The Ultimate Guide (2024) to Meersburg, Germany on Lake Constance
Meersburg is a small town in the southwestern German state of Baden-Württemberg, also known as Meersburg am Bodensee in German. Located on the shores of the Bodensee (aka Lake Constance), it is surrounded by vineyards (with spectacular views of Switzerland and Austria). Whether you enjoy medieval castles, Disney-like stick-syle architecture, excellent dining, shopping or swimming, this little lakeside village might just be our new favorite german holiday destination.
Are you interested in visiting Meersburg, Germany?
Check out our post below for the best restaurants, the best places to stay, and the top things to do in Meersburg, Germany.
Follow along on our day trip to Meersburg Germany
Getting to Meersburg Germany:
Located in the just southeast of the Black Forest, Meersburg am Bodensee is located along the picturesque shores of Lake Constance. Whether you are traveling within the Black Forest; the Alsace region of France; Zurich, Lucerne or Basel Switzerland, or the Vorarlberg region of Austria; Meersburg is a great day trip.
Thankfully, regardless of which mode of transit you like to take, you have many options on how to get to Meersburg, Germany.
Meersburg Google Map Location
Traveling to Meersburg With Deutsche Bahn
Interested in traveling to Meersburg via train? Germany is extremely well connected by a high quality public transit system and offers easy connections with other neighboring countries.
However, Meersburg does not have it’s own train station. Rather, the nearest train station is Uhldingen-Mülhofen which is about 6 km away. Thankfully, there are good bus connections from both Friedrichshafen and Überlingen train stations. You can purchase tickets directly with the Deutsche Bahn App.
Deutsche Bahn is the national train service and also has an easy to use app which we highly recommend downloading.
Traveling to Meersburg by Car
Although the public transit system is affordable and easy to use, a car will let you experience more of what Germany has to offer. We chose to travel here by car simply because the curvy glass-like tarmac through the rolling hills is an experience in itself. Plus, parking is plentiful… but not free in Meersburg.
If you choose to drive to Meersburg, you will find parking in the numerous parking lots and garages in the city center and near the ferry terminal.
Parking costs vary according to day, time of day, and length of stay. However, the rates are largely very affordable.
If you are looking for free parking, your best bet is to drive just outside of town, near the city beach. Along Unteruhldinger Strase there are roughly 20 free street-side parking spots, but they go quickly.
Traveling to Meersburg by Ferry
In addition to train and car, you can also arrive to Meersburg by ferry.
Meersburg is the perfect location to visit other lake-side destinations. From Constance (Konstanz) to Freidrichshofen, there’s an abundance of activities to do and traveling by boat is by far the most romantic and picturesque route.
Lake Constance passenger ferries are run by BSB Die Bodensee Schifffahrt. Tickets may be purchased directly from their website or at their ticket office on the lake-front in Meersburg. Prices vary depending on desired destination or round-trip.
In addition, passenger and auto ferries regularly run between Meersburg and Constance (Konstanz) and are operated by Stadtwerke Konstanz. Prices vary depending on the number of passengers and size of vehicle. Once more tickets may be purchased directly from their website or at the ticket office near the port in Meersburg.
Getting Around Meersburg Germany:
Because Meersburg am Bodensee is a small town of just over 5,000 inhabitants, don’t expect to find a large interconnected network of public transit, like you would find in a major city.
While the city is not large, those who are elderly or with a disability might find that getting around the city to be a bit difficult. Because it is situated along a steep lake-side hill, the streets do have an incline and the town is stretched along the shoreline.
Top Things to do in Meersburg Germany:
You might be asking, “Is Meersburg worth visiting”? And to that we shout a resounding: Yes, yes it is! If you’re touring the Black Forest or Central Europe, make sure to stop at this picturesque lakeside treat. From Germany’s oldest inhabited castle, wineries, restaurants. beautiful architecture, and sunset cruises, there are a number of great things to do in Meersburg, Germany.
Here are some of our favorite places to visit in Meersburg, Germany.
Zeppelin Museum Meersburg
While one of the most infamous zeppelin museums is located in the neighboring town of Freidrichshafen, visitors to Meersburg can also see a great interactive Zeppelin Museum in Meersburg. Their exhibition features an array of technical and artistic items, original constructional pieces of airships, aluminium girders, gas pressure gauges, and navigational-communication instruments.
Ticket Prices:
Adults: 4 EUR
Children (up to 6 years): 2 EUR
Reduced rate for pupils, students, and seniors: 3,50 EUR
Groups of 20 persons or more: 3 EUR
View from Stattsweingut Meersburg overlooking Lake Constance (Bodensee)
Staatsweingut Meersburg
State wine has been available in Meersburg since 1803 and it’s a must see in Meersburg. By marrying wines from befriended Baden winegrowers with their own wines from Lake Constance, they have since kept their wine style and at the same time satisfy the growing demand.
The Staatsweingut offers entertaining, sociable and enjoyable wine tastings throughout their property: in the historic wooden barrel cellar of the winery, the heart of the winery, in the tasting room with a view over the lake to the Swiss Alps or in the former historic Heilig-Geist-Spital, where today the wine museum "vineum bodensee" is located.
We highly recommend stopping by their terrasse on a warm summer’s day. With views of the Swiss Alps and a refreshing glass of wine, you will be hard pressed to find a more relaxing place in town.
Old Castle
Did you know that Meersburg also features the oldest inhabited castle in Germany? That’s right!
"Die Meersburg" rises high above Lake Constance and its distinctive view makes it a landmark of the region.
Opened to the public at the end of the 19th century, it is one of the main attractions on Lake Constance, and a visit to the museum or its adjoining cafe is an unforgettable experience.
Visitors can enjoy more than 30 furnished rooms which bring the Middle Ages to life. You can see an old castle kitchen, the Dürnitz, the hall, the armory, knight's hall, castle dungeon, stable, torture chamber and much more.
The entrance to the castle is in the upper town, tickets are available from the gate guard (Schloßplatz 8).
Tickets:
Adults: 12,80 EUR (FYI: CASH ONLY)
Teens: (14-18): 10 EUR
Children (6-13): 8 EUR
Seniors, students and other categories may qualify for a 10% discount
New Castle
You cannot miss the iconic pink castle located in the heart of old town Meersburg. Locally called the “New Castle” its construction in 1750 until the bishopric was dissolved in 1803 it was the seat of the Prince-Bishop of Constance. Today the castle is home to several museums. In addition to the Town Gallery (Städtische Galerie) and the Dornier Museum, which take up the 2nd floor, the New Palace is also home to the Palace Museum of the Prince Bishops (Fürstbischöfliche Schlossmuseum) on the 3rd floor.
Cost:
Adults: 6,00 EUR
Discounted: 3,00 EUR
Familys: 5,00 EUR
Groups (from 20 people): 5,40 EUR
Take a Sunset Dinner Cruise
It would be a shame to come to the beautiful Lake Constance or the Bodensee and not enjoy all of the lake activities that the area has to offer. One of the best thing that both young and old alike can enjoy is a 2 hour dinner sunset cruise.
With an array of daily cruises, the local operator BSB Die Bodensee Schifffahrt offers a 2 hour sunset cruise for an unbeatable price. For only 21 euros per person, we enjoyed a 2 hour round trip "Buffalo Burger Cruise". Tickets included a buffalo burger (buffalo meat and buffalo mozzarella) and a side of salad or fries.
The cruise line also offers other dinner cruises at varying prices.
Tickets may be purchased directly from their website or at their ticket office on the lake-front in Meersburg. Prices vary depending on type of cruise.
Where to Stay in Meersburg Germany:
Meersburg has numerous accommodations for guests. From local guesthouses to luxurious hotels, you’re sure to find an accommodation that fits your budget while still feeling intimate and authentic.
Here are a couple of our recommendations.
Looking for Luxury: Hotel Villa Seeschau am Bodensee
von-Laßberg-Straße 12, 88709 Meersburg - +49 (0)7532 434490
With its blend of luxury, cosiness and future-oriented design, the Hotel Villa Seeschau am Bodensee offers you the best that you can expect from a relaxing Lake Constance holiday. With spectacular views of the lake and only a 5 minute walk from old town Meersburg, you are sure to enjoy a one of a kind hotel in Germany.
Please note, this is an adult only hotel.
Private & Quite: Romantik Hotel Residenz am See
Uferpromenade 11, 88709 Meersburg - +49 (0)7532 80040
Too often you have to pay extra to have spectacular views; but not with Romantik Hotel Residenz am See. Whether you choose a lakeside suite or a room overlooking the vineyard, this small, local hotel provides the perfect balance of local charm with world-class views.
Once more, this upscale, Mediterranean-style hotel is a 7-minute walk from both Burg Meersburg castle and Zeppelinmuseum Meersburg airship museum.
Off the Beaten Track: Der Löwen Hotel Restaurant Bäckerei Café
Hansjakobstraße 2, 88709 Hagnau am Bodensee - + 49 (0)7532 433980
Located in the neighboring town of Hagnau am Bodensee, if you’re looking for a place to stay that is largely tourist-free with your own private beach - this is it!
From affordable double rooms to a stately suite which features \stucco ceilings, historic parquet floors and panels and timelessly modern furnishings, this guest house totally revives the charm of a former official residence.
Oh and did we mention that in the morning you can come downstairs to a homemade breakfast with bread baked from their in-house bakery? Simply divine.
Budget Friendly: Hotel Weinstube Löwen
Marktpl. 2, 88709 Meersburg - +49 (0) 7532 43040
Let’s be honest. When you’re looking for a budget hotel, you normally are going to compromise on amenities and location. But that’s simply not the case at Hotel Weinstube Löwen.
Located in what can only be described as one of the most beautiful buildings in the entire town, the hotel features on-suite bathrooms, free breakfast, wifi and the perfect central location for under 100 euros per night.
Oh and did we mention that the in-house restaurant is one of the best in town? Be sure to make a reservation during your stay!
Black Forest Family Tip
Planning on exploring the neighboring Black Forest and are looking for a one-of-a-kind place to stay?
Check out our post on the 10 Most Unique Places to Stay in the Black Forest.
Where to Eat in Meersburg
Now any trip to Lake Constance or the Bodensee is not complete without a proper meal. And with an abundance of wineries and spectacular lakeside dining options, you’re sure to get a great meal during your visit to Meersburg Germany.
Here are some of our recommendations.
Steak & Wine (€€)
Stettener Str. 11, 88709 Meersburg
Contemporary design with traditional fare is the name of the game at Steak & Wine. Those looking for a great selection of meats (including local game and boar!) with a wide selection of expertly chosen wines are sure to not be disappointed.
Please note, they are only open from Tuesday to Saturday for dinner service from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Reservations are possible by phone.
Restaurant Seepromenade Meersburg (€€)
Seepromenade 14, 88709 Meersburg
There’s no shortage of restaurants along the lakeside promenade in Meersburg. But in our experience the best restaurants meet two criteria: 1) excellent food 2) welcoming atmosphere; and the Restaurant Seepromenade Meersburg meets both.
From fresh water fish to local wines to traditional German specialities, you can take in the spectacular views of Lake Constance during an unforgettable dining experience.
Winzerverein Meersburg - Kellereiverkauf (€)
Unterstadtstraße 11, 88709 Meersburg
Okay so “technically” you come here for a glass of wine, and not necessarily an entire meal. But if you aren’t already planning on heading to the Staatsweingut Meersburg, you definitely need to add this place to your itinerary.
Open during the summer months, this is THE spot to grab a glass of wine along one of the prettiest streets in Germany. When we visited on a Saturday evening in July it was PACKED with locals, and rightfully so. It's a must see in Meersburg.
Staatsweingut Meersburg (€€)
Seminarstraße 5, 88709 Meersburg
One of the best places we had the pleasure of visiting while in Meersburg. For those looking for a refreshing afternoon break, come to their beautiful panoramic terrace overlooking their house vineyards and Lake Constance.
In addition, you can also stay for a longer meal and enjoy dinner in their in house restaurant or a wine-tasting in their barrel room.
