According to ZIPCODESEXPLORER, Constanta is a charming town on the shores of Lake Constance at the source of the Rhine, which divides it into two parts: on the left (south) bank of the river is the historical part of the city, on the right – a more extensive modern one. Everything here is slow and sedate, it seems that the locals do not work at all, which is very strange for a German city. You can drink a cup of mochiato in a cozy cafe, take a walk along the shore of the lake, sit on wooden walkways with your feet in the clear water, and admire the yachts against the backdrop of landscapes. Along the coast there are many green lawns for picnics, which are actively used by locals and tourists. In the evening, the measured pace is replaced by the noise of numerous bars and discos.
Konstanz borders on the Swiss Krenzlingen, forming a single urban space with it. At the same time, there is border control between them, although simplified, a different currency operates, although in practice both francs and euros are accepted in both cities. Having a visa, you can cross the border, but Krenzlingen is not very interesting for tourists: there are no attractions in it, and prices are much higher than in Konstanz.
History
The settlement here arose during the time of the Roman Empire, so it was named either in honor of Emperor Constantius I, or in honor of his grandson Constantius II. In the Middle Ages, the city was a major center of Christian life: many churches were built, and the rotunda of St. Mauritius with a copy of the Holy Sepulcher became an object of pilgrimage. At the beginning of the 15th century, it was in Constanta that the Church Council took place, when Emperor Sigismund put an end to the schism, resolving the conflict between the secular and church authorities. At the same time, Jan Hus was burned here, which caused the Hussite wars. At the same time, Konstanz stood on the trade route, produced and actively sold bleached canvas, and therefore flourished. Then the historical center was formed with the main sights that were not damaged during the Second World War.
How to get to Constanta
The nearest airport is located 25 km away, in Friedrichshafen, where many airlines fly from Moscow and St. Petersburg with one or two transfers (for example, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines). Travel time is at least 6 hours. The airport has a Friedrichshafen Flughafen station, from where trains and buses leave for Konstanz, the journey time is about 1.5 hours. You can view the schedule and buy tickets at the office. carrier’s website (in English). You can fly to Memmingen, it will be cheaper, as it is mainly used by low-cost airlines. From the airport you need to take bus number 2 to the bus station, opposite which is the railway station. Trains run frequently from there to Konstanz, the journey time is 3 hours.
The nearest major cities – Munich, Stuttgart, Strasbourg – 150-200 km.
Transportation
The main public transport in Constanta is buses. From the pier every 15 minutes a ferry leaves for Meersburg, which transports, among other things, cars. In general, Konstanz has a water connection with many cities on the shores of Lake Constance. Bicycles are popular here, and there are several rental offices throughout the city.
Hotels in Constanta
A tourist with any preferences and possibilities will find accommodation in Constanta. A bed in a dormitory room in a hostel will cost an average of 60 EUR, and prices for a double room in “low-star” hotels start from 89 EUR. Those who are not constrained in their means can stay in a 5 * hotel with swimming pools, a sauna, a beauty salon and a restaurant marked with a Michelin star: a luxurious double room costs 350-400 EUR per day. Apartments are popular here, there are middle price categories, and there are penthouses overlooking the lake. There are many campsites that are convenient for those traveling in their own car. An overnight stay for one adult will cost an average of 7 EUR. A parking place or a tent is paid separately.
Having settled in the historical center, you can explore in detail all the sights of Konstanz, but if the main goal is natural beauty and solitude, it is better to choose hotels in the eastern part of the city, on the shores of Lake Constance.
Cuisine and restaurants
There are a lot of cafes in Constanta with tables on the street, where tourists and locals slowly sip coffee and soft drinks, eat local cuisine. Establishments on the shore of the lake are especially popular.
Mostly German cuisine is presented on the menu, but these are not the familiar Munich sausages and sauerkraut shanks, here the culinary traditions are more refined. Many dishes from fresh lake fish, sauces and desserts – the proximity of France affects. You should definitely try the Black Forest cherry cake, known to us as the “Black Forest”.
A three-course lunch at a local cafe will cost 20-30 EUR, a combo in fast food establishments – 7-10 EUR.
Attractions and entertainment in Constanta
Tourists are attracted by the historic center with half-timbered houses, narrow streets and preserved parts of defensive structures (the towers of the Rhine Gate Rheintorturm and Powder Bismarcktrum). One of the main attractions is the Romanesque-style Munster Cathedral with an observation tower, which you can climb for 2 EUR. The city theater of the early 17th century has been preserved. Seekers of cultural life will appreciate the Southwest Philharmonic, many galleries and museums: Jan Hus and the Land Archaeological Museum, the Rossgarten Historical Center of Culture and Art K9.
As in any resort town, there is an embankment where shops, bars, and clubs are concentrated. There is also the Sea Life aquarium (off. site in English) and the Bodenseetherme thermal baths on the lake. This is a complex of three swimming pools with a water slide, spa, recreation areas with a playground.
A huge sculpture “Empire” is installed in the harbor, turning around its axis every 4 minutes. In her hands she holds figures in the imperial crown and papal tiara, symbolizing secular and ecclesiastical power. Author Peter Link created it, inspired by Balzac’s account of the 15th century Church Council. The sculpture is huge: 9 m in height and 18 tons in weight.
After 23:00, the lights in Constanta go out, but anyone can turn them on by pressing the button on the pole.
Many airships fly in the sky over Constanta, this is a kind of symbol of the city. Their inventor Ferdinand von Zeppelin was born here, to whom a monument is erected in front of the Konzil Trade Court, where the Cathedral was held, and now a cultural center.
The noisiest holiday is the Fastnacht carnival before the start of Lent. In July, they celebrate the wine festival, in August the Seenachtfest music festival with fireworks, in the fall they organize their own Oktoberfest and jazz autumn concerts.
