Lindau, Harbor town on Lake Constance, Germany
Lindau is a district town on the Bavarian shore of Lake Constance, with its old quarter situated on an island connected to the mainland by two access routes. The harbor with its two landmarks, the lighthouse and the Bavarian lion statue, forms the eastern edge of the island and opens the view across the water toward the Alpine range beyond.
The settlement began as a monastery in the 9th century and later acquired town-like rights within the Holy Roman Empire. After centuries of self-rule, the area became part of the Kingdom of Bavaria in the early 19th century and evolved into a regional administrative center.
The historic core on the island shows narrow lanes lined with townhouses from different centuries, where shops and inns now shape everyday life. On warm days, locals gather along the lakeside promenade as small boats dock in the harbor and the house facades reflect in the water.
The island old town is best explored on foot, as lanes and squares are largely closed to motor traffic. From the mainland, a causeway and a bridge lead onto the island, with parking areas located before the entrance to the pedestrian zone.
The harbor entrance is guarded by a stone lion, considered the largest Bavarian lion statue, gazing from the shore across the expanse of the lake. Visitors can climb to the top of the neighboring lighthouse and take in the island, the water, and the Alps in a single sweeping view.
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