The island of Mainau is one of the most popular excursion destinations on Lake Constance. It is a multifaceted, floral paradise in every season and has a lot to offer garden lovers, families and those seeking relaxation. The Mediterranean character of the park that surrounds the baroque palace complex and church, the 150-year-old trees and the flower beds created with great inventiveness ensure a unique ambience on the flower island.
What awaits me on the flower island of Mainau?
The flower island of Mainau is a 45-hectare island in Lake Constance that is known for its impressive variety of flowers, the Mediterranean park, the baroque castle and the butterfly house. It is a popular destination for garden lovers, families and those seeking relaxation and offers numerous events and attractions.
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 via a 130 meter long bridge. The island also has a boat dock and can therefore be easily reached from all larger cities on Lake Constance.
Description:
The name of the island goes back to the Lord 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 even cultivate palm trees and many Mediterranean plants on the island.
Just like 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 Lake Constance for its diverse plant displays and the unique collection of lemon trees. Every year the beds are planted according to a different theme.
You can discover the island on your own or have an expert show you and explain it to you in up to ten languages.
Playgrounds and offers for kids:
Children have a lot to offer on the island of Mainau:
- Flower animals
- Farm with petting zoo
- a water world
- the great 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 little ones under 4 years of age.
Special features:
On the Mainau you can not only stroll between colorful flowers and Mediterranean trees. In Germany's largest butterfly house, which is open all year round, you can admire tropical plants and waterfalls as well as up to 80 different species of butterflies. Another visitor magnet is the palm house at the castle, in which more than 20 species of palm trees spread holiday flair.
The highlights of the numerous events include the count's festivals. The island festival in June invites you to “stroll, shop and enjoy”. Discover the latest trends for garden lovers and high-quality decorative items for indoors and outdoors. Handicrafts as well as delicacies and spice stands round off the diverse offering.
On the occasion of the castle festival in October, Count Bernadotte opens rooms in the castle that are otherwise inaccessible. Carefully selected suppliers present exquisite and exclusive items from the areas of jewelry, fashion and accessories in this unique environment.
The roots of the Bernadotte family lie in Sweden. That's why Swedish traditions are maintained on the Flower Island. This also includes the Midsummer Festival, which takes place on June 22, 2019.
Concerts, seminars and gourmet experience days round off the diverse event program.
Entrance fees:
| Category | Flower Year | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Children up to and including 12 years | free | free |
| Pupils and students | 12, 50 EUR | 6, 50 EUR |
| Adults | 21, 50 EUR | 10, 50 EUR |
| Travel groups of 10 or more people | 17 EUR | 8, 50 EUR |
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 speci alties.
Tip
The route across the Mainau can be quite strenuous for children. That's why there is a free handcart rental service on the island. Perfect for taking part in the Mainau children's treasure hunt. There are clues hidden all over the island that the kids have to look for in order to guess a solution word and discover the treasure in the archway building.
