Here on Lake Constance, it’s easy to stay active, discover new things, experience nature and the surrounding area, and let yourself be inspired. You can cycle or ride an e-bike along the lakeshore, paddle a canoe around Reichenau Island, hike through the expansive, open forests of the Bodanrück, play golf, or glide across Lake Constance with full sails. Whatever you’re looking for to balance out your conference or seminar—it’s possible here, and usually right nearby.
Activities & Attractions at a Glance
Discover the best recreational activities and attractions in the area around the Hotel St. Elisabeth on Lake Constance. Simply select the topic that interests you.
Recreational Activities
Cycling
During your stay, you can rent bicycles and e-bikes (for a fee). We also offer a bike garage for bicycles you bring with you and an e-bike charging station.
Swimming
During your vacation, conference, or retreat stay, enjoy exclusive access to our monastery’s private lakeside property, complete with a bathing house and more. Nearby, you’ll find the Hegne beach and campground, complete with a kiosk, restaurant, and more. In Konstanz, you can visit various swimming facilities, such as the Bodensee-Therme Konstanz.
Mainau Adventure Forest
The MAINAU ADVENTURE FOREST is much more than just an ordinary climbing course. Climbing enthusiasts of all ages, adventurers, nature lovers, and those who simply want to enjoy themselves can spend a fun-filled day here surrounded by beautiful nature.
Hiking
Why not discover the beautiful scenery around Lake Constance while hiking? You can hike at a leisurely pace through the mostly flat terrain with few inclines and still enjoy stunning views. The local flora and fauna await you. The peace and tranquility of this unique landscape will captivate you—so head to Lake Constance!
Canoeing
The Untersee is a true canoeing paradise. Especially from the lake, you’ll constantly discover new views of coves, islands, and small harbors! Connect with nature at every turn… and of course, there’s plenty of room for a little competitive spirit! Fun is guaranteed!
Golf
The Konstanz Golf Club, located just a few minutes from Hegne, offers summer greens year-round in a mild lakeside climate.
Sailing
Sailing on Lake Constance is a truly memorable vacation experience—whether you’re a beginner or an expert, prefer a leisurely cruise or sailing in strong winds—the lake offers ideal conditions.
Pfiffikuss
Herbal Adventure Garden. We invite you to embark on a journey of discovery featuring over 100 unique medicinal plants in their natural habitat.
Marienschlucht
The Marienschlucht is impressive with its steep rock faces and unspoiled nature. There are numerous hiking trails along the gorge path.
Sights
Hesse Museum in Gaienhofen
The Hesse Museum in Gaienhofen comprises two historic buildings that, together with a small chapel, form an idyllic village square. The former school and town hall now house the reception area and a cozy café.
Haus Dix Museum
At the Haus Dix Museum, you can explore the former home and studio of the famous painter Otto Dix. An audio guide takes you through the rooms, which have been preserved in their original state, and tells the story of the artist’s family.
Napoleon Museum Thurgau
The Napoleon Museum Arenenberg is located in the former exile residence of Queen Hortense and her son, Napoleon III. Discover magnificent salons and gain fascinating insights into the history of the Napoleonic family.
Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen
The Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen is the world’s largest museum dedicated to the history of airship travel. Original artifacts, interactive exhibits, and a faithful replica of a section of the LZ 129 Hindenburg airship make a visit there a special experience.
‘s Droste Museum in Meersburg
The Fürstenhäusle in Meersburg was once the home of the poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff. The rooms, furnished in their original style, and the magnificent view of Lake Constance make a visit here a special experience.
Unteruhldingen Pile-Dwelling Museum
Immerse yourself in the world of the Stone and Bronze Ages at the Pile-Dwelling Museum. Faithfully reconstructed pile dwellings offer fascinating insights into the lives of people who lived more than 3,000 and 6,000 years ago.
Cities and Pilgrimage Sites
Constance
Konstanz combines a historic old town, a vibrant city life, and a unique location right on Lake Constance. Landmarks such as the cathedral, the harbor, and the Council Building invite visitors to explore, as do the many cafés, restaurants, and shops.
Allensbach
Allensbach is idyllically situated on Lake Constance, offering beautiful lakeside paths and beaches, as well as a magnificent view of Reichenau Island. This charming town is perfect for walks, bike rides, and relaxing by the lake.
Meersburg
Meersburg captivates visitors with its historic old town, winding alleys, and impressive castle, which towers high above Lake Constance. The lakeside promenade, the small cafés, and the magnificent views make the town a popular destination for day trips.
Lindau
Lindau captivates visitors with its historic old town, which is situated on an island in Lake Constance. The famous harbor, with its lighthouse and lions, as well as the picturesque alleys and the lakeside promenade, invite you to explore and linger.
Bregenz (A)
Bregenz is located between Lake Constance and Mount Pfänder and combines culture, nature, and city life. The lakeside promenade, the historic Upper Town, and Mount Pfänder—which offers a sweeping view of Lake Constance—make the city a versatile destination for day trips.
Bregenz Festival (A)
The Bregenz Festival is famous for its spectacular opera performances on the world-renowned floating stage. Every summer, it combines impressive stage designs, music, and the unique backdrop of Lake Constance.
Schaffhausen (CH)
Schaffhausen captivates visitors with its historic old town, ornate facades, and the Munot Fortress. Nearby are the Rhine Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Europe.
Stein am Rhein (CH)
Stein am Rhein is known for its picturesque old town with its artistically painted house facades. Historic buildings, narrow alleys, and its location right on the Rhine give the town its special charm.
St. Gallen (CH)
St. Gallen combines a vibrant city life with an impressive history. The famous Abbey Quarter, with its cathedral and abbey library, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms the cultural heart of the city.
Traces of Monastic Life
Hegne Abbey
Since 1892, Hegne Abbey has been home to the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross. It is located directly on Lake Constance and is a place of faith, fellowship, and tranquility. The convent has a particularly close connection to Blessed Sister Ulrika Nisch, whose grave attracts many visitors and pilgrims.
Adelheiden Monastery
In the 14th century, a maiden from Reichenau is said to have been murdered here. In her memory, monks erected a chapel in 1374, which later became part of an Augustinian convent and a destination for numerous pilgrims. In 1809, the convent was dissolved and demolished.
Reichenau Monastery Island
Founded in 724, Reichenau Abbey developed into a major spiritual and cultural center of the Middle Ages. To this day, the historic churches bear witness to this history. Since 2000, the monastery island of Reichenau has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
St. Georgen Monastery Museum (CH)
The St. Georgen Monastery Museum in Stein am Rhein is one of the most significant surviving medieval monastery complexes in Switzerland. Historic rooms, ornate murals, and the original furnishings offer insights into monastic life in centuries past.
Werd Monastery Island near Eschenz (CH)
The monastery island of Werd near Eschenz is idyllically situated on the Rhine and has a long spiritual history. Today, Franciscan friars live there, making the small island a special place of peace, reflection, and fellowship.
Ittingen Charterhouse
The Ittingen Charterhouse in Thurgau, Switzerland, is a former Carthusian monastery with a history stretching back centuries. Today, the historic monastery buildings, gardens, and museum invite visitors to discover culture, nature, and monastic tradition.
Nature Experiences
Mainau Flower Island
Mainau Island delights visitors year-round with its colorful gardens, exotic plants, and impressive parks. The butterfly house and the beautiful view of Lake Constance make it a popular destination for day trips.
Reichenau Island
The island of Reichenau combines nature, culture, and centuries of history. Vegetable fields, vineyards, and historic churches characterize the largest island in Lake Constance, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wollmatinger Ried
The Wollmatinger Ried is one of the most important nature reserves on Lake Constance. Its vast reed beds and wet meadows, along with its diverse birdlife, make it a unique natural experience.
Hohentwiel Fortress Ruins
The ruins of Hohentwiel Fortress tower high above Singen. Discover one of Germany’s largest fortress ruins and enjoy the impressive view across the Hegau region to Lake Constance and the Alps.
Säntis
The Säntis is one of the most famous peaks in eastern Switzerland. A cable car takes visitors up to over 2,500 meters, and on a clear day, an impressive panoramic view of the Alps and Lake Constance unfolds.
Höri Peninsula
The Höri Peninsula on the western shore of Lake Constance captivates visitors with its idyllic lakeside scenery, small villages, and charming hiking and biking trails. The region is also known for its unique artistic and cultural landscape.
Pledges
The Pfänder near Bregenz, at an elevation of over 1,000 meters, offers an impressive panoramic view of Lake Constance and the Alps. It is easily accessible by cable car and is a popular destination for hiking and relaxation.
Rhine Falls
The Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen are among the largest waterfalls in Europe. The massive volume of water and various viewing points make this natural spectacle an impressive destination for a day trip.
Untersee Region
The Untersee region captivates visitors with its idyllic lakeside scenery, historic towns, and a wide variety of biking and hiking trails. The island of Reichenau, the Höri Peninsula, and the picturesque towns around the lake invite you to explore and linger.