The Best Lidos to Visit in Konstanz, Germany

Situated at the end of the Konstanz bay, the Horn lido grants views of both Upper Lake Constance and Überlinger Lake. At a whopping 50,000 sq metres (538,196 sq feet), the Strandbad Horn lido is the largest at Lake Constance and the hangout spot for young and old alike in the summer months. Grassy meadows stretch along the waterfront with plenty of space to catch some rays and relax. A dedicated area for kids is equipped with a shallow pool, jungle gym and other toys. Adults and older children can let off steam at beach volleyball and badminton courts, table tennis, trampoline. If you’re keen to get out on the water, you also have the option of renting a stand-up paddleboard for a couple of hours.

Eichhornstraße 100, Konstanz, Germany

The Petershausen neighbourhood across the lake from the historical old town is home to the Rheinstrandbad. An adult day pass here costs €3.20 (USD$3.75) and gives you access to the landmarked lido and its facilities. The water temperature here is always a tad colder due to the current, making it a popular spot for these hot summer days. A playground and shaded paddling pond ensure a good time for the little ones, while grown-ups can enjoy the views from the lawn. The next-door Rheinterrasse restaurant served light lunches and delicious snacks if you get hungry from all the sunbathing and swimming.

If you don’t mind jumping on a bus for a 30-minute journey, you can enjoy a swim in a nature reserve overlooking Überlinger lake. Locals rate the Dingelsdorf lido as particularly kid-friendly thanks to the raised sandbanks which make the water easily accessible. Kids can splash around in the shallows and adults can simply wade into the swimming zone. There’s also a playground and sporting facilities, including a beach volleyball field and a dedicated scuba diving site for certified divers. A kiosk with outdoor terrace sells snacks if you need to refuel after all those activities.

A 30-minute bus ride from the old town also gets you to the Litzelstetten lido with vast grassy meadows perfect for relaxing in the sun and trees which provide shade. The facilities include a shallow pool and play area for kids, beach volleyball and table tennis, freshwater showers and a snack shop. From here, you can see Mainau Island which is another must-do activity if you’re in the Konstanz area.

Am See 44/46, Konstanz, Germany

The Wallhausen lido is almost next door to its Dingelsdorf counterpart, so once again is a half hour bus ride out of town. But like most open-air swim zones in the area, Strandbad Wallhausen offers the perfect set-up for a fun day for the entire family. The shallow water’s edge allows kids to splash about while their parents can laze on the lawn overlooking the lakeside. You can mix things up with a round of mini-golf and the on-site court or a match of beach volley. On a sunny day, the Café Ufer 39 is a great spot for food, drink and ice cream.

Uferstraße 39, Konstanz, Germany

The spa and wellness centre in downtown Konstanz has an open-air section with top-notch facilities, where you can do laps in the 50-metre (164-foot) pool or shoot down the large water slide. A paddling pool with water features and integrated playground is great for toddlers, while older children can jump into a decent sized shallow pool. And all of that is surrounded by spacious green areas, sports facilities, playgrounds and a kiosk which sells cold drinks and snacks. Plus, all pools are heated to 26°C (79°F), which makes a swim much more enjoyable on a sunny, yet colder day.

Wilhelm-von-Scholz-Weg 2, Konstanz, Germany

This small spot is a bit of an insider’s tip. Hegne campground is a 15-minute train ride from Konstanz city centre and located at right at the Lower Lake Constance. A pebbled allows easy entry into the lake, the lawn is dotted with trees creating tons of shady spots, and the swimming area is not overcrowded. A playground keeps children occupied, and even watersport enthusiasts will get their money’s worth – you can rent kayaks and canoes, or try windsurfing or sailing.

Nachtwaid 1, Germany