The year-round pleasure cruises on Lake Constance offer breathtaking views of the lake and the Alps, fascinating insights into the local area and excellent food and drink.
You can see the sights from the water, take a ferry to Meersburg or Überlingen, or the catamaran to Friedrichshafen, travel back in time aboard the DS Hohentwiel – the only steamboat still in service on the lake – or the historical ferry, or sail into the future on a solar-powered boat...
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A wide range of cruises is on offer to suit all ages, including Easter brunch cruises, Advent and New Year’s Eve cruises, and the annual Flottensternfahrt, where vessels from all boat operators on Lake Constance meet on the lake to form the shape of a star. In addition to its regular pleasure cruises on Lake Constance, BSB also runs themed cruises, for example with a foodie theme or with live music.
Its ‘Überlinger See-Fahrt’ cruise takes in Constance, Meersburg, the Flower Island of Mainau, the Stone Age pile dwellings, and the pilgrimage church at Birnau, and showcases the many facets of the region.
Tip: The BSB has the perfect ship for your event – from company days out, product launches and conferences to anniversary celebrations, weddings and trade fairs.
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Three catamarans, Constanze, Fridolin and Ferdinand, provide holidaymakers and locals with a fast, convenient and direct way to get from Constance to Friedrichshafen and back. It takes them just 45 minutes to cross the lake and connect the two towns – every hour, throughout the year. The state-of-the-art catamarans feature a bistro, internet-enabled work areas and an open deck where passengers can enjoy stunning views of the lake and the Alps.
The catamarans can also be used by disabled people, and thanks to the central location of the landing stages, the main attractions, such as the Sea Life centre and the Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen, are just a short distance away.
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Every 15 minutes, around the clock and throughout the year, the car and passenger ferry crosses the 4.8 kilometres between Constance and Meersburg. During the 15-minute crossing on one of the six ferries, foot passengers, cyclists and drivers can enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and the Alps and enjoy a quick bite in the on-board café.
Popularly known as the ‘swimming bridge’, the ferry has connected the towns of Meersburg and Constance for more than 80 years...
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All year round, the fast and comfortable MS Seegold ferry transports passengers across the lake from Constance to Überlingen. The starting point is Wallhausen, a suburb of Constance. From April to September, the ferry completes the trip nine to twelve times a day. During the winter months, the timetable is adapted to the needs of the locals – from Monday to Friday between October and March, schoolchildren, students and workers can even commute by ferry.
Tip: The MS Seegold has barrier-free access and is suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bicycles.
Contact
Personenschifffahrt Giess und Giess GmbH
Seehang 2 | 78465 Konstanz-Wallhausen -
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These boat tours take passengers from Constance harbour along Seestrasse to the Bodensee-Therme spa and on to Lake Überlingen, and then back to Constance via the Swiss shoreline. The memorable trip aboard the Möwe takes around 45 minutes and promises breathtaking views of the lake and the majestic Alpine backdrop.
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Europe’s third-largest freshwater lake is home to what might be considered the continent’s prettiest historical paddle steamer. With its gleaming white canopy, shiny brass and polished mahogany, teak and cherry wood, it is a masterpiece of art nouveau design. Every detail on board forms part of an authentic and perfect whole, and the faithful restoration brings to life the steamer’s heyday as a playground for royalty.
In 1913, the Hohentwiel was launched as the seventh vessel of the Royal Württemberg State Railways. Count Zeppelin celebrated his birthday on her, and Wilhelm II of Württemberg invited the King of Saxony on a pleasure cruise on her. The Hohentwiel offers excellent cuisine and an on-board bar, and is ideal for a nostalgic cruise or event...
Contact
Historische Schifffahrt Bodensee
Hafenstrasse 15, A-6971 Hard -
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When it was launched in 1928, the Konstanz was the first car ferry on a European freshwater lake. After a break of several years, the ferry has been back in service since 2012. Lovingly restored by an association of local enthusiasts, the ferry is now a floating memorial to times gone by that takes passengers on cruises from the Imperia pier in Constance. If the weather is good, then drinks and small snacks from the grill are also available.
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The Sole Mio solar ferry has space for up to twelve passengers and provides scheduled tours and charter hire. Starting in Constance harbour, the tour takes in Kreuzlingen and part of the Rhine. One of the highlights of the trip is passing beneath all three of the bridges across the Rhine and enjoying the views across the lake to the Alps beyond and Constance’s old quarter. The ferry can be hired for weddings, birthdays, corporate events, stag and hen parties and many other festivities.
