Explore Manau Island Like a Local!

Planning a trip to Mainau Island? You’re in for a treat! Known as the “Flower Island,” Mainau Island is a botanical paradise nestled on Lake Constance in Germany. Whether you’re a flower enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a serene escape, this island offers an unforgettable experience.

7 Fascinating facts about Mainau Island's history

The island’s connection to the Bernadotte family adds to its charm and legacy.

In the Middle Ages, the island was owned by the Teutonic Order, a medieval Catholic military order.
Then in the 19th century, the island transitioned to private ownership. Grand Duke Frederick I of Baden bought the island and used it as a summer residence.
In 1918 following World War I, the Grand Duchy of Baden became a republic, but the island remained the private property of the former Grand Duke.
Upon the death of Grand Duke Frederick I, the island was passed to (1928) Victoria of Baden. She was the Grand Duke’s sister, and married to King Gustaf V of Sweden, linking her to both the Baden and Swedish royal families. The Grand Duke likely wanted to keep the island within the family. By transferring ownership to his sister, he aimed to preserve its legacy. He wanted to ensure it would be looked after with care.
After Victoria of Baden’s death in 1930, ownership of Mainau Island passed to her second son, Prince Wilhelm of Sweden.
In 1932, Prince Wilhelm gave the island to his son, Prince Lennart Bernadotte. Prince Lennart Bernadotte was responsible for transforming Mainau into the beautiful garden island it is today.
He later established the Lennart Bernadotte Foundation in 1974 to manage and preserve the island. And this is still the situation up to today. The island is Germany’s floral paradise, cared for by the Lennart Bernadotte Foundation.

The Bernadotte family still stays in the castle complex on Mainau Island, maintaining a connection to the island’s rich heritage.

How to plan the perfect trip to Mainau Island

The quickest way to get to Mainau is to fly to Zurich Airport (ZRH). Take FlixBus from Zürich Flughafen, Bahnhof to Constance (Konstanz) central bus station. Once you arrive at Konstanz central bus station, taxis are available to take you directly to Mainau Island or your accommodation nearby. The taxi ride from Konstanz to Mainau Island is quick and convenient.

If you prefer, you can also take a train from Zurich Airport to Konstanz. There are regular train services, and the journey offers scenic views.

From Konstanz, you can use local buses to reach Mainau Island. Bus number 4/13 operates from Konstanz to Mainau.

May to June: This period is a fantastic time to visit because the rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom. Imagine strolling through gardens filled with vibrant colors and sweet fragrances. Over 200 kinds of these flowers create a breathtaking and immersive experience. You can walk along paths lined with these blossoms, their colors ranging from deep purples and reds to bright pinks and whites. The sight and scent are truly enchanting.

September to October: This is another brilliant time to visit, especially if you love dahlias. The island showcases around 20,000 dahlia bushes with approximately 250 different varieties. The display is simply spectacular. The dahlias come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, making the garden look like a painter’s palette. It’s a jaw-dropping scene, perfect for leisurely walks and photography.

Inside the Butterfly House...

The tropical environment inside the Butterfly House is carefully maintained to ensure the butterflies thrive. You’ll find yourself surrounded by lush greenery, exotic plants, and vibrant flowers. The humidity and warmth create an ideal habitat for the butterflies, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a tropical paradise.

As you wander through the Butterfly House, you’ll see butterflies of all shapes, sizes, and colors. It’s a peaceful and enchanting experience, perfect for all ages. Watching the butterflies flutter around, landing on flowers, or even on you, adds a touch of magic to your visit to Mainau Island.

Visiting the Deutschordenschloss

The palace has a fascinating history and is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens.

Canadian Date-Tree: One of the notable features in the palace grounds is the Canadian date-tree, which was planted in 1888. This impressive tree stands 15 meters tall and is a unique highlight among the diverse flora on the island.

Palm Trees: The palace gardens are home to 19 different species of palm trees. This variety adds to the exotic and lush atmosphere of the gardens, making it a delightful spot for leisurely walks and botanical exploration.

Comital Family Residency: If you see the flag raised at the castle, it signifies that the comital family is in residence. The family occupies the northern wing of the palace, which remains private and is not accessible to the public. This tradition adds a touch of historical authenticity to the visit, giving you a sense of the living history of the place.

Schlosskirche: The palace chapel’s organ (in late classicistic style) dates to 1860.

Visiting the Deutschordenschloss is like stepping back in time, surrounded by the beauty of its architecture and the lushness of its gardens. It’s a must-see when exploring Mainau Island.