Read the post to discover a city in Germany - modern and relaxing at the same time - very different from how the German people often paint themselves.
Lindau am Bodensee is a city located on the Lake Constance, Germany.
How to get to Lindau am Bodensee
If you decide to go to Germany by plane, you can book a flight to Zurich with Swiss Airline. On Lake Constance there is a small airport in Friedrichsahafen but it is only for domestic flights, the closest airport is Zurich.
The flight, in case you are leaving Catania like me, is direct (2:05 hours) but the timetable is not always the most comfortable: I left at 20:00 and when I arrived in Zurich there were no direct trains to reach Lindau.
On the other hand, if you leave in the morning you will find the EC-195 which will take you to your destination directly, without stopping, in an hour and forty-five minutes.
The train ride is very impressive: you will find yourself admiring out of the window many avant-garde cities of Switzerland (Winterthur, St. Gallen, St. Margrethen) and many open and green spaces, before arriving on the lake through Bregenz (Austria) and finally on theLindau island.
The arrival in the city
As soon as you get off the train you will immediately admire the station dating back to the First World War, still in perfect condition, and immediately after leaving you will be enchanted by the wonderful view of a very clean old town, which looks like it came out of a TV set and is somewhat reminiscent of Harry Potter's “Diagon Alley”.
Turn right and you will find the lake and the Lighthouse, the beautiful lighthouse with city clock, next to the statue of the Bavarian lion.
Accomodation
After recovering from your astonishment, you will notice the 5-star “Bayerischer Hof” and a whole series of hotels that dominate the island for the most part.
Right in front of the station is the hotel "Vis à Vis”, 3 stars, which I recommend from personal experience. The price is around 80 euros per night in the low season but, besides having a great location, it is very clean and full of comforts.
In the hotel you will only have the possibility to have breakfast but the staff is very cheerful and helpful and will help you find the right solution for you. Once they even called the employment agency for me, because they knew I wanted to stay there!
I have been in Lindau for 6 weeks and one of the most beautiful things I have discovered about this place is the availability and warmth of the people. I took a language course in the school of the island, obviously known by all the inhabitants, which is located inside a part of the station building. I highly recommend the "Dialoge" if you want to learn German in a fun way and without even realizing it.
A market that invades the city
If you go in early November, from 2 to 5, you can visit the Lindauer Jahrmarkt where the island turns into a gigantic market that invades all the small streets being able to taste Bratwurst, the famous German sausage sandwiches, while gazing at the multicolored Ferris wheel and hearing the laughter coming from the rides and the typical hat vendor stall. You may not understand what they will say but it does not matter because the cheerfulness of the German people is Holiday, days when you don't work (weekends), it's really contagious.
Speaking of German, I recommend that you study a few words before leaving or bring a phrasebook because not all Germans speak English or other languages ​​and, at times, it can be difficult to communicate. Do not despair, however, if you are not well versed in foreign languages ​​because you will meet many Italians and if not, go to the most famous Italian restaurant on the island: “Da Capo”, in Maximilianstraße.
Lindau at Christmas
If you prefer to wait for the famous Christmas markets, go to Lindau from 29 November to 16 December and you will find yourself immersed in the thousand lights attached to the trees of the Seepromenade, the port, and the hotels that contribute to enriching your evenings with a Christmas atmosphere.
On the weekends, while you admire the Mangturm, the 20 meter high tower from where you can see Rapunzel's long blonde braid, you will have the pleasure of listening to live music and drinking GlĂĽhwein, mulled wine, or a delicious hot chocolate.
The beauty of Lindau is that it borders on 2 countries: Austria and Switzerland. The Christmas market can be small at times, especially in comparison to the annual fair in early November, but many make a real journey moving from country to country and even from country to country to visit as many as possible. So, if the Christmas market in Lindau is not enough, you can also visit the one in Bregenz (Austria) or Friedrichshafen which are just a few minutes away by train.
Tour on Lake Constance
I also recommend, during your mornings on the island, to do a boat ride on the lake which is organized by BSB Betrieb. When the boat sets sail, you can enjoy a hot drink as you approach Austria and Switzerland to admire the landscapes on the lake. Cost of the ticket: 10 Euros.
A culture to discover
So what's so good about Lindau? Why should I go to Germany?
The answer is simple: Lindau is a city where it is easy to get around on foot or with the means, which for a do-it-yourself tourist is not cheap at all.
It is a place where you can't get lost because the roads and the means are connected in a simple way and therefore you will not find yourself stressed for the fear of not knowing how to go back.
In Germany there are many beautiful things, one of them is Lindau am Bodensee which, whatever part of the year you go, will overwhelm you with joy and serenity. It is not a place for clubs or nightlife but it is definitely a place place to breathe calm and escape from the real world.
But above all, go to Germany to find a people who are completely different from how they are painted many times. Go there to laugh with them at the bar over a beer while they tell you their anecdotes. Go to discover their culture, theirs medieval and colorful costumes, their short shorts and feathered hats, leaving you amazed by their complicated language that after a while will start to tear smiles.
Go to Germany curious as the Germans themselves are for other cultures and you will fall in love with that flag that sums them up perfectly.
