Famous route

Lake Constance Circuit

Lake Constance is shared by Germany, Austria and Switzerland and has a shoreline of about 273 km. A circuit crosses borders, with campsites on all three shores and strict rules on wild camping.

Region: Germany, Austria, Switzerland
Length: Shoreline about 273 km
Lakes: Obersee and Untersee
UNESCO: Reichenau island
Best season: Late spring to early autumn

What should you know before visiting Lake Constance Circuit?

No motorway tolls or vignettes expected for a car.

Of the 273 km of shore, about 173 km are German, 72 km Swiss and 28 km Austrian. The Obersee is the large eastern part, the Untersee the smaller western one.
On the German shore wild camping is largely banned, including parking a motorhome or car on public land to sleep. Fines can be high, especially in nature reserves. Use campsites or Stellplätze.
Car ferries link Konstanz with Meersburg and Romanshorn with Friedrichshafen. They shorten the circuit. Fares depend on vehicle length, so check timetables and limits with the operators.
Border rules, road tolls and vehicle regulations differ between the three countries. Check the official pages of each state before you travel.

The drive

The main towns are Konstanz, Friedrichshafen, Lindau, Bregenz, Überlingen and Kreuzlingen on the Obersee, and Radolfzell on the Untersee. The Alpine Rhine enters the lake near Bregenz, and the High Rhine leaves it in the west. Reichenau, the largest island, lies in the Untersee and its abbey churches are a UNESCO site. Plan the circuit as several short legs, since shoreline towns are close and traffic builds up in summer.

Camping

In Baden-Württemberg the nature conservation law bans driving and parking motor vehicles and pitching tents in open countryside, and fines are higher in nature reserves. Sleeping in a vehicle on a public car park is a grey area that local authorities often prohibit. The lake tourism site says Switzerland and Austria enforce wild-camping rules even more strictly. Campsites exist in all three countries. Book ahead in summer and check each site's size limits.

FAQs

How long is the shore of Lake Constance?

The shoreline is about 273 km: roughly 173 km in Germany, 72 km in Switzerland and 28 km in Austria. The lake covers about 536 km², and the exact borders in the lake are disputed.

Can I wild camp at Lake Constance?

In practice no. On the German side it is largely banned, and the state nature law prohibits parking vehicles and pitching tents in open countryside. Use a campsite or Stellplatz, and ask landowners if you want private land.

Are there car ferries on the lake?

Yes. Car ferries run between Konstanz and Meersburg and between Romanshorn and Friedrichshafen. They can cut a long drive. Check the operators for timetables, vehicle size limits and queues in peak season.