Things To Do in Konstanz

Crowding the tip of a peninsula right on the border with Switzerland, Konstanz straddles both banks of the Rhine. Adding to this scenic advantage is a great deal of medieval charm, supplied by twisting streets, pretty churches, and two Rhineside towers that are remnants of the town’s walls. The Altstadt escaped bombing by Allied Forces during World War II with a simple ploy: Residents left their lights on at night, making bombardiers think they were flying over neutral Switzerland.

You can see the town in about half an hour, beginning on the Münsterplatz for a look at the Münster (Cathedral), begun in the 11th century and not completed until the 17th, and just to the south, the Rathaus, with a painted facade. Then head towards the harbor and stroll along the Seeufer (Lake Shore), an attractive promenade that passes the port, public gardens, a casino, dozens of cafes and restaurants. The historic lakeside Konzilgebäude (Council Building) hosted the Council of Constance between 1414 and 1418, the only papal conclave ever held north of the Alps (Hafenstrasse 2). You may want to board one of the ferries in the harbor for a trip to one of two nearby islands; Bodensee-Schiffsbetriebe, Schützingerweg 2, Lindau (tel. 08382/2754-810; www.bsb-online.com), provides ferry service on the lake.

Insel Reichenau (Reichenau Island) In 724 St. Pirmin founded the first Benedictine monastery east of the Rhine on this little island, only 5 sq. km (2 sq. miles), which later became a center for the production of illuminated manuscripts. Three churches are the main attraction: The late-9th-century St. Georgskirche (Church of St. George) in Oberzell is remarkable for its harmonious design and wall paintings from about a.d. 1000; the oak roof frame of the Munster St. Maria and Markus (Church of St. Mary and Mark) in Mittelzell, the chief town on the island, is believed to be the oldest in Germany, created from oaks that were felled around 1236; and the Stiftskirche (College Church) St. Peter in Niederzell on the western tip of the island has wall paintings from the 12th century.

Mainau -- On this almost tropical island 6km (4 miles) north of Konstanz, palms and orange trees grow and fragrant flowers bloom year-round, practically in the shadow of the snow-covered Alps. The late Swedish Count Lennart Bernadotte is credited with this luxuriant botanical oasis, with greenhouses, seasonal gardens, and an arboretum. Palms, citrus and fruit trees, orchids, azaleas, rhododendrons, tens of thousands of tulips in the spring, and roses in the summer fill the gardens and hothouses, and butterflies from throughout the world flit and flutter through the Butterfly House. The count’s family resides in the ancient castle, once a stronghold of the Knights of the Teutonic Order, and oversee the island paradise he established. A number of restaurants—including a formal restaurant, a cafe, and a sausage grill—are tucked into scenic locations around the island. The gardens are open year round from sunrise to sunset. You can reach Mainau either by tour boat from Konstanz or by walking across the small footbridge connecting the island to the mainland, north of the city. Admission from Mar–Oct is 19€ for adults, 11€ for students and children over 12 (under 12 are free), 39€ for families. During the colder months, adult admission is 9.50€, student admission 5.50€. For more information, visit www.mainau.de.

Classical music offerings throughout the year are numerous. The concert season of the Südwestdeutsche Philharmonie Konstanz (tel. 07531/900810; www.philharmonie-konstanz.de) runs September to April, and a summer music festival is held mid-June to mid-July. There's also an outdoor music festival on the island of Mainau for 3 days in July. Contact the visitor information office for tickets, schedules, and venues. From mid-May to mid-June, the Bodensee Festival (tel. 07541/2033300; www.bodenseefestival.de) offers a mix of classical concerts and theatrical productions, presented at various locations around the shores of the lake. Tickets are 15€ to 40€.

Plays have been staged at the Stadttheater Konstanz, Konzilstrasse 11 (tel. 07531/900150; www.theaterkonstanz.de), Germany's oldest active theater, since 1609. It has its own repertory company. In July and August, the company moves to its summer theater in Meersburg. Ticket prices depend on the production.

In the main room of the Konstanz Casino, Seestrasse 21 (tel. 07531/81570; www.casino-konstanz.de), try your luck at blackjack, seven-card stud poker, or roulette. Slot machines are in a side room. Entry requires a passport as proof of age, and there's a cover of 3€. Men are required to wear jackets and ties. The casino is open daily 2pm to 3am and until 4am Friday and Saturday. There's a restaurant on the premises, open from 6pm to 1am (until 3am Fri-Sat)

On weekends, the Theatercafé, Konzilstrasse 3 (tel. 07531/9785456; www.theatercafe-kn.de), plays a mix of hip-hop and house late into the night. Good Dixieland jazz and country are found at Hafenhalle, Hafenstrasse 10 (tel. 07531/21126; www.hafenhalle.com), every Sunday. Call for details.

Two music festivals featuring contemporary rock, jazz, and cabaret music are held during the summer. For Sommernächte (www.sommernaechte.com) an international menagerie of bands descends on the town in late June and early July for a series of concerts held in huge tents. Ticket prices are 8€ to 18€, and 20€ for a 3-day pass, with a few free shows, too. Throngs of revelers flood the town at the end of August for the annual Rock Am See Festival (tel. 07531/908844; www.rock-am-see.de), where a 58€ ticket buys you admission to an all-day event that draws international stars.