Sights of Lake Constance

Kaiserbrunnen in Constance

Kaiserbrunnen in Konstanz (Constance)

The Kaiserbrunnen (Emperor Fountain) in Konstanz (Constance) was created by sculptor Hans Baur in 1897. After a redecoration by Gernot Rumpf at the end of the 20th century, it refers to historical events related to Constance.

Heinkel Kabine in Constance

Heinkel Kabine in Constance, Germany

Ha, isn’t it a cutie? I saw this microcar – generally known as Heinkel Kabine – in the German city of Constance (Konstanz). It was obviously a participant in the activities along the International Lake Constance Week (Internationale Bodenseewoche). [German]

The Lighthouse of Lindau

Lighthouse of Lindau, Germany

This lighthouse at the port of Lindau dates back to 1856. Opposite the lighthouse, you see a sculpture portraying the Bavarian Lion. Even though the historic centre of Lindau lies on an island, you can reach it by car and train.

Dominican Island in Constance

Cloister at Dominicans Island in Constance, Germany

Many years ago, a monastery stood on the Dominican Island next to Constance (Konstanz). Today the old walls accommodate a hotel, where guests enjoy the former cloister with wall paintings by Carl von Haeberlin.

Reichenau Abbey

Reichenau Abbey on Reichenau Island

Reichenau Abbey was founded in 724 by Saint Pirmin. Later the abbey became famous for the Reichenauer Malschule. This term comprises lavishly illuminated manuscripts created during the late 10th and early 11th centuries.

Three-headed peacock in Constance

Three-headed peacock in Constance, Germany

In the streets of Constance (Konstanz), I came across this depiction of a three-headed peacock. Each head wore a tiara. What is the meaning of this strange combination? It is an allusion to the Three Popes Controversy.

Seehas Railway in Constance

Seehas Railway in front of the council building

The Seehas Railway is a rail link between Konstanz and Engen. The name doesn’t derive from the existing fish Seehase (lumpsucker) but from a fabulous creature supposed to live in the western part of Lake Constance. [German]

Council Building in Constance

Lake side of the council building Constance

In the Council Building, the election of Pope Martin V took place in the year 1417. It was a crucial event during the Council of Constance (1414-1418). The German building name still reminds us of this event: Konzilgebäude or Konzil. [German]

Sundial on Reichenau Abbey

Sundial on Reichenau Island, Germany

This sundial is located on a wall of Reichenau Abbey on Reichenau Island. It shows not only the motto ‘Pray and Work’ (ora et labora) but also Saint Pirmin, the founder of Reichenau Abbey. The two snakes refer to the fact that he is considered to be a patron against snake bites.