Mainau Island

Mainau Island which includes a lake or waterhole and bird life
Mainau Island showing a park
Mainau Island
Mainau Island
Mainau Island featuring a park

This tiny island on the waters of Lake Constance hides numerous delights, including a Baroque castle, beautiful gardens and exotic wildlife.

Mainau Island, nicknamed the “Island of Flowers,” is just over 110 acres (45 hectares) in size and yet it offers enough in its compact borders for hours of entertainment. The small, wooded island on Lake Constance is not only a beautiful location, but it also contains a castle, gardens and glasshouses where multitudes of tropical plants grow.

Follow in the footsteps of the Teutonic Order of Knights, the first occupiers of the island who lived here in the 13th century. They built a castle on the island, which later became the palace that still stands here today.

Make the palace your first stop on your trip to the island. Admire the Baroque stylings of the castle, which dates back in its current form to 1746. Explore the other buildings on the island, such as the Gatehouse and the Castle Church of St. Mary.

Wander the formal gardens surrounding the castle. Thousands of flower species line the water features and paths. Don’t miss the Rose Garden, which was created in 1871 for the Duke of Baden.

Travel to the tropics in the Palm House. This ornate glasshouse creates a climate suitable for growing over 20 different kinds of palm tree. Marvel at the fragile beauty of the orchid collection that also grows here.

Surround yourself with butterflies in the Schmetterlingshaus. Around 1,000 of the delicate creatures live in the house. Children will also enjoy visiting the farm animals in the Bauernhof, where you can ride ponies and meet rare livestock breeds.

When walking around the island, look for the Viktoria lime and the knotted pagoda trees, both of which are about 150 years old. Wander along flower-lined terraces that look out across the lake.

Mainau Island is north of the city of Constance. Ride passenger ferries from the city to reach the island and its attractions, which are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Adult visitors will have to pay a fee, while children under 12 get in for free.

Plan a trip to see Mainau Island

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Krone Speicher

Hotel Krone Speicher

4 out of 5
per person
16 Oct - 20 Oct
found 20 hours ago
Return flight included
Manchester (MAN) to Friedrichshafen (FDH)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (83 reviews)
Very nice stay and breakfast

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2024

Hotel Mulin by Amanthos

Hotel Mulin by Amanthos

3 out of 5
per person
22 Oct - 27 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
London (LON) to Zürich (ZRH)
No reviews
Hotel Walther

Hotel Walther

4.5 out of 5
Save 100% on your flight
per person
4 Oct - 11 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
London (LGW) to Zürich (ZRH)
10/10 Exceptional! (59 reviews)
Fantastic in all respects

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

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See all 2,343 properties in Mainau Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Mainau Island

While exploring Mainau Island, visitors can enjoy delightful activities such as scenic walks amidst stunning gardens. A wine tour is a perfect way to indulge in the local flavours, while a day trip to Mainau offers a chance to experience its unique beauty and attractions. Don’t miss the opportunity to unwind in this enchanting setting, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing getaway.

Shopping

Mainau Island offers delightful shopping with the LAGO Shopping-Center Konstanz just 1.9km away, featuring a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, explore Furthof Antikmobel GmbH and Bodensee Center, located 11 and 8.7km away, respectively.

Recreation

Bodensee-Therme Konstanz offers a tranquil body treatment experience, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. For sports enthusiasts, Bodensee Stadium provides energetic activities in a vibrant atmosphere. Families can enjoy outdoor fun at Schmuggler Bucht, a delightful playground ideal for children to explore and play.

Adventure

For an exhilarating experience, embark on a Radtour in Friedrichshafen, located 6.2km from Mainau Island, where you can cycle through scenic landscapes. Alternatively, enjoy skiing at Haldenlift Wintersulgen, 6.8km away, or try your hand at water sports at Wasserskipark Pfullendorf Park, 9.9km distant.

Nightlife

Mainau Island's nightlife beckons with a visit to Theatre Konstanz, offering a blend of culture and romance just 1.9km away. For a fun twist, enjoy the Riesenrad am See amusement ride, also 1.9km from the island, or catch a show at the Alte Fabrik Muehlhofen, 2.5km away.

Find the best attractions near Mainau Island

Mainau Island, a picturesque destination in Konstanz, offers a delightful mix of attractions, including its stunning gardens and the serene Mainau Park. Visitors can explore cultural sites such as local churches and delve into the island's archaeological and anthropological history. With scenic views and a beach experience, Mainau Island is perfect for those seeking both relaxation and cultural enrichment. Don't miss the chance to stroll through the enchanting Insel Mainau for a truly memorable visit.

  • Kloster Zoffingen: Nestled 1.9km from Mainau Island, this serene monastery offers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can explore its stunning architecture and tranquil gardens, immersing themselves in a peaceful atmosphere that encourages reflection.
  • Konstanz Harbor: Located 1.9km from Mainau Island, this picturesque harbour provides breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the beach vibes, and savour local delicacies at nearby cafes while watching boats glide by.
  • Basilika Birnau: Just 1.9km from Mainau Island, this magnificent church is renowned for its Baroque architecture and stunning frescoes. The spiritual ambiance and scenic views over Lake Constance make it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Mainau Island

The best time to visit Mainau Island can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Mainau Island falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Mainau Island falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February34.3°F (1.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
June63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October50.5°F (10.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December35.2°F (1.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mainau Island

When planning your visit to Mainau Island, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation prices. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can help you secure better rates, or check last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Mondays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. To maximise savings, use Expedia's tools to compare room rates and special offers, and think about bundling your hotel with flights and activities for even better deals. Don't forget to explore free activities on the island to stretch your budget further!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Mainau Island are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Mainau Island is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Mainau Island is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Mainau Island is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save some money by combining your hotel accommodation on Mainau Island with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.