If you are planning a stay in Hilzingen, two very different attractions can help you decide what to focus on: the late Baroque pilgrimage church of St. Peter and Paul and the Syringa Herb Garden in Hilzingen-Binningen. One offers a glimpse of 18th-century architecture and Peter Thumb; the other is home to fragrant plants and herbs across 6,000 square metres. You can decide while planning your trip whether architectural history or garden culture is of particular interest to you.
St. Peter and Paul: Baroque architecture and Peter Thumb
The Baroque Church of St. Peter and Paul has largely retained its original building fabric. It is considered a notable example of the art and enthusiasm for building of the 18th century. A gem of art in the heart of the old Hegau village, it attracts visitors specifically for this reason. For travellers interested in Baroque architecture, it is a distinctive cultural landmark in Hilzingen.
The church is associated with Peter Thumb of Bezau in Vorarlberg, who lived from 1681 to 1766 and is generally considered its master builder. An exhibition about him is located in the café of the Hilzingen Civic and Rural Museum. The building and its architect are thus presented as two connected aspects: the church has largely preserved its original building fabric, while the exhibition focuses on Peter Thumb. If you are weighing up these two topics as you plan your trip, you will find both a tangible building and an introduction to its attributed architectural history here.
Syringa in Hilzingen-Binningen
The Syringa Herb Garden is located in Hilzingen-Binningen, within the municipality of Hilzingen. It is considered Germany’s largest fragrant-plant and herb garden and covers 6,000 square metres. This gives it a different focus from the church: fragrant plants and herbs, rather than sacred architecture, take centre stage. The place name Binningen locates the garden within the municipality. If you are more interested in garden culture and plants than in architectural history, you can take this into account when choosing your destinations.
More options in the wider Konstanz destination
The Butterfly House is located on Mainau Island, within the wider Konstanz destination. It is home to up to 120 different species and subspecies of butterfly from the tropical regions of South and Central America, Africa and Asia. As information about the animals may change, it is best to check Mainau Island’s current visitor information when planning your trip.
Ring bus routes 4/13 and 13/4 connect Konstanz/Bahnhof with the districts of Litzelstetten, Wallhausen, Dingelsdorf and Dettingen, and stop near the entrance to Mainau Island. If you plan to use this connection, check the current timetable before setting off. This gives you a specific point of reference for the route without assuming fixed departure times.
For hikers, the well-signposted, 53-kilometre SeeGang premium hiking trail connects Überlingen and Konstanz. It passes through the Bodenseekreis district and the district of Konstanz. The RadgenussRouten cycling routes on the Western Lake Constance offer a different focus: they lead through the most beautiful landscapes in the district of Konstanz and bring together nature, culture and local highlights. The SeeGang offers a clearly defined hiking route between two towns; the RadgenussRouten focus on a combination of landscapes and regional themes. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between a specific hiking trail and routes that combine nature and culture.
The BODENSEECARD WEST may also be useful when planning: overnight guests receive it at check-in in 14 participating towns. It serves as a free travel pass in the district of Konstanz as far as Stein am Rhein and Überlingen. It also offers a 20 percent discount on Untersee boat trips, as well as reduced museum admission. Check in advance whether your accommodation is in one of the participating towns.
Discover more destinations: Weiterdingen, Büsingen Am Hochrhein, Öhningen, Volkertshausen, Eigeltingen, Mühlingen, Gottmadingen, Rielasingen-Worblingen.
View the wider travel overview: Konstanz.
