You don’t even have to be interested in boats. The scenery alone is special in my eyes. Old town, harbor, lake, and in good weather, even the Alps. Amazing! And all of this in a relaxed summer atmosphere.

That’s exactly what makes Lake Constance Week so worth seeing in my opinion. Perfect for simply strolling through the city, having a drink on the promenade, and enjoying the hustle and bustle.

When and where does it take place?

The International Lake Constance Week takes place every year in Konstanz, right on the harbor not far from the old town. Exactly where the lake, promenade, and city meet, and everything looks like a vacation. The event is expected to run again in 2026 at the end of May, and for three days, there’s plenty to do around the harbor.

Sailboats, live music, market stalls, food trucks, street art, rowing competitions – everything takes place around the water. You can simply stroll through the old town to the harbor, sit on the shore with a drink, or watch the action on the water from a bridge.

• More information here: official homepage of the International Lake Constance Week

What can you expect there?

Lake Constance Week is all about boats, water, and a really good atmosphere. Sailing regattas with classic and modern yachts take place on the lake. There are also rowing competitions, SUP, and waterski shows. You can stand on the shore and watch, or take in the view from the harbor front of Konstanz’s city harbor.

A maritime market with many stalls is set up at the harbor. You’ll find sailing equipment, outdoor items, decorations, clothing, and delicious food there. If you want to get out on the water yourself, you can join a boat tour.

And you can hear music everywhere. The supporting program is called Sail & Sound and provides a lively atmosphere throughout the day and evening. Whether you’re simply strolling through the old town or walking along the harbor promenade, there’s always something going on.

Water Sports Highlights

And there’s a lot going on on the lake, too. Sailing regattas, sometimes with over a hundred yachts, are taking place – from classic wooden boats to modern racing machines, everything is there. If you like, you can watch the crews set off, cheer on the boats along the harbor, or get an overview from a pleasure boat.

Rowing competitions are also part of the program. Particularly popular are the Imperia Sprint and the illuminated fountain show on the fireboat. There are also spectacular waterski shows, which are exciting not only for sports enthusiasts.

Maritime Market

Along the harbor promenade, you’ll find a colorful market with a mix of maritime stalls, street food, arts and crafts, and outdoor accessories. From sailing gear and clothing to regional gin, you’ll find everything.

In between, you can grab a snack or a cool drink by the water. If you were looking for me this year, you would have found me at the churros stand or at the small Sea Bear Hut.

Sail & Sound

Music is an integral part of Lake Constance Week. Every evening, a different band plays in the tent at the customs pier. This year, for example, bands JazzX, BaarRock, and ElkGrove were there. If you’re more into electronic sounds, you shouldn’t miss the stage at the Konzilmole. This year, the Bodensee Philharmonic Orchestra even performed there.

Various DJs play there during the day and evening. The stage is right on the water, and the atmosphere is super relaxed. Whether you want to dance or just sit and listen with a drink, there’s something for everyone. My personal favorite place!

Boat tours

If you don’t just want to watch, but also want to get out on the water yourself, you can take part in various boat tours at the IBW. Whether a short tour of the harbor, a trip on a historic ship, or a leisurely pedal boat tour – there are many different options (even outside of the IBW).

• Round trips from Konstanz
• Boat trips in the Bay of Konstanz
• Schedule – The Catamaran

I took the 3-hour time travel tour and was first on the Hohentwiel, then on the MS Österreich. The Hohentwiel is a truly beautiful old steamship from 1913 and the oldest passenger ship still sailing on Lake Constance. Everything still has its original steam engine, lots of wood, and real charm.

The MS Österreich is a bit younger, with an Art Deco vibe inside and an elegant exterior. On board, there was coffee, cake, and small snacks, all in a relaxed atmosphere. You can book the tour not only during Lake Constance Week, but also at other times of the year. Absolutely worth it!

Program for Children

If you’re traveling with children, you can enjoy Lake Constance Week in a relaxed manner. There’s a special program for the little ones with many hands-on activities. The introductory sailing course, where kids could gain their first experiences on the water, was particularly popular.

There were also information stands and activities focusing on environmental protection and sustainability, specially designed for children. Another highlight was the presentation of the fireboat, which not only looked huge but also really fired up the water on the last evening.

VfB Stuttgart eV was also there and had a ball wall for shooting, photo opportunities with a trophy, bags to paint, and small giveaways. This means that even children are guaranteed not to be bored.

What must you do in Konstanz?

The old town of Konstanz is truly beautiful and stretches directly along the lake. Narrow streets, old houses, many cafés, and water nearby everywhere. What’s special: Konstanz was barely damaged in World War II. The city simply left its lights on at night so that the bombers thought they were already flying over Switzerland. The trick worked, which is why the old town is still so well preserved today.

The Niederburg district is particularly charming. This is the oldest part of the city, with cobblestone streets, narrow streets, small shops, and cozy wine taverns. Right next door is the Konstanz Minster. Imposing from the outside, yet quiet inside with a lovely atmosphere. From the tower, you have a fantastic view of the city and Lake Constance.

The Rhine Bridge is also worth a visit, especially for the view of the Seestraße (Lake Street). The harbor itself is a lovely place to relax. Boats bob in the water, seagulls circle, and in the center stands the Imperia. The statue rotates every four minutes and is a reminder of the double standards at the time of the Council of Constance. Striking and definitely impossible to miss.

If you prefer something quieter, head over to the Dominican Island. The small island with a hotel, beer garden, and lake view is perfect for relaxing. Overall, Konstanz is quite manageable, but also incredibly diverse. The best thing to do is just start walking and go with the flow.

Practical tips for your visit

Arrival & Transport

By car:You can reach the lake via the A81 from Stuttgart or the B33, which leads directly to the lakeshore. In Konstanz, there are several parking garages in the old town or park-and-ride facilities at the city entrances. From there, the harbor or the old town are not far away.

By train: You can easily reach Konstanz by train with Regional Express and Intercity trains, for example from Stuttgart, Zurich, or Munich. The train station is just a short walk from the old town and the harbor. V

Local mobility: Local buses and trams will take you everywhere. The buses also connect the surrounding area if you want to see something else along the way. Public transport gives you considerable flexibility and saves you the hassle of looking for a parking space. Not to mention the boats and ferries that connect you to many other towns on Lake Constance.

Tip: If you stay overnight in Konstanz or the western Lake Constance area (e.g., Konstanz, Radolfzell, Reichenau, Öhningen), you’ll receive the BodenseeCard West free of charge at your accommodation. This allows you to travel free of charge by bus and regional train throughout the region during your entire stay.

Accommodation: My recommendation

The Hotel Viva Sky* is centrally located in Konstanz’s old town, just a few steps from the train station and the harbor. Perfect if you want to explore the city on foot. Upstairs in the hotel, there’s a roof terrace with a bar and lounge. From there, you have a truly beautiful view of the city and Lake Constance.

In the morning, there’s also a breakfast buffet with regional specialties. The rooms are individually decorated, many with a balcony or terrace. Wi-Fi is, of course, included. Around the hotel you will find many cafes, restaurants and shops. I found it cozy and really conveniently located for Lake Constance Week.

Restaurant Tips & Cafés

During the International Lake Constance Week, you’ll find plenty of food stalls and a few restaurants along the harbor promenade where you can satisfy your hunger. I mostly ate in the old town because I particularly liked the atmosphere there.

Here are my personal tips:

• Restaurant Mamma Mia (very tasty pizza and pasta)
• Milk & Honey (delicious cakes and very good coffee)
• Das Voglhaus (cool café with a great selection of cakes)
• Restaurant Rossini (very good pasta and pizza)
• Stadtkind Konstanz (sweet restaurant and great breakfast)
• Die Eisbar (delicious ice cream)
• Constanzer Wirtshaus (hearty cuisine with a view of the water)

Conclusion & Recommendation

Constance really surprised me. The old town is charming, the location on the water is unbeatable, and the vibe is totally relaxed. Lake Constance Week brings extra life to the city, but without it being too crowded or stressful. Sailboats, music, good food, friendly people, and a beautiful backdrop make the event something special.

I highly recommend a visit. It’s best to stay at least two nights so you can explore the city at your leisure and enjoy the Lake Constance Week program. Whether you’re coming for the boats or just fancy a short trip, Constance is definitely worth a visit.