The name Bodensee probably derives from the Carolingian imperial palatinate of Bodman at the northwest end of the Überlinger Lake. By the Middle Ages, the lake was a major traffic centre as the meeting place of roads from all directions. There are remains of Neolithic lake dwellings in the area.
The lake stores and reflects heat, contributing to the unusually
sunny and mild climate along its shores. The fertile slopes along its
shores support fruit-growing and wine production, and there is fishing for
lake trout and salmon. Spectacular Alpine scenery combines with the mild
climate to make the lake a popular resort area. The major lakeside cities
are Konstanz, Lindau, Friedrichshafen, Überlingen; Bregenz, Austria;
and Kreuzlingen, Switzerland.
Bordering on Germany, Austria and Switzerland and nestled amidst the Alps and Jura mountains lies the largest of Central Europe's inland lakes. The picturesque shores of Lake Constance offer the visitor lovely places steeped in history, whose medieval structure can still be seen, such as Constance, Lindau, Meersburg and Überlingen.
Not only does the meeting of three neighbouring countries contribute to the unique atmosphere and popularity of the region, but also to the mild climate which is especially beneficial for the lavish, tropical vegetation on the island of Mainau and local agriculture
and viniculture. The splendid views - on foehn days even as far as the Alps - excellent cuisine and fish specialities as well as diverse sports and leisure facilities for hikers, cyclists and watersports enthusiasts explain why this area is one of the most popular holiday destination in Germany and the oldest cultural landscape in Europe.
Tip: Open-air museum "Prehistoric Germany" in Unteruhldingen demonstrates Stone and Bronze Age living conditions with its reconstructed pile villages. The island of Reichenau and the Benedictine abbey founded in 724 A.D. The island of Mainau
with its castle and extensive subtropical garden complex.