Offers shaded benches and direct access to the lakeshore path.

🕐 Always open

💡 Bring binoculars — the park is a good spot for birdwatching, especially herons and grebes in spring. Free public toilets available near the entrance.

The modern cultural centre on the lake has a large, free public forecourt with sculptures and a stepped garden leading down to the water. Occasional free open-air concerts in summer.

🕐 Grounds always open; building hours vary

💡 Check the website for 'Kultur im Hof' – free outdoor performances on Thursday evenings in July and August.

A compact park with a small pond, rose garden, and plenty of shaded benches. Often locals reading or playing chess at the outdoor tables. Includes a public chessboard and a children's play area.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Pick up pastries from Bäckerei Riedel on Friedrichstraße and eat them on the lawn near the fountain—quietest spot in the park.

A compact green space near the old town with mature trees, a small pond, and a children's playground. Skatepark and outdoor chess tables are available at the north end.

🕐 Always open

💡 The park has public grills – bring your own charcoal and food for a free barbecue. Best on weekday evenings when it's quiet.

The historic market square with a fountain, half-timbered houses and the Gothic St. Nikolaus Church. Twice-weekly farmers' market sets up here.

🕐 Always open; market Wed 07:00-13:00, Sat 07:00-13:00

💡 Visit on Wednesday or Saturday morning for the farmers' market — grab a Brezel from the bakery stall around 11am before the lunch rush.

The former palace church of the Counts of Montfort, rebuilt in Baroque style after a fire in 1917. Plain exterior but ornate stucco ceiling and an unusual, almost square nave.

🕐 Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00, Sat 9:00-14:00, Sun for services only

💡 Free guided tour in German every Saturday at 11:00. Ask at the tourist office for an English leaflet.

The former castle church, built in the 18th century, with a plain stone exterior and a bright interior. Frescoes on the ceiling depict biblical scenes. Often empty for quiet contemplation.

🕐 Daily 08:00-18:00

💡 Check the noticeboard for occasional free organ concerts, usually Saturday afternoons in summer.

The city library's public rooftop terrace offers a quiet, elevated view over Friedrichshafen's rooftops and the lake. It's a secret spot used mostly by locals for reading or lunch breaks.

🕐 Mon-Fri 10:00-18:30, Sat 10:00-14:00 (library hours; terrace closes 30 min before library)

💡 Take the lift inside the library to the 4th floor. No need to check in or show ID. Best in late afternoon for soft light.

A 22-metre wooden observation tower on the harbour mole. Climb the spiral staircase for a panoramic view of the lake, the Alps, and the entire city layout. Completely free.

🕐 Open 24 hours (year-round)

💡 Go at sunset for the best light, but avoid weekends when it gets crowded. Tie your shoelaces—the steps are narrow and steep.

A simple but striking 19th-century Neo-Gothic church with bright stained glass windows depicting local industry and lake motifs. The bell tower houses five bells dating to 1957.

🕐 Daily 08:00-18:00 (winter until 17:00)

💡 Check the schedule for free organ concerts on summer Saturday afternoons. Sit in the back pew for the best acoustics.

Baroque palace chapel from the 17th century, part of the old castle complex. Features ornate stucco work and a carved wooden altar, open for quiet visits.

🕐 Daily 10:00-17:00 (winter to 16:00)

💡 Climb the tower for €2 if it's open — the stairs are steep but the view over the lake is worth it. Combine with the adjacent Old Castle grounds.

The historic market square of Friedrichshafen's original settlement (Buchhorn), with cobblestones, a medieval fountain, and half-timbered houses housing bakeries and a weekly farmers' market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

🕐 Square always open. Market Wed 07:00-13:00, Sat 07:00-12:30

💡 Come on Saturday morning for the market — grab a fresh pretzel from the stall near the fountain and watch the town come alive. Free, no entry needed.

Converted military barracks now hosting rotating contemporary art exhibitions, workshops and a community garden. The courtyard has free public art installations.

🕐 Wed-Sun 14:00-18:00, Mon-Tue closed

💡 Check their website for free guided tours in English on the first Saturday of the month. The on-site café does affordable coffee and cake.

A former French military barracks turned into a cultural centre with rotating art exhibitions, a small library, and community workshops. The courtyard has benches and occasional flea markets.

🕐 Tue-Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 12:00-17:00, Mon closed

💡 The on-site cafe sells cheap coffee (€1.50) and cake. Free guided tours of the current exhibition run on Sunday mornings – ask at reception.

A free school museum in a historic 19th-century building, showing period classrooms, teaching tools and old textbooks. Kids can try writing with ink and slate.

🕐 Wed-Sun 14:00-17:00; closed Mon-Tue and school holidays

💡 The museum is in the old town district — combine it with a walk up to the nearby Ailinger Park for lake views.