Autumn indulgence at Lake Constance: culinary delights & wine experience

Why visit Lake Constance in autumn?

Nestled on the border of four countries, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, you can find Lake Constance (or Bodensee in German). Here, a sparkling lake meets the imposing Alps, ancient culture and culinary delights. Although Lake Constance is a year-round destination, autumn is when it truly shines. The mild climate, golden vineyards and the blaze of fall foliage transform the region into a painter’s masterpiece.

Beyond its scenic beauty, autumn at Lake Constance is all about celebrating the harvest. Farmers’ markets overflow with fresh apples, pumpkins and local produce. Wineries open their doors for tastings and tours. Restaurants craft seasonal menus featuring freshly caught fish, robust wines and rich, hearty dishes that warm both body and soul. From bustling food festivals to serene wine hikes, autumn offers travelers a deeply flavourful way to experience this lake region.

^{Photo: Liechtenstein Marketing}

Taste local wines at Lake Constance

Imagine yourself sipping a crisp white wine along the shoreline, surrounded by golden vines and panoramic lake views. Sounds good, right? Autumn is the wine season around Lake Constance, making it the perfect destination for wine lovers. With six wine growing regions around Lake Constance, viticulture has shaped the landscape and the people here for centuries. Wine has been produced around St. Gallen, Thurgau, Schaffhausen, Vorarlberg, in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, all with their own unique climatic conditions. Lake Constance offers regional classics like the award-winning Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Noir and other cultivars, including Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

During autumn, various wine events, activities and festivals pop up across the region. Active and adventurous travelers can join a wine hiking trail, combining scenic walks with tastings in the vineyards. Don’t miss climbing Germany’s highest vineyard, the Hohentwiel in Singen, where history and nature blend into an unforgettable wine experience.

When you travel a little further to Vaduz in Liechtenstein, you’ll discover the winery Fürstliche Hofkellerei, which offers wines steeped in centuries of royal heritage. Taste wines crafted with noble precision, walk through the vineyards, take a look in the cellars and enjoy views of the alpine foothills that have shaped Liechtenstein’s viticulture for generations.

^{Photo: Achim Mende}

Discover the Apple Weeks

Did you know that every German eats around 25 kilograms of apples per year? Every autumn, the Apple Weeks (or Apfelwochen) celebrate the harvest of Germany’s most popular fruit. Let local restaurants, cafés and markets surprise you with creative apple-based dishes, from classic strudels and tarts to savory apple-infused specialties.

The Apple Weeks span from Lindau to Salem in Germany, on the northern part of Lake Constance. Discover a varied programme with workshops, tastings and exclusive arrangements. Learn more about fruit growing, taste culinary delights of apples or treat yourself with an overnight stay in Lindau and book an Apple Week arrangement. It’s a sweet way to connect with the region’s traditions and taste the essence of the season.

^{Photo: Wolfgang Schneider}

Taste fresh fish at Lake Constance

Lake Constance is not only about wines and apples, but it’s also known for its local fish. In September and October, during the Lake Constance Fish Weeks, local chefs showcase freshly caught specialties like whitefish, perch and other fresh fish from the lake. Restaurants in western Lake Constance prepare creative three course menus that highlight the flavours from the lake, paired perfectly with regional wines and seasonal sides.

Explore local and seasonal beers

Due to the unique climate conditions and soil composition, Lake Constance has a centuries-old tradition in hop cultivation. The rich beer and brewing culture, rooted in centuries of craftsmanship, comes alive in the fall with harvest festivals and beer tastings. Go on a tour in a historic brewery, join guided tastings or visit museums such as the Mohrenbräu Biererlebniswelt or the German Hops Museum and learn more about the brewing process behind local favourites. Or get active and walk the ‘From farmer to brewer’ trail, a four kilometer trail along the hop gardens in Tettnang.

^{Photo: Hopfengut}

Do a bratwurst specialty tasting

A culinary trip to Lake Constance is not complete without tasting the beloved bratwurst, especially around St. Gallen. With an annual production of 3.500 tons of St. Gallen sausage, it is safe to say that this is the best place in the region for a tasting. But who produces the best sausage in town? Join the tasting seminar and try four sausages from the region, all with their own subtle differences. Learn more about the production of the famous bratwurst and decide for yourself which deserves the title: the best bratwurst of St. Gallen!