The island of Mainau is one of the most popular destinations on Lake Constance. It is a multifaceted, floral paradise at any time of the year, which has a lot to offer garden lovers, families and those looking for relaxation. The Mediterranean character of the park, which surrounds the baroque castle complex and church, the 150-year-old tree population and the imaginatively laid out beds ensure a unique ambience on the flower island.

The flower island of Mainau is worth a visit at any time of the year

The location:

The island is located in the northwestern part of Lake Constance, the Überlinger See. If you are traveling by car, train or bus, you can park your vehicle in one of the car parks on the mainland. From the south bank you can reach the Mainau over a 130 meter long bridge. The island also has a jetty and can therefore be easily reached from all larger cities on Lake Constance.

Description:

The name of the island goes back to the lords of Maienowe, to whom the island was given as a fief around 1250. The approximately 45 hectare island is the third largest island in Lake Constance. It benefits from the favorable Lake Constance climate, which makes it possible to cultivate palm trees and many Mediterranean plants on the island.

As in your own garden, the flower year on Mainau also offers numerous highlights. A highlight in June is undoubtedly the intensely fragrant wild and shrub rose promenade and the Italian rose garden. The castle park on the island of Mainau is known far beyond the borders of the Lake Constance area for its diverse plant shows and the unique collection of lemon trees. Each year the beds are planted according to a different theme.

You can discover the island on your own or have an expert show you around and explain it to you in up to ten languages.

Playgrounds and offers for kids:

There is a lot on offer for children on the island of Mainau:

  • flower animals
  • Farm with petting zoo
  • a water world
  • the big railway
  • a spacious playground

make the island of Mainau the ideal destination for families. Since 2002 there has been a dwarf village with many attractive offers especially for the little ones under 4 years of age.

Particularities:

On the Mainau you can not only stroll between colorful flowers and Mediterranean trees. In the largest butterfly house in Germany, which is open all year round, you can admire up to 80 different types of butterflies in addition to tropical plants and waterfalls. Another magnet for visitors is the palm house at the castle, in which more than 20 types of palm trees spread holiday flair.

Among the highlights of the numerous events are the count's festivals. The island festival invites you to “stroll, shop and enjoy” in June. Discover the latest trends for garden lovers and high-quality decorative items for indoors and outdoors. Handicrafts as well as delicatessen and spice stalls complete the wide range of offers.

On the occasion of the castle festival in October, Count Bernadotte opens rooms in the castle that are otherwise inaccessible. In this unique environment, carefully selected suppliers present exquisite and exclusive items from the areas of jewellery, fashion and accessories.

The roots of the Bernadotte family are in Sweden. That is why Swedish traditions are maintained on the flower island. This also includes the midsummer festival, which takes place on June 22, 2022.

Concerts, seminars and gourmet adventure days round off the varied program of events.

Entrance fees:

category flower year winter
Children up to and including 12 years free free
pupils and students EUR 12.50 EUR 6.50
Adults EUR 21.50 EUR 10.50
Tour groups of 10 or more people 17 euros EUR 8.50

The island of Mainau is open all year round, from sunrise to sunset. Dogs are allowed on the island. However, they must be kept on a leash and may not be taken into the butterfly house or the exhibition rooms in the castle.

Food, drinks and accommodation:

A long day on the flower island makes you hungry. Several self-service restaurants offer tasty delicacies for young and old. In the Schwedenschenke and in the Comturey, which opened in 2014, you can enjoy regional or typical Swedish specialties.

tips

The route over the Mainau can be quite strenuous for children. That's why there is a free cart rental service on the island. Perfect for taking part in the Mainau children's treasure hunt. There are clues hidden all over the island, which the kids have to look for in order to guess a solution word and discover the treasure in the archway building.

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Care tips