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

day 1
Arrival in Überlingen
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Exploring Mainau Island
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

Seepromenade at sunrise

Long lakefront with palm trees and boats, framed by the Alps on clear days.

Old town gate and market square

Colorful half-timbered buildings and a medieval gate perfect for street photography.

St. Nikolaus parish church tower

Iconic church tower offering a city and lake backdrop.

Lakeside harbor at dusk

Reflections of lights on calm water with boats and promenades.

Culinary Guide

Food in Überlingen

Bodensee regional cuisine blends Swabian and Alemannic influences with fresh lake fish and vineyard produce. You’ll find hearty meats, seasonal vegetables, and fruit from the region, along with light fish-based dishes perfect for summer days.

Überlingen Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Maultaschen

Swabian dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables; often served with fried onions or in broth.

Must-Try!

Kässpätzle

Cheesy Swabian noodles baked with crispy onions and a side salad.

Zanderfilet (pike-perch)

Fresh lake fish fillet prepared simply with lemon, herbs, and butter.

Flammkuchen

Thin-crust Alsatian-style pizza with onions, bacon, and cream; available in many eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Marktplatz Market

Weekly market in the old town square with fresh produce, regional cheeses, breads, and flowers.

Lakeside stalls

Seasonal stalls along the promenade offering fried fish, pretzels, pastries, and coffee.

Climate Guide

Weather

Überlingen experiences a temperate climate moderated by Lake Constance, with warm summers and mild winters. Rain is possible year-round, with more rainfall in late spring and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and formal address

Greet with 'Guten Tag' or 'Grüß Gott'; use 'Sie' for strangers and business.

Punctuality and personal space

Being on time is appreciated; maintain comfortable personal space in queues.

Tipping in restaurants

Tip discretely; cash tips are common even when paying by card.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally very safe for travelers; use common sense in crowded areas and watch personal belongings near the lakefront. Medical services are readily available in town and in nearby larger towns.

Tipping in Überlingen

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Germany, service charges may be included; if not, leave about 5-10% tip or round up the bill.

Payment Methods

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...

Summer

Warm days, many outdoor events, swimming in the lake, and sailing; expect crowds in peak season.

Autumn

Harvest time in vineyards, pleasant outdoor walks, fewer crowds, and wine festivals.

Winter

Mild to cool, Christmas markets in town, cozy cafés and seasonal decorations.

Spring

Blooming fruit trees and vineyards; outdoor patios reopen; comfortable sightseeing weather.

Nightlife Guide

Überlingen at Night

The nightlife in Überlingen is relaxed and lakeside-focused, with casual bars, wine taverns, and seasonal events near the promenade; large clubs are not typical. In summer, outdoor concerts and open-air markets enliven the evenings.

Hiking in Überlingen

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Heiligenberg Panorama Trail

Hiking route up the hill with panoramic lake views and ruins; accessible from Überlingen area.

Bodanrück ridge loop

Ridge hiking with vineyards and lake views; moderate difficulty.

Meersburg to Überlingen lakeside trail

Coastal path linking Meersburg and Überlingen with gentle climbs and scenic stops.

Airports

How to reach Überlingen by plane.

Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH)

Closest airport, about 25–40 minutes by car; good for regional flights.

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Major international airport; about 1 hour by train and bus connections.

Memmingen Airport (FMM)

Also reachable within 1.5–2 hours by road; useful for low-cost carriers.

Getting Around

Walkability

Überlingen is compact and very walkable, with a clearly laid-out lakefront promenade and a pedestrian-friendly old town. Some hilly bits exist on the eastern slopes, requiring a bit of uphill stroll in places.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

A mix of families, retirees, and professionals; many speak German with some English in tourist areas.

Visitors

Tourists from Germany and neighboring countries; many international visitors in summer.

Students and young adults

Some students and workers in nearby larger towns commute to Überlingen for days by the lake.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Sailing and windsurfing

Popular on Lake Constance, with local clubs and rental centers.

Cycling

The Bodensee cycle path offers flat, scenic rides around the lake.

Swimming and water sports

Beaches and designated swim areas along the lake.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport around the Bodensee is well-developed with trains and buses; there are also seasonal ferry services across the lake. Car traffic is moderate, and in town, parking can be limited; expect peak-season crowds near the promenade.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Überlingen.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many traditional dishes can be prepared vegetarian; look for Kässpätzle, salads, and vegetable-forward mains.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

There are local general practitioners and pharmacies; for major hospitals, you can reach Konstanz or Friedrichshafen by train or car in about 20–45 minutes. Emergency services are available 24/7; carry your health insurance details.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide