Constance

In the summer months the mild local climate brings a lively Mediterranean atmosphere to Constance with life going on mainly outdoors. The Seerhein divides the city into two parts: the newer districts are on the right bank of the Rhine and on the left bank is the old town of Constance with its oldest part, Niederburg. During your city trip you can wander through the narrow streets with mediaeval buildings housing numerous quaint wine taverns, small galleries and individual shops. Students are a strong influence on the popular district of Paradies: about 16,000 people study at the two universities, one here and one in the Mainauwald forest.

When you're on a mini-break in Constance in summer the lake is tempting for a dip. The ideal place to swim is the open air lake pool on the "Hörnle", the easternmost tip of the Bodanrück peninsula. The promenade fringed with elegant villas stretches from the centre of the city to the district of Petershausen. You can see the harbour of Constance from a distance, because since 1993 Imperia has been there, right at the entrance to the harbour, to greet visitors to the city. This nine metre statue weighing 18 tonnes is the emblem of the city.

Visit Constance Cathedral on your trip. The steeple of this Romanesque basilica ornamented with Gothic features towers over the rooftops of the old town. Once you have climbed the 193 steps of the tower you are rewarded with a sweeping view over the old town, Lake Constance and the neighbouring municipality of Kreuzlingen in Switzerland.

Nature lovers on a city trip to Constance can enjoy the colourful diversity of nature on a short trip to the island of Mainau. This island, also known as "Flower Island", has a wealth of different plants, flowers and trees. As well as guided tours and exhibitions of orchids and dahlias the attractions include wine tasting and children's programmes. One highlight is the butterfly house with more than 120 species of butterfly. You can get on to the island of Mainau by ferry, bus or car.

At Sea Life Constance, right on the shore of the lake, the focus is on the underwater world of the Rhine and Lake Constance. Find out about the course of the Rhine from its source to its mouth at the North Sea in Rotterdam. You can see many rare species of fish at the aquarium, which has over 3,000 animals; and you can also visit the green sea turtles and penguins, watch at feeding time and listen to informative lectures.