Germany – Lindau

Lindau is a Bavarian town and an island in the eastern part of the Lake Constance, the Bodensee. It is the capital of the Landkreis or rural district of Lindau. The historic city of Lindau is located on a 0.68-square-kilometre (0.26 sq mi) island, which is connected with the mainland by bridge and railway. The name Lindau was first mentioned by a monk from St. Gallen in a document of 882, stating that Adalbert, Count of Raetia, had founded a nunnery on the island. However remains of an early Roman settlement dating back to the 1st century have been found in the district of Aeschach. The Lake Constance - "Bodensee" is the German word - is located between Germany, Austria and Switzerland. On the Swiss side are the famous Rhine falls, best reached from Schaffhausen. The lake area has one of the warmest summer microclimates in the country.

There are many outdoor activities that one can do including water sports sailing and hiking. There are many beautiful resort towns along its shores notably Meersburg which is surrounded by vineyards and which has half-timbered houses and the oldest castle in Germany. You can also visit the islands of Mainau (lush tropical vegetation) and Reichenau (ancient monastery) near Konstanz at the western end of the lake or Lindau or Bregenz at the eastern end if you have a chance. There is ferry service across the lake from Friedrichshafen into Switzerland. Clemens sent me this card.