Beautiful botanical gardens. A butterfly house and real cuckoo birds with swans. So peaceful. read more

See all

I live just miles away from a botanical garden that is consistently rated in the top 10...so it's hard to impress when it comes to gardens. This garden blew me away today. From walking across the bridge, the Swiss Alps in the (stunning) background, sculptures, wisteria, blooming tulips this garden had everything! I almost couldn't take it when I realized the cushions (on wooden pallets) matched the surrounding orchids in the conservatory. This is the photo of Pinterest dreams. Honestly, the gardens just kept getting better and better. Anyways, I stayed here for about 3 hours, took tons of photos, and was able to see the entire island. You'll need to buy a €5 parking token when you buy tickets. Keep the token and when you leave the parking lot there will be a token box. The signage has a bad translation which wasn't helpful Don't take the trolley-takes 5 pleasant minutes to walk across the bridge (walk on the right side only) Tickets are 1/2 off after 5pm (which is also when the crowds leave) Café is near the ticket office and has plenty of drink choices (€2.75 for coke light in glass bottle) Restrooms through the area-3 on the island and one by the café. They are nicely kept read more

See all

Heard a lot about the lovely flower gardens at Insel Mainau and finally made it right before closing... which means we couldn't see the butterflies. :( Note to self: Go earlier next time! The flower gardens were lovely though, as was the view of Lake Constance. We had a nice fish dinner sitting outdoors at Die Schwedenschenke restaurant. We thought the prices would be a lot cheaper than a similar meal in Switzerland, but it didn't seem to cost that much less. Perhaps because this is a touristy place. There was a wedding party right outside the restaurant releasing tons of balloons into the air. One of them got stuck in a large tree, and it was comical watching them try to free it by throwing a broom up into the tree. read more

See all

Family place to be. Lots to see. I would definitely come back here again if only we had more time. I bought plant seeds from the mart and i cant wait to plant it. read more

What a surprise! Why pay entrance fees for an island? Weird. It was half rainy half clouded, so what could we expect? We ended up fully flashed. 1. The butterfly's house was by now the nicest place I have ever been (related to animals/insects). Thousands of butterflies fly around your head very close. They are so amazing. Some may sit on you. It was mega crowded but the nice cuties were nit distracted. Take your time in the tropic butterfly's house. 2. The wooden faces I loved very very much. 3. The swan fountain had the nicest atmosphere. 4. The cake at the cafeteria was great when we waited for the boat. What a day in the rain! read more

See all

I remember coming here a long time ago and when I planned my trip to Germany I made a point of coming here. We came on a beautiful day in early May; the great weather probably made me enjoy this place even more. It was expensive to get in; admission for one adult was €20-25, but it was totally worth it. You walk from the large parking lot (that you have to pay to use for some reason) to the island by crossing a causeway/bridge. From here, you get a nice view of the lake, an on a clear day, the Swiss Alps. Once on the island there is a large playground and other things for kids. As you continue, if the playground is on your right, small groups of flowers start on your left. They start out small, but once you pass the playground, they get bigger - much bigger. Smaller paths weave between some of the flowers on the hillside while carefully manicured lawns are decorated by flowers on your right. Further along, there's a terraced waterfall with flowers on either side. As you continue on, you'll make your way to the Italian garden and conservatory and beyond that, the palace where the island's owners live (they're royalty). Overall, the island's gardens were beautiful and one of the highlights of our 2 week trip to Germany. I'd definitely recommend going there, especially on a nice day. read more

Insel Mainau - Local Flavor Near Me - Insel Mainau, BW

See all

Seriously, yelpers only 4 stars? Just a question here- I would like to know what other gardens you have been to that is a 5 star. If you couldn't spend the day and got there late or during bad weather- that not their fault. Honestly, "an ounce of pretension is worth a pound of manure" Julie Roberts in Steal Magnolia's. This place seemingly has everything. For the novice arborist, to the Specimen's of other centuries, all in one place. A church, history, a restaurant- (more like a place to catch a bite), a garden of veg, flowering gardens through out, a lake, ferry to and from many port, including your car with a good park and ride. There is also a Great bike path around the lake, it does take a full day around Lake Constance and, Bodensee, but it has many places to stop for breaks. (WC and Radler, and eats) There are plenty of hands that work there- that speak the "broken Germany" or just flat out English. The roses are the best, with species of origin , coming from Asia. the evergreen are Mag, be sure and check out my fav. the handkerchief tree- it will make you cry when it is in bloom. Over all I have only been to maybe 3 or 4 other gardens that par with this 5 star! Have fun and don't rush it. read more

See all

I was here the 1st time during August 2001. I have to say the garden is not as well kept. The grass was overgrown in most of the areas with lots of weeds. The rose garden was a total disappointment as again it was overgrown with weeds between the "shrub" roses. Lots of wild rose shrubs. You find a few different more quality rose bushes behind the "Schloss garden. The Italian garden was also nice as well as the animal topiaries. The dahlia are a site to see but will not be in blooms until mid August. The garden has very few concession stands. Be aware on Sundays the food stands close at 4pm although, the garden closes at 6pm. On a hot summer day make sure you get your refreshments and snacks before 4pm in a Sunday. read more

This is such an amazing place. My wife took me here just to walk and take in the amazing sights and sounds of Mainau....it is breathtaking the island has such a wide variety of flowers that are made into objects and art. It is amazing and the castle on the island again is crazy pretty and the old church attached to the castle adds history and elegance to the island....its a must see and such a hidden gem. I'd recommend this to travelers and occupants of the city alike to visit this place! read more

Insel Mainau is lovely. You can spend a whole day here no matter what age. The flowers are beautiful in the spring and summer and they have little cafes in case you get hungry. They have a ferry that takes you from other city right to the island by boat. read more

The isle of Mainau is little paradise near Konstanz. It is worth a visit both in summer, where it is full of colours, thanks the various flowers blooming, and in winter, where it is much calmer but has still a lot to offer. There is also a large outdoor playground for children. read more