Spanning Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Lake Constance sits in the beating heart of central Europe. The site of human presence for thousands of years, Lake Constance is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, from ancient lake dwellings to medieval abbeys, as well as Baroque palaces, modern art museums and open-air and other exciting festivals.

Better known as Lake Bodensee to locals, this region is not only rich in culture and heritage, but it also allows for easy travel between many countries, including nearby Liechtenstein.

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One of World’s Oldest, Most Beautiful Libraries

At eighth-century Abbey Library of St. Gallen, Switzerland, you’ll walk amongst more than 170,000 priceless manuscripts and illuminated texts. Tickets are about $22.75.

Largest Lakeside Party in Europe

Konstanzer Seenachtfest, held Aug. 8 this year, is known as the largest lakeside party in Europe, transforming the harbor and lakeside into a major, open-air festival site with live music, food and market stalls, fireworks and, new this year, a drone show.

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Contemporary Art Museums

Kunstmuseum in Liechtenstein is a bold artsy museum in Vaduz, showcasing international modern and contemporary art in minimalist architecture (open Tuesday–Sunday). Over in Austria is Kunsthaus Bregenz, one of Europe’s most respected spaces for modern art, hosting rotating exhibitions (open Tuesday–Sunday). Kunstforum Hundertwasser in Lindau, Germany, meanwhile, centers around Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. This museum only features rotating exhibitions on the artist until 2029.

Prehistoric Pile Dwellings

Across both the German and Swiss sides of Lake Constance are lakeside settlements dating back more than 5,000 years. In Unteruhldingen is Pfahlbauten Museum, offering immersive exhibitions and reconstructed dwellings (open March–November).

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Opera on World’s Largest Floating Stage

Bregenz Festival (July 22–Aug. 31) celebrates its 80^th anniversary this year, promising spectacular new productions set against the dramatic backdrop of Lake Constance.

Preserved Monastic Island

The island of Reichenau, Germany, was once the spiritual center of Europe, home to three early medieval churches with walking paths, original frescoes and monastic gardens. Guided tours and visitor centers are open year-round.

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Germany’s Oldest Inhabited Castle

Burg Meersburg, situated above Lake Constance, is Germany’s oldest inhabited castle. Open to the public (March–November), visitors can wander through grand halls, dungeons and armories dating back to the seventh century.