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Complete Travel Guide to Visting Meersburg in Germany

As part of our 7 days holidaying on the Bodensee we visited the small Medieval Town of Meersburg in Germany. Which is next door to the town we were staying in UnterUhldingen. I had heard good things about it, however, it turned out to be the husband’s favourite day out while staying on Lake Constance. So this is definitely one for your itinerary if you are visiting. This article will help you make the most of your visit to this beautiful town.

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What is Meersburg known for?

This quaint little German town that sits directly on the Bodensee is best known for its wine and pretzels. Which could be a clue as to why it turned out to be the husband’s favourite day out. However it is a lot more than this with water fountains at every turn, beautiful half-timber buildings painted in rainbow colours and it even has not one but two castles. With Meersburg Old Castle dating back to before the year 1113.

Where is Meersburg located?

Meersburg is located on the German side of the Bodensee, also known as Lake Constance or Lake Konstanz. It is in the area known locally as the Upper Lake. It has a large port where it is possible to catch a car ferry from and to Konstanz on the Swiss side. And so consequently is quite busy and a hub for those living on the Lake and holidaymakers. Thankfully the busyness doesn’t seem to extend into the small walled town.

How to get to Meersburg Bodensee

We caught a local bus along. However, trying to find out information about the local bus network is at best challenging. I would suggest heading to a bus stop and reading the timetable there. This was by far the easiest way of working out when and what bus we needed rather than searching the internet which is what I would usually do. A bus stop on the Bodensee on the German side is marked by a big green H in a yellow circle. In most instances, the buses will run along the lake shore road. So you should be able to find one in the direction you want to go.

It cost us 11€ for a family ticket to take the 11-minute ride to Meersburg. However, the bus driver told us that we would be able to pick up a travel card from our hotel that would allow us to travel for free. So if you intend to use the bus a lot then this is probably the best option. We tend to drive but in the Summer months it can get very busy on the roads and so public transport may be the best option.

If you do drive then there is a medium multi-storey carpark opposite the ferry port. You can also reach Meersburg on the Bodensee by ferry boat from various other towns on the lake including the car ferries from Kontanz. This could be the best option if you are not staying on the German side or close by. If you would prefer to get the train, Meersburg doesn’t have its own train station. The closest station is in Uhldingen. Which would then mean a bus ride of around ten minutes.

What to do in Meersburg in Germany

There is so much to do in Meersburg, with plenty of choice for a day trip rain or shine. When we look for places to explore it is nice to have something to do for both the kids and adults which is why Meersburg is such a great day trip. If you were staying in Meersburg then it is close by a number of key attractions. Such as the Zepplin Museum in Friedrichshafen and the Flower Island of Mainau.

Pretzels

When it comes to pretzels, Meersburg, like many other regions in Germany, is known for its delicious and traditional pretzels. These baked treats are often enjoyed as a snack or alongside a meal. The pretzels in Meersburg are typically soft on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior, and they are often sprinkled with coarse salt, adding a savoury flavour to the dough. When we got off the bus and walked down the hill into the centre we could see golden pretzel signs hanging over the cafes and bakeries.

The Wine Museum

The Wine Museum also known as the Vineum Bodensee, offers a fascinating journey into the world of wine in the Lake Constance region. Providing insights into the history, culture, and traditions of winemaking in the area. The museum features displays of the different grape varieties grown in the area and the winemaking process. It also offers wine tastings for a selection of locally produced wines. Adult costs 7€, children from six years old are 5€. Vineum Bodensee.

Try the wine and keep your glass

When a town has a wine museum then you know there are going to be several places to try the local tipple. We found the perfect location which is very well priced, has plenty of seating outside and you can even keep the glass! I would recommend a pit stop at Winzerverein Meersburg. Not only are wines available from 2.50€ a glass but they also have several different nibble platters and breads available to soak it up.

Meersburg Old Castle

One of the main attractions in the town is Meersburg Castle. The iconic landmark is renowned as the oldest inhabited castle in Germany. The origins of Meersburg Castle can be traced back to the Middle Ages, the 7th century. The castle complex consists of two main parts: the Old Castle (Alte Burg) and the New Castle (Neues Burg).

Stepping through the gates of the Old Castle, you are given a self-guided tour. Which identifies the main points of interest in each room. The castle’s interior reveals a treasure trove of historical artefacts, opulent furnishings, and intricate architectural details. One of the highlights of a visit is the Knight’s Hall, a grand chamber adorned with elaborate frescoes and ornate decorations, evoking the opulence and grandeur of the castle’s noble inhabitants. One of the most notable residents of Old Meersburg Castle was the German poetess Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, who lived there from 1841 until she died in 1848. Her presence is still felt within the castle’s walls, with memorabilia and exhibits dedicated to her life and work. It was a little spooky!

The castle’s strategic location atop a hill offers a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. Across the glistening waters of Lake Constance and the charming rooftops of Meersburg. Entrance costs start at 12.80€ for adults and 6€ for children. Discounts are offered for family tickets. We really enjoyed our visit and I wrote about it separately here – Oldest Castle in Germany Meersburg Castle on Lake Constance

Meersburg New Palace

Meersburg New Palace, known as Neues Schloss Meersburg in German, stands in striking contrast to the neighbouring Old Meersburg Castle in the heart of the historic town of Meersburg. Built-in the Baroque style, the New Palace served as the residence of the Prince-Bishops of Konstanz and was completed in the early 18th century. The palace is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, inside there is a grand staircase leads to baroque rooms and state apartments. Each room within the palace tells a story of the grandeur and sophistication of the Prince Bishops’ court.

Wander cobbled streets

One of the things we really enjoyed was wandering around the small town. With cobbled streets and many half-timbered buildings in lots of different colours, there is something interesting around every corner. It is so picturesque. As well as plenty of souvenir shops and places to stop for food and drink. One of the attractions Meersburg on the Bodensee is the well-preserved medieval architecture, and the town gates are part of this historical heritage.

The two most notable ancient gates in Meersburg are the Upper Gate (Oberes Tor) and the Lower Gate (Unteres Tor).

The Upper Gate is part of the upper town and was built during the 15th century. and is a classic example of medieval defensive architecture. It has a tower that was used for defensive purposes and also served as a prison at one point in time.
The Lower Gate is located in the lower town and provides access to the harbour and lake. It has a gate tower, which was typical for town gates of that period.

Try some candied fruit

As we were walking around the town we came across several shops selling candied fruit. Also known as crystallized fruit or glace fruit, is a popular delicacy that can be found in various regions of Europe, including Germany. Made by soaking fruit in sugar syrup and then drying it out, which preserves the fruit and gives it a sweet, chewy texture. I have never seen such varied fruit candied fruit and such big pieces. The boys were fascinated by them.

Hire a boat

There is a long lakeside promenade which is a great place for a stroll. At the end, there is an interesting pier with a sculpture called The Magic Column. Created by artist Peter Lenk, this installation consists of three sculptures that are humorously designed and feature caricatures and figures that reference local legends, historical events, and personalities related to the region.

There are lots of boat companies that you can hire a boat from which will allow you to enjoy the tranquil waters. Prices vary depending on the type of boat and the length of time you hire it for. Expect prices to start at around Prices start at 40€ for half an hour. I have noticed some you can even book in advance online these tend to be for the whole day and can be up to 240€. Likewise, Meersburg is one of the main stops on the ferry and other lake cruise boats. Making it a good base to explore the area.

Zeppelin Museum

This is different to the Dornier Aviation Museum which is located along the shoreline in Friedrichshafen where you can go up in a Zeppelin. Instead, the Zeppelin Museum is a much smaller attraction which focuses on airship travel and the legacy of the Zeppelin. The Zeppelin, named after its inventor Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin. Was a type of rigid airship that became an iconic symbol of early 20th-century aeronautics. These airships were used for passenger transport, mail delivery, and even military reconnaissance. Before aeroplanes became the dominant form of air travel.

Entrance to the town museum costs for adults at 5€ and for children 2€ with under 6s being free. It makes a great stop-off if you have children who are fascinated by the airships they are seeing over Lake Constance during your holiday. Allow about an hour for a visit and please note they do not take card payments for the entrance fee.

Thermal Spa

Perhaps one for the mums if they can escape for a little while. Meersburg Thermal Spa offers a range of different treatments which can be booked online in advance. The thermal spa is renowned for its healing waters, which are sourced from a natural thermal spring deep beneath the earth’s surface. Rich in minerals, these waters are believed to have restorative properties that can help alleviate various health issues, such as joint pain, muscle tension, and stress.

As well as treatments the spa has indoor and outdoor thermal pools, a sauna area and a steam bath. The outdoor pool, in particular, is worth considering since it gives you the chance to swim in the open air with a panoramic view of Lake Constance. It is one of the best options if you are looking for rest and relaxation in the Bodensee.

Meersburg Bible Gallery

The Meersburg Bible Gallery, known in German as the Bibelgalerie Meersburg is dedicated to the Bible. Offering visitors an interactive and educational experience. That explores the history, stories, and impact of one of the world’s most widely read and influential books. Situated in a beautifully restored building that complements the medieval charm of Meersburg Bodensee. The Bible Gallery provides a fascinating journey through biblical times and the history of biblical texts. One of the key attractions of the museum is its array of ancient texts and Bibles, some of which date back to the early centuries of Christianity. Tickets cost 6€ for an adult, 4€ for kids with a family ticket costing 15€.

Top Tips for your visit to Meersburg on the Bodensee

The first stop when visiting Meerburg Bodensee, has got to be the tourist information office. Which is located at the top of the town near the bus stops. Here you can pick up a map of the town which highlights all the key points of interest.
Get there early as the town is a popular tourist destination. So parking can be troublesome in peak season. Plus if you get there early you can have some of the beautiful streets to yourself.
Check out the local festivals before booking your visit. Events such as the Bodensee Wine Festival which is held in Meersburg in September will make the area much busier.
There is a reasonably steep hill in the town so bear this in mind if you are travelling with young children or people with mobility concerns