Unique Cultural and Convention Center on Lake Constance
Address: Graf Zeppelin Haus, Olgastraße 30, 88045 Friedrichshafen | Opened: 1985 | Architectural style: Gothic | Height: 161.53 m
The Graf Zeppelin Haus in Friedrichshafen impresses not only with its imposing architecture. Rather, the building is a unique convention and cultural center for events of all kinds, with a stunning view of Lake Constance. The building includes an outdoor area and a 3,700 m² space, offering ample space for exhibitions, concerts, and other events. The sound system for concerts uses state-of-the-art technology, offering visitors an indescribable sound experience.
Directions and location of this Friedrichshafen landmark
The Graf Zeppelin House is located on the waterfront promenade, bordered by Friedrichstrasse and the city park. On the other side is Olgastrasse, which is also the address of the Graf Zeppelin House. The adjacent concert beach with a stage for open-air events is in the immediate vicinity. The Culture and Convention Center is just a few minutes’ walk from the old town, the city train station, the promenade along the Lake Constance shore, and the ferry port, making it easy to reach.
Opening Hours and Tours
The Graf Zeppelin House can be viewed from the outside at any time to take in the impressive architecture. The interior is generally only open to the public during conferences, meetings, concerts, or exhibitions, which is why tours are limited.
However, you can take a virtual tour of the Graf Zeppelin House at https://tour360.gzh.de, which offers a glimpse into the building and its halls from various perspectives.
Visitors can also stop by Café Kurgarten:
Café Kurgarten Friedrichshafen Opening Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Saturday
Closed
Restaurant Ferdinand Opening Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday and Monday
Closed
Admission Prices for the Graf Zeppelin House
Admission prices are always linked to an event held in the concert halls and other rooms of the Graf Zeppelin House.
Guided Tours of the Graf Zeppelin House
There are no regular guided tours of the Graf Zeppelin House. However, a backstage tour is occasionally offered for visitors interested in technology. The technical director of the Culture and Convention Center will take you into the underworld of the Graf Zeppelin House. You can learn fascinating facts about the world of the stage and get a glimpse of the stage where concerts are held. Several areas of the building are even below the surface of Lake Constance. The tour is free, lasts 90 minutes, and is limited to 15 participants with prior registration.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Graf Zeppelin House in Friedrichshafen
When was the Graf Zeppelin House opened?
The Graf Zeppelin House in Friedrichshafen opened in 1985. Today, the Graf Zeppelin House hosts conferences, trade fairs, concerts, theater performances, and other cultural events.
What is the Graf Zeppelin House?
Today, the Graf Zeppelin House serves as a venue for a variety of events, such as conferences, trade fairs, concerts, theater performances, gala dinners, and more. It has several halls and conference rooms of varying sizes that can be used flexibly. The Graf Zeppelin House is an important part of the cultural life in Friedrichshafen and the entire Lake Constance region.
Can the Graf Zeppelin House also be rented for private events?
Yes, the Graf Zeppelin House in Friedrichshafen can also be rented for private events. It offers various rooms of different sizes and amenities that can be used for private celebrations such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events and other private events.
Graf Zeppelin House – Special Features and Interesting Facts
The Graf Zeppelin House is not only characterized by its impressive architecture. It was built as a cultural and conference center. To meet all of these requirements and provide the perfect setting for every event, the building features four flexible halls. The building also houses nine conference rooms that can accommodate up to 1,500 people.
There is also a restaurant and a café with a beer garden and an outdoor terrace. From there, you can overlook the marina and enjoy the stunning lake view. There are also outdoor areas for open-air events and exhibition spaces, all within 3,700 m² of space. Visitors to the Graf Zeppelin House don’t have to search long for a parking space; they can conveniently park their cars in the underground garage belonging to the building complex.
The cultural and conference center is one of the most important places on Lake Constance where culture comes alive. The program offers a highly diverse range of events, from ballet performances and cabaret to theater and concerts of all genres.
To ensure visitors enjoy a unique sound experience and enchant their senses, the Graf Zeppelin Haus boasts exclusive stage and event technology. Revolving stages transform performances into extraordinary experiences. Thanks to the sophisticated technology in all areas and the perfection behind it, no event has yet been cancelled due to technical problems.
Anyone who wants to experience the unique features of stage and event technology live should definitely attend a concert or other event during a city trip to Friedrichshafen. Tickets are available at ticket@gzh.de.
Historical Facts and History of the Graf Zeppelin House
After the idea for a cultural and convention center in Friedrichshafen was born and initial planning began, passionate discussions ensued. It quickly became clear that, right from the start, the Graf Zeppelin faced significant demands that weren’t easily reconciled.
The goal was to create a building that residents could identify with, one that would simultaneously combine a cultural venue, a convention center, and a community center. It therefore required a unique idea, a great deal of courage, considerable skill, the implementation of innovations, and a sense of exclusivity. The planning was therefore designed to create a mobile building that would meet numerous requirements in a unique way.
For a city where technology is at the forefront of mobility and which therefore enjoys great global renown, the basic idea and its implementation were exactly the right step. An architectural competition was announced, which the architectural firm Breuning, Breuning, and Betz ultimately won. In many respects, pioneering innovations were implemented in the construction. The building was already equipped with a heating system equipped with a geothermal probe in 1985. Great importance was also placed on architectural mastery in the building’s appearance. A closer look at the building quickly reveals its wave-like design, reminiscent of moving waters. This creates a beautiful connection to Lake Constance.
From the interior of the building, there is an incredible view of the lake. The rooms in the Graf Zeppelin House are elegant, meticulously planned, perfectly equipped, and highly flexible, making them versatile. It is thanks to the innovative spirit of the times that was already evident in the Graf Zeppelin House in the 1980s that the building is a listed building.
Terrace at the Ferdinand Restaurant in the Graf Zeppelin House
Sights and attractions in the immediate vicinity of the Graf Zeppelin House
In the immediate vicinity of the Graf Zeppelin House is the sculpture of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin. With a walking stick in one hand and binoculars in the other, he gazes out over Lake Constance. The sculpture is made of bronze and perfectly completes the picture with the Graf Zeppelin House in the background.
Those who wish to continue following in Count Zeppelin’s footsteps will find the Zeppelin Memorial in the nearby park on the waterfront promenade. Created by Toni Schneider-Manzell in 1985, the memorial is made of bronze and rises 13 meters into the sky. The stele is erected at the spot where an airship took off in 1900. The memorial features inscriptions, and on the lakeside side is a portrait of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin. His motto can also be found there: “You just have to want it and believe in it, and then you’ll succeed.”
Another attraction is the Karl-Olga Fountain, near the Graf Zeppelin House. It was erected there in 1886 and is made of red Verona marble. The fountain reflects the Renaissance style. The fountain features the initials of Charles I, King of Württemberg, and his wife, Olga Nikolayevna Romanova. During the redesign of the Olgastraße/Friedrichstraße intersection, the fountain was reoriented toward Lake Constance.
Not far from the Graf Zeppelin House is the lakeside park directly on Lake Constance, which invites you to relax and linger. From here, you can enjoy the sunset in the evening.
Near the Graf Zeppelin House is the Friedrichshafen School Museum, located in the former Villa Riß. The history of the school from ancient times to the present day is exhibited, leaving many visitors in awe.
Cafés and Restaurants Near the Graf Zeppelin House
Not far from the Graf Zeppelin House are restaurants and cafés that serve guests culinary delights and coffee specialties in a pleasant atmosphere. It is important to the restaurateurs that their guests feel at home. To this end, they offer tastefully decorated dining rooms and charming outdoor terraces for a special experience with a view of the lake and the Alpine panorama.
Café Kurgarten on Olgastraße, in the immediate vicinity of the Graf Zeppelin House, is a beautiful, owner-operated café that serves guests coffee specialties, cakes, delicious breakfast creations, and a special Sunday breakfast on Sundays. Reservations are required for Sunday breakfast. Please note that the restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.
Address: Café Kurgarten, Olgastraße 20
The Kommodore on Uferstraße is a tastefully decorated restaurant and offers guests a magnificent view of the lake through its large window front. In addition to pizza, the menu also includes grilled fish, seafood, meat dishes, and other delicacies. The food selection is rounded out by an extensive drinks list that leaves little to be desired.
Address: Kommodore, Uferstraße 34
The Seehof Friedrichshafen on Olgastraße is a cozy restaurant with an outdoor terrace overlooking the lake. A quick look at the menu reveals classic fish dishes and dishes featuring select meats with a wonderful variety of side dishes. There’s also a selection of delicious wines, cold beer, and soft drinks.
Address: Seehof Friedrichshafen, Olgastraße 6
Beach Club
Strolling along Uferstraße will automatically lead you to the Beach Club, which boasts a beautiful outdoor terrace. Under palm trees with a view of Lake Constance and the mountain panorama, guests are offered delicious cocktails, cold beer, soft drinks, and light, delicious meals. A special holiday feeling is guaranteed.
Address: Beach Club, Uferstraße 1
Lammgarten
Sitting outside in the beer garden and enjoying the casual atmosphere with a view of Lake Constance is a great option during the summer months at the Lammgarten on Uferstraße. The menu features delicious dishes prepared with love. A cold beer, delicious wine, or soft drinks perfectly complement the pleasant atmosphere.
Address: Lammgarten, Uferstraße 27