Mainau, Flower garden island in Constance, Germany
Mainau is a 45-hectare inland island on Lake Constance that features expansive gardens planted with tulips, roses and dahlias, as well as Mediterranean species housed in several greenhouses. The baroque palace from the 18th century stands at the center of the grounds, overlooking terraced flowerbeds and tree-lined pathways.
The Teutonic Order held the island from the 13th to the 19th century and built the baroque palace that still defines its center. Count Lennart Bernadotte acquired the property in 1932 and began opening it to the public, shaping the garden landscape visitors see today.
The island takes its name from an ancient monastery that once occupied its shores, though today it serves as a living garden where families stroll through seasonal displays. Locals refer to it simply as the flower island, a reputation earned through decades of careful planting and renewal.
The island opens daily from sunrise to sunset and can be reached by a footbridge or seasonal boat service from the mainland. Visitors should plan several hours to walk through the different garden sections, as paths wind across the entire property from the palace down to the lakeshore.
The butterfly house shelters 120 species of tropical butterflies that fly freely among visitors in a climate-controlled space. On warm afternoons, the butterflies often land on visitors' shoulders or hands if they remain still for a moment.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
