Things to Do in Konstanz

The oldest part of Konstanz, with cobbled alleys, half-timbered houses, and the medieval Rheintorturm gate. No entry fee to wander the streets and find murals and courtyards.

🕐 Always open (public streets)

💡 Aim for the 'Haus zur Kunkel' at Niederburgerstrasse 19—a well-preserved 14th-century house with a free exhibition on its history. Quietest on weekday mornings.

A public rooftop plaza on top of the main shopping mall, with panoramic views over Lake Constance and the Alps. Free to access via the lifts or stairs. No need to buy anything.

🕐 10am-8pm Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday

💡 Go just before sunset for the best light on the lake and mountains. There are a few benches and you can see the Imperia statue clearly from above.

A grand Romanesque and Gothic cathedral with a tall tower. Climbing the 200+ steps costs a few euros, but the main church interior and its impressive Romanesque crypt are free to enter.

🕐 9am-6pm daily (tower hours vary, fee applies)

💡 Go on a weekday morning to avoid tour groups. The choir stalls have intricate medieval carvings worth a close look.

A towering medieval cathedral with Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Climb the spire for panoramic views of the lake and town.

🕐 Daily 10:00-18:00, spire closes 30 min earlier

💡 The spire climb costs a few euros, but the main church interior and crypt are free. Go early to avoid queues.

A 9-metre rotating statue of a courtesan holding two figures at the harbour entrance. Built for the 1993 garden show, it’s now the city’s most photographed spot.

🕐 Always visible; no entry required.

💡 Go at sunset for good light and fewer crowds. The view back toward the old town from the harbour wall is better than the statue itself.

A 9-metre rotating statue at the harbour entrance, depicting a courtesan holding two naked men—a satirical nod to the Council of Constance. Best viewed from the harbour wall.

🕐 24/7, outdoor

💡 Go at sunrise or dusk for photos without crowds; the statue rotates fully every 4 minutes, so wait for the best angle.

A 9-metre rotating statue of a courtesan holding a naked Pope and Emperor, by the harbour entrance. Built in 1993, it's mockingly based on a local council meeting scandal.

🕐 Always visible from the harbour promenade

💡 Go at sunset for the best light on the harbour and the statue's silhouette against the Alps.

A controversial 9-metre rotating statue of a courtesan holding two naked men, a commentary on the Council of Constance. Located at the harbour entrance.

🕐 Public access anytime

💡 Visit just before sunset for dramatic lighting and fewer crowds. Best photos from the nearby pier.

The oldest part of Konstanz, with narrow cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses and medieval towers. Walk from the Münster down to the lake.

🕐 Open 24/7; streets always accessible.

💡 Take the small alley ‘Kreuzlinger Gasse’ – it cuts through to the waterfront and has a quiet courtyard cafe halfway.

Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with a tall tower you can climb for sweeping views over Lake Constance and the old town. The interior is free, with carved choir stalls and medieval frescoes.

🕐 Daily 7:30-18:00; tower 10:00-17:00 (winter shorter hours)

💡 Climb the tower late afternoon for fewer crowds and golden light on the lake—costs about €2, well worth it.

The oldest part of town, with narrow cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and the remains of the medieval city wall. Free to wander.

🕐 Accessible 24/7

💡 Take the path along the old city wall (Stadtmauer) from Schnetztor to Rheintorturm – it's quiet and gives you a genuine sense of medieval Konstanz.

The oldest part of town with cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses, and a medieval feel. No entrance fee—just walk around. The remains of the old city wall and the Schnetztor gate are part of the route.

🕐 24 hours

💡 Get lost in the small alleys behind the Münster. The street 'Am Hussenstein' has a plaque marking where Jan Hus was burned in 1415.

A flat, well-maintained walkway along the Rhine between the Untersee and Obersee. Benches, old trees, and views of the water traffic and Swiss shore.

🕐 Always open

💡 Bring a picnic and sit near the Schänzle peninsula – it's less crowded than the main promenade and has a small beach area.

A walking path along the Rhine river where it flows out of Lake Constance. Benches, lawns and views across to the Swiss shore. Free and open all the time.

🕐 24 hours

💡 Best at sunset when the lake turns pink. Bring a coffee from a nearby café and sit on the steps near the Imperia statue.

A flat, scenic riverside walk along the Rhine linking the Upper and Lower Lakes. Perfect for a stroll, bike ride, or picnic with views of the Swiss Alps.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Bring binoculars to spot cormorants and grebes. The path continues to the historic Rhine bridge.

A flat walking and cycling path along the narrow stretch of the Rhine connecting Upper and Lower Lake Constance. Benches, lidos, and views of Swiss hills across the water.

🕐 Always open

💡 Pack a picnic and sit near the lido (Strandbad) for a free swim spot in summer. Paths are well-lit for evening strolls.

A 2 km pedestrian path along the Rhine river connecting the Upper and Lower Lakes. Benches, trees and clear views of Switzerland across the water.

🕐 Always open.

💡 Start at the 'Rheinbrücke' bridge and walk east – the path is quieter on the north bank. Bring binoculars for birdwatching.

A university-run botanical garden with themed sections including alpine plants and a greenhouse collection. Quiet and well-maintained.

🕐 Mon-Fri 8:00-16:30, Sat-Sun 10:00-16:00

💡 Combine with a walk to the nearby 'Kreuzlinger Tor' viewing point. Free guided tours Thursdays at 3pm.

Local history museum in a former guildhall, covering Konstanz from Roman times through the Council of Constance (1414-1418). Normal entry 5€, free first Sunday each month.

🕐 Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-17:00, closed Mondays

💡 Visit the ground floor's Imperial Hall frescoes first – they depict the council in vivid detail and are the museum's highlight.

A local history museum in a former guild house, featuring a well-documented exhibition on the Council of Constance and medieval life. Cheap entry.

🕐 Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, closed Mon

💡 Free entry on the first Sunday of each month. Allow 90 minutes for the full tour.