If you were to tell me eleven years ago that I would spend my wedding anniversaries with the guy from SCUBA class in the pink towel, I probably would have given you a sideways look and then ignored you. If you told me eleven years ago that I would spend my 6th wedding anniversary in Germany, and visit four countries in one day…with the guy from SCUBA class in the pink towel, I would have pushed you in the pool!
At the recommendation of our friends in Munich, we decided to spend the weekend in Lindau, Germany. Our plans were made prior to the arrival of our household goods. In the middle of unpacking, I was excited to discover that The Bodensee (Lake Constance) is in the book! It must be a sixth sense.
The Bodensee (as it is called in Duetschland) is Germany’s largest lake. Lake Constance (as it is called in all other countries) shares borders with Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. We headed to Lindau Insel, which is a tiny little island founded in the ninth century. The town harbor is flanked by the Neuer Leuchtturm (lighthouse) and Löwenmole (lion, symbol of the German state of Bavaria). The island is mainly pedestrian-only, and has fantastic views of Austria and Switzerland. Picturesque!
Lindau Insel, Germany
Since Joe and I are still translating the dog-sitter advertisements, Liv was in-tow for the adventure. The plan was to take a boat trip onto the lake and venture into the Austrian and Swiss waters. Rain and bad-seas cancelled our excursion, but we still enjoyed wandering around the town, braving the rain, and taking a million pictures. Since it is off-season the town was really winding down and getting ready to hibernate. So, we decided to head out early on Sunday morning and see the other parts of the Bodensee via car.
With all of Sunday as our oyster, here comes the crazy plans that only the Walls (mostly Joe) could concoct for one day’s travel! We decide to take the long-way home, around the southeast corner of the lake, and hit a different country for each meal.
Breakfast: Bregenz, Austria, Country #1. Only a 20 minute drive from Lindau, Bregenz was just starting its Sunday morning. We had the most delectable breakfast of waffles and apple strudel and then took a trip on the Pfänder (cable car) for an amazing view of Lake Constance and all three countries. I can’t image what these hills would look like covered in snow!
Bregenz, Austria ~ View from the Pfander of deer and Lake Constance
Lunch: Arbon, Switzerland, Country #2. About an hour and a half from Bregenz, Arbon is one of several Swiss towns that enjoy the Lake. We found a walking path right on the water, swans included, and sat with Liv to enjoy lunch with a view! Thank goodness the rain had stopped, or this adventure would not have been as idyllic.
Arbon, Switzerland ~ Lake Constance
Snack: Colmar, France, Country #3. To be honest, Colmar doesn’t sit on the Bodensee, and France has no coastline on Lake Constance, but by this point we were on a role and figured that one more country couldn’t hurt. Colmar is about two hours from Arbon, and only 40 minutes from our flat in Freiburg. We walked around and basically made a list of all the things we wanted to do and see there, since it is so close. Including the Bartholdi Museum (designer of the Statue of Liberty), who hails from Colmar. A warm croissant to go, please!
Colmar, France
Dinner: Freiburg, Germany, Country #4. Back home for dinner.
Whew!!! Personal record there. Great weekend! Now back to studying.