tourist information friedrichshafen

Friedrichshafen

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.4 By ferry
• 2.5 By train
• 3 Get around
• 7.2 Mid-range
• 7.3 Splurge

Friedrichshafen is a city at the northeastern corner of Lake Constance ( Bodensee ), near the lake's widest point in the German federal-state of Baden-Württemberg . The city has played a vital role in the history of aviation, as this is where Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin developed and built his famous airships which dominated the skies in the early 20th century, and where similar smaller airships are made to this day. Friedrichshafen features a wealth of aviation-related attractions and museums. This city of 61,000 people (2019) has one of the longest waterfront promenades along the Bodensee .

This mostly modern city was almost completely rebuilt after bombing in World War II. It also has a nice view of Austria and Switzerland and the Alps across the lake on a clear day. In addition, the town's other highlights are three interesting museums and the dome-capped Schlosskirche, the premier remaining reminder of Friedrichshafen's baroque past. Friedrichshafen also was a major player in aviation history with the world-famous Zeppelin company, that still produces small airships. It is also home to the Dornier company, which, after several mergers and acquisitions, forms a part of the Airbus company.

You can also to fly to Zürich Airport ( ZRH  IATA ) in Switzerland and take one of the hourly trains to Romanshorn , and then take the ferry across Lake Constance. Since the last ferry during the off-season departs around 19:30 this is not an option for late arrivals. Alternatively take a train to Zurich main station and take Flixbus from there.

Another option is to fly to Allgäu Airport Memmingen ( FMM  IATA ) and taking the train from Memmingen to Friedrichshafen. The train ride takes between 2 and 3 hours.

The private bus company Flixbus serves Friedrichshafen from Berlin, Munich, Zurich and other large cities. The buses arrive/depart at the 47.65271 9.47325 2 square in front of the Friedrichshafen Stadt train terminal .

22 km (14 miles) west of Lindau , 20 km (12 miles) south of Ravensburg .

There is a ferry port in the very centre of Friedrichshafen with many frequent services to other ports on Lake Constance shores:

• A 45-minute car ferry service links Friedrichshafen to Romanshorn on the Swiss side of the lake. From there, you can board express trains to Swiss cities like Zürich , Lucerne and Berne .
• A 40-minute Speedboat (Bodensee Katamaran) (pedestrians and cyclists only) links Friedrichshafen and Konstanz . There is a train station close to where the speedboat docks in Konstanz, where trains from many Swiss destinations, including Basel and Zürich, call.

There is a regular train service from Stuttgart and Ulm to Friedrichshafen. Another train line runs along Lake Constance (though mainly inland and not very scenic) from Lindau via Friedrichshafen to Radolfzell , Schaffhausen and Basel . The main train station is 47.65299 9.47353 3 Friedrichshafen Stadt , but there is also a small train station very close to the ferry terminal called 47.65151 9.48239 4 Friedrichshafen Hafen . Both train stations are within walking distance of the city centre. In summer time, the trains to and from Friedrichshafen might be crowded with groups of cyclists.

The town of Friedrichshafen covers a fairly large area along the lake side and the hinterland. There is public transportation, including a fairly priced night-bus system, but the best way to get around is by bike or car. During high-season in summer and large exhibitions (e.g. Eurobike or Interboot ) roads can get quite crowded and traffic jams getting in and out of Friedrichshafen are frequent. In particular on the B31 (Lindau-Friedrichshafen-Immenstaad-Hagnau-Meersburg-Überlingen).

There are plenty of opportunities to rent bikes in Friedrichshafen.

The 47.65222 9.47406 1 Tourist information at the square next to the main station could be a good starting point before venturing to explore the city.

• 47.65096 9.47027 1 Waterfront promenade . Walk along the expansive waterfront from east of the harbour to the Palace Church (in the west). ( updated Aug 2017 )

• Cycling . Rent a bike or bring your own and cycle along the lake to Meersburg (in the west) or Lindau (in the east). The cycleway towards Lindau is more enjoyable, since one does not have to stick to the main road. It is also fairly popular to do a tour around the entire lake in one (sportive with shortcuts), two (reasonable), three or more (leisure) days. ( updated Aug 2017 )
• 47.6819 9.5485 2 Canoeing , ☏ +49 7542 951 55 19 , [email protected] . There are probably more scenic locations along the lake where you can do canoeing, but there is a canoe rental in Friedrichshafen and they also organise tours on one of the small tributaries into the Lake of Constance named "Schussen". They speak English according to their website. ( updated Aug 2017 )
• 47.67988 9.37638 3 Climbing . Besides an indoor climbing facility operated by the DAV (Deutscher Alpenverein) for its members and affiliates, there is an adventure park in nearby Immenstaad (about 12 km from Friedrichshafen) that is more geared to families, children or groups on a team building exercise (see map marker). ( updated Aug 2017 )

• 47.6746 9.5072 4 Airship flights , Messestraße 132 ( at the airport next to the exhibition centre ), ☏ +49 7541 5900 0 , [email protected] . You can board the Zeppelin airship and get a bird's eye view of the lake and the surrounding area, depending on the tour. Tours last between 30 minutes and 2 hours. €200-765 . ( updated Oct 2016 )
• 47.653 9.4572 5 Swim in the lake , Königsweg 11 , ☏ +49 7541 28078 . May-Sep . If you are in Friedrichshafen during the warm period of the year it is worth going to the Strandbad , the local open-air swimming bath. ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 47.6649 9.4845 1 Bodensee Center , Meistershofener Straße 14 , [email protected] . M-Sa 07:00-22:00 . Relatively large mall with all types of shops. ( updated Sep 2017 )
• 47.65191 9.47815 1 Regenbogen Imbiss , Friedrichstraße 75 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.653159 9.481792 2 Izmir Kebap , Paulinenstraße 4 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.651861 9.472801 3 Laguna , Stadtgarten, Friedrichstraße 18 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.650581 9.495298 4 Restaurant "Cafe und mehr" , Eckenerstraße 100 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.659158 9.485448 5 Asia Imbiss Fernost Garten , Ehlersstraße 25 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.659231 9.440984 6 Spicy-Grill , Zeppelinstraße 140 , ☏ +49 7541 31077 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.66997 9.415 7 Hotel Restaurant Maier , Poststraße 1-3 , ☏ +49 7541 4040 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.650104 9.48225 8 Felders , Karlstraße 42 ( Close to Zeppelin Museum ), ☏ +49 7541 391955 , [email protected] . M 17:00-23:30; Tu-Th 11:00-23:30; F Sa 09:30-01:00, Su 09:30-17:00 . Great tasting German cuisine for reasonable prices. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.651332 9.47025 9 Kommodore , Uferstraße 34 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.650195 9.46745 10 Seehof Friedrichshafen , Olgastraße 6 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.651134 9.473896 11 Beach Club , Uferstraße 1 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.675115 9.507995 12 Zeppelin Hangar , Allmannsweilerstraße 134 . ( updated Sep 2022 )

• 47.652421 9.469229 1 Skybar , ☏ +49 7541 6818 , [email protected] . A bar on the 4th floor of a hotel with a large terrace and pretty nice views towards the lake and mountains. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 47.65313 9.49198 1 Pension Wurster , Georgstr. 14 , ☏ +49 7541 72694 , fax : +49 7541 33970 , [email protected] . A pleasant, well-kept place a short walk away from downtown. A double room with shower, WC and TV costs €50 .  
• 47.65048 9.49667 2 Graf-Zeppelin-Jugendherberge Friedrichshafen , Lindauer Straße 3 , ☏ +49 7541 72404 . Youth hostel.  
• 47.670274 9.497862 3 Holiday Inn Express Friedrichshafen , Allmannsweiler straße 79 , ☏ +49 7541 599500 .  
• 47.669764 9.41071 4 Traube am See , Meersburger Str. 11 , ☏ +49 7541 9580 .  
• 47.6699 9.41489 5 Hotel Restaurant Maier , Poststraße 1-3 , ☏ +49 7541 4040 . ( updated Nov 2017 )
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Friedrichshafen, Germany

Where is friedrichshafen.

Friedrichshafen is one of the most important German towns on Lake Constance , with its nearby airport and rail connections acting as a transit hub for visitors to the area.

But, even though it is a relatively new creation, the town of just under 60,000 offers plenty of sights of interest within its borders.

As with most of the towns along the lake, the historic monuments are clustered along the shoreline. Friedrichshafen has a long lakeside promenade stretching from the twin towers of the castle church through to the harbour and the old town.

Friedrichshafen is still a town with important links to the aviation industry and the Zeppelin Museum on the lake and the Dornier Aircraft Museum near the airport showcase the development of air travel.

How to get to Friedrichshafen

Bodensee airport.

Bodensee Airport, the correct term for the airport at Friedrichshafen, is on the northern side of the town only a few kilometres from the centre.

The airport offers internal German flights and summer charter and scheduled services for travel companies. There may be more choice of flights in the winter because of the popularity of the airport for ski holidays in neighbouring Switzerland and Austria.

The airport has its own railway station and regular bus services are available from the centre of Friedrichshafen. Website : www.bodensee-airport.eu

Nearest airports to Friedrichshafen

Naturally, the local Bodensee Airport is the closest option, but other airports may provide a greater choice of available flights.

Distance to Bodensee Airport: 5km Distance to Memmingen Airport: 91km Distance to Zurich Airport: 132km Distance to Stuttgart Airport: 202km Distance to Innsbruck Airport: 219km Distance to Munich Airport: 230km

Memmingen (now Allgäu Airport) is a decent option and is growing in popularity for this part of Germany. The wide range of scheduled and charter services available from the last four major regional airports may swing the choice in their favour.

Train station at Friedrichshafen

Friedrichshafen has two stations: the main Friedrichshafen Stadt railway station, which is the hub for longer distance journeys, and the Friedrichshafen Hafen station on the lakeshore which connects to the ferry services on Lake Constance.

Services head out from Friedrichshafen in all directions, with routes to Basle in Switzerland; to Ulm and Stuttgart to the north (with connections to the rest of Germany); to Innsbruck in Austria; and a local route along the northern shore of Lake Constance between Lindau and Radolfzell.

Lake Constance ferry travel

The BSB ("Bodensee-Schiffsbetriebe GmbH") operates a regular car ferry service between Friedrichshafen and Romanshorn on the Swiss shore. Friedrichshafen is also served by the slow regular passenger ferry around the lake from Bregenz to Konstanz . Website : www.bsb.de

A frequent high-speed catamaran service between Friedrichshafen and Konstanz is also available, operated by Katamaran-Reederei Bodensee GmbH & Co. Website : www.der-katamaran.de

Where to stay in Friedrichshafen

Most of the accommodation in Friedrichshafen is set back from the wide bay and in between the lake shoreline and the area around the railway station.

Friedrichshafen accommodation map

If you know when you are planning to go but haven't decided on accommodation, then use the map below to get an idea of which properties are available and to compare prices during the period you wish to travel.

Enter your proposed dates and use the '+' to zoom in on a location and reveal more properties. Click on the price above a property to see more information.

( Please note that this selection will also include some guesthouses, pensions and self-catering apartments for those who are interested in that form of accommodation !)

Check Friedrichshafen accommodation availability

Alternatively, if you would like a list of properties available on your proposed dates of travel, use the search box below to find accommodation:

Friedrichshafen History

The history of Friedrichshafen actually only dates back to the Napoleonic Wars of the 19th century.

The original settlement of Buchhorn in this location had been granted to the independent state of Württemberg in 1810 - previously it had been part of Bavaria.

Buchhorn had been a prosperous free Imperial city in the Middle Ages, benefiting from its position at the centre of the trade routes around Lake Constance.

Originally founded back in the 10th century, Buchhorn was one of the transit points for trade routes from Italy over the Alps. It received its town charter in the 13th century and shortly afterwards became a free imperial city (a ' Reichsstadt ') in the Holy Roman Empire.

Although the town became prosperous from its merchants, it also then became a target during uprisings and wars. Buchhorn was attacked and plundered numerous times before the era of Napoleon.

It was however the era following the French Revolution which put paid to its independence. The last of the trade routes disappeared and it lost its status as an independent city, being granted first to Bavaria and then to Württemberg.

King Frederick I of Württemberg visited the town in 1811 and ordered that it be merged with Hofen, the area around the current Schloss Friedrichshafen. The new town was to be known as Friedrichshafen (' Frederick's Harbour ') and to act as Württemberg's port and trading centre on Lake Constance.

The town became a fashionable place to stay with the Württemberg royal family using the former Hofen Abbey (see lower) for their visits and the 19th century saw the start of industrial development following the connection of the first rail line.

Of course, the main industry connected to Friedrichshafen was the Zeppelin airship production (see lower). The increasing production of rigid airships led to other companies settling in the area and the town was soon an engineering hub for the aviation and automobile industries.

Because of this it was a major target for bombing raids in the Second World War, with two-thirds of Friedrichshafen being destroyed. The population has tripled since the end of the war and it is once again an important location for engineering plants, as well as being a popular location for trade fairs and tourism.

Schloss Friedrichshafen

The 'castle' of Schloss Friedrichshafen on the shores of Lake Constance is actually a former Benedictine priory.

Kloster Hofen, as it was known, was originally built in the 11th century but the present buildings date back to the 17th century.

The abbey and the neighbouring church were involved in the secularisation of the Napoleonic era and changed hands between Nassau, Austria and Bavaria before eventually being granted to Württemberg.

The priory became the summer residence of the Württemberg royal family. It was damaged by a bombing raid at the end of the Second World War and has subsequently been restored and is still owned by the Count of Württemberg.

The neighbouring church, like the nunnery, was rebuilt in the Early Baroque style after being burnt to the ground in the Thirty Years' War. Its twin towers are one of the symbols of Friedrichshafen and it serves as the parish church for the Evangelical congregation of the town.

Zeppelin and Friedrichshafen

Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin is possibly the most well-known inhabitant of Friedrichshafen, with his influence still being felt on the town to this day.

The Count was actually born in Konstanz on the other side of Lake Constance. He followed in family tradition by joining the military and observed the uses of tethered balloons during the American Civil War and the Franco-Prussian war.

The first idea for the rigid airship which later bore his name was written in his diary in 1874.

Patents for his airship designs were granted in the 1890s but it was not until the turn of the century that the first went into production (not at this time in Friedrichshafen).

Although the experiences of the first airships were decidedly mixed, public and government interest grew in the concept. When one of the early zeppelins was wrecked on a test flight a public subscription in support of the Count's work raised millions of German marks and allowed him to set up a manufacturing company and a Zeppelin foundation.

The company produced numerous airships for both civil and military purposes, with the zeppelins being used by both the army and navy during the First World War. The results of their efforts, either in observation or in bombing raids, were questionable but they had an additional value in propaganda.

Count Zeppelin had died in 1917 but the success of the airship production facilities had led to related companies being established around Friedrichshafen to provide parts for the zeppelins. These later developed into important engineering companies in their own right.

Following the First World War, Germany was forbidden to construct any more airships and those still existing were handed over to the victorious allies as part of the reparations.

An order from the USA for a rigid airship led to the resumption of production and the 1920s were seen as the highpoint of the company, with trips taken around the globe. However the upswing was suddenly stopped with the Hindenburg disaster in 1937, with the live radio commentary of the airship erupting into flames spelling the end of any commercial use of zeppelins.

The engineering factories in Friedrichshafen made important contributions to the German war effort in the Second World War, especially in the fields of radar and rocketry, and were heavily bombed towards the end of the war.

The Zeppelin Foundation, financed by the profits from the Zeppelin holding company, was signed over to Friedrichshafen and the income used to encourage the revitalisation of the engineering industry in the town.

Nowadays it is an important part of Friedrichshafen's social life, providing the funds behind the Zeppelin University, for example, or various cultural initiatives.

In the meantime, ZF Friedrichshafen AG - nearly wholly-owned by the Zeppelin foundation - has become one of the largest car parts manufacturers in the world.

The foundation is also a shareholder in the companies which have been producing airships since the 1990s and which can be seen regularly around Lake Constance (now smaller and filled with helium rather than hydrogen). Passenger flights around the lake or further afield are offered on a regular basis.

The Zeppelin Museum on the lakeshore is also one of the initiatives sponsored by the foundation. It is open daily in the summer months (closed on Monday in the winter) and, as well as temporary exhibitions, has a substantial collection devoted to the history of airship travel. Website : www.zeppelin-museum.de

Other towns on Lake Constance

Lindau, Germany, is an attractive medieval town on an island in Lake Constance. Lindau's old town features cobblestone streets and timber-framed houses. Lindau's famous lighthouse and lion statue serve as the town's emblem, with impressive views over the harbour from the top of the lighthouse.

Meersburg is situated on the northern shore of Lake Constance and is home to the Old Castle, a medieval fortress that offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding countryside. The town is a popular summer travel destination for both Germans and foreign tourists

Konstanz is situated on the border with Switzerland and is known for its beautiful location on the lake, as well as its historic city centre. Konstanz has a rich history dating back to Roman times and features many notable landmarks such as the Konstanz Minster, a 14th-century cathedral.

Friedrichshafen Tourist Office

The Friedrichshafen Tourist Office is situated just off the main street in the square in front of the main railway station. It is open Mon-Fri and Saturday morning in the summer and from Mon-Thur and on Friday morning out of high summer season. Website: www.friedrichshafen.info

© GermanSights.com

Friedrichshafen

History comes alive in Friedrichshafen. As historically significant as the city is today, as diverse and "typically Lake Constance" is the attitude to life that inspires here. If you want to experience the region, you can't miss the city of zeppelins!

Unsere Empfehlungen

Zeppelin museum friedrichshafen.

Zeppelin Flights in Friedrichshafen

Dornier museum in friedrichshafen, schlosskirche, schulmuseum friedrichshafen, schauhaus in the zeppelin village, beschreibung.

The city of zeppelins - who doesn't think of Friedrichshafen and Lake Constance when they see the floating giants in the sky? Technological innovations and its history play an important role in the city, but Friedrichshafen also stands for quality of life and active holidays. The possibilities are almost limitless, whether you discover the lake by boat, catamaran or ferry, explore the varied landscape around Friedrichshafen on foot or by bike, or take to the skies yourself on a zeppelin: Only the sky sets the limits!

Attractive leisure activities invite you to get to know Friedrichshafen and its history - lively, historical and authentic. You can walk in the footsteps of the people who once created great innovations and learn about their lives, their sufferings and their achievements. The Dornier Museum brings the history of aeronautics and astronautics to life, while in the Zeppelin Museum you can marvel at the world's largest collection of airships on 4,000 square metres. The school museum also offers hands-on history: three originally furnished classrooms from the years 1850, 1900 and 1930 take visitors back to the past.

Or, instead, you can let yourself be inspired by modern technology in the Zeppelin NT shipyard. There, visitors not only learn everything worth knowing about the use of today's airships, but can also secure a ride through the air. Tip: Tickets are in high demand, but even last-minute travellers can still get lucky and snag a seat in the Zeppelin. The giants fly different long and varied routes along the lake. Each one is an experience! But with all the attractions Friedrichshafen has to offer, don't forget to stop now and then - for the lake view and the attitude to life you feel here! Whether you stop for a bite to eat in the city's restaurants, bars and cafés or stroll along the lakeside promenade with a delicious ice cream in hand: a stay in Friedrichshafen is a holiday to feel good. Discover the city from new perspectives on a virtual 360 degree tour: http://www.friedrichshafen360....

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Tourist information

Tourist-Information Friedrichshafen

+49 7541 20355444 [email protected]

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Tourist-Information Friedrichshafen

Die Tourist-Information Friedrichshafen ist zentrale Anlaufstelle für alle Informationen rund um Ihren Aufenthalt in der Zeppelinstadt.

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Beschreibung

Die Tourist-Information bietet folgenden Service:

• Vermittlung und Buchung von Unterkünften
• Stadt- und Themenführungen durch Friedrichshafen
• Prospektversand für Gäste
• Verkauf von Souvenirs und Kartenmaterial
• Eventim Vorverkaufsstelle
• Reservix Vorverkaufsstelle
• Bodensee Card PLUS : Freier Eintritt bei über 160 Attraktionen und freie Fahrt mit den Kursschiffen
• Bodensee Ticket – in Verbindung mit der Echt Bodensee Card
• Friedrichshafener Geschenkgutschein
• Schaufelraddampfer Hohentwiel und Art Déco-Motorschiff Oesterreich: Nostalgische Rundfahrten auf den restaurierten Schiffen
• Vermittlung und Reservierung von Zimmerkontingenten für Messen, Kongresse und Tagungen
• Erstellung von Rahmen- und Begleitprogrammen für Messen, Kongresse und Tagungen
• Vermittlung von Reiseführungen (z. B. Busbegleitung) und Radguides
• Vermittlung von Stadtführungen (deutsch, englisch, französisch, italienisch)

Bei verschiedenen Themenführungen bekommen Sie die Möglichkeit, mehr über die Stadt und ihre Geschichte zu erfahren :  Bei der Stadtführung durch die Zeppelinstadt erleben Sie eine Zeitreise durch die Häfler Stadtgeschichte. In den Schlosskirchenführungen erfahren Sie die Geschichte des barocken Wahrzeichens von Friedrichshafen und verkosten anschließend den Wein der Vinothek. Wer am Königsweg spaziert , erhält zum Abschluss einen frisch geräucherten Fisch, während bei der Wildkräuterführung die Verwendung und Heilwirkung diverser Kräuter erläutert wird.

Bahnhofplatz 2

88045 Friedrichshafen

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• Where to travel?
• Lake Constance Cities

Friedrichshafen

In the Zeppelin city of Friedrichshafen, impressive landscapes and a vibrant life blend seamlessly with Swabian homeliness. Enjoy the view from the attractive lake shore over the unique lake and Alpine panorama or float over towns and cultural landscapes alongside the Alps in a Zeppelin airship. In the Zeppelin Museum, you can discover the history of airship travel while the Dornier Museum brings 100 exciting years of air and space travel to life. Idyllically set against Lake Constance, the city's emblematic baroque Schlosskirche is well worth a visit.

Pictures & Videos

Friedrichshafen lakeside promenade

The Friedrichshafen lakeside promenade is one of the longest and most attractive on Lake Constance . The extensive harbour complex exudes a maritime holiday atmosphere and numerous street cafés encourage visitors to linger. The view from the lakeside promenade or from the 22-metre-high observation tower on the pier over the city and the Schlosskirche, the orchards in the hinterland and the sweeping views over the lake and Alps is unique on Lake Constance.  

Culture in Friedrichshafen

Standing idyllically on the shores of Lake Constance is the baroque emblem of the city , the Schlosskirche . In addition to the world's largest exhibition on the history of airship travel, the Zeppelin Museum also includes an impressive collection of are from south-west Germany. Recreated as an aircraft hangar, the Dornier Museum brings 100 exciting years of air and space travel to life. In the School Museum, you can learn how schools came into being and what classrooms looked like in 1850, 1900 and 1930.  

High up with a Zeppelin

Or discover the Zeppelin city from an entirely different perspective:

gently float along the Alps, over towns and cultural landscape in the Zeppelin NT - a unique flying experience offering a birds-eye view. Huge panoramic windows offer an impressive view from every seat. Look forward to a very special flight!

Must-dos in Friedrichshafen

• enjoy the view from the Haldenberg chapel and the pier tower
• visit the Stärrschorsch (beer garden overlooking the lake) to enjoy a beer at the end of the day and the sunset
• visit the Schlosskirche and stroll along the Königsweg
• take a flight in a Zeppelin
• Cycle through the blossoming fruit groves

The right place at any time of year:

• Spring tip:   Enjoy a coffee on the lakeside promenade and then attend a concert at the International Lake Constance Festival  
• Summer tip:   Get away from the heat and take a dip in the Friedrichshafen lido , Fischbach or in the Ailingen indoor pool  
• Autumn tip:   Stroll along the Ailingen panorama way or discover the fascinating history of Friedrichshafen on the historical themed trails  
• Winter tip:   Enjoy the peace and quiet of lake Constance with a view over the snow-covered Alps and visit the Zeppelin and Dornier museums in a relaxed atmosphere  

Experiences in Friedrichshafen

Guided tour of the Zeppelin Town

Friedrichshafen stands for pioneering spirit and lively culture. Join us on a journey through its history. Our guides tell of times full of aspirational mindset and hidden secrets. Along the...

Dornier Museum Friedrichshafen

The dream of flight comes true! This is truly a journey through 100 years of aerospace history. Gigantic flying boats, passenger planes of bygone times and exciting exhibits related to space flight...

School Museum Friedrichshafen

The Schulmuseum (school museum) Friedrichshafen takes you back to school ... literally. During your visit, you will discover how schools developed and what classrooms looked like in the 1850s, 1900s...

Events in Friedrichshafen

Kulturufer Friedrichshafen

A colourful festival with well over 200 artists from every discipline – actors, dancers, musicians, cabaret artists, acrobats and clowns. These are the town's guests for the ten days of events in...

Bodensee-Weihnacht Friedrichshafen

For 27 days, festive magic fills the cosy village of christmas market cabins in Friedrichshafen. With its life-size crib and panoramic view over the lake, it is the ideal place to stroll, enjoying...

Holiday offers including Friedrichshafen

VERY Active in SEEhotel Friedrichshafen

Contact address.

• +49 7541 20355444
• [email protected]
• www.friedrichshafen.de

Ostrich Trails

Because it is a walking bird and walking is what we do.

Friedrichshafen Walking Tour

Home » Europe » Germany » Friedrichshafen Walking Tour

By Vicky · Published Mar. 9th, 2023 · Updated Mar. 23rd, 2023

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A walking tour of Friedrichshafen, a nice town on the northern shore of Lake Constance, lets you explore the main sights of town. It is well-known for its stunning views of the lake and the surrounding Alpine mountains, as well as for its aviation history, particularly as the birthplace of the Zeppelin airship.

Page Contents:

This walk starts from the bus and train station Friedrichshafen Hafen. There is another train and bus station in town called Friedrichshafen Stadt, where you could also start the walking tour from.

Friedrichshafen Walking Tour Map

Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.

Tips for Friedrichshafen Walking Tour

• Both the Zeppelin and Dornier Museums have captions in German and English and are interesting even for non-aviation enthusiasts.
• The Dornier Museum is by the airport – you can easily catch a bus there from either Friedrichshafen Stadt or Friedrichshafen Hafen bus stations.
• If you’re still in Friedrichshafen at the end of the day, return to the waterfront promenade to watch the sunset.
• The tourist information is by Friedrichshafen Stadt station ( opening hours : May-Sep Mon-Fri 9-6pm, Sat 9-1pm. Apr & Oct Mon-Fri 9-5pm, Sat 9-1pm. Nov-Mar Mon-Thu 9-4pm, Fri 9-1pm.)
• Check out other walks on our Germany Hiking Page .

Top Sights in Friedrichshafen

On this self-guided walking tour you’ll visit the most famous landmarks and attractions in Friedrichshafen. Half a day is the perfect amount of time to spend in Friedrichshafen , though allow a full day to visit both the Zeppelin and Dornier Museums.

• Zeppelin Museum
• Lakefront Stroll
• Stadtgarten
• Schloss Friedrichshafen
• Schulmuseum

Friedrichshafen Walking Tour Route

This walking tour starts by the bus and train station Friedrichshafen Hafen.

Directions: From the bus station, head towards the seafront and turn left. The large white building on your left is the Zeppelin Museum.

1. Zeppelin Museum

Key Information: Open May-Oct 9am-5pm every day, Nov-Apr 10am-5pm Tue-Sun. Tickets €12/6.50, or €20 in combination with the Dornier Museum.

A visit to the Zeppelin Museum ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is one of the best things to do in Friedrichshafen. This museum is dedicated to the history of airships, particularly the Zeppelin. You can learn about the technology and the people behind these majestic flying machines and even go on a guided tour of a reconstructed Zeppelin cabin.

The museum covers the first flight at the end of the 18th century right through to today. In the centre, models of the historic Zeppelins built in Friedrichshafen, are on display. There’s also a short film to introduce you to the museum. On the top floor is some random artwork, and there is normally a special exhibit which changes from year to year.

2. Boat Tours

On the waterfront just opposite the Zeppelin Museum, there are many boat tours available that will take you out onto Lake Constance. You can see the lake from a different perspective and get some great photos of the surrounding landscape. You can also use the boats as a means of transport to visit Lindau, Kontanz or other towns surrounding the lake. The sight-seeing ferries only run in summer, while the ferries that travel between towns run year-round (weather dependent).

Directions: Walk along the lakefront promenade, keeping at the edge of the lake. Head out to the Pier Viewing Tower for views, then continue onwards into the Stadtgarten.

3. Lakefront Promenade

Friedrichshafen has a beautiful promenade that stretches for several kilometres along the lake. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the pedestrian street, taking in the stunning views of the lake and the Swiss Alps. There are lots of cafes and restaurants, most with outdoor sitting, where you can sit and watch the world go by.

Pier Viewing Tower

The Pier Viewing Tower (or Moleturm) is a 22-metre-high tower you can walk up for free. There are great views from the top over the town, the lake and the mountains on the far side (in good weather).

Trains actually used to travel directly here to the harbour. You can still see the salt crane on the promenade, bearing witness to the once-important salt trade here.

Old City Wall Fragment

The City Wall now remains as just a fragment at the end of Uferstraße. You can see it on your right just before you reach the city park. In former days, the Celts and the Romans settled here, with merchants settling here in the 12th century to take advantage of the lake trade. The wall was necessary to protect against local marauders.

4. Stadtgarten

The Stadtgarten is a small park on the edge of the lake. There are tropical palm trees and many flowers in spring and summer. There are also several places to eat and drink, ranging from a beer garden to a fancy restaurant to a beach club and cocktails.

Graf Zeppelin Haus

The Graf Zeppelin Haus is at the far end of the Stadtgarten. It’s an architectural wonder though most of it is hidden, with four stories underground. It was built in 1985 as a Culture and Congress Centre and it’s still used as a cultural centre for plays, ballets, concerts and for conferences.

Directions: You have to leave the lakefront for a little while and follow the road bending around the Graf Zeppelin Haus. Turn left at the T-junction to return to the lake and keep walking.

5. Schloss Friedrichshafen

Schloss Friedrichshafen is a private castle, lived in by Duke (Herzog) von Württemberg. It used to be a monastery but was converted by the House of Württemberg into their summer residence. While walking along the edge of the water, you’ll first see the stone Schloss Pier which sticks out into Lake Constance. Note that it doesn’t reach deep water – it was never used as a mooring for boats but rather for the Duke to watch boats as they entered the old harbour.

The old harbour is at the Schlosshorn , a small sticking-out piece of land. You can today see wooden poles sticking out of the water, but now the main harbour is elsewhere.

Schloss Church

The church can be visited from Easter to the beginning of November, daily 9am-6pm, except Thu 11am-6pm. It’s free to enter and has leaflets in English, German and French. It’s rather beautiful inside so do visit if you can. Strangely, a wine cellar was built under the nave of the church where there would usually be a crypt. This was used during the Second World War as an air-raid shelter. Today it has reverted to its original use and the vinothek next to the church sells a variety of local wine.

Directions: From the church, head back where you came from and continue across the junction towards the Stadtgarden. The School Museum is on the corner on your left just before the park.

6. School Museum

Key Information: Open Tue-Sun 2-5pm. Entry €3.50/1.50. Mostly in German, but you can get an English language brochure from the ticket desk.

In the School Museum ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) you can really travel back in time, including the smells of the past! You can sit on the benches of school classrooms from the 1850s, 1900s and 1930s, and try writing on little slate tablets. In general, it’s very interactive and you can type on manual typewriters, or write with quill pens.

Directions: Walk along the edge of and through the Stadtgarten to the other side, near the old wall. Take a left and then a right into Adenauerplatz, the main town square.

7. Old Town

The historic centre of Friedrichshafen has a charming mix of old and new architecture. A large part of the city was bombed during the Second World War due to its key location on the lake and the aircraft manufacturing facilities nearby, however some old buildings have been restored. You can walk around the cobblestone streets and admire the colourful buildings, quaint shops, and restaurants.

St. Nikolaus Church

St. Nikolaus Church is the main sight of Friedrichshafen’s old town, on Adenauerplatz. It’s a large, white building with a colourful tower that you can’t miss. The weekly market is held in this square every Friday morning and the gourmet market is held here on Saturdays. The fountain in the square is known as the Buchhorn fountain, dating from 2001. You can see the aviation theme, and the two faces represent Count Zeppelin and King Frederick I of Württemberg.

Directions: Continue straight onwards along the cobbled street after the church and you’ll soon reach a square behind the Zeppelin Museum. In front of you is a tunnel leading back to the bus and train station, and the end of the walking tour around Friedrichstadt.

Further Afield

The main attraction slightly outside of Friedrichshafen town is the Dornier Museum.

Directions: You can easily get to the museum on a bus from Friedrichshafen Stadt or Friedrichshafen Hafen bus stop. The museum bus stop is just outside the museum and very convenient. There’s also a large car park next to the museum (€3) if you drive.

Dornier Museum

Key Information: Open 10am-5pm every day May-Oct, closed Mondays Nov-Apr. Tickets €11.5/6, or €20 in combination with the Zeppelin Museum. Cafe/restaurant on-site.

A visit to the Dornier Museum ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is well worth it. This museum is dedicated to aviation and aerospace, with a particular focus on the aircraft produced by the Dornier company. You can see planes, helicopters, and spacecraft up close with a large collection both inside and outside. You can even walk inside some of them and sit in a helicopter.

Guidebooks to explore more of Germany

While near Lake Constance, check out historic Lindau Island , walk through vineyards and apple orchards , discover the Austrian lakeside city of Bregenz or hike up the Pfänderbahn for amazing views of the lake. For more walking tours and hikes in Germany, see our Germany hiking page .

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Friedrichshafen

Friedrichshafen travel essentials.

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: May - September

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"Lake Constance Gateway and Zeppelin History"

Friedrichshafen tourism.

Friedrichshafen, a city in southern Germany on the shores of Lake Constance, is a popular tourist destination for its picturesque setting, cultural attractions, and easy access to the Alps. Located in the famous Bodensee region, Friedrichshafen is known for its stunning scenery and leisurely activities. Tourist attractions include the world's oldest Zeppelin Museum, the 19th-century Hohentwiel fortress, and the lakeside promenade with its many cafes, restaurants, and shops.

The city is also home to the annual Lake Constance Festival and the city's annual International Air Show, both of which attract visitors from all over the world. The festival is one of the largest in Europe, with hundreds of stalls dedicated to crafts, food, and entertainment. The Air Show features some of the world's most advanced planes and helicopters, along with spectacular aerial performances. Friedrichshafen is also renowned for its numerous outdoor activities, such as sailing, swimming, hiking, biking, and golfing. The nearby Alps provide spectacular views of the region, while the nearby villages offer a variety of restaurants and shops. In addition, the city is home to many cultural attractions, such as the Zum Guten Hirten church, the Stadthaus, and the Zeppelin Museum. When visiting Friedrichshafen, travelers should be aware of local customs and laws. The city has strict laws regarding alcohol consumption and public nudity, and visitors should be aware that public drunkenness and nudity can result in fines and jail time. Moreover, travelers should take caution when exploring the city at night, as pickpocketing and other crimes are not uncommon.

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Friedrichshafen

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