Discover Gaienhofen

Gaienhofen brings together cultural history, art and paths by the water as distinct highlights for a stay. The Hesse Museum Gaienhofen offers insights into the literary and artistic landscape of the Höri peninsula; the art trail and circular hike add two routes described in different ways.

The Hesse Museum and the history of its artists

The Hesse Museum Gaienhofen comprises two buildings: a former farmhouse dating from the 17th century and the former residence of Hermann Hesse right next door. The farmhouse houses the permanent exhibitions “Literary Landscape of the Höri” and “Artists’ Landscape of the Höri.” “Literary Landscape of the Höri” explores the development of a diverse artistic and literary landscape on the Untersee. Literature and visual art are therefore considered together, rather than focusing on a single person.

The permanent exhibition “Gaienhofen Detours. Hermann Hesse and His First House” is housed in Hesse’s former home. Hermann Hesse lived in Gaienhofen from 1904 to 1912. Otto Dix is also connected with the cultural history of the Höri: he lived in Hemmenhofen on the peninsula from 1936 to 1969. The two artists’ biographies are associated with different places and periods; together, they offer a literary and a visual-art perspective on the region’s cultural history.

On foot between art and the lakeshore

The themed route “Experience the Landscape – Discover Art: Art Trail from Gaienhofen Pier” takes about two hours and runs between the piers in Gaienhofen and Hemmenhofen. Steles along the path mark places where artists captured views of Lake Constance in their paintings. The route thus combines a specific stretch of trail with views of landscape motifs and their artistic interpretation.

The art trail can be combined with a boat trip from Hemmenhofen back to Gaienhofen. Another option is the Gaienhofen–Middle Höri circular hike: it is 12.61 kilometres long, passes through a nature reserve to Hornstaad and returns to Gaienhofen along the lakeshore. These details offer different ways to plan: about two hours for the art trail, and the distance and route for the circular hike. Visits to the Hesse Museum Gaienhofen and the Haus Dix Museum are also recommended in connection with the art trail.

Boat trips and getting your bearings locally

Scheduled boats operated by the Lake Constance and Rhine Shipping Company serve Gaienhofen from Konstanz, Schaffhausen or Stein am Rhein. If you are planning a boat trip, check the timetable before you travel. This lets you coordinate your plans with the scheduled service without conflating the boat trip information with the details about the walking routes.

In the district of Horn, Horn lido has a mini-golf course, a volleyball court and a restaurant. Gaienhofen’s tourist information office provides advice on planning outings and tours, as well as active leisure and food and drink. This also includes maps covering transport and places to visit in the western Lake Constance region. During your stay, you can choose different highlights, including culture, a hike, a boat trip and the facilities at the lido.

Discover more destinations: Horn, Gundholzen, Rielasingen-Worblingen, Singen, Gottmadingen, Eigeltingen, Öhningen, Hilzingen.

Back to the main travel overview: Konstanz.