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There are an array of things to do in Germany, with Mainau sharing quite a few of those!
Mainau, a blooming paradise on the shores of Lake Constance, beckons visitors to wander through its fragrant gardens like bees to honey.
With a vast array of activities that range from exploring the baroque-style palace to basking in the lush greenery of the butterfly house, Mainau offers a bouquet of experiences that will leave visitors buzzing with delight.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Mainau:
1. Castle and Gardens of Mainau
A historic castle and ornamental gardens located on the island of Mainau in Lake Constance, Germany.
What to see or do: Visit the castle’s rooms that showcase medieval and Baroque decorative elements. Stroll through the stunning gardens that are home to over 1,000 species of plants and feature numerous fountains and sculptures.
Don’t forget to visit the butterfly house and palm house.
Don’t miss: The views of Lake Constance from the castle’s terrace. The rose garden that has over 500 varieties of roses in bloom during the summer.
Insider travel tips: Purchase tickets online in advance. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved. Don’t forget insect repellent for the gardens.
2. Butterfly House
The Butterfly House in Mainau island is a tropical paradise that is home to over 80 exotic butterfly species from around the world.
What to see or do: As you step inside, you will be transported to a world of fluttering wings and vibrant colors. Watch these delicate creatures as they fly around and land on the plants and flowers inside the house.
Learn about the lifecycle of a butterfly and their habitat.
Don’t miss: The butterfly feeding sessions are a must-see. Watch as the butterflies come to life, stretching their wings and feeding off fruit placed around the house.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the Butterfly House on a sunny day as the butterflies are most active during this time.
3. Palm House
The Palm House is a stunning glasshouse located in the Mainau Island, near Lake Constance in Germany.
What to see or do: The Palm House offers visitors the chance to explore a lush tropical paradise, complete with exotic plants and vibrant flowers. Visitors can stroll through the winding paths, admire the stunning orchids and relax amidst the lush greenery.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the Victoria water lilies, which are among the world’s largest water lilies and are truly breathtaking.
Also, make sure to visit the butterfly house, where you can witness hundreds of colorful butterflies fluttering around.
Insider travel tips: – Try to avoid visiting on weekends, as it tends to get quite crowded.
4. Italian Rose Garden
Italian Rose Garden located on Mainau Island in Lake Constance, Germany.
What to see or do: Walk around and discover over 500 different types of roses including rare and historical varieties. There are also impressive fountains, sculptures, and seating areas to enjoy the stunning surroundings.
Don’t miss: Visit in June when the roses are in full bloom and the garden is at its most vibrant.
Insider travel tips: – Take a guided tour to learn more about the garden and its history.
5. Dahlienschau (Dahlia Garden)
A breathtaking dahlia garden located in Mainau, a small island on Lake Constance in Germany.
What to see or do: Walk through the colorful, vibrant garden and admire over 10,000 dahlias in full bloom. The garden covers an area of 6,000 square meters and includes over 250 different dahlia species.
Don’t miss: The annual Dahlia Show, where you can witness the most beautiful and exotic dahlias on display, all carefully cultivated by the Mainau gardeners.
Insider travel tips: Visit the garden in September when the dahlias are at their peak.
Also, be sure to take the time to explore the rest of Mainau Island, which features stunning parks, gardens, and a historical castle.
6. Children’s World Adventure Park
Children’s World Adventure Park is an outdoor playground located on the Mainau island, Germany.
What to see or do: – The park features various interactive play areas for children, including a giant slide, wooden towers, and a water play area.
Don’t miss: – The miniature village, which is a replica of a typical Baden-Württemberg village and a favorite among the kids.
Insider travel tips: – The park is free to enter but requires a ticket to use some of the attractions.
7. Mediterraneum (Mediterranean Garden)
Mediterraneum is a stunning Mediterranean garden located on the island of Mainau in Lake Constance.
What to see or do: The garden boasts a vast collection of exotic Mediterranean plants, including olive trees, citrus plants, agave, and palms. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden and enjoy the scenic views of the island and the lake.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the garden is the impressive collection of cacti, which ranges from small, delicate plants to tall and imposing ones.
Don’t forget to check out the impressive greenhouse with an extensive range of succulent plants and flowers.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit for the spring or summer months to get the best experience. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
Also, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning sights of the garden!
8. Bougainvillea House
A beautiful villa located on the stunning island of Mainau in Lake Constance, Germany.
What to see or do: Explore the lush gardens surrounding the villa, admire the exquisite architecture, and enjoy breathtaking views of the lake. Take a stroll through the rose garden, marvel at the butterfly house, or visit the palm house.
Don’t miss: The stunning bougainvillea covered façade of the villa, which provides the perfect backdrop for a photo. Make sure to also check out the gorgeous stained-glass windows and intricate details inside the villa.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere. Plan to spend several hours on the island to fully experience all it has to offer.
Dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes, as there is quite a bit of walking involved.
9. Spring Flowering Show
The Spring Flowering Show is an enchanting display of over a million tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other seasonal blooms on the picturesque island of Mainau in Germany.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll through the elaborate flower beds and themed gardens, surrounded by the serene waters of Lake Constance. Marvel at the colorful display of rare tulip varieties, including the Mainau Imperial Tulip, which is exclusively bred here.
Admire the fragrant aroma of the hyacinths and the vibrant blooms of the daffodils.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the “Sea of Flowers,” a stunning spectacle of thousands of tulips arranged in wave-like patterns. Also, check out the Butterfly House, where hundreds of exotic butterfly species flutter amid the colorful flora.
Head to the Palm House for a glimpse of exotic plants from around the world.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit early in the day to avoid the crowds and get the best photo opportunities. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen, as much of the island is open-air.
The Flowering Show takes place each year from late March through May, so check the dates before planning your trip. Avoid the weekends if possible, as they tend to be the busiest.
10. Autumn Flowering Show
The Autumn Flowering Show is a stunning event that takes place on the island of Mainau, Germany. It is a celebration of the beauty of autumn and the diverse colors and shapes of nature’s flowers.
What to see or do: During the Autumn Flowering Show, visitors can marvel at more than 10,000 chrysanthemums in full bloom.
The island is transformed into a sea of color with an array of autumn plants on display, including dahlias, asters, and heathers.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the incredible pumpkin exhibition, where visitors can see over 500 different types of pumpkins on display, in various shapes, colors, and sizes.
Visitors can also experience the beauty of Mainau’s autumnal forests and gardens, while taking in the serene views of Lake Constance.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit to the Autumn Flowering Show in the morning when there are fewer visitors, this way you can enjoy the colors and smells of the flowers without being overcrowded.
Also, consider wearing comfortable shoes as you may need to do a lot of walking. And finally, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beautiful scenery!
11. Fireworks Display
What to see or do: Get ready to be enchanted by the spectacular fireworks display at Mainau Island.
The island, situated in Lake Constance, comes to life with the colors and patterns showcased in the beautiful display of fireworks.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the captivating views of the fireworks from the island’s gardens – it’s a sight that you won’t forget in a hurry.
Insider travel tips: – Get there early to avoid the crowds, and enjoy a leisurely stroll in the stunning gardens and around the island before the fireworks begin.
12. Lakeside Promenade
A scenic walking path along the shores of Lake Constance in Mainau, Germany.
What to see or do: Enjoy stunning views of the lake and the picturesque island of Mainau while strolling along the promenade. Take a relaxing break on one of the benches or visit one of the nearby cafes or restaurants.
Don’t miss: Be sure to catch the sunset over the lake, as it provides a breathtaking view.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit during off-peak hours or season to avoid crowds and make the most out of your experience. Bring comfortable walking shoes as the pathway can be quite long.
Don’t forget your camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
13. Lighthouse and Observatory
Lighthouse and Observatory on Mainau Island, Germany.
What to see or do: Climb the lighthouse for panoramic views of Lake Constance and the surrounding area. Visit the on-site observatory to learn more about the stars and planets.
Don’t miss: The breathtaking sunsets from the top of the lighthouse.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful sunrise. Be sure to bring a jacket as it can get chilly at the top of the lighthouse.
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