On Mainau, the 20-hectare Flower Island, walks lead through parkland and gardens, with views of Lake Constance and the Alps. Alongside its diverse plant life, tropical butterflies, the Mainau Children’s Land and historic buildings shape the range of attractions. This makes it easy to plan a visit around botanical, natural history or cultural history interests.
Plant life between the Arboretum, Palm House and Rose Garden
Around 250 different tree species grow in the Arboretum, including many rare and impressive specimens. The Palm House is home to more than 20 different palm species. These include a Canary Island date palm over 15 metres tall (Phoenix canariensis). The Italian Rose Garden offers a different focus: its design is strictly geometric, and it is home to around 1,000 rose varieties. The diversity of tree species, palms and a clearly structured rose garden thus offer distinct botanical highlights.
Butterflies and other experiences
The Butterfly House is home to up to 120 different butterfly species and subspecies from tropical regions of South and Central America, Africa and Asia. Visitors can observe tropical butterflies flying freely and follow their development from egg to caterpillar and chrysalis to adult butterfly. The focus is therefore not only on adult butterflies, but also on the other stages of their development.
Mainau Children’s Land covers 1,100 square metres. Attractions include an adventure playground, a digger playground and a marble run, as well as opportunities for climbing, swinging and balancing. Individual features may change, so check the latest information before your visit. At the Mainau Farm, part of the goat enclosure is open to everyone, and visitors can pet the goats there. The area where petting is possible closes in winter.
Palace, Palace Church and the Island’s History
St. Mary’s Palace Church was built between 1732 and 1739; Mainau Palace was then built between 1739 and 1746, based on designs by master builder Johann Caspar Bagnato. The main furnishings of the Palace Church were created by Baroque sculptor Joseph Anton Feuchtmeyer (1696–1770). They include the high altar, side altars, pulpit and sculptures.
The historic Coat of Arms Hall is located on the lower level of the palace and regularly hosts exhibitions. The exhibition programme may change; check the latest dates before your visit. The island itself also has protected monument status: in 2003, Mainau was designated a protected historic ensemble. Part of the island was entered in the register of monuments as a “cultural monument of particular significance.”
Getting There by Boat
Boats to Mainau Island depart from Konstanz, Meersburg, Ăśberlingen, Uhldingen and other major ports on Lake Constance. Include the boat connection in your plans and check the latest timetables and seasonal services before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Staad, Dingelsdorf.
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