Reichenau: Monastic Culture and Expansive Views
Accommodation in Reichenau
Reichenau brings together medieval churches, the cultural history of the monastic island and striking landscape features. If you are looking for hotels in Reichenau, these themes can shape your stay: churches and art, the museum, the monastery gardens or the view from Hochwart. The following highlights give you an overview of the destination’s different facets.
Churches and Medieval Art
The monastic island of Reichenau preserves an exceptional ensemble of three medieval churches featuring architectural elements from the Carolingian, Ottonian and Salian periods. It is considered a masterpiece of human creative achievement. The different historical periods give the ensemble its architectural range and make the churches a central theme of the island.
A special feature can be found at St. George’s Church in Oberzell: it has the only ensemble of narrative wall paintings north of the Alps dating from before 1000 that is complete and largely preserved. The paintings add a distinct focus alongside the architecture of the three churches and make Oberzell an important destination for anyone interested in medieval art.
Museum and Monastery Gardens
The MUSEUM REICHENAU presents the monastic island as a cultural landscape. Its discovery tour around the island connects various museum sites with visits to historic buildings. The museums are therefore not viewed in isolation from the buildings, but together as part of Reichenau’s cultural history. In three museum units and in the treasury at the Minster of St. Mary and Mark, visitors to the island can learn about Reichenau’s outstanding cultural and historical significance.
The monastery gardens also draw on the island’s history: they refer to medieval sources on garden culture and reconstruct parts of it. Inside the old monastery wall, in the so-called “Quiet District,” they include the cloister, the Hortuli herb garden and the monks’ cemetery with its orchard. Some parts of the grounds have been confirmed by archaeological evidence. The different areas highlight both garden culture and the historic layout of this district.
Hochwart and the Landscape
At 441 metres above sea level, Hochwart is the highest point on Reichenau Island. From there, expansive views open up over the Höri peninsula, Hegau, Bodanrück, the “Wollmatinger Ried” nature reserve and the Swiss lakeshore. The view therefore takes in several different landscapes; Hochwart provides a scenic highlight alongside the island’s historical attractions.
The described route to Hochwart follows a step-free gravel path. Check whether this access route is currently available before your visit.
Wine and Vegetable Growing on Reichenau
The “From Winegrowing to Vegetable Growing” group tour takes place on foot and lasts about two hours. It introduces the distinctive features and development of wine and vegetable growing on Reichenau. The tour includes a vegetable snack and a wine tasting featuring three varieties. As the tour’s availability and the seasonal provision of snacks may vary, it is advisable to confirm both in advance. This theme complements visits to the churches, museum and gardens with an insight into wine and vegetable growing.
Discover more destinations: BĂĽsingen Am Hochrhein, Volkertshausen, Gaienhofen, MĂĽhlingen, Ă–hningen, Seelfingen, MĂĽhlhausen-Ehingen, SteiĂźlingen.
Go to the main travel overview: Konstanz.
