Monastic Island of Reichenau

Reichenau Island, the "Monastic Island" in Lake Constance near Konstanz, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. It preserves three Romanesque churches whose origins reach back to a Benedictine abbey founded in the 8th century, set among vegetable fields, greenhouses and lakeside paths. For travelers interested in early medieval art and European history, it is one of the most rewarding day trips in southwestern Germany, best explored on foot or by bike.

Where it is and how to get there

Reichenau lies in Lake Constance (Bodensee) just west of Konstanz, in the state of Baden-Württemberg, close to the Swiss border. Zurich is the nearest major international airport.

• By train: Take a regional train to Reichenau (Baden) station on the Konstanz–Radolfzell–Singen line, then a bus across the causeway. Bus line 204 loops around the island. Regional services are covered by the Deutschlandticket.
• By car: Use the B33 between Konstanz and Radolfzell. There is parking on the island and a park-and-ride lot near the causeway.
• By boat: From spring to fall, scheduled boats between Konstanz and Schaffhausen stop at the island.

Why it matters

In 724, the missionary bishop Pirmin founded a Benedictine abbey here, which became one of the leading intellectual centers of the Carolingian world. Scholars such as Walafrid Strabo, who wrote his garden poem "Hortulus" here around 841, and Hermann of Reichenau worked on the island. In the 10th and 11th centuries its scriptorium produced magnificent illuminated manuscripts, now listed in UNESCO's Memory of the World register. The island celebrated the abbey's 1,300th anniversary in 2024. Since 1838 a causeway lined with poplars has linked Reichenau to the mainland.

What to see

• Minster of St. Mary and St. Mark (Mittelzell), consecrated in 816, the former abbey church. Its treasury holds a shrine with relics of St. Mark.
• Monastery gardens next to the minster, modeled on the medieval St. Gall plan, free to visit at any time.
• St. George's Church (Oberzell), famous for 10th-century wall paintings of the life of Christ. From May to September, visits are by guided tour only, to protect the murals.
• St. Peter and Paul (Niederzell), founded in 799, with 12th-century apse paintings.
• Museum Reichenau, spread over three sites, covering monastic and village history.
• The Hochwart viewpoint, the island's highest point, with views to the Alps on clear days.

Tips for your visit

The island is only about 1.7 square miles (4.3 km²), and a mostly flat circular path makes it perfect for cycling; bikes can be rented locally. Allow at least half a day, ideally a full day. Reichenau is also known for its vegetables, lake fish and local wine, so plan a meal at one of the island's restaurants. Opening hours for the churches, treasury and museum, as well as English-language tour options, are available from the tourist office on Pirminstraße. The free "zeigmal" app offers multimedia discovery tours of the island.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you enjoy medieval art or want a quieter alternative to the busier Lake Constance towns. Even on busy summer days, the fields and lakeshore paths feel calm. It pairs easily with Konstanz for a day trip from Zurich or Stuttgart.

Nearby

• Konstanz, with its old town and Council Building.
• Mainau Island, the "flower island."
• Wollmatinger Ried nature reserve at the causeway.