Best Things to Do:
- 1. Meersburg on Lake Constance
- 2. Meersburg is the prettiest small town on Lake Constance.
- 3. My Top 3 Highlights in Meersburg
- 4. Sights in the Upper and Lower Town
- 5. Upper Town and Lower Town
- 6. Breakfast at the Pop Coffee Shop
- 7. Meersburg (Old Castle, also known as the Old Fortress)
- 8. New Castle Meersburg
- 9. State Winery Meersburg
- 10. Estate Tavern
- 11. Alleys in Meersburg
- 12. Meersburg Spa
- 13. Additional Information about the Spa
- 14. Meersburg Winzerstube
- 15. Fürstenhäusle
- 16. More Tips for Meersburg
- 17. Shopping, Cafés, and Restaurants
- 18. Hotel Tip:
- 19. Camper Van Parking Spot Ergethen
- 20. Excursion Tips in the Area:
- 21. Meersburg Map for Your Phone
Meersburg on Lake Constance
Meersburg is the prettiest small town on Lake Constance.
The medieval town of Meersburg is located on the shores of Lake Constance. With its picturesque vineyards, it is a popular destination and the most beautiful place by the lake for me. Therefore, it is definitely worth visiting this location.
Meersburg consists of an upper town and a lower town. Both can be comfortably explored on foot in one day. The - at least tourist - center is not very large.
After our stay in Constance, we take the first ferry to Meersburg in the morning. We recommend this to you as well. The earlier you arrive, the quieter it is in this idyllic place. The beauty of Meersburg, with its upper and lower towns nestled among the vineyards, has become well known. By the way, the elevation difference is 40 meters. Numerous bus tours and day tourists come to explore Meersburg.
The ferry ride takes only 15 minutes. You should enjoy this time because I really love the views of Lake Constance. On a clear day, you can also see the Swiss Alps.
My Top 3 Highlights in Meersburg
In rain and on hot days: The Meersburg Spa
- Pop Coffee Shop (nothing beats a good breakfast)
- State Winery Meersburg with panoramic views from the estate tavern
- View from Meersburg over the old town with timber-framed houses
Sights in the Upper and Lower Town
Upper Town and Lower Town
Meersburg has a proper city wall. Therefore, there's the Lower Town Gate right after the harbor. If you go through, you'll find the back entrance to our hotel on the right side.
Originally, Meersburg consisted only of the current upper town and a city wall built in 1260. As the town quickly grew, the area of the lower town was mostly artificially filled in towards the lake. The market street, which today is called Lower Town Street, formed the center. The city wall has always surrounded the upper and lower towns, where most of the historical buildings are located.
There were two passages to the castle: the Front Sea Gate (now the Lower Town Gate) and the Back Sea Gate opposite. Unfortunately, the latter no longer exists as it was demolished in 1847 during modernization and the construction of the harbor.
Breakfast at the Pop Coffee Shop
After arriving at the harbor, a bite to eat is just what's needed. You can find a good breakfast at the POP Coffee Shop. Choose between muesli and bagels or daily changing offers. You are already in the midst of the old town's 'action' and can stroll through the picturesque alleys. Let yourself wander a bit.
- Our Choice: Bagel with tomatoes and mozzarella, quiche, and homemade lemonade
- Website
Meersburg (Old Castle, also known as the Old Fortress)
In the upper town is the oldest inhabited castle in Germany: the Meersburg. In the medieval castle, you can get an insight into what life must have been like in 30 furnished rooms. There is a Hall of Weapons, a Knights' Hall, a stable, and a dungeon. A highlight is the living quarters of Annette von Droste-Hülshoff. Germany's famous poet spent a lot of time here and also wrote.
You can book a guided tour here, or explore everything on your own. The guided tour is included in the admission price, and you will learn interesting historical stories that I found fascinating.
Our tip: Right after the entrance at the gatekeeper's area, a staircase leads you up to the castle terrace and Dagobert's Tower. From here, you have a great view over Meersburg and Lake Constance. However, you can only visit the tower as part of a tour. A tour is worth it, as you receive interesting information about the time of the witch hunts.
The medieval Old Castle has been owned by the Prince Bishops of Constance since the mid-13th century. The incumbent Bishop of Constance moved his residence from Constance to Meersburg when the citizens of the town joined the Reformation. This location was the seat of the bishops for 200 years.
- Admission for Adults: 12.80 €
- Current prices can be found here on the website
- Opening hours: Daily 9 AM - 6:30 PM, last entry at 6 PM
- Plan for at least 1 - 1.5 hours for your visit
- See information on the castle's website
New Castle Meersburg
Highlights in the New Castle include the majestic staircase, the grand hall, and the fine details in stucco! Of course, the historic building is also an eye-catcher from the outside.
State Winery Meersburg
If you continue past the New Castle, you'll arrive directly at the State Winery. The whole complex with its garden and views is wonderful. You have a great view of the lower town, Lake Constance, and the Meersburg.
Estate Tavern
Everywhere you have a view of Lake Constance. Especially lovely is it from the Estate Tavern. On a good day, the view extends all the way to the Swiss Alps. Lunch with a view can be enjoyed here in what I consider the coziest restaurant in Meersburg, which is right next to the State Winery.
Along with a glass of wine and tarte flambée, you can enjoy the view over Lake Constance. But be careful: it's best to reserve your spot as the view and the Estate Tavern are popular.
Alleys in Meersburg
Stroll through the small alleys of the upper and lower towns. We enjoy the day exploring the fantastic timber-framed houses, small shops, and cafés. You especially should visit the old buildings around the marketplace, Winzerstraße, Steigstraße, and Kirchstraße.
If you walk from the castle towards Steigstraße, you'll pass an old waterwheel from the castle mill and the Bear Fountain. If you turn left, you should take a break at Zierart, a small concept store with coffee.
Meersburg Spa
By early afternoon, the small town is literally flooded by buses full of tourists. That's why our tip is: go to the Meersburg Spa. Take a vacation from your vacation. The sauna landscape with a hamam, saunas with a view of the lake, and lovely sunbathing areas help you forget stress.
You can relax and enjoy here beautifully. Do you crave a sauna?
Then head to the swimming pool or outdoor pool connected to the spa. From here, you can also jump into Lake Constance. Depending on the season, it can be a pleasant or a cool experience.
Additional Information about the Spa
- Entrance to the sauna with pool area: Day ticket 24 Euros or 3 hours for 18 Euros
- Entrance to pool area (without sauna): Day ticket 14 Euros, 4 hours for 12 Euros
- Entrance to the beach pool: Day ticket 4.40 Euros (May - September)
- Opening hours: Monday - Thursday: 10 AM - 10 PM. Friday and Saturday: 10 AM - 11 PM, Sunday and public holidays: 9 AM - 10 PM. Opening hours & prices
Meersburg Winzerstube
At the end of the day, I recommend finding a restaurant around Castle Square or in the second row behind the lakeside promenade. We particularly enjoyed a cozy meal at the Meersburg Winzerstube. Onion pot roast with spaetzle, accompanied by local wine.
You can't end your weekend at Lake Constance any better. What we like: in the evening, many day tourists disappear. Everyone else is in the restaurants right by the lake. We enjoy the hospitality in the second row.
Fürstenhäusle
Meersburg is closely connected to the Westphalian poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff. Therefore, a museum was established in her honor in a small freestanding house called Fürstenhäusle. She purchased this house in 1843 and lived there for some time.
She referred to it as the 'Swallow's Nest' as the tiny house offers a stunning view of Lake Constance.
More Tips for Meersburg
Shopping, Cafés, and Restaurants
- Diciotto - Store and Café in Augustinum / was a local tip, but we don't think it's a must-visit.
- Zierart, Concept store and café
- Café in the New Castle Meersburg
- Alemannentorkel (Wine bar, restaurant, cellar)
- Gasthof zum Bären: The oldest inn, mentioned as early as 1456.
- We found many restaurants and wine bars along the lakeside promenade too touristy.
- Around Castle Square and the alleys nearby, you will find more restaurants and wine bars.
Hotel Tip:
We stayed at the Flair Hotel zum Schiff in the first row on the lakeside promenade. The hotel is located directly behind the Lower Town Gate. Between this and the nearby Hotel Wilder Mann was the ferry landing station until 1850.
Book a room with a view of the lake. Unfortunately, we had a room with a view of the courtyard. It wasn't too bad for one night, as you can also watch the sunset directly on the promenade.
Camper Van Parking Spot Ergethen
The relatively quiet parking area is located away from the road. Water and electricity provision is available, and a toilet is open from Spring to Fall. It is 1.7 km to the lake, a perfect distance to cover by bike.
- Cost: 13 Euros per night
- 38 gravel spots available, it can get crowded in summer
- Maximum stay is 3 days
Excursion Tips in the Area:
- Meersburg is a great starting point for a day trip to Constance, see the highlights in Constance
- Or check out my favorite places at Lake Constance: Immenstaad and the stilt houses are included.
- How about a day trip to Mainau or Reichenau?
Meersburg Map for Your Phone
To help you navigate quickly and easily to the sights in Meersburg, we created this map and marked all the highlights in the city plan.
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