Reichenau Island sits in the Bodensee (Lake Constance) and was one of the most important Benedictine monastic centres in the early medieval world, a status recognised by its UNESCO World Heritage listing. Three Romanesque churches survive from the monastery's ninth- to eleventh-century heyday: the Minster of St. Mary and St. Mark, with its treasury of illuminated manuscripts, St. George's Church in Oberzell with rare Carolingian wall paintings, and St. Peter and St. Paul in Niederzell. Beyond the churches, the island today is intensively cultivated with vegetable gardens and greenhouses that supply produce across the region, and a walk or cycle around the shoreline takes in lake views, orchards and small harbours. A half-day visit allows time to see at least two of the three churches along with a walk through the garden landscape; the small museum in Mittelzell adds historical context. Summer is the most rewarding season, when the vegetable fields are in full growth and lake-view cafes are open, though it also brings the most day-trippers from Konstanz.
| Admission | Free (island); museum entry €5 (~$5.40) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Island always accessible; museum Tue-Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Typical visit | Half day |
| Best time | Summer for vegetable gardens and lake views |
| Getting there | Bus 7395 from Konstanz Hauptbahnhof, 25 min |
| Address | Reichenau, 78479 Reichenau, Germany |
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Location
Reichenau, 78479 Reichenau, Germany
47.6989, 9.0578 View on map
Highlights
- Romanesque Minster of St. Mary and St. Mark
- Carolingian wall paintings in St. George's Church, Oberzell
- Working vegetable gardens and greenhouses across the island
- Lakeside paths with Bodensee views
Tips for visiting
- Rent a bicycle in Konstanz to cover all three churches and the shoreline in a day
- The museum in Mittelzell provides useful context before visiting the churches
- Buy island-grown produce at roadside stands in summer
- Check church opening hours in advance as they vary between the three sites
When to visit
Summer brings the vegetable gardens into full growth and keeps lakeside cafes open, though it also draws the most day-trippers.
Accessibility
The island's roads and church forecourts are mostly flat and reachable by bicycle or car, but some church interiors have raised thresholds or stairs to crypts that limit wheelchair access.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Reichenau Island take?
A half day allows time to see two or three of the Romanesque churches plus a walk through the garden landscape.
Is it worth it for kids?
Children generally enjoy the open-air setting and vegetable gardens more than the church interiors.
Is photography allowed in the churches?
Photography without flash is generally permitted in the church interiors, though some areas with fragile wall paintings restrict it.