Mainau Island Tours and Activities

Mainau Island showing bird life and a lake or waterhole
Mainau Island showing a garden
Mainau Island
Mainau Island
Mainau Island showing a garden

This tiny island on the waters of Lake Constance hides numerous delights, including a Baroque castle, beautiful gardens and exotic wildlife.

Mainau Island, nicknamed the “Island of Flowers,” is just over 110 acres (45 hectares) in size and yet it offers enough in its compact borders for hours of entertainment. The small, wooded island on Lake Constance is not only a beautiful location, but it also contains a castle, gardens and glasshouses where multitudes of tropical plants grow.

Follow in the footsteps of the Teutonic Order of Knights, the first occupiers of the island who lived here in the 13th century. They built a castle on the island, which later became the palace that still stands here today.

Make the palace your first stop on your trip to the island. Admire the Baroque stylings of the castle, which dates back in its current form to 1746. Explore the other buildings on the island, such as the Gatehouse and the Castle Church of St. Mary.

Wander the formal gardens surrounding the castle. Thousands of flower species line the water features and paths. Don’t miss the Rose Garden, which was created in 1871 for the Duke of Baden.

Travel to the tropics in the Palm House. This ornate glasshouse creates a climate suitable for growing over 20 different kinds of palm tree. Marvel at the fragile beauty of the orchid collection that also grows here.

Surround yourself with butterflies in the Schmetterlingshaus. Around 1,000 of the delicate creatures live in the house. Children will also enjoy visiting the farm animals in the Bauernhof, where you can ride ponies and meet rare livestock breeds.

When walking around the island, look for the Viktoria lime and the knotted pagoda trees, both of which are about 150 years old. Wander along flower-lined terraces that look out across the lake.

Mainau Island is north of the city of Constance. Ride passenger ferries from the city to reach the island and its attractions, which are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Adult visitors will have to pay a fee, while children under 12 get in for free.

Plan a trip to see Mainau Island

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Moxy Rapperswil

Moxy Rapperswil

3 out of 5
Rapperswil
per person
Nov 2 - Nov 8
found 4 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Toronto (YTO) to Zürich (ZRH)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (142 reviews)
A basic, no-frills hotel offering the essentials without extras like a mini fridge or coffee/tea-making facilities. The bed was a little on the hard side, but the room was clean and functional. The real highlight is the location—within easy walking distance to the charming old town, making it a convenient base for exploring the area.

Reviewed on Aug. 12, 2025

Hotel Chalet Swiss

Hotel Chalet Swiss

3 out of 5
per person
Oct 7 - Oct 12
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Vancouver (YVR) to Zürich (ZRH)
8/10 Very Good! (142 reviews)
loved the design of the hotel, the rooms were clean, and they had all the necessities. The staff was very polite. However, the room had no elevator or ramp to get the suitcases to the 3rd floor, so we had to carry them up the stairs from the second to the third floor. The room was extremely hot, and it had a very small fan that barely worked. There was nowhere (except the bar) to get cold water to drink. No mini bar, and the drink machine had no water, and was actually empty. Some ice machine, or cold water, would have been nice, considering the weather was very hot.

Reviewed on Aug. 10, 2025

Grand Hotel Belvedere, a Beaumier Hotel

Grand Hotel Belvedere, a Beaumier Hotel

5 out of 5
per person
Oct 7 - Oct 12
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Vancouver (YVR) to Zürich (ZRH)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
*OVERVIEW* Beautiful hotel, you do get what you pay for. Beautiful room with an authentic feel but modern touches perfect design. Views are incredible and the location is breathless. *LOCATION* Beautiful location but you do have to pay for the train everytime you go to and from and you can’t get back to your vehicle without paying to get the train back down. Ideal for a short stay were you don’t need to leave the village. *FOOD* Restaurants are gorgeous, bars in the hotel too and breakfast was included in our stay and was a very good breakfast with some cooked options. *ISSUES* We paid a lot of money for our stay and yes the room was gorgeous and the views however there were some issues. Communication wasn’t the best we wasn’t told that we could be picked up from the train station and had to carry our bags all the way from the train station to the hotel in the pouring rain after we’d just got engaged. Which wasn’t the best. They did the room nice after engagement but this was not good will which I feel takes the appreciation away from the gesture it costs around £150 and they gave us prosecco when we’d paid for champagne. Also didn’t print all the pictures that had been sent only a select few. We paid full price for a spa hotel but the spa wasn’t spaaaaing. It was like a building site absolutely no tranquility. I was sat in the pool while I digger was driving past my view of the mountain over a hill of mud that should have been the gardens.

Reviewed on Aug. 7, 2025

Popular places to visit

Pfahlbau Museum

Pfahlbau Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Pfahlbau Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Unteruhldingen. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Pfahlbau Museum

University Konstanz

Enjoy the collegiate vibe at University Konstanz during your stay in Konstanz-Egg. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

University Konstanz

Reptile House Unteruhldingen

You can browse the exhibits at Reptile House Unteruhldingen, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Unteruhldingen. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Reptile House Unteruhldingen

Casino Constance

Why not try your luck with a visit to Casino Constance during your time in Petershausen-Ost? While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Casino Constance

Bodensee Stadium

Catch an event at Bodensee Stadium during your trip to Staad. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Bodensee Stadium

Archaeological Museum of Baden-Wurttemberg

You can study the exhibits at Archaeological Museum of Baden-Wurttemberg, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Petershausen-West. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Archaeological Museum of Baden-Wurttemberg

Best Lodging Options Near Mainau Island

Holiday Inn - the niu, Flower Konstanz by IHG

Holiday Inn - the niu, Flower Konstanz by IHG

Line-Eid-Straße 6, Konstanz, BW
Holiday Inn - the niu, Flower Konstanz by IHG
Ko'Ono Hotel und Restaurant

Ko'Ono Hotel und Restaurant

Martin-Schleyer-Str. 19, Konstanz, BW
Ko'Ono Hotel und Restaurant
Rioca Konstanz Posto 10

Rioca Konstanz Posto 10

Weberinnenstraße 4, Konstanz, BW
Rioca Konstanz Posto 10
Hotel Volapük

Hotel Volapük

Im Loh 14, Konstanz, BW
Hotel Volapük
Apartment 'Bodenseeblick' with Lake View, Balcony and Wi-Fi

Apartment 'Bodenseeblick' with Lake View, Balcony and Wi-Fi

Konstanz
Apartment 'Bodenseeblick' with Lake View, Balcony and Wi-Fi
Hotel 47°

Hotel 47°

Reichenaustr. 17, Konstanz, Baden-Wuerttemberg
Hotel 47°
Gasthaus Adler

Gasthaus Adler

Mainaustraße, 161, Konstanz, BW
Gasthaus Adler
Hampton by Hilton Konstanz

Hampton by Hilton Konstanz

Line-Eid-Strasse 8, Konstanz, BW
Hampton by Hilton Konstanz
Schiff am See

Schiff am See

3 out of 5
William-Graf-Platz 2, Konstanz, BW
Schiff am See
See all 2,359 properties in Mainau Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Mainau Island

Mainau Island offers a range of enjoyable activities for visitors, including scenic walking paths and a delightful water playground for families. It's an ideal destination for a day trip, with plenty of kids' activities and a fun playground to keep the little ones entertained. Additionally, consider taking a boat trip to explore the stunning surroundings and enjoy the beauty of the island from the water.

Shopping

During your visit to Mainau Island, enjoy shopping at LAGO Shopping-Center Konstanz, just 4.8km away, featuring family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, Furthof Antikmobel GmbH and Bodensee Center, located 11 and 22.5km away respectively, offer unique finds and entertainment options.

Recreation

Experience relaxation at Bodensee-Therme Konstanz, where soothing body treatments await you. For a dose of outdoor fun, head to Schmuggler Bucht, a family-friendly playground perfect for enjoying nature. If you're feeling sporty, catch an event at Bodensee Stadium for an energetic vibe.

Adventure

Embark on a thrilling Radtour in Friedrichshafen, located 16.1km from Mainau Island, where you can soak in the stunning scenery on two wheels. For snow enthusiasts, Haldenlift Wintersulgen, 17.7km away, offers exhilarating skiing experiences. Dive into adventure at Wasserskipark Pfullendorf, 25.7km from Mainau, perfect for water sports lovers.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Theatre Konstanz, offering cultural performances just 4.8km from Mainau Island. For a thrilling evening, try your luck at Casino Constance, also 4.8km away, or enjoy a fun ride at Riesenrad am See, where the city lights create a magical atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Mainau Island

On your visit to Mainau Island in Konstanz, explore its charming harbor, rich archaeological sites, and beautiful churches. This picturesque destination offers a blend of culture and stunning scenery, perfect for beach lovers. Don't miss attractions like Mainau Island, Blumeninsel Mainau, Insel Mainau, and Schloss Mainau for an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of this exquisite locale.

  • Konstanz Harbor: Located 4.8km from Mainau Island, Konstanz Harbor offers stunning scenery and a relaxed beach vibe. Enjoy leisurely walks along the waterfront, indulge in local cuisine at nearby cafes, and take in the picturesque views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
  • University Konstanz: Situated 1.6km away, this modern university boasts a vibrant city atmosphere. Explore the campus, engage with students, and appreciate contemporary architecture, all while soaking in the lively energy that comes from being near a place of learning.
  • Basilika Birnau: Just 4.8km from Mainau Island, this beautiful church is rich in culture and history. Admire its stunning Baroque architecture and artwork, and take a moment to reflect in its serene surroundings overlooking Lake Constance.

Best time to go to Mainau Island

The best time to visit Mainau Island is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February34.3°F (1.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
June63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October50.5°F (10.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December35.2°F (1.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mainau Island

To save money on your trip to Mainau Island, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Booking a hotel about a month in advance can help secure better rates, and Mondays tend to be the cheapest days to stay. Look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia, and be sure to filter for "Eco-certified" hotels to find budget-friendly, sustainable options. Additionally, enjoy nearby free activities such as Meersburg Therme and Strandbad Horn to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Mainau Island are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Mainau Island is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Mainau Island is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Mainau Island is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay on Mainau Island with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.