The most romantic place on the planet is in Baden-Württemberg, near the city of Konstanz. Mainau Flower Island in Germany leaves unforgettable impressions for tourists. Mainau got its name "Island of Flowers" because of the botanical garden located here. It is one of the largest and most beautiful islets in the world with a rich flora and fauna. A visit to the pearl of Lake Constance gives a feeling of peace and unity with nature. That being said, there are many other attractions on the island that will make family vacations fun and interesting.
Island life and garden development in Mainau
Historians believe that the island in Lake Constance was inhabited in 3000 BC. e., which is proved by various studies of the remains found on Mainau.
The location and relief features of the island make it an important strategic military site. Therefore, as early as 15 BC. NS. Tiberius placed the Roman flotilla there.
In the 13th century, the knights of the Teutonic Order built a castle and a fortification on the island. The modified towers of these structures have survived to our time, which even now remind of historical events.
Mainau Island was fortified with a double wall. However, in 1546 the island was captured by the Austrians, and in 1547 by the Swedes. During the Thirty Years War, the fortification also sometimes let down local residents.
In 1724, King Theodoric IV transferred the oasis among the lake to the Reichenau monastery. The temple did not use Mainau for personal purposes and transferred it for temporary use in exchange for some services.
In the 18th century, large-scale construction began on the island. The first to be built was a beautiful baroque castle. Johan Caspar Bagnato changed the architecture of the Church of the Virgin Mary, transforming it also in the Baroque style. The talented figure was buried on the territory of the church.
Subsequent architectural changes were carried out in the years 1732-1739. After the abolition of the Teutonic Order, the island was transferred to the rule of the Duchy of Baden.
The era of the Island of Flowers with a variety of flora and fauna began during the reign of the Hungarian prince Esterhazy. He bought Mainau in 1827 and created the first landscape park with many varieties of flowers.
After that, the island changed several owners and became the property of Frederick I of Baden. His summer residence was established on the island. Flower gardens and gardens continued to develop and the mild climate allowed for the adaptation and cultivation of many Mediterranean plants.
Thanks to the efforts of the court gardener Eberling, tropical varieties of flowers appeared on Mainau.
During the reign of Frederick, the island was completely transformed. An arboretum was built on its territory, alleys and wonderful gardens were laid. Mainau Island was the real pride of the owner of the residence, and he allowed excursion groups to visit the site.
In 1862, Victoria, the daughter of Friedrich, was born. A linden tree was planted in her honor by her father. The tree has survived in the park to this day.
The beauty married the King of Sweden in 1907: thus the island became Swedish again, but without a military takeover.
In 1932 Lannart Bernadotte got the island, and he settled on Mainau. He managed to buy the island back in 1951. The Duke's second wife made a special contribution to the development of the park: the young Sonia Bernadotte ordered the construction of a bridge between the island and the land, which allowed the park in Mainau to become a more visited cultural heritage.
Today Mainau belongs to the Lennart Bernadotte Foundation, headed by his son Björn Wilhelm.
Wildlife in perfect condition
The area of the Garden of Eden is 0.45 hectares. A huge variety of plant varieties grow here, which are combined into an overall picture of the decoration of the island. They decorate churches, castles and towers. Flower sculptures deserve special attention. Photos cannot convey the impeccability of these creations - it is better to look at them personally.
Flower beds-sculptures are simply mesmerizing with their perfection. Tourists celebrate the sculpture of a gnome and a peacock. Children love the figures of rhinoceroses and horses made from topiary plants. Each flower bed is replete with variety and indescribable color design.
The spring period is considered the beginning of the flowering of the Mainau gardens. The highlight of this season is the Orchid Exhibition at the Palm Greenhouse.
From March to May, you can contemplate a riot of tulips. Flowerbeds are formed from a variety of colors, from white to almost black. The number of tulips on the island exceeds 400 species.
Spring compositions of primroses are diluted with snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths and other flowers. After the season of primroses, rhododendrons and peonies enter the riot of pictures in the flower beds.
In summer, visitors to the Mainau Botanical Garden can contemplate the active blooming of about 1200 different varieties of roses. Pink flower beds stretch across the island and are pleasing to the eye from June to August.
By the end of the summer period, the symphony of the flower beds is complemented by dahlias, and in the fall until late October, chrysanthemums bloom.
In addition to flowers, rare trees grow on the Mainau Island. 156 years ago, in honor of Frederick's daughter Victoria, not only the Victoria linden, one of the oldest trees in the park, was planted, but also topiary, which attracts with its bizarre figures.
Arboretum is a nook for many exotic trees. Here you can see the usual coniferous and deciduous trees, which coexist next to the outlandish plants for European latitudes. The local attraction is the Victoria lime citrus tree, part of the citrus collection.
For gardeners and ordinary tourists, separate excursions to the island's vineyards are organized.
Separately, it is worth noting the "seasoning garden" with many herbs and spices, founded on the island during the time of the knights.
In addition, Mainau has a splendid greenhouse with butterflies, the Schmetterlingshaus, in the form of a glass enclosure called the Butterfly House. This is a habitat for 1,000 specimens of exotic species of these insects.
The island's mini zoo is especially attractive for young visitors. The petting zoo allows you to meet, pet and feed rabbits, goats, ponies, cows and donkeys. The zoo also has peacocks. A pond with fish and turtles is of considerable interest.
Man-made landmarks of Mainau
The largest and most central building on Mainau is the Baroque palace, erected in 1732. The castle hosts all kinds of celebrations, performances and tastings. Today the owner of the "flower residence" lives there.
The Church of the Virgin Mary is nearby. The remains of many inhabitants of the Mainau Island, who played an important role in its formation, are buried on its territory. The temple hosts exhibitions, religious concerts and services. The interior of the snow-white building is decorated with various paintings; flowers are an integral part of the decor.
The Gärtnerturm Garden Tower is an information center for tourists, where you can find out all the information of interest. The tower belongs to the architectural monuments of the period of the knights.
The tower of Comtur Der Comturey-Turm also remained from the times of the Teutonic Order. Today it houses a restaurant and storage facilities.
The Swedish tower Schwedenturm was built during the Crusader period, but its original appearance has not been preserved and it has been completely reconstructed.
After the capture of the island by the Swedes in 1647, the cross was preserved. According to the legend, the Swedes, leaving for the mainland, took out all the valuables. When they wanted to steal the cross too, it suddenly became heavy. Today, the Schwedenkreuz relic stands at the bridge that connects Mainau with the land.
Another pride of the island of Mainau is the Italian staircase, decorated in the Renaissance style. The stairs are decorated with flowers.Nearby there is a wine cellar made from grapes grown on the island.
Fun for the whole family
For younger visitors, the island offers a variety of entertainment. Children will love the pool and play area. In the petting zoo, kids will ride ponies, and nearby visitors will be able to familiarize themselves with a model of the railway, along which different models of steam locomotives move.
In addition to excursions, tourists book a boat trip and fly in an airship. In the riding arena, those who wish to ride horses and enjoy communicating with these animals.
Mainau hosts wine tastings, all kinds of flower festivals, and a parade of national costumes.
The schedule is available on the official website.
Information for tourists
The flower oasis on Lake Constance is always open to visitors. The price of excursions with a Russian-speaking guide starts from 50 euros per group. After 17.00 the cost is reduced by 50%. Children under 12 can enjoy the walk for free.
For example, such a program of events was in 2021:
- March 2 - May 1 - Exhibition "Spring Awakening";
- March 16 - May 6 - Orchid Exhibition;
- late March - early May - Tulips and spring flowers;
- May 31 - June 3 - Count's Island Festival;
- June - September - Roses and vote for the Mainau Queen of Roses;
- July 1 - Sounds of Mainau;
- September 22 - Mainau Apple Day;
- end of August - October - dahlias bloom;
- October 3-7 - Festival of the Count's Palace;
- 2018/2019 - Winter Exhibition;
- November 12 - December 22 - Christmas buffet.
For detailed information, we recommend visiting the official website of the “island”: https://www.mainau.de/en/events.html
To see all the sights, tourists can choose the "red" and "blue" routes of the excursion. "Blue" is suitable for those who prefer more detailed and longer excursions. Red offers an overview of the main attractions and is suitable for families with children.
The road to paradise Mainau
From the city of Konstanz to the island, tourists travel by transport over the bridge or by ferry. The bus journey takes 40 minutes with stops. Some people choose to walk across the 4 km bridge.
Bus number 4 runs from Konstanz train station to the island.
The fare is 2.20 euros. The journey takes about 15 minutes.
It is better to plan an excursion with a family on weekdays, since there is traditionally a large influx of tourists on weekends. Before visiting, you can familiarize yourself with the sights from the photo and correctly plan your vacation in Germany.
Conclusion
Mainau Island on Lake Constance has come a long way from a military fortification in the middle of a reservoir to a magnificent oasis dotted with flowers. The place does not leave indifferent tourists and attracts with its diversity. It is interesting to visit both families and groups of friends. Mainau is ideal for romantic walks and has witnessed many amazing love stories.
The founder of the park said: "Mainau is a miniature coquette that constantly demands undivided attention, more and more love and new outfits." And the decoration of the island keeps this bar.
You can visit Mainau several times a year and each time discover it in a new way. Especially the lake itself, which locals call the "Lake of Three Countries" - it is located on the border of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
