Reichenau

A UNESCO World Heritage island in Lake Constance featuring three remarkable Romanesque churches from the 9th-11th centuries and a peaceful monastic atmosphere. It's one of Switzerland's most significant medieval religious sites and essential for culture enthusiasts.

Things to do

• Visit St. George's Church — Explore this 10th-century Romanesque church famous for its remarkable frescoes and crypt, located in the village of Oberzell.
• Tour St. Mary and Mark's Church — Discover the 9th-century basilica in Mittelzell with its impressive cloister and religious artworks spanning medieval periods.
• Walk the Reichenau Island Circuit Path — Follow the scenic 7 km walking trail around the island's perimeter offering lake views and access to small villages and orchards.
• Inspect St. Peter and Paul's Church — Visit the 11th-century Romanesque church in Niederzell featuring original stone carvings and a tranquil interior atmosphere.
• Explore the Reichenau Museum — Browse medieval manuscripts, religious artifacts, and exhibits documenting the island's monastic heritage and artistic traditions.
• Cycle Through Vegetable Fields — Rent a bike and navigate the island's agricultural landscape famous for traditional market gardening on the fertile lakeside soil.

Food to try

• Lake Constance Whitefish — Try the regional specialty of fresh whitefish caught from the lake, typically prepared simply grilled or pan-fried with local butter.
• Reichenau Vegetables — Sample fresh seasonal produce grown on the island's renowned market gardens, featured in local restaurants and farmers' markets.
• Bodensee Felchen Soup — Taste this traditional cream-based soup made with lake fish, popular in local restaurants as a warming regional dish.
• Apple Wine from the Region — Enjoy Apfelwein, the local hard cider made from apples grown in surrounding orchards, a traditional Lake Constance beverage.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Church Visiting Hours — Churches close for afternoon breaks and have specific service times; plan visits in mornings or early afternoons and dress modestly.
• Use Bicycles as Local Transport — The island is small and best explored by bike like locals do; car traffic is limited and cycling is the traditional way to navigate.
• Observe Monastic Quiet Hours — The island maintains a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere; keep noise minimal and respect the spiritual character of the heritage sites.