Lindau: why I am determined to return

I recently took a German course at the school in Lindau and had a fantastic time. I loved the proximity to the mountains, and the clear skies and warm weather which engulfs the island of Lindau in Lake Constance (Bodensee). You can observe where the borders between Austria and Switzerland lie with a naked eye from a number of turrets that have existed since the 14th century.

My most vivid memory was that of a school tour of the “Schesaplana” mountain on the Austrian/Swiss border. The tough climb to the 3000m summit is spectacularly rewarding, assuming that you would enjoy a panoramic mountain view with a lake to have a picnic by. Or if preferred there are picturesque, isolated farms and restaurants where you can enjoy a cold beer, sausages and cheese (made locally at high altitude) to give yourself energy for the trek down. The satisfaction of that day peaked, ironically at the foot of the mountain, bathing in the lake and gazing at mountain we had conquered just hours earlier.

Like myself, if you think two wheels are better than two feet, there are hundreds of places to cycle…in and around the island itself, or in the nearby mountain ranges, which can be reached by a short train journey. I do not know of anywhere else where it is possible to cross into three countries in one day on a bicycle! Lindau is still the best place any time of the year for most outdoor activities, but the autumn in particular brings out the most peaceful, yet vibrant qualities Lindau has to offer, mainly thanks to there being less tourists. You can even join the locals on the Drei-Lindauer-Marathon.

Lindau and Lake Constance are the perfect destination for the autumn. The weather is usually still warm and dry and just perfect for active people. The school in Lindau organises hiking trips in the nearby Swiss and Austrian Alps and cycling tours around the lake. What’s more, there’s also weekend trips away to the Munich Oktoberfest!

The hills are alive with more than the sound of music, but also with a few of my favourite things and I am determined to return to Lindau next year!

Johan