Things To Do
in Überlingen
Überlingen sits on the northern shore of Lake Constance in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, framed by the Alps on clear days. Its well-preserved medieval old town, lakeside promenade, and lush hillside vineyards give it a refined, easy-going charm. The town serves as a gateway to Lake Constance day trips such as Meersburg and Mainau Island, with plenty of water activities and scenic views.
Visitors enjoy a relaxed, food- and wine-focused atmosphere amid a scenic lake setting.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Überlingen and check into your hotel overlooking the beautiful Lake Constance. Take a leisurely walk along the promenade to soak in the fresh air and scenery. Enjoy a light breakfast in a cozy café with views of the lake.
Explore the charming old town with its historical buildings and quaint shops. Visit the St. Nicholas Church, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. Sample some local delicacies for lunch at a nearby restaurant.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant featuring regional cuisine. Take a stroll along the waterfront, relaxing as you watch the reflection of the twilight sky on the lake. Wind down your first day with a glass of locally produced wine.
Catch a ferry to Mainau Island, famous for its exquisite gardens and tropical vegetation. Spend the morning strolling through the flowerbeds, admiring the variety of blooms, and visiting the butterfly house. Enjoy a picnic brunch under the shade of the ancient trees.
Continue your exploration of Mainau Island by visiting the Castle and the Palm House. Take your time to learn about the flora and fauna unique to this paradise. Have a light snack at one of the island's cafes with a view of the lake.
Return to Überlingen and enjoy a relaxed dinner in one of the town’s rustic taverns. Absorb the peaceful ambiance of the town as you chat with locals and fellow travelers. Cap the night off with a leisurely stroll back along the promenade.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $3-6 |
| 🚌Public transport ticket (1 ride) | $2-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $120-180 |
| 🍷Glass of wine in a restaurant | $6-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic lake setting with easy access to day trips
- Compact, walkable town with historic charm
- Limited nightlife compared with bigger cities
- Can be crowded in peak summer season
- "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist die Toilette?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does that cost?
- "Die Speisekarte, bitte." - The menu, please.
- "Prost!" - Cheers!
- "Können Sie mir helfen?" - Can you help me?
- "Ich verstehe nicht." - I don’t understand.
Places to Visit in Überlingen
Visit one of these nice places.
Long lakefront with palm trees and boats, framed by the Alps on clear days.
Colorful half-timbered buildings and a medieval gate perfect for street photography.
Iconic church tower offering a city and lake backdrop.
Reflections of lights on calm water with boats and promenades.
Food in Überlingen
Überlingen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Swabian dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables; often served with fried onions or in broth.
Must-Try!
Cheesy Swabian noodles baked with crispy onions and a side salad.
Fresh lake fish fillet prepared simply with lemon, herbs, and butter.
Thin-crust Alsatian-style pizza with onions, bacon, and cream; available in many eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market in the old town square with fresh produce, regional cheeses, breads, and flowers.
Seasonal stalls along the promenade offering fried fish, pretzels, pastries, and coffee.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with 'Guten Tag' or 'Grüß Gott'; use 'Sie' for strangers and business.
Being on time is appreciated; maintain comfortable personal space in queues.
Tip discretely; cash tips are common even when paying by card.
Safety
Tipping in Überlingen
Ensure a smooth experience
In Germany, service charges may be included; if not, leave about 5-10% tip or round up the bill.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in towns, though some small shops and markets may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days, many outdoor events, swimming in the lake, and sailing; expect crowds in peak season.
Harvest time in vineyards, pleasant outdoor walks, fewer crowds, and wine festivals.
Mild to cool, Christmas markets in town, cozy cafés and seasonal decorations.
Blooming fruit trees and vineyards; outdoor patios reopen; comfortable sightseeing weather.
Überlingen at Night
Hiking in Überlingen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hiking route up the hill with panoramic lake views and ruins; accessible from Überlingen area.
Ridge hiking with vineyards and lake views; moderate difficulty.
Coastal path linking Meersburg and Überlingen with gentle climbs and scenic stops.
Airports
How to reach Überlingen by plane.
Closest airport, about 25–40 minutes by car; good for regional flights.
Major international airport; about 1 hour by train and bus connections.
Also reachable within 1.5–2 hours by road; useful for low-cost carriers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families, retirees, and professionals; many speak German with some English in tourist areas.
Tourists from Germany and neighboring countries; many international visitors in summer.
Some students and workers in nearby larger towns commute to Überlingen for days by the lake.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular on Lake Constance, with local clubs and rental centers.
The Bodensee cycle path offers flat, scenic rides around the lake.
Beaches and designated swim areas along the lake.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Überlingen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many traditional dishes can be prepared vegetarian; look for Kässpätzle, salads, and vegetable-forward mains.