Just a stone’s throw away from Constance is the lake’s major tourist attraction: Mainau Island. Over one million visitors a year come to the 45 hectare large island to enjoy the flowers, the castle and the unique atmosphere.
A royal island
Mainau Island has a long aristocratic tradition. Count Lennart Bernadotte († 2004), who opened the island to the public in the 1930s, was born a Swedish Prince in 1909. His father, Prince Wilhelm, handed over to him the administration of the family island, which was to become his life’s work. Today, the island is still managed by the Bernadotte family.
An ocean of flowers
From spring to autumn, the island blooms in tune with the seasons. The Mainau flower year starts in spring with the orchid show in the Palm House and a million tulip bulbs at the spring flower display from March to May. An ocean of rhododendrons marks the end of the season. Two rose gardens invite visitors to admire the rose display and vote for the “Queen of the roses”. The summer brings 350,000 flowers as well as exotic potted plants such as palms, citrus plants, bananas, bougainvillea, and a magnificent display of fuchsias. In September, the colourful dahlias ring in the autumn and enchant flower lovers until the first signs of frost. The arboretum is the heart of the island. The valuable collection of trees dates back to Grand Duke Friedrich I of Baden, who founded the present-day park over 150 years ago.
The majestic ensemble of buildings that makes up the castle is a prime example of South German baroque architecture. It houses a café and a gallery with temporary exhibitions. Further attractions include the butterfly house, the playgrounds: children’s water world and Blumi’s lakeside world, the Palm House and the many cultural events.
After so much splendour, visitors can treat their palate with culinary delights from one of the island’s restaurants. The island is open all year round. Visit it in winter too for a contemplative walk through the arboretum.
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