Aerial view of the flower island of Mainau on Lake Constance

A Place of Colours, Scents, and HistoryMainau Island – the Flower Island of Lake Constance

31.12.2025by Hirsch & Greif

Between palm trees, blossoms, and Baroque architecture: Mainau Island is a place where Baden-Württemberg blossoms in Mediterranean charm, fragrant beauty, and pure fairytale magic.

Where Flowers Take a HolidayMainau Island throughout the Seasons

Welcome to Mainau Island where tulips, palm trees, and lemon trees vacation side by side. Thanks to Lake Constance’s mild climate, this flower island bursts with colour year-round, and you’re right in the heart of it: relaxed, enchanted, and maybe even a little in love with nature.Every stroll on the island Mainau feels like a mini world tour - without the jet lag. In spring, millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths sway in the breeze. Summer brings the intoxicating scent of roses, while autumn turns the island into a riot of colour when over 12,000 dahlias celebrate a festival of hues that would make even Instagram jealous.The Italianate water staircase is a true highlight: water cascades gently down 34 steps towards the lakeshore, flanked by seasonal blooms - alive and vibrant.And the Baroque palace gardens, the palm house, and the arboretum with over 500 tree species tell stories spanning centuries, all without a single dusty history book. The best part? Lake Constance peeks through from almost every corner of the island. Wanderlust? Mainau, provides beauty right before your eyes.

A Story with DepthMainau Island and Its Royal Roots

Grand Duke Frederick I had both green fingers and the perfect climate on his side. He brought home rare plants from his travels that became the start of the island’s botanical fairytale. In the 20th century, the Bernadotte family took over the island and Count Lennart Bernadotte, grandson of the Swedish king, opened Mainau Island to visitors and transformed it into a lively garden paradise. Since 1974, the Lennart Bernadotte Foundation has ensured that the island not only flourishes but thrives sustainably. Today, Mainau Island is a place where history, nature, and vision meet - a garden paradise that inspires, delights, and beckons visitors to return.

View of a castle complex in a tropical flowering and green garden

Where tulips, palm trees and dreams go on holiday

Colourful parks, Mediterranean flair – a paradise for flower lovers in every season.

A Sustainable Holiday DestinationMainau Island's Green Vision

Mainau Island shows how horticulture and environmental stewardship can flourish together. The Lennart Bernadotte Foundation emphasises ecological care, using organic fertilizers and avoiding chemical treatments whenever possible. The islands sustainable efforts extend to energy, too: solar power and wood-chip heating systems fuelled by regional timber keep the island warm with a clear conscience.Sustainable thinking doesn’t start in the garden though - it starts in the mind. Workshops, exhibitions, and hands-on activities invite visitors to explore biodiversity, composting, and insect conservation in a playful, engaging way. A visit to Mainau Island is therefore not only a feast for the senses, but also a truly enlightening experience with lasting impact.

Three people walk along a gravel path through a green park with an old tree and blooming roses in the foreground.

Think green, enjoy colourful

Mainau shows how environmental protection and floral splendour go hand in hand – for moments of revelation with a lasting effect.

A Garden Full of AdventuresMainau Island, the Flower Island for Families

On Mainau Island, a family outing turns into a full-blown nature adventure. In the children’s area, water features, suspension bridges, climbing structures, and a gnome village await - a place to splash, play, and explore. And while the little ones follow a treasure hunt, adults can relax among ancient trees and a sea of colourful blossoms.The petting zoo and farm stations are also a guaranteed hit with children. Even better: kids under twelve can visit for free. Making a day on Mainau a memorable experience that lingers long after the visit ends.

Several rabbits relax and eat in front of a red wooden house with white windows and flower boxes surrounded by greenery.

Petting, marvelling, playing

In the petting zoo on Mainau Island, rabbits, goats and other animals await visitors – touching is expressly permitted here.

The Tropical Feeling of Lake ConstanceA Stroll through the Green Wonderland of Mainau Island

You don’t need a tropical getaway to experience exotic nature - a visit to Mainau Island is enough! In the butterfly house, over a thousand colourful butterflies flutter through a warm, humid paradise filled with ferns, orchids, and babbling waterfalls. Next door, the palm house reveals how delicate exotic plants survive the winter months. In the arboretum, you’ll encounter majestic tree giants such as sequoias, cedars, and ginkgos - some growing for over 150 years. Here, wonder reigns, and a quiet pause under the treetops offers a refreshing escape from everyday life.

Tree-lined avenue with dense, green canopy; several people are walking or standing on the shady path between tall trees.

Giant trees and tropical flair

Amongst sequoias and palm trees, every walk on Mainau Island becomes a mini world tour.

Unforgettable PicturesThe Best Photo Spots on Mainau Island

The Italianate Water Staircase

A true star for photographers: this 34-step water staircase links the upper terraces to the lakeshore. Water flows over Calanca Gneis stone and is framed by seasonal flower arrangements - perfect for capturing symmetry, lines, and reflections.

The Rose Garden in the Castle Grounds

A summer dream in pink: the historic rose garden blooms in front of the castle backdrop, every shot feels regal - and during flowering season, photo opportunities are in abundance.

Promenade with a Lake View

Here, the lake becomes a natural stage: mystical at sunrise, golden at sunset. The promenade offers ideal perspectives for light play, island silhouettes, and morning mist - a paradise for lovers of wide, atmospheric views.

The Arboretum and Its Tree Giants

Among sequoias, cedars, and ginkgos, discover magical photo motifs: shafts of light through the canopy, intricate bark textures, and mysterious shadows. And any soft sidelight or diffused daylight will bring out the trees’ full enchantment.

The Butterfly House

Tropical vibes for your lens: capture close-ups of colourful wings, glossy leaves, and vibrant blooms - perfect for macro photography. A haven for detail lovers and anyone who enjoys getting up close to nature.

Terrace Viewpoints

A grand panorama can be found on the Grand Duke Friedrich Terrace where you can frame the gardens, Lake Constance, and the island in a single shot. Ideal for those who love high vantage points and sweeping views.

Details – from Flowerbeds to Signposts

Small scenes with big impact: striking colour contrasts, unusual plant pairings, and central pathways create captivating compositions. And close observers will find motifs that tell stories beyond the grand panoramas.

Morning and Evening Light

When the sun is low, every step taken turns into a photo opportunity. These golden hours bathe avenues and paths in warm light, highlight blossoms, and add a wonderful depth - perfect for atmospheric shots with a natural glow.

Everything You Need to KnowInformation for your visit to Mainau Island

How Do I Get to Mainau Island?

Getting there is easy - and scenic! You can reach the island by boat across Lake Constance or on foot via the bridge from the mainland. Parking spaces and bicycle racks are available right at the entrance. Please note: bicycles, e-scooters, and drones are not allowed - Mainau Island is a place meant for walking and enjoying the calm. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash. This way, the island remains a space to breathe deeply, marvel, and enjoy - whether on two legs or four paws.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Mainau Island?

Mainau Island is open 365 days a year, so there’s no bad time to visit. Day visitors are usually admitted from 9 am, and arriving early lets you enjoy the peace and quiet, with the blossoms almost entirely to yourself. However each season brings its own magic: spring bursts with tulips and daffodils, summer is dominated by the fragrant roses, autumn dazzles with over 12,000 dahlias, and winter turns the island into a sparkling Christmas garden - a botanical fairytale of light.In short: the best time to visit is whenever you crave nature, vibrant colours, and a touch of wonder.

What Makes the Italianate Water Staircase so Special?

The Italianate water staircase is far more than a simple staircase - it’s a flowing work of art. Since 1982, it has linked Mainau Island's upper gardens to the lakeshore, spanning 34 natural stone steps over which water gently cascades. Seasonal floral arrangements line both sides, a combination of movement, colour, and texture that makes the staircase a standout feature of Mainau: thoughtfully designed, vibrant, and with a hint of the Mediterranean.In short: here, it’s not just water that flows - it’s a stream of inspiration.

Is Mainau Island Accessible?

Should I Pack Snacks for a Day Trip to Mainau Island?

Only if you’re a seasoned picnicker - otherwise, you can leave your backpack at home because Mainau Island offers plenty of cafés and restaurants with lake views, perfect for hungry explorers.A particularly charming choice is ‘Comturey’, here you can enjoy regional specialties and fresh Lake Constance whitefish, ideal for refuelling before your next island stroll or a relaxing boat ride back.In short: Mainau Island satisfies not only your thirst for discovery but also your appetite - all with a breathtaking view!

Can I Stay Overnight on Mainau Island?

As stunning as Mainau Island is, eventually you’ll have to say goodbye for the night – as overnight stays aren’t possible on the island itself. But don’t worry, nearby Konstanz, Meersburg, and Reichenau Island offer charming hotels, cosy guesthouses, and vacation apartments with lake views and welcoming atmospheres.The best part? You can return again the next day - Mainau will be waiting with fresh blossoms and new discoveries.For more information and the latest updates, visit www.mainau.de/en