Mainau Island Tours

Mainau Island showing a lake or waterhole and bird life
Mainau Island featuring a garden
Mainau Island
Mainau Island
Mainau Island which includes 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 4 - Nov 10
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR) 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
Save 100% on your flight
per person
Sep 28 - Oct 1
found 20 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
New York (NYC) 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

Glärnischhof by Trinity

Glärnischhof by Trinity

4 out of 5
Zürich Center
Save 100% on your flight
per person
Nov 4 - Nov 10
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Newark Liberty Intl. Airport (EWR) to Zürich (ZRH)
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Very close to the river and all activities around central

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Popular places to visit

The Lake Dwelling Museum is one of the largest open-air museums in Europe. The pile-dwelling field "Unteruhldingen-Seewiesen", which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, lies 500 m south of the pile-dwelling museum. For almost 100 years the museum has been extended several times and comprises 23 reconstructed lake dwellings and two museum buildings. The archaeological museum, opened in 1922, shows reconstructions of pile dwellings from the Stone and Bronze Ages.

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
Hotel 47°

Hotel 47°

Reichenaustr. 17, Konstanz, Baden-Wuerttemberg
Hotel 47°
Hampton by Hilton Konstanz

Hampton by Hilton Konstanz

Line-Eid-Strasse 8, Konstanz, BW
Hampton by Hilton Konstanz
B&B Hotel Konstanz

B&B Hotel Konstanz

Line-Eid-Straße 2, Konstanz
B&B Hotel Konstanz
Schiff am See

Schiff am See

3 out of 5
William-Graf-Platz 2, Konstanz, BW
Schiff am See
ibis Konstanz

ibis Konstanz

3 out of 5
Benediktinerplatz 9, Konstanz, BW
ibis Konstanz
See all 2,358 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 in Konstanz offers a variety of activities, including scenic walking along picturesque boardwalks and immersive nature experiences. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and vibrant gardens that the island is known for, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and exploration. Don't miss the opportunity to connect with nature while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding area.

Food and drinks

Visit Staatsweingut Meersburg, a charming winery just 4 miles from Mainau Island, for a delightful experience. Enjoy local wines in a romantic setting, paired with seasonal dishes that showcase the region's unique flavors. It’s a perfect spot for food lovers seeking authentic German cuisine.

Shopping

For shopping on Mainau Island, visit LAGO Shopping-Center Konstanz, just 3 miles away, offering a vibrant mix of family and entertainment vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out Bodensee Center, located 14 miles away, and Furthof Antikmobel GmbH at 11 miles for unique antiques.

Recreation

Experience tranquility at Bodensee-Therme Konstanz, where rejuvenating body treatments and a serene atmosphere await you, just 3 miles from Mainau Island. For active relaxation, visit Bodensee Stadium for exciting sports events, or enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting at Golfclub Rochushof Deggenhausertal, located 13 miles away.

Adventure

At Haldenlift Wintersulgen, 11 miles from Mainau Island, enjoy thrilling skiing adventures amid stunning snowy landscapes. Experience excitement at Wasserskipark Pfullendorf, located 16 miles away, where you can indulge in water sports and outdoor fun. For a scenic escape, hike the Huguenot and Waldensian Trail, 18 miles from Mainau Island.

Nightlife

Mainau Island offers a charming nightlife with nearby attractions like Casino Constance, a romantic spot for gaming and city vibes, and Theatre Konstanz, perfect for family-friendly cultural entertainment. Don’t miss the Riesenrad am See for a fun amusement ride, all just 3 miles away!

Find the best attractions near Mainau Island

Mainau Island, located in Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg, offers a delightful blend of culture and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore the stunning Schloss Mainau and its beautiful gardens, enjoy the serene beaches, and discover the historic monastery nearby. This island paradise is perfect for those seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure, with attractions like Insel Mainau and the picturesque views of the Isle of Mainau enhancing your vacation experience.

  • Konstanz Harbor: Just 3 miles from Mainau Island, Konstanz Harbor offers stunning lake views and a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy the sandy beaches, stroll along the promenade, and indulge in lakeside cafes, making it perfect for relaxation and people-watching.
  • Meersburg Castle: Located 4 miles away, Meersburg Castle is a romantic medieval fortress with rich cultural history. Explore its captivating architecture and breathtaking views of Lake Constance, and immerse yourself in the tales of its past.
  • Basilika Birnau: This beautiful church, situated 3 miles from Mainau Island, showcases stunning baroque architecture and intricate frescoes. It's a cultural gem that offers a peaceful ambiance and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Best time to go to Mainau Island

The best time to visit Mainau Island can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Mainau Island falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Mainau Island falls in January, 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 SunnyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
June63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
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 LowSlightly Low
December35.2°F (1.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Mainau Island

Visiting Mainau Island on a budget is easy with some smart planning. Consider traveling in the off-peak months of January to February and November for lower accommodation rates. Look for free activities nearby, like Meersburg Therme and Kloster Hegne. Book your hotel about a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia for discounts. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive offers and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Use their search tool to find the best rates by sorting prices from lowest to highest.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Mainau Island are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Mainau Island about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the most affordable options and special offers, 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 by booking an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.