A must-visit location for everyone travelling to the lake region and its historical and natural features is Mainau Island in Germany, which is situated on the southern coast of Lake Constance and connected to this by a footbridge. The entire island is actually a beautiful garden that welcomes you to unwind and enjoy in contact with Mother Nature thanks to the island’s warm climate. By obtaining an access ticket, you can visit the island any time of year, and each season will leave you in awe at how the island can alter and morph. However, we strongly advise going in April when the tulips and daffodils are in full bloom and cover this island in a riot of color.
Reaching There
Public Transport- Mainau Island is situated in Germany but is easily reached by Switzerland’s major towns by public transportation. Resting on where you come from, it is advisable to get to Constance’s train station and then take bus numbers 4 or 13 to the island’s main entrance that will take you there in approximately 15 minutes. As an alternative, you can board one of the numerous boats which connect the island to nearby tourist attractions that run often in the spring and summer from Constance.
Car- Getting to Mainau Island by car is also simple. Follow the highway towards Zurich & A7 towards Constance from the major Swiss cities. You may travel to Mainau from here through local roads. You can include it in your best road trip to explore Germany. Despite being in Germany, the island is not far from Swiss border. Consequently, you will eventually have to pass a customs border. In Mainau, there is a sizable, clearly defined parking lot right in front of the main island entrance. Parking a car will set you back €6.00 for the day.
Ideal Time to Visit Mainau
In contrast to other parks in Europe and Switzerland, Mainau Island is accessible all year round. It is best to travel to the island in the spring, in April, as the daffodils & tulips will be in complete bloom, and you will be enthralled by the beauty of the scenery and the variety of hues in the meadows and flowerbeds. It is recommended that you schedule your trip before the closing of April. But if this is not actually possible for some reason, do not worry! The island has different appearances depending on the season, but it is greatest from March to September! In general, daffodils and tulips bloom in the months of April and May, rose gardens & Italian gardens bloom in the summer, and dahlias bloom in the month of September. Not to be missed cultural events and projects take place during the summer. So why not apply for a Germany visa and explore the island to the fullest? This picturesque attraction is easily incorporated into any Germany travel itinerary, even a backpacking one. Planning out the how and what of your trip can be made much easier with the help of a good Germany travel itinerary and backpacking guide.
Things to See in Insel Mainau
The entire island is, as was already indicated, a beautiful garden. Therefore, it is obvious that the main activity in this area is to go for a walk outside and enjoy the spectacular scenery and the contact with nature along grand boulevards like Spring Avenue or unexpected gardens like the Dahlia Garden/the Italian Rose Garden. However, the island has a lot of things that are worth seeing in addition to its boulevards and flowers.
Palm House
The Palm House is a sizable, opulent glass and metal greenhouse where several palm trees of the major international species, including the Washingtonia robusta, Livistona australis, Phoenix canariensis, and Phoenix dactylifera, are kept. A small café is also located inside the greenhouse. The Palm House has shortened its hours of operation and is now open every day from 11:00 to 17:00, in contrast to the remainder of the park.
Butterfly House
Mainau is home to the second-largest butterfly habitat in Germany! It is undoubtedly a must-see and is home to about 120 different varieties of butterflies from throughout the world. There can be a long line at the Butterfly House, which is open from 10 am- 4.30 pm (last admittance is at 4 p.m.). As a result, as it is suggested going either first thing in the morning or right before it closes.
St Marien’s Church and the Palace of Teutonic Order
The baroque Palace of Teutonic Order, made by Johann Caspar Bagnato & constructed under his direction from 1739 to 1746, is unquestionably the hub of the island. The present managers of the island and park are members of the Swedish royal family, Count Björn Bernadotte & Countess Bettina Bernadotte. A Swedish flag is evidently flying over the palace! Public activities and small craft markets are held in some of the palace’s chambers. Inside the palace, there is a café as well. Make a brief stop at the tiny St. Marien church, which is similarly baroque and lavishly decorated with murals, as you leave the palace.
Things to Know Before Visiting Insel Mainau
Tickets and Opening Hours- The island is open for visits from 9:00 am-7:00 pm every day of the year, as was already indicated, however entry requires a ticket. In 2022, an adult ticket will cost €26, while children below 12 will be admitted free of charge. Additionally, a number of discounts and subscriptions are also available. Before the entrance to that pedestrian bridge heading to the island and just after the parking lot is where you will find the ticket office. However, the line can be very long. Therefore, it is advisable for you to pre-purchase your tickets online if you are pretty certain that you will be visiting (no refunds!) (only in German). This enables you to bypass the wait for entry and helps you save on the ticket price (adult tickets purchased online cost €23.00).
- Parking- If you are driving, there is a sizable, clearly marked, and organized parking lot at Mainau. Parking costs € 6, however there are no turnstiles, magnetic cards, or automatic machines for payment. Instead, purchase your token at the desk located just in front of the turnstiles. When your visit is over, get in your car, put your token in exit barrier, and you are good to leave!
- Drink and Food- The park is filled with self-service eateries and coffee shops. But you may also take a rest and enjoy your picnic meal on the island’s many benches and picnic places!
- Respect the Park and Nature- This park is a priceless resource that has to be protected and preserved! Therefore, look after it by following the designated trails, being cautious not to foot on the meadows, and above all, never picking the flowers!
Mainau Island is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Germany. If you wish to visit this beautiful flower island, apply for your Germany visit visa right away.