Lindau Germany Travel Guide

Lindau is a small Bavarian town situated on an island in Lake Constance (Bodensee), connected to the mainland by a road and rail causeway. Despite its modest size, it punches well above its weight in terms of historic architecture, lakeside scenery, and accessibility to neighboring Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

The old town retains a compact medieval street plan with well-preserved merchants' houses, frescoed facades, and a harborfront that has served commerce for centuries. The harbor entrance is guarded by a stone lighthouse and a stone Bavarian lion — arguably the most photographed sight in the region.

Because Lindau sits at the junction of three countries, many travelers use it as a practical hub for a multi-destination itinerary rather than a standalone stop. The Rhine Valley and the principality of Liechtenstein are within roughly an hour by road, and the Swiss city of St. Gallen is similarly close.

Visas and Entry

Lindau is in Germany (Schengen Area). Liechtenstein is not an EU member but participates in the Schengen Area and has no border controls with Switzerland or Austria. Switzerland is also Schengen but not EU. In practice, crossing between all three destinations in this guide involves no passport controls for most visitors, but entry rules differ by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official immigration authorities of Germany, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland before traveling.

Currency Notes

Germany uses the Euro. Switzerland and Liechtenstein use the Swiss Franc (CHF). If you plan to cross into Switzerland or Liechtenstein, carry some CHF or ensure your card works internationally, as euros are not universally accepted at local Swiss or Liechtenstein businesses.

Health and Travel Insurance

Standard travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended for all three destinations. Verify coverage details with your insurer before departure.

By Air

The nearest major airports are Friedrichshafen (FDH), roughly 20 km away, and Zurich (ZRH) in Switzerland, approximately 120 km away. Munich (MUC) is also a viable option for those arriving on long-haul flights, with onward rail connections. Verify current routes and schedules directly with airlines, as regional services change seasonally.

By Rail

Lindau has a mainline railway station on the island (Lindau Inselbahnhof) and a newer main station (Lindau-Reutin) on the mainland. Trains connect to Munich, Bregenz (Austria), and Zurich. For Liechtenstein, the nearest train station is Schaan-Vaduz or Buchs SG (Swiss side), both served by regional trains; verify timetables on the Deutsche Bahn or SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) websites.

By Road

Lindau is accessible from the A96 motorway from Munich and the A14 from the Austrian side. The town itself is pedestrian-friendly; cars must use designated parking on the mainland or island perimeter. Switzerland requires a motorway vignette (toll sticker) for use of its national roads — verify current requirements on the Swiss Federal Roads Office site.

By Boat

Ferry services operate across Lake Constance, linking Lindau with Konstanz, Bregenz, and other lakeside towns seasonally. Schedules vary significantly by season; check with Bodensee-Schiffsbetriebe (BSB) or the local ferry operators for current timetables.

Lindau Island

The old town island is small enough to walk entirely in under an hour. Bicycles are popular and can be rented locally; verify current rental outlets on arrival or through your accommodation.

Regional Travel

For Liechtenstein: the easiest approach is by regional bus from Feldkirch (Austria) or Buchs (Switzerland). Vaduz, the capital, has no train station of its own. From Lindau, a practical route involves taking a train toward Feldkirch and connecting to a bus into Liechtenstein — verify current schedules with regional transport authorities.

For Switzerland (St. Gallen or Zurich): direct trains run from Lindau; the journey to St. Gallen takes roughly 30–45 minutes. Zurich is around 1.5–2 hours depending on the service. Check SBB.ch for current schedules and fares.

A regional day pass or the Euregio Bodensee travel card may offer convenience for multi-stop itineraries — verify current availability and coverage locally.

Lindau

• Harbor promenade and lighthouse: The two harbor towers — the old Mangturm lighthouse and the New Lighthouse (Neuer Leuchtturm) — plus the Bavarian Lion statue are the defining images of Lindau. The promenade is publicly accessible.
• Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall): A richly frescoed late-Gothic building on Bismarckplatz, now used for civic functions. Exterior viewing is always possible; interior access varies.
• Peterskirche (St. Peter's Church): One of the oldest churches in the Lake Constance region, containing murals attributed to Hans Holbein the Elder. Verify current opening hours locally.
• Lindau Museum (Stadtmuseum): Housed in a historic building, it covers local history and regional art. Verify current hours and admission fees on the official site.
• Lake swimming and boat hire: In summer, designated swimming areas along the lakefront are popular. Pedal boats and small watercraft can be rented seasonally.

Liechtenstein (Vaduz and surroundings)

• Vaduz Castle (Schloss Vaduz): The residence of the ruling family is not open to the public, but the walk up to its exterior and the views over the Rhine Valley are worthwhile.
• Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein: A contemporary art museum in Vaduz with a strong collection. Verify current admission and hours at kunstmuseum.li.
• Liechtenstein National Museum (Landesmuseum): Covers the principality's history and culture. Verify hours and fees locally.
• Passport stamp at the tourist office: A popular novelty — the Liechtenstein tourist office offers a paid commemorative passport stamp. Verify current availability.
• Hiking in the Rhine Valley and Alpine foothills: Trails range from valley walks to more demanding Alpine routes. Trail maps are available from local tourist offices.

Switzerland (St. Gallen and Zurich as day trips)

• St. Gallen Abbey District: A UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising the Baroque cathedral and the Abbey Library (Stiftsbibliothek), one of the oldest and most significant libraries in the world. Verify opening hours and admission at stiftsbezirk.ch.
• Zurich Old Town (Altstadt): The Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, the Bahnhofstrasse shopping street, and the lakefront are all within easy walking distance of the main station.

Lindau and the Lake Constance Region

Fresh-caught fish from Lake Constance — particularly Felchen (whitefish) — is the defining local dish and appears on most restaurant menus in the region. Look for it grilled, smoked, or pan-fried. The harborfront restaurants serve it with seasonal accompaniments.

Swabian and Bavarian cuisine overlap here: expect Käsespätzle (cheese egg noodles), Maultaschen (a regional pasta pocket), Zwiebelrostbraten (roast beef with onions), and a range of pretzels and breads. Local vineyards around the lake produce light white wines; Müller-Thurgau and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) from the region are worth trying.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein's food culture closely mirrors that of the adjacent Swiss and Austrian regions. Käsknöpfle (the local version of cheese spätzle) is considered a national dish. Local craft beer and Vaduz wines (the principality has a small but serious wine tradition) are available in the capital's restaurants and wine shops.

Switzerland (St. Gallen)

St. Gallen is associated with Olma bratwurst — a specific regional pork sausage traditionally eaten without mustard. Rösti, raclette, and fondue are Swiss staples found throughout. Swiss German-speaking Switzerland leans toward hearty, dairy-heavy cuisine. Coffee culture is strong, and the Swiss are serious about their bread and pastry.

Emergency Numbers

• Germany: Police 110, Fire/Ambulance 112
• Liechtenstein: General emergency 112
• Switzerland: Police 117, Fire 118, Ambulance 144, General emergency 112

All three destinations support 112 as the pan-European emergency number.

Connectivity

Mobile roaming within the EU (including Germany) is regulated for EU-issued SIMs, but Switzerland and Liechtenstein are not EU members, meaning roaming charges may apply depending on your plan — verify with your provider. Local SIMs or travel eSIMs are a practical alternative for longer stays.

Tipping

In Germany, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is customary in sit-down restaurants. In Switzerland, service is typically included in prices, though small tips are appreciated. In Liechtenstein, Swiss norms generally apply.

Accessibility

Lindau's cobblestone old town can be uneven and may present challenges for wheelchair users; the harborfront promenade is more accessible. Verify specific accessibility details with individual attractions and accommodations before arrival.

All three destinations — Lindau, Liechtenstein, and the cited Swiss cities — rank among the safest places in Europe by most measures. Petty theft (pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and on public transport) is the most common concern and can largely be mitigated by standard precautions: keeping valuables out of sight, using inside pockets or secure bags, and being aware of your surroundings in busy harborfront and market areas.

In Liechtenstein and Alpine areas of Switzerland, weather can change rapidly in the mountains. If hiking above the valley floor, carry appropriate clothing layers, check forecasts before setting out, and stay on marked trails. The Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) and regional tourist offices publish trail condition updates.

Lake Constance swimming is generally safe in designated areas, but currents and boat traffic can be hazards outside those zones. Observe posted signage and local guidance.