Mainau: Castle History, Gardens and Nature

Mainau is a 20-hectare flower island with a wide variety of parks and gardens, views of Lake Constance and the Alps, and historic buildings. You can choose different focuses for your stay: botanical collections, castle history or activities for families. Each area gives your visit its own distinctive character.

Gardens and Botanical Collections

Around 250 different tree species grow in the arboretum, including many rare and impressive specimens. The Palm House is home to more than 20 palm species, including a Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) over 15 metres tall. The Italian Rose Garden offers a different focus: it is laid out in a strictly geometric design and features around 1,000 varieties of roses. Together, the tree species, palms and roses showcase different aspects of Mainau’s botanical diversity.

Guided botanical tours are offered in the historic arboretum. Visitors can get up close to the giant trees and discover their stories. If you would like to plan a tour, check the dates and booking options before your trip.

Mainau Castle and St. Mary’s Castle Church

Mainau Castle was built between 1739 and 1746 to designs by master builder Johann Caspar Bagnato. St. Mary’s Castle Church was also built by Bagnato, between 1732 and 1739. The church’s main furnishings were created by Baroque sculptor Joseph Anton Feuchtmeyer (1696–1770). They include the high altar, side altars, pulpit and sculptures.

Mainau Island was designated a protected historic ensemble in 2003. Part of the island is listed in the heritage register as a “cultural monument of special significance”. The historic Coat of Arms Hall is located on the lower level of the castle and regularly hosts exhibitions. If you plan to visit the hall for a particular exhibition, check the current programme in advance.

Butterfly House and Activities for Families

The Butterfly House is home to up to 120 different butterfly species and subspecies from the tropical regions of South and Central America, Africa and Asia. Visitors can observe tropical butterflies flying freely and follow their life cycle from egg to caterpillar and chrysalis to adult butterfly.

Mainau’s Children’s Land covers 1,100 square metres. This play paradise includes an adventure playground, a digger playground and a marble run. Climbing, swinging and balancing add to the range of play activities. At Mainau Farm, part of the goat enclosure is open to everyone, where visitors can pet the goats. The petting enclosure is closed in winter.

Getting There and Choosing a Hotel

Boats to Mainau Island depart from Konstanz, Meersburg, Überlingen, Uhldingen and other larger ports on Lake Constance. Check the current timetable and seasonal services for your travel dates. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip to Mainau, compare specific offers based on the location, facilities and prices shown.

Discover more destinations: Staad, Dingelsdorf.

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