One of the most impressive and longest promenades on Lake Constance
Address: Uferpromenade, Uferstraße, 88045 Friedrichshafen | Length: 2.5 km
The promenade in Friedrichshafen is one of the longest and most beautiful on Lake Constance. A stroll from the Friedrichshafen Castle Church to the mouth of the Rotbach River offers much to see, including the castle pier, memorials, the gondola harbor, and the Württemberg Yacht Club with its impressive boats. Strollers are also treated to indescribable panoramic views of the lake and the Alpine panorama, and there are cozy sidewalk cafés and restaurants where you can unwind.
Directions and location of the Friedrichshafen landmark
The lakeside promenade is located directly on the shore of Lake Constance and stretches from the imposing castle church to the estuary where the Rotbach flows into Lake Constance, extending for 2.5 kilometers. Numerous benches provide a place to rest and relax. Trees, beautifully planted flowerbeds, and outdoor terraces along the promenade lend the attraction a Mediterranean flair.
From the eastern shore road, from Eckenerstraße, you reach the lakeside promenade, which then winds along the lakeshore. The lakeside promenade is also easily accessible from the other side of Friedrichshafen’s castle church by walking to the lakeshore and the castle footbridge.
Klosterstraße, the Bodenseeradweg (Lake Constance Cycle Path), or Friedrichstraße, Karlstraße, and Eckenerstraße run almost parallel to the promenade, from where there are numerous options for accessing the lakeside promenade.
Opening Hours and Visits
The Friedrichshafen waterfront promenade has no opening hours and can be visited at any time, whether during the day or in the evening.
Entrance Fees for the Friedrichshafen Waterfront Promenade
Those who wish to visit the Friedrichshafen waterfront promenade do not need to pay an entrance fee.
Guided Tours of the Waterfront Promenade
There is no such thing as a purely guided tour of the waterfront promenade.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Friedrichshafen Waterfront Promenade
How long is the Friedrichshafen Waterfront Promenade?
The Friedrichshafen Waterfront Promenade stretches approximately 2.5 kilometers along the shore of Lake Constance. This promenade offers visitors a scenic stroll along the lake with stunning views of the water and the Alps.
Waterfront Promenade – Special Features and Interesting Facts
The waterfront promenade in Friedrichshafen is a special gem. Not only is it one of the longest on Lake Constance, but it is also a true beauty, winding along the lakeshore. Those who let their gaze wander to the right and left can discover many special features.
It’s not just the view of the lake and the unique mountain panorama that soothes the soul. The “White Fleet” has its harbor near the waterfront promenade, and its passenger ships happily transport seafarers to numerous other destinations on Lake Constance. From the ships, the city panorama and the waterfront promenade can be viewed from a completely different perspective.
Numerous benches are located along the waterfront promenade, perfect for taking a break from your stroll and enjoying the unique view while watching ships glide across the lake. Cozy sidewalk cafés, restaurants, and ice cream parlors invite you to linger with delicious delicacies in a cozy atmosphere.
In the Gondola Harbor and the marina of the Württemberg Yacht Club, visitors can admire various boats and exclusive yachts moored there. Those staying on Lake Constance during the “Interboot” trade fair can view the latest boats and yachts in the demonstration harbor.
Attentive visitors to the lakeside promenade will discover the Zeppelin fountain in Lake Constance. The viewing platform at the Zeppelin Museum offers a magical view of the promenade, and those looking in the other direction can see the Castle Church with its two onion-domed steeples.
Historical Facts and History of the Waterfront Promenade
A waterfront promenade in Friedrichshafen already existed during the time of King Frederick I. It was redesigned in two construction phases between 1911 and 1913. The first section was built in 1911/12, starting from the old town, where the yacht and gondola harbor is located, and extending to the Kurgarten Hotel.
Subsequently, the banks in the old town area were filled in, and construction of the promenade continued to the ship harbor. Near the Monplaisir Palace, it ends on the southeastern flank of the palace gardens. There, you’ll find the castle footbridge, made of cast iron. It juts out into Lake Constance like a balcony.
The waterfront promenade in Friedrichshafen is part of the Lake Constance circular trail. The special flair of the waterfront promenade is ultimately due to the numerous summer residences located near the shore. They were built for high-ranking court officials serving at the court of King Frederick I, so that they could participate in royal social life, even after they had retired.
The waterfront promenade was already used by the king’s summer guests for strolling. Among them was Tsar Alexander II, who admired the exceptional view with his wife Marie.
Numerous historical details from a bygone era can be found on the cast-iron railings along the waterfront promenade and the palace footbridge, some of which have been restored. However, there are also components that had to be replaced, such as the envy head, especially on the palace footbridge.
The cast-iron railing was restored in 2009 as part of repairs to the retaining walls, which had been severely damaged by the weather. This led to the footbridge and the waterfront promenade being closed.
To restore everything to its former glory, the city of Friedrichshafen, the federal government, the state government, and the German Foundation for Monument Protection contributed to the costs of repair and restoration. Once the work is completed, visitors to Friedrichshafen can once again fully enjoy the waterfront promenade and stroll along Lake Constance.
Sights and attractions close to the waterfront promenade
Numerous special features await discovery on a stroll along the waterfront promenade.
Located directly on the promenade, facing the city, is a wide strip of lawn with beautifully planted flowerbeds, wide steps, and small squares. This is the Uferpark, which nestles against the waterfront promenade. Those who explore this area with open eyes will quickly come across interesting monuments and sculptures. On a stroll through the park, a giant sequoia tree can be admired in the green areas and the Zeppelin Fountain and the Graf Zeppelin Column can be discovered.
If you let your gaze wander further, you will also discover modern sculptures and installations near the waterfront promenade, such as the sculpture “Bridges of Encounter” by Christian Günther Behrens.
A unique installation can be discovered at the Beach Club when looking out over the lake from the waterfront promenade. It is called “The Sound Ship – in the Moment.” The sculptor Helmut Lutz designed the installation and the central theme of this installation is the message for peace in Europe.
Cafés and Restaurants Near the Waterfront
To indulge in coffee specialties, ice cream creations, cakes, and delicious food, you don’t even need to leave the waterfront promenade. There are charming sidewalk cafés, ice cream parlors, and restaurants that invite you to relax, enjoy, and linger. When the weather’s nice, you can sit comfortably outside and enjoy a unique view of the Alps and Lake Constance.
Platanengarten Beer Garden
The Platanengarten Beer Garden at Buchhornplatz is a popular spot, especially in summer, where you can enjoy delicious regional specialties in the rustic atmosphere, shaded by the trees near the harbor, accompanied by a cold beer, delicious wine, or soft drinks.
Address: Platanengarten Beer Garden, Buchhornplatz
S’Wirtshaus am See on Seestraße, located right next to the waterfront promenade, offers its guests delicious regional dishes served in a traditional inn atmosphere. The menu includes delicious salads, schnitzel, and hearty pork knuckle. Beer is served in liter mugs, as befits the occasion.
Address: S’Wirtshaus am See, Seestraße 18
Felders Restaurant
For those who want to enjoy sophisticated regional and global cuisine, mostly prepared with local ingredients, Felders Restaurant on Karlstraße is the perfect place. Guests are served specialties in an elegant setting with views of the harbor, the mountain panorama, and the lake.
Address: Felders Restaurant, Karlstraße 42
Bella Vista
The Italian restaurant Bella Vista on Seestraße offers a terrace directly on Lake Constance. Delicious pizzas with a variety of toppings, homemade pasta creations, and tasty salads emerge from the kitchen. A delicious wine, a cold beer, or a soft drink is the perfect way to round off a stroll along the lakeside promenade in a typically Italian atmosphere.
Address: Bella Vista, Seestraße 12
Bella Vista
The Italian restaurant Bella Vista on Seestraße offers a terrace directly on Lake Constance.
The Delphi on Seestraße offers its guests a modern ambiance and a large terrace, directly on Lake Constance, where they can enjoy culinary delights with views of the lake and the mountain panorama. Guests are served Italian and Greek specialties, accompanied by delicious wine, a cold beer, specialty coffees, and delicious cocktails.
Address: Delphi Café-Bar-Restaurant, Seestraße 20