10-year anniversary - Lake Constance gardens active in four countries

Lake Constance Gardens presents green histories

The gardens and parks around the international Lake Constance really are places that many people who love the region can't wait to visit. Some of these green oases are hidden behind fences or walls, whilst others are open gardens that merge into the surrounding landscape around the lake creating a view as far as the eye can see. The international "Lake Constance Gardens" network has been promoting the region's fantastic gardens for 10 years and is inviting visitors to explore a total of 48 parks and gardens in four countries. Anyone embarking on this journey will become a time traveller: From the Stone Age, through medieval times and the 19th century right up to the present, as they move from one era to another and experience horticultural history at first hand.

The international network continues to grow and will have four new members in 2024. These include the newly created monastery garden in St. Gallen, the Freudental Castle with park in Allensbach, the Lilienberg in Ermatingen and the Konstanz Society for Nature and Culture.

The green theme 2024 - gardens and their history
Lake Constance is considered the cradle of European horticultural culture. From the Stone Age through antiquity and the Middle Ages to the 19th century and further into the present, the entire history of horticulture can be seen around Lake Constance. An overview folding map and our own website (www.bodenseegaerten-geschichte.com) support guests of the region in their green treasure hunt.

The topical issue of sustainable gardens
Gardens really do guarantee fresh air. Raking, sowing and harvesting all take place in the open air. It's not just gardeners who enjoy colourful beds of flowers and herbs, as well as native fruits and vegetables, these also have a positive impact on nature. Eating fresh food, you have grown yourself is the very best thing you can do for the environment in terms of your carbon footprint. The birds and the bees, etc. will find important habitats in private gardens and parks alike. It' s no surprise, then, that the topic of gardens is an important trend for the future. In addition, green spaces are real sources of energy. Taking a long walk through a magnificent park or around your garden paradise at home frees your mind and your thoughts. Singen and Stockach also prove that urban gardens have important functions as places to recharge and as green lungs. Venerable redwoods and exotic summer plants provide shade and calm in the urban garden in Singen. In a similar vein, a substantial number of historic trees can also be found in Stockach. With its central location and its wealth of Mediterranean plants, the urban garden is a popular recreation area for locals.

Jump into the green history of the region around the lake
Horticultural history has a long tradition of links with the Lake Constance region. It's easy to travel back to the Stone Age by boat, bus or train. Or would you prefer Antiquity or the Middle Ages? The distances might be small, but you'll be travelling back many years - as they explore each garden, visitors travel through bygone eras until they reach the present day. Europe's first expert guide on gardens even came from the region around Lake Constance region, or to be more precise from the island of Reichenau. It was around 1,200 years ago that a monk from Reichenau by the name of Walahfrid Strabo made the island the birthplace of western horticulture with his booklet "Hortulus – on the care of gardens". His 24 verses on medicinal plants and their uses changed the way the island is seen forever. An herb garden laid out on as described in the Hortulus continues to remind us of his historical work. A large number of greenhouses, vineyards and of course the three important world heritage churches make the vegetable island a paradise for all passionate gardeners and lovers of gardens. At the same time the island is easy and convenient to reach by bike, on foot or by bus.

Bathing in nature – between enchanting blossom and majestic trees
Visitors revel in floral worlds of fragrance on what is probably the most famous flower island in the world, the island of Mainau. The Bernadotte family created a colourful paradise that covers 45 hectares. Tulips, rhododendron, roses and dahlias meet impressive sequoia trees in the arboretum here that is over 150 years old. In the Swiss canton of Thurgau fields and meadows bloom as if it's a competition, with everything from vineyards and orchards to lovingly tended gardens. The rose town of Bischofszell is a truly regal example of how diverse the "garden canton of Thurgau" is. The picturesque little town pays homage to the queen of flowers, the rose, with its large number of magnificent rose gardens, which are open to the public. Thurgau is also home to the largest collection of historic rose varieties in Switzerland - in the Ittingen Charterhouse. In addition to its collection of more than 1,000 rose bushes, the gardens of the former Charterhouse monastery invite visitors to take in the aromas as they stroll around the herbs, vegetables, hops and vines. In Amriswil, which is a good half-hour away, passionate gardeners will find everything the (green) heart desires: there is a nursery, all kinds of ornamental plants and a spacious show garden to discover In Wüthrich Plants AG's garden world.

The Forum Würth Sculpture Garden in Rorschach displays an atmospheric combination of nature and art. From inside the Würth House, visitors can follow the exhibits out into the extensive sculpture garden right on the banks of Lake Constance. On the German side of the lake, visitors can take a stroll along Überlingen's Garden Culture Path through the most beautiful green oases in the town, such as the Town Garden with it exotic plants and majestic trees. Their neighbours in Bregenz in Austria impress locals and visitors alike with the gardens by the lake. Located right next to Lake Constance, the cornucopia of many different plants - such as rhododendron, azaleas or summer flowers and historic gigantic trees – is a magnificent sight.

Effective and good for you: The healing power of herbs
The fact that plants are not just things of beauty, but can also be good for your health, is something you will discover at the centre for naturopathy, the A.Vogel World of Natural Remedies in the Swiss town of Roggwil and in Teufen. It is named after Alfred Vogel, the pioneer of herbal medicine and puts its emphasis on the effectiveness of the red coneflower, which is also known as echinacea purpurea. VitaPlant AG's public medicinal plant garden is not far away. Information displays take visitors from plant to plant and provide information about what they contain and their uses. The Archeo-Botanical Museum Garden in Frauenfeld specialises in planting vegetable and oil crops that have almost been forgotten, as well as historical cereals.

Magnificent Castles and Parkland on the German and Swiss banks of the lake
The landscape of the different countries around Lake Constance offers a cornucopia of impressive castles and parks. Überlingen is a good example of this: Visitors to the St. Leonhard Park Hotel can enjoy extensive views of Lake Constance from its green parkland that covers around 70 hectares. There is an equally impressive panoramic view of Lake Constance from the Baroque garden at the Meersburg New Palace. The Royal Cottage in Meersburg is small and charming. High above, in the middle of the vineyards, there is an impressive view over Lake Constance, which seems to go on forever. The poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff was so enraptured by this sight, that she immediately had a small residence built there - the Royal Cottage. A former Cistercian monastery, which today is known as Salem Palace, is located just a few kilometres away. Its magnificent beds and mazes that are laid out geometrical patterns invite visitors to take a stroll. On the Swiss side of the lake, Wartegg Castle in Rorschacherberg is an impressive sight with its landscaped English Park and the Castle's organic and dynamic Vegetable Garden. High above the Lower Lake sits what is perhaps the most beautiful castle in the Lake Constance region – the Arenenberg Castle and Grounds in Salenstein. Fans of gardens step back in time in Arenenberg's garden world: From the medieval Patrician Garden through to the landscaped English Park, with its Baroque and Renaissance elements. Fields and gardens bring us up to the modern era. This is where the next generation is being taught to grow herbs and vegetables sustainably. The Kreuzlingen Lakeside Castle Park offers an exciting walk with some great views right on the Swiss bank of the lake. As well as enjoying a game of crazy golf, you can also explore herb gardens full of medicinal plants. Children can let off steam in the playground or they can stroke donkeys, rabbits etc. in the zoo.

Nutrition and garden

The Nutrition Field in Vaduz is dedicated to the connection between nutrition and gardens. Special crops such as rice, soy and buckwheat are grown here. With this offer from Liechtenstein, the international network now unites gardens from the entire four-country region. The Osterfingen garden path leads to lovingly tended farmhouse gardens in Schaffhausen. In Appenzell, everything revolves around the world of herbs: The Chrüterei in Stein is at the same time a place of learning, a production site and an oasis of well-being with a view of the herb fields in the typical undulating landscape of the Appenzell region. The new monastery garden, created in 2023, is located in the middle of St. Gallen's old town, the abbey district and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It combines the topic of biodiversity with the historical garden culture in this historic place. Visitors to Langenargen stroll along one of the most beautiful and longest promenades. Magnificent flower arrangements and a panoramic view of the lake invite you to take a stroll. The spacious show garden of the Gaissmayer perennial nursery in Illertissen impresses with well over 2500 different plant species. Anyone looking for creative approaches for their own garden will find what they are looking for in the adjoining Museum of Garden Culture. Not far from this gem, the Lilienberg in Ermatingen tells its story. A restaurant with a view of the garden and Lake Constance offers new insights and perspectives. Freudental Castle in Allensbach invites you to enjoy a wonderful panoramic view against a unique backdrop. The newly renovated castle on the Untersee with its well-kept garden looks like something out of a fairy tale.

Education in Lake Constance Gardens: gardening expertise for all ages
Preserving the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Lake Constance region for now and for the future - this objective set by the international network has spawned a number of different educational initiatives. True to the motto that "early practice is key", the "Lake Constance Gardens School Gardens" are aimed at young gardeners of the next generation. School classes in Switzerland and in Germany are given help to set up and maintain what are known as "green classrooms": the school gardens it creates make it possible for networked learning across national borders to take place and give children an awareness of sustainability and the environment. The project is financed by funding from the Interreg V-Programme, which is a regional programme run by the European Union, the Swiss Confederation and participating cantons in Switzerland in support of cross-border cooperation. All of the "big" garden fans can get training to become tour guides in gardens around Lake Constance. In the ten-day training course, participants learn about horticultural history from Antiquity through to the modern era in collaboration with the Bavarian State Institute for Viticulture and Horticulture (LWG). Garden management and plant use are also on the curriculum, as well as communications training, marketing and legal issues.

Simply excellent – award-winning gardens and achievements
Particularly sustainable gardens, parks and outstanding initiatives or personalities connected with the topic of gardens get recognition from the Association for their services. For about 6 years the network has been awarding the "Nature in the Garden" plaque to gardens that respect nature by avoiding the use of poisons, artificial fertilisers or peat. Some of Lake Constance Gardens' "Nature in the Garden" ambassadors are available to answer questions from anyone who is interested. Since 2017 the Association has also been awarding the annual Lake Constance Gardens Prize in two categories: The first category honours historical or contemporary parks and gardens, whilst the second award recognises special achievements, initiatives or personalities connected with the issue of environmentally-conscious gardening. Since 2018 Lake Constance Gardens has also been awarding a media prize in the categories of Film/Online and Print. It honours outstanding journalism covering the gardens around Lake Constance.

Get out into the natural world: Idyllic outdoor events by Lake Constance
The Lake Constance Gardens network regularly arranges exciting events with its participating gardens and parks in the open air right in the middle of green locations. "The Long Night of Lake Constance Gardens" is an evergreen feature of this: in September the garden festival will be inviting visitors to cosy autumn evening events for the seventh time. "The "Magic of Blossom" has been added to the festival. This opens the festival season in June. Those who appreciate gardens and fans of the outdoors come together here for a colourful bouquet of guided tours, readings and shared celebrations by Lake Constance.

Visitors get a glimpse behind the scenes of dreamy private gardens and magnificent palaces during the "Garden Rendezvous without borders ». Guided tours, walks and cultural events offer all kinds of interesting information on the subject of the garden.

Experiencing tradition at first hand – this is something visitors can do on the Farm Garden Route in the Swiss town of Thurgau. 15 of the lovingly maintained farm gardens show how varied they are. Fruit, vegetables and herbs meet ornamental plants, perennials and shrubs. Some of the gardens are open to visitors all year round, others can be admired from across the garden fence. But the farm gardens open all their doors on their Open Day (in 2024on 2nd June from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.).

"Be a Mainau gardener for a day…!" Offers for garden fans
The Lake Constance Gardens network offers visitors a cornucopia of the most varied green experiences. For example, what about spending a day as a gardener on the most beautiful flower island, the island of Mainau? Any visitors who take up the offer to "Be a Mainau gardener for a day …!" can get an exclusive look at the gardens by shadowing one of the gardeners on Mainau. For children, the Green School on the island of Mainau offers "Kids Gardening" on specific dates.

Green offers for groups
Groups of 20 or more people can book a medieval tour and a present-day tour to the gardens of the palaces and villas on the "art cities Trips". In addition, groups or individual travellers can easily book standard offers such as guided tours to experience the gardens on the island of Mainau or in Überlingen or Bregenz.

Informationen to all offers you can find in the brochure «Bodenseegärten» and on the website www.bodenseegaerten.eu. And informationen according to the Garden year on: www.gartenjahr2021.eu

Contact: Verein Bodenseegärten, Schloss Arenenberg, 8268 Salenstein, Tel. +41 58 345 74 27, info@bodenseegaerten.eu, www.bodenseegaerten.eu

Facebook and Instagram: www.facebook.com/bodenseegaerten, www.instagram.com/bodenseegaerten

For all other informationen: www.bodensee.eu/presse

 

SERVICE INFORMATION

Addresses of the participating gardens

Kräutergarten nach dem «Hortulus» auf der Insel Reichenau, close to the Münster St. Maria und Markus in Reichenau Mittelzell, Informationen: Tourist-Information, Pirminstrasse 145, DE-78479 Insel Reichenau, Tel. +49 7534 92 07 0, info@reichenau-tourismus.de, www.reichenau-tourismus.de. Entrance for free, guided tour on request.

Blumeninsel Mainau, DE-78465 Insel Mainau, Tel. +49 7531 303-0, info@mainau.de, www.mainau.de. Fee-based: March to October: Adults: 21.50 euros, family day ticket (valid for parents and their children up to and including 15 years): 43.50 euros, children (up to and including 12 years): free, sunset ticket from 5 p.m.: 1 / 2 price on all tickets.

Schlossgut Park Arenenberg, Gartenwelt Arenenberg, CH-8268 Salenstein, Tel. +41 58 345 74 10, napoleonmuseum@tg.ch, www.napoleonmuseum.ch, www.arenenberg.ch. The Entrance to the park is for free, guided tour on request.

Stiftung Napoleon III, Schloss Arenenberg, CH-8268 Salenstein, Tel. +41 71 671 18 18, info@stiftungnapoleon.ch, www.stiftungnapoleon.ch.

Stiftung Kartause Ittingen, CH-8532 Warth bei Frauenfeld, Tel. +41 52 748 44 11, info@kartause.ch, www.kartause.ch, www.kunstmuseum.ch. Admission to many of the Charterhouse Gardens is free, some can be visited as part of a museum tour: Admission to the museum including audio guide with four themed garden tours for 10 Franken.

Kloster und Schloss Salem, DE-88682 Salem, Tel. +49 7553 9165 336, schloss@salem.de, www.salem.de. Fee-based Entrance: Adults 7 Euro, children 6-15 years 3,50 Euro, families 17,50 Euro.

Schlossgarten des Neuen Schloss Meersburg, Schlossplatz 12, DE-88709 Meersburg, Tel. +49 7532 8079 410, info@neues-schloss-meersburg.de, www.neues-schloss-meersburg.de. Free entrance to the castle garden.

Gärten des Fürstenhäusle Meersburg, Stettener Strasse 11, DE-88709 Meersburg, Tel. +49 7532 807 94 10, info@fuerstenhaeusle.de, www.fuerstenhaeusle.de. Entry to the garden around the Fürstenhäusle is free.

Grenzenloses GartenRendezvous am westlichen Bodensee, Information: REGIO Konstanz-Bodensee-Hegau e.V., Obere Laube 71, DE-78462 Konstanz, Tel. +49 7531 13 30 40, info@bodenseewest.eu, www.bodenseewest.eu. Most of the gardens and parks involved are free.

Archäobotanischer Garten beim Naturmuseum Thurgau und Museum für Archäologie, Freie Strasse 24, CH-8510 Frauenfeld, Tel. +41 58 345 74 00, naturmuseum@tg.ch, www.naturmuseum.tg.ch. Free entry to the garden and museums.

Überlinger Gartenkulturpfad, Rundweg ab Badgarten, Informationen: Überlingen Marketing und Tourismus GmbH, Landungsplatz 3-5, DE-88662 Überlingen, Tel. +49 7551 94 715-22, info@ueberlingen-bodensee.de, www.ueberlingen-bodensee.de. Entrance for free.

Gärten des Schloss Wartegg, Von Blarer Weg, CH-9404 Rorschacherberg, Tel. +41 71 858 62 62, schloss@wartegg.ch, www.wartegg.ch. Entrance for free, guided tour on request.

Rosenstadt Bischofszell, Tourist-Info Bischofszell, Rathaus, Marktgasse 11, CH-9220 Bischofszell, Tel. +41 71 424 24 24, stadt@bischofszell.ch, www.bischofszell.ch. Event: Rosenweek: CHF 10.- / EUR 10.-, Guided tour on request.

Skulpturengarten Würth Management AG, Churerstrasse 4, CH-9400 Rorschach, Tel. +41 71 225 10 00, info@wuerth-management.com, www.wuerth-management.com. Entrance for free, guided tour on request.

A.Vogel Heilpflanzenwelt, Erlebniszentrum EchinaPoint auf dem Gelände der Bioforce AG, Grünaustrasse 4, CH-9325 Roggwil, Tel. +41 71 454 62 42, info@avogel.ch, www.erlebnisbesuche.avogel.ch. Daily open form 8 am to 8 pm, entrance for free, guided tour on request.

Seeburgpark Kreuzlingen, Hauptstrasse 39, Kreuzlingen Tourismus, CH-8280 Kreuzlingen, Tel. +41 71 672 38 40, info@kreuzlingen-tourismus.ch, www.kreuzlingen-tourismus.ch. Entrance for free, guided tour on request.

Bibelgalerie Meersburg mit Bibelgarten, Kirchstrasse 4, DE-88709 Meersburg, Tel. +49 7532 53 00, anfrage@bibelgalerie.de, www.bibelgalerie.de. Garden entrance for free, guided tour on request.

Gartendenkmal Stiegeler Park, Hermann-Hesse-Weg 16, DE-78462 Konstanz, Tel. +49 7531 240 75, info@stiegeler-park.de, www.stiegeler-park.de. Entrance for free, guided tour on request.

Stadtgarten Singen, Tourist-Information der Stadt Singen, August-Ruf-Str. 13, DE-78224 Singen, Tel. +41 7731 85-504, tourist-info.stadt@singen.de, www.singen.de. Entrance for free, guided tour on request.

Parkhotel St. Leonhard Überlingen Parkhotel St. Leonhard****, Obere St.-Leonhardstrasse 71, DE-88662 Überlingen, Tel. +49 7551 808 200, info@parkhotel-sankt-leonhard.de, www.parkhotel-st-leonhard.de. Entrance to the Hotelpark, Guided tour on request.

VitaPlant AG, Romanshornerstrasse 39, CH-8592 Uttwil, Tel. +41 71 466 03 33, info@viatplant.ch, www.vitaplant.ch. Admission to medicinal plant garden for bike and hiking trails free, guided tour on request.  

Hofgarten Schloss Messkirch, Kultur- und Museumszentrum Schloss Messkirch, Kirchstrasse 7, DE-88605 Messkirch, Tel. +49 7575 206 46, info@messkirch.de, www.schloss-messkirch.de. Entrance for free, guided tour on request.

Park der Villa Rosenau, KWA Parkstift Rosenau, Eichhornstrasse 56, DE-78464 Konstanz, Tel. +49 7531 80 50, rosenau@kwa.de, www.kwa.de. Entrance for free, guided tour on request.

Stadt Bregenz, Bregenz Tourismus & Stadtmarketing GmbH, Rathausstrasse 35a, AT-6900 Bregenz, Tel. +43 5574 4959-15, tourismus@bregenz.at, www.bregenz.travel. Entrance in different gardens free, guided tour on request.

Stadtgarten Stockach, Kulturzentrum «Altes Forstamt», DE-78333 Stockach, Tel. +49 7771 802-300, info@stoackach.de, www.stockach.de. Entrance for free, guided tour on request.

Schlösslepark Kressbronn, Seestrasse, DE-88079 Kressbronn, Tel. +49 7543 96650, tourist-info@kressbronn.de, www.kressbronn.de. Entrance for free, guided tour on request.

Bibelgarten Gossau/SG, Herisauerstrasse 5, CH 9200 Gossau, Tel. +41 71 388 18 48, sekretariat@kathgossau.ch, www.bibelgarten.ch. Entrance for free, guided tour on request.

Thurgau Tourismus, Gartenkanton Thurgau, Friedrichshafnerstrasse 55a, CH-8590 Romanshorn, Tel. +41 71 414 11 44, info@thurgau-bodensee.ch, www.thurgau-bodensee.ch.

Gartenwelt Wüthrich Pflanzen AG, Romanshornerstrasse 272, CH-8580 Hatswil/Amriswil, Tel. +41 71 463 66 33, info@wuethrich-pflanzen.ch, www.wuethrich-pflanzen.ch. Entrance for free, guided tour on request.

Wangen im Allgäu, Gästeamt – Tourist Information, Bindstrasse 10, DE-88239 Wangen im Allgäu, Tel. +49 7522 74211, tourist@wangen.de, www.wangen-tourismus.de. Different gardens open on request, guided tour on request.

Panoramagarten Augustinum Meersburg, Kurallee 18, DE-88709 Meersburg, Tel. +49 7532 4426 1900, sekretariat@augustinum.de, www.augustinum.de. Entrance for free, guided tour on request.

Ernährungsfeld Vaduz, Städtle 39, LI-9490 Vaduz, Tel. +423 239 63 63, info@liechtenstein.li, www.tourismus.li. Entrance for free, guided tour on request.

Kräutergarten Mauren, Peter- und Paul-Strasse 27, LI-9493 Mauren, Tel. +423 791 71 55, kraeutergarten-mauren@speed.li. Entrance for free, guided tour on request.

Gartenpfad Osterfingen in Schaffhausen, Dorfstrasse 44, CH-8218 Osterfingen, Tel. +41 52 681 30 70, gartenpfad.osterfingen@gmx.net, www.gartenpfad.osterfingen.ch. Entrance for free, guided tour on request.

Chrüterei Stein, Rüti 422, CH-9063 Stein, Tel. +41 71 571 56 35, hoi@chrueterei-stein.ch, www.chrueterei-stein.ch. Entrance and guided tour on request.

Kräutergarten Mauren, Im Weiherring, FL-9493 Mauren, kraeutergarten-mauren@speed.li, https://tinyurl.com/yxze8s7j. Free entrance, guided tour on request.

Uferpromenade Langenargen, Obere Seestrasse 2/1, DE-88085 Langenargen, Tel. + 49 7543 93 30 92, touristinfo@langenargen.de, www.langenargen.de.

Haffterpark Weinfelden, Stadt Weinfelden, Freiestrasse 20, CH-8570 Weinfelden, Tel. + 41 71 626 70 44, jessica.behrends@weinfelden.ch, www.weinfelden.ch. Free entrance, guided tour on request.

Ceres Heilpflanzengarten Kesswil, Bachtobelstrasse 6, CH-8593 Kesswil, Tel. + 41 71 466 82 82, info@ceresheilmittel.ch, www.ceresheilmittel.ch. Free entrance, guided tour on request.

Kräutergarten zu Allerheiligen, Klosterstrasse 16, CH-8200 Schaffhausen, Tel. + 41 52 633 07 77, admin.allerheiligen@stsh.ch, www.allerheiligen.ch. Free entrance, guided tour on request.

Steinegerta Schaan, in der Steinegerta 26, LI-9494 Schaan, Tel. +423 232 48 22, info@steinegerta.li, www.steinegerta.li. Free entrance, guided tour on request.

Schaugarten Biogärtnerei Neubauer Erlen, Lenzenhausstrasse 9, CH8586 Erlen, Tel. +41 71 648 13 32, info@neubauer.ch, www.neubauer.ch. Free entrance, guided tour on request.

Klostergarten St.Gallen, Stiftsbezirk, CH-9000 St.Gallen, Tel. +41 71 277 23 03, info@klostergarten-sg.ch, www.klostergarten-sg.ch. Free entrance, guided tour on request.

Schloss Freudental, Strasse Schlossstrasse 1, DE-78476 Allensbach-Freudental, Tel. +49 7533 949 1100,  info@schloss-freudental.de, www.schloss-freudental.de. Free entrance, guided tour on request.

Lilienberg Ermatingen, Blautorstrasse 10, CH-8272 Ermatingen, Tel. +41 71 663 21 00, info@lilienberg.ch, www.lilienberg.ch. Free entrance.

Gesellschaft für Natur und Kultur Konstanz, Alter Wall 2, DE-78467 Konstanz, www.genakuko.de

Staudengärtnerei Gaissmayer, Jungviehweide 3, DE-89257 Illertissen, Tel. +49 7303 60 89 60, info@gaissmayer.de, www.gaissmayer.de.

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