Lindau: Lighthouse, Local History and Trails

Architecture and History in Lindau

The New Lighthouse in Lindau is 33 metres high, with 139 steps leading to the top. The Diebsturm on Lindau Island tells a different kind of local history: built in 1380, it served for a long time as the western end of the town fortifications. The two buildings offer different points of interest: the lighthouse is all about height and the climb, while the Diebsturm is notable for its former role in the fortifications.

Cycling and Hiking Trails, Water and Winter

The panoramic cycling loop along Lake Constance near Lindau offers views of particularly beautiful spots by the lake and at higher elevations. The Plenterwald Trail takes a different route: it runs from Kurhaus Scheidegg to just before the entrance to Waldwelt Skywalk Allgäu. Nine stations share information about the Plenterwald forest. This lets you choose between a cycling loop with scenic views and a trail featuring themed information stations.

In the Eistobel Nature Reserve, the waters of the Obere Argen cascade downhill over several waterfalls. A three-kilometre hiking trail runs alongside the watercourse. An information pavilion provides visitors with details before they descend into the gorge. The Rohrach Gorge offers a different kind of landscape: it is the largest nature reserve in the Lindau district. Wet and litter meadows, springs, and rocky and open-land areas provide habitats for rare animals and plants.

Winter is also a possible time to visit: Gestratz has a total of eight kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails. Conditions can vary from one winter to another, so it is worth checking the situation for your planned stay.

Local Culture and Craftsmanship

The Gestratz Local History Museum is a 250-year-old forge that has been converted into a living history museum. It includes a working forge and an exhibition room. In Maierhöfen, an approximately five-kilometre circular trail passes 17 sculptures and 12 text panels. The artworks were created at an artists’ symposium and permanently loaned to Maierhöfen for display. The circular trail combines a walk through the town with art and texts.

In Nonnenhorn, the 13th-century Gothic St. James’s Chapel stands in the town centre on the old pilgrims’ route. A wine press dating from 1591 is also part of the area’s local history. The Museum im Malhaus in Wasserburg was built in 1596 and hosts changing exhibitions. At a show distillery in Opfenbach, visitors can see the individual steps involved in processing fruit into schnapps ready for sale.

Getting Around Between Towns

Nonnenhorn has a centrally located railway station. Boat services from the landing stage connect to Lindau, Bregenz, Meersburg, Konstanz and Mainau Island. As boat timetables are seasonal and may change, check the current services before travelling. Train connections and timetables may also change.

There are further regional routes for cycling and walking: a shared walking and cycling path runs from Lindenberg via Röthenbach to Weiler. A cycling map of the Lindau district at a scale of 1:50,000 shows the entire cycling network, including circular routes and long-distance cycling trails; it covers an area stretching from Westallgäu to Lake Constance. In the Lindau district, the Allgäu Cheese Route connects various dairies, direct sellers and farm shops. These regional offerings complement the individual destinations with different ways to include routes and local produce in your travel plans.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Weißensberg, Scheidegg, Nonnenhorn, Wasserburg, Lindau, Stiefenhofen, Maierhöfen, Lindenberg im Allgäu, Bodolz, Weiler-Simmerberg, Argental, Sigmarszell, Hergatz, Heimenkirch, Opfenbach

Back to the main travel overview: Bavaria.