Tr avel report THE ALPS
the history and folklore surrounding the pungent product a passion of our knowledgeable guide.
The young guide and hop farmer is also an entrepreneur, having started a small microbrewery with a colleague in order to utilise their prized product. The range of delicious beers matched the jawdropping setting and the relaxing introduction to Lake Constance, or Bodensee, was complete.
But the area has much more to offer, not only because of the range of activities, but the number of surrounding countries on the traveller’s doorstep.
One nation, which I have to be honest I did not think I’d ever visit in my lifetime, was beautiful Liechtenstein.
A country with a population of just 38,000, Liechtenstein sits between Switzerland and Austria to the south of Lake Constance, but is easily accessible by public transport and is worth the trip for its incredible scenery and friendly atmosphere.
A personal highlight was a llama and alpaca trek in the mountainous countryside, which lends itself to seeing the stunning country at its best. After a stop in the capital, Vaduz, a short trip on the bus took us to see Marc, our guide for the trip.
His enthusiasm for the animals was infectious and their sweet nature made them delightful company as we gazed across at the jagged mountains.
An evening of wine tasting was the perfect way to end the day and the wine, which is not exported out of the doubly land-locked country, was superb.
We bid a fond farewell to Liechtenstein after a tour of the capital. The idyllic setting was peaceful and calming and the tightknit community was warm and welcoming.
Our next stop was Bregenz, an Austrian town bursting with culture.
The tranquil town is home to the annual Bregenzer Festspiele, a performing arts festival held every July and August.
The centrepiece of the festival is the floating stage placed delicately on to the surface of Lake Constance, which hosts an open-air opera during the festivities.
The idea began in 1946, when productions were performed on barges on the lake, and the festival grew over its 72 years into the wideranging arts festival hosted today.
The opera is performed to a 7,000-seater amphitheatre on the edge of the lake and, with the sun timed to set below the water during the show, all who attend can witness spell-binding performances enhanced by the evolving natural light.
It is a beautiful place to see explore from ground level, but a short cable car trip from the centre of Bregenz takes you up the mountain Pfander, where Bregenz, Lake Constance and the surrounding countries spill away below your feet.
Atop the mountain you are surrounded by picturesque views, from the calm lake set in front of Germany, to the snow-topped mountains of Switzerland and the rolling landscape of Austria. It’s a must-see and a beautiful place to share a traditional Austrian beer.
Our trip around the lake’s neighbouring countries concluded in Germany in a lakeside town called Lindau.
The historic town was quaint and peaceful way to round off our trip around Lake Constance.
An Aperol spritz by the port after a heavenly meal at the Strandhaus restaurant, with the water lapping soothingly behind us, capped a wonderful week in a gorgeous part of the world.
It will not be long until we revisit the area, not only to relive our experience, but to cover the vast array of other options available around Bodensee.
So whether it be a relaxing break you’re after, a whirl of water sports and activities, a cultural break or all of the above, Lake Constance and its surroundings could be the destination for you.