Bodman-Ludwigshafen between Lake, Nature and History

Discover the history of Bodman

The ruins of Alt-Bodman are freely accessible and offer views of the lake. Check local conditions before visiting. Bodman Castle and its park are located in the town centre; the estate is privately owned by the Counts of Bodman. A historic wine press house stands nearby: the half-timbered building was once used for winemaking. The wine press is also still visible; it was formerly used to press grapes.

The Bodman-Ludwigshafen Museum Friends Association regularly offers guided tours of Bodman during the season. Those interested in early settlement along the lake will find another historical reference at the Bodman-Schachen site: in 2011, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps.” The two topics complement one another, and visiting the privately owned castle is not a prerequisite.

Swim and enjoy the lake

At Bodman lido, you can swim in the lake and play volleyball. Canoes, kayaks (La Canoa), water bikes, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats and rowing boats are available for hire. The range of options may vary by season; check which boats are currently available before your visit. Stand-up paddleboards and canoes are available for hire at Ludwigshafen lido, also subject to seasonal availability.

The architectural history of Ludwigshafen lido is also worth noting: it includes a 100-year-old listed wooden building with cabins facing the lake. At the natural lidos in Bodman-Ludwigshafen, you can also swim, surf, wakeboard, sail, dive and go boating. Some facilities may operate seasonally. As well as quiet hours by the water, there are various activities to choose from on the lake.

Lakeside paths, birds and walks

You can watch waterbirds on the lake from the lakeside grounds. Early-morning walks in spring and autumn are especially inviting, offering a chance to enjoy the quiet and observe the birds. If you prefer a longer outing, Bodman-Ludwigshafen has an extensive network of hiking trails: winding paths lead to natural attractions and historic sites. Options include a circular route to the heights of the Bodanrück peninsula and a walk along the shore. The SeeGang premium hiking trail is also part of the area’s hiking offer for visitors.

In the Aachried nature reserve, an information trail with ten stations introduces visitors to endangered animal and plant species. You can combine a nature walk here with birdwatching along the lakeside grounds; each brings a different aspect of the landscape into focus.

A trip to the Marienschlucht gorge

The Marienschlucht gorge is nearby. The lakeside path from Bodman to the gorge is open to walkers; temporary partial closures are possible. The Marienschlucht can be reached via the hiking trail network from Bodman, Langenrain and Wallhausen, or by boat or bus via Langenrain. Check the latest information on routes and connections before your visit.

Following a closure after a severe landslide in 2015, the Marienschlucht reopened in March 2026. A new panoramic walkway leads through the rocky landscape. Along the paths to the walkway, an information trail covers animals, plants, geology, history and the importance of water. The children’s trail stations are also located along hiking routes from Bodman, Wallhausen and Langenrain to the Marienschlucht. The children’s trail is not a designated circular route.

Choose the right base for your stay

When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to weigh up the experiences you want during the day: swimming and rentals, lakeside paths and nature watching, or historic sites and guided tours. This lets you choose a starting point in Bodman-Ludwigshafen based on the activities you want to shape your stay. For seasonal rentals and walks in the surrounding area, it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Tettnang, Friedrichshafen, Oberteuringen, Owingen, Heiligenberg, Frickingen, Kressbronn on Lake Constance, Daisendorf.

Back to the main travel guide: Lake Constance.