#Mainau #lakeconstance

Mainau Island in Lake Constance: Experience nature all year round

Mainau Island is always worth a visit: the 45 hectare is-land – one of the most significant excursion destinations at Lake Constance – has fresh new experiences and surprises to discover with spectacular insights and views at every turn. Forget the hectic of daily life on a stroll around the Flower Island. Relax and enjoy the changing oceans of flowers throughout the seasons and also the majestic aura of the over 150 year old Arboretum with giant sequoias. Thousands of tulips, hundreds of rhododendrons, scented roses, perennials and colourful dahlias bloom in the park and gardens. Palms and citrus plants lend a Mediterranean flair to the island in summer. The tropical Butterfly House where around 120 species of butterflies and moths flutter in the air throughout the year and also the Palm House which shelters around 20 species of palm trees have a more exotic ambience – these are especially good places to visit on cooler or rainy days. The Teutonic palace completed in 1746 and the palace church St. Marien are architectural highlights of the Baroque era and stand in close proximity to 15 metre tall palm trees.

Lennart Bernadotte, born a Prince of Sweden, turned the summer residence of his great-grandfather Grand Duke Friedrich I of Baden into a flower and plant paradise and opened it up to the public. Mainau has been a GmbH since 1974. Siblings Countess Bettina Bernadotte and Count Björn Bernadotte head the company today. They strive to achieve a balance between economics, environment and social aspects with their company which works in and with nature including, amongst other things, using renewable fuels.

Schloss Mainau

Mainau Island is the perfect place to unwind in our turbulent times. Not only nature and garden lovers and relaxation seekers come to the island but also many families. Children can play and romp around at the adventure play-grounds ‘Dwarf Village’, ‘Water World’, and ‘Blumi’s Lakeside World’ and also at the farmyard with a petting zoo, pony rides and floral animals. There’s an insect garden nearby informing visitors about the pollination ser-vices of wild and honey bees.

Events like the ‘Count’s Island Festival’, ‘Count’s Palace Festival’, exhibitions in the palace and Palm House or open-air concerts show another side to Mainau. And finally, a whole range of culinary delights are offered by the island’s gastronomy at the traditional Schwedenschenke in the style of a Swedish country inn, the Palace Café and also at the ‘Daily Bread’ bakery and Comturey restaurant at the island’s harbour which offers a young Lake Constance cuisine and is a popular wedding reception venue.

Internet: www.mainau.de