Things To Do
in Hilzingen
Hilzingen is a small, pleasant municipality in southern Baden‑Württemberg near the Swiss border and not far from Lake Constance. The town combines a quiet rural character with easy access to larger regional hubs like Singen and Konstanz, making it a good base for day trips. Rolling farmland, patches of forest and traditional village centers give Hilzingen an authentic southern German feel.
Cross‑border commuters and visitors benefit from scenic views of the Alps on clear days and a relaxed pace of life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey with a stroll through the picturesque streets of Hilzingen, admiring the charming half-timbered houses and the historic Town Hall. Stop by a local café to enjoy a traditional German breakfast of Brötchen and coffee. Don't forget to visit the nearby St. Peter and Paul Church, where you can appreciate its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere.
In the afternoon, take a short hike in the surrounding countryside, where you'll encounter beautiful landscapes and scenic vistas. Explore the nearby vineyards and learn about the local wine production, possibly stopping for a tasting at a local winery. Afterwards, visit the historical exhibitions at local museums to gain insight into the region's rich history.
As the evening unfolds, treat yourself to a delectable dinner at a local restaurant, where you can try regional specialties like Spätzle and schnitzel. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the town square, where you can soak in the ambiance of the beautifully lit buildings. Conclude your day with a nightcap at a cozy pub, mingling with locals and fellow travelers.
Start your day with a visit to the Hilzingen Community Center, where you can participate in a local craft workshop. This is a perfect way to interact with residents and learn traditional German crafts firsthand. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a bakery known for its fresh pastries.
Spend the afternoon visiting nearby art galleries that showcase the work of local artists. Engage in conversations with the artists, learning about their techniques and inspirations. You can also enjoy a picnic in the local park, taking in the serene surroundings and a taste of local cheese.
Head to a theatrical performance or concert at the local cultural hall, where you'll appreciate the vibrant arts scene of Hilzingen. After the show, make your way to a nearby bistro for dinner, renowned for its craft beers and hearty meals. Cap off the evening by enjoying live music at a local venue, experiencing the nightlife of the town.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L at a pub) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Taxi start + per km | $5 start + $1.50-2.00 per km |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (double, per night) | $80-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful, authentic southern German village atmosphere
- Excellent base for exploring Lake Constance, Hohentwiel and nearby Swiss towns
- Good outdoor options (hiking, cycling, birdwatching) and scenic views
- Short drives to larger towns with more services and nightlife
- Limited nightlife and few large attractions inside the town itself
- Public transport can be sparse late at night and on Sundays
- Fewer specialized dining options (vegan/gluten‑free) compared with larger cities
- Some regional services may close on Sundays or have limited hours
- "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
- "Danke schön" - Thank you
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Die Rechnung bitte" - The bill, please
- "Wo ist ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Auf Wiedersehen" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Hilzingen
Visit one of these nice places.
Charming shots of traditional houses, narrow streets and the parish church; nice for capturing everyday village life and architecture.
Dramatic ruined volcanic fortress with panoramic views of the valley and distant Alps — excellent at sunrise or sunset.
If you make the short trip to the lake, the shorelines offer reflections, boats, and Alpine backdrops on clear days.
Rolling farmland, hedgerows and farm tracks provide classic rural scenes, golden light in evenings and seasonal color in autumn.
Wetland areas are good for wildlife and bird photography, especially during migration seasons.
Food in Hilzingen
Hilzingen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Large filled pasta dumplings (often with meat, spinach or cheese) served in broth or pan‑fried; find them at family restaurants and traditional Gasthäuser.
Must-Try!
Egg noodles (Spätzle) layered with melted cheese and fried onions — a comforting Swabian staple available in most local inns.
Freshwater whitefish from Bodensee (often smoked or pan‑fried) — try this at lakeside restaurants or markets around the region.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small local markets selling farm produce, cheeses, sausages and baked goods — great for sampling fresh local items and speaking with producers.
In nearby towns around Lake Constance you can find larger seasonal markets and fish stalls offering smoked and grilled fish specialities.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Being on time is appreciated for appointments and tours; punctuality is a sign of respect.
Use formal greetings (Guten Tag) with people you don’t know; switch to first names only when invited. A handshake is a common polite greeting.
Observe Ruhezeiten (quiet hours) in the afternoons and at night; recycling is strict — separate bins are used for paper, packaging, organic waste and residual waste.
Many shops are closed on Sundays, so plan shopping accordingly.
Safety
Tipping in Hilzingen
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Germany is modest: round up the bill or leave 5–10% for good service at restaurants; small tips for taxi drivers and hairdressers are usual. Always hand the tip to the server when paying rather than leaving it on the table.
Cash is still widely used (Euro). Girocard/EC debit cards are common; credit cards are accepted at many places but smaller shops and businesses may be cash‑only. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly accepted in larger towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blossoming orchards and green fields — ideal for walking and cycling. Some rain is possible; bring layers.
Warm and pleasant, perfect for lake activities, hiking and outdoor dining. Expect more tourists near Lake Constance on weekends and pack sun protection.
Crisp air and colorful foliage; harvest season brings local food festivals and wine tastings. Cooler evenings, so bring a jacket.
Cold with possible frost or light snow; village life is quiet, and nearby higher ground may have snow for winter walking or cross‑country skiing. Many shops and businesses observe reduced hours around holidays.
Hilzingen at Night
Hiking in Hilzingen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular trail ascending the volcanic mountain near Singen to the fortress ruins with panoramic views across the region and the Alps on clear days.
Gentle coastal and countryside walks on the Höri peninsula between the Rhine and Lake Constance, with orchards and lake vistas.
Wooded ridges and pastoral trails offering quieter hiking away from the lakeshore with good viewpoints over the valley.
Sectioned paths along Lake Constance suitable for easy to moderate hikes, photo stops and access to villages and beaches.
Short circular walks around Hilzingen itself through farmland and small forest patches — ideal for morning or evening strolls.
Airports
How to reach Hilzingen by plane.
Closest regional airport on Lake Constance (~45–60 minutes by car) with seasonal and regional flights; good for quick access to the Bodensee area.
Major international hub about 1–1.5 hours by car (depending on border traffic) or accessible by train; offers many international connections and frequent rail links to the region.
Larger German international airport approximately 2–2.5 hours by car or train, suitable for wider flight options and car rental.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are local families who work in nearby towns and enjoy the village lifestyle and schools.
A significant share of the population commutes to jobs in Singen, Switzerland and other regional centers.
Retirees appreciate the peaceful environment, community life and access to regional healthcare.
There are residents from other EU countries and beyond, often drawn by regional employment opportunities and proximity to the Swiss border.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local amateur clubs and youth teams are popular across the region, with community matches on weekends.
Both recreational cycling and road biking are widespread thanks to scenic routes and relatively gentle terrain.
Popular on Lake Constance in nearby towns, offering regular club activity and events in summer.
Handball is common in clubs, and nearby hills/higher ground offer opportunities for cross‑country skiing or winter walking when conditions allow.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hilzingen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are readily available in cafés and restaurants (Käsespätzle, salads, vegetable sides); make requests in German if possible and check menus for daily specials.
Smaller towns may have limited vegan or gluten‑free choices — larger nearby towns (Singen, Konstanz) offer more options. Communicate restrictions clearly and look for bakeries or health‑food shops for alternatives.