Postcards from the Bodensee

Churches

I tend to think of Germany as Protestant but in the south it's very Catholic. The (usually large) churches are normally quite plain on the outside but a riot of outrageous colour within, gilt & statuary all around and paintings extending over every available surface. An extraordinary example was at Birnau which included three different clocks set into the ceiling and multicoloured marble columns - it was like being inside a caramel gateau.

Konstanz

I didn't have much time in Konstanz but I really liked it, another town perched on the Bodensee but with the Rhine flowing majestically through it. Once again the pedestrian was king (or at least a significant coalition presence) and I freely wandered between old, traditional buildings and creatively modern addition. The huge cathedral was dourly imposing but sadly I didn't have time to sample the interior. This was undoubtably the most crowded place I visited but it felt buzzing & alive, somewhere I'd like to come back to in the future.

Mainau

Another island, Mainau is a self-contained country estate wholly owned by an aristocratic family, although this being the 21st century it is technically a foundation managed by family members. The estate contained wonderful gardens both formal & rustic, hundreds of varieties of trees, one of the most creative children's play areas I've ever seen, and glorious lake views in all directions. Arriving in late afternoon we were advised at the ticket booth to wait another ten minutes by which time we could get in for half price. There was still time to leisurely stroll through kilometres of serene parkland. Very nice.

Meersburg

My final excursion was to Meersburg, poised high on a hilltop above the lake. After a splendid supper we strolled around the cobbled streets as the twilight faded, at one point enjoying a practice organ recital emanating from a (sadly locked) church. As the light finally faded we headed back to Überlingen for my last night before heading back home.