Camping with children at Lake Constance

It is not for nothing that Lake Constance is called the "Swabian Sea". Flattened lake beaches, child-friendly exhibitions and the Lake Constance cycle path offer variety for the whole family. A large number of facilities in the border triangle are geared towards holidays with children, so that every member of the family can enjoy a holiday on picturesque Lake Constance. 22 ADAC-approved campsites are located directly on the lake, but pitches at higher altitudes also offer breathtaking views.

Destinations

There are good family campsites in each of the three countries around Lake Constance. The Austrian Voralberg offers three campsites that have been tested by the ADAC. In Switzerland, the ADAC recommends five campsites. On the Bavarian and Baden-Württemberg side of Lake Constance, there are the most facilities due to the large amount of land. These are more suitable for camping with children on Lake Constance as they are larger and more elaborately designed. Campsites that are close to the three towns of Lindau, Constance and Friedrichshafen can be particularly useful for bridging rainy days.

This includes the Glitzenweiler Hof campsite near the historic town of Lindau. Here, a whole team and the mascot, the elephant FANY, are responsible for the little ones. The programme includes a craft session, campfires, night walks and a children's disco. The site also offers a heated outdoor pool, a natural playground, a canoe pond with canoe hire, a football pitch and beach volleyball court, a table tennis court and a trampoline. Highlights for children include the petting zoo, the pony farm, an organic show garden and the lending library. A perfect family campsite on Lake Constance, the Gaienhofen Horn campsite is located very close to the student town of Constance. The site offers a children's circus. The whole family can also explore the lake on the water at the Lake Constance sailing camp or cycle along the Lake Constance cycle path thanks to the bike and e-bike hire service. However, the proximity to Constance proves to be a particular advantage, as the small town on the Swiss border offers an interesting diversion for children with Sea Life Constance.

Top tips

• Campsites usually have a night-time quiet period from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. to allow guests, and ideally children, a good and restful night's sleep. A midday rest period is also usually part of the campsite rules so that small children can take an undisturbed nap.
• How child-friendly is a campsite? To find out, it's worth visiting the campsite's website to find out what facilities are available for children. However, it's not just the facilities that are important, but also how child-friendly the staff are. To find this out, you can do some research on review portals. The provision of nappies and wet wipes for the little ones as well as a baby travel cot, baby monitor, high chair, babysitting service and a microwave for preparing baby food shows that the campsite is well equipped for children. An adventure world and childcare also make holidays easier. Furthermore, washbasins at child height and miniature toilets and showers are an indication of child-friendliness.
• Even though the sun may seem mild in the Lake Constance region, it should not be underestimated. Children and adults should always apply sun cream in summer. Sun protection and drinking plenty of fluids are also essential. Despite the mild climate, there may be the odd rain shower, so don't forget your rain jacket and wellies. However, most campsites also have a small shop where you can do your shopping without much effort if necessary.
• Exciting sailing regattas and rowing competitions take centre stage at the International Lake Constance Weeks in May. The four-day supporting programme directly on Constance's harbour promenade offers water ski shows, food stalls and a Ferris wheel.

Activities and excursions

Swimming in the lake, boating, discovering fish or cycling: Lake Constance offers numerous activities for families.

Discover the islands

The fruit and vegetable island of Reichenau can be discovered on foot or by bike. Enjoy a picnic on the lakeshore with fresh fruit and vegetables from one of the local farmers and take a dip in the lake at the lido. The 45-hectare flower island of Mainau is also well worth a family outing. Count Lennart Bernadotte transformed it into a blooming flower garden with an imposing castle. The little ones can learn more about the island on a special children's tour. Pony riding is also a highlight.

Explore the region - by bike and boat

The Lake Constance cycle path can also be discovered in stages on day trips. Between the lake and picturesque villages, the scenery seems perfect. Once your little feet are tired, day tours can also be combined with boat trips. Many of the passenger ships and the ferry between Meersburg and Constance take cyclists. Definitely an unforgettable experience for children.

Where the fish live

At SEA LIFE Constance, children and adults can find out how and where aquatic animals live. There are 3,500 animals in more than 35 tanks from all over the world in the aquarium. A special highlight are the ten gentoo penguins from the Antarctic. When you buy a ticket, admission to the Lake Constance Nature Museum, which is located in the same building, is also included. Here you can learn interesting facts about the flora and fauna of the Lake Constance region.

Events

• The Lake Constance region is colourful and diverse. There are numerous events, especially in the beautiful summer months. Families and children also get their money's worth.

June

• Cross-border flea market Constance (D)/Kreuzlingen (CH): The 24-hour flea market invites you to stroll, rummage and shop. It is one of the largest and most beautiful flea markets in southern Germany.

July

• Kulturufer Friedrichshafen: Over 200 artists invite you to a colourful festival. This includes two tents, the music shell, the open-air cinema, street theatre, a fairytale tent, the Jugend-KULT-Ufer, an action meadow, an arts and crafts market and culinary delights.

August

• Lake Night Festival Constance: open-air festival with one of Europe's largest firework displays as a highlight.