Meersburg is a small “pearl” of Lake Constance in Baden-Wurttemberg region. The town has managed to retain its medieval charm. Here you can find numerous historical attractions and museums. The panorama of the town is equally attractive with its architecture and countryside. There are different ways of how to get to Meersburg, be it public transport or a car, so let’s explore them.
Table of Contents:
How to get to Meersburg from Frankfurt
How to get to Meersburg from Stuttgart
When to travel to Meersburg
Meersburg is located in the southernmost part of Baden-Wurttemberg, on the shore of Lake Constance. This lake is situated on the territory of several countries, but Meersburg can be found on the German shore. I have travelled around the Baden-Wurttemberg region a lot and I was absolutely charmed with this combination of natural and historical attractions.
The best time of the year to visit Meersburg on Lake Constance is summer indeed. In case you want to swim and sunbathe you`d better choose the period between mid-June and mid-September when the weather is sunny and the water is getting warm. Other seasons suit best for nature walking, seeing architectural attractions and enjoying the cultural heritage. Meersburg is well-known both for its magnificent lake views and sophisticated architecture. Let’s discover the ways of how to get to Meersburg. The closest large cities are Frankfurt and Stuttgart, so dive deep into it.
How to get to Meersburg
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Where do you fly into to get to Meersburg? You can get to Meersburg by taking regular flights to Stuttgart or Frankfurt. These cities both have international airports. Check the current timetable from your city at Aviasales booking service. Based on my experience, the Aviasales service can compare a great variety of available flight options so it is very convenient to use it when planning trips in advance. Then you can get directly to the resort town of Meersburg by public transport or by car. There is no railway station in Meersburg, the nearest one is located 6 km away, in the town of Mühlhofen, or 15 km away, in the Friedrichshafen. Alternatively, you can rent a car and travel around, since Germany has a developed system of high-speed roads, the so-called autobahns.
How to get to Meersburg from Frankfurt
I did some research and found out that the distance between Frankfurt and Meersburg is about 370 km. The cities are connected with highway No. A81. There is no direct rail or bus connection between the cities, but you can get there by bus with a change in Munich (longer option), or by train to Friedrichshafen and then by taxi to Meersburg (faster).
How to get to Meersburg from Frankfurt by bus
From Frankfurt Airport (Terminal No. 2) and from the train station there are trains and buses to Munich all day long. After getting to Munich, you need to make a change for a bus to Meersburg. Such a trip can take from 7.5 to 11 hours, depending on the duration of the change. There is no direct bus service between cities.
How to get to Meersburg from Frankfurt by train
From Frankfurt Airport (ground floor railway station) or from the Central Train Station of Frankfurt you can take a train to Friedrichshafen. There are no direct trains between Frankfurt and Friedrichshafen, but you can use the routes with changes (short in time). Changes are available, for example, in Ulm or Stuttgart.
The travel time takes from 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on the duration of your change. Both high-speed and regional trains run between the cities. Train timetables can be checked at the Raileurope booking service. Tickets to Friedrichshafen can be purchased online or at the ticket office of the Frankfurt railway station.
⇒Based on my research, in Friedrichshafen you need to take a taxi or a bus to go directly to Meersburg. Friedrichshafen is located 15 km away from Meersburg.
How to get to Meersburg from Frankfurt by car
Another popular way to travel between cities in Germany is to rent a car. You can rent a car right at the airport upon arrival, or at any other rental offices in Frankfurt. You can also book a car in advance on the different booking services such as Discover Cars, Economybookings, etc. I collected some information and I can say that both online services have a great number of positive reviews.
◊A useful tip: Compare a few of booking services to choose the best price. Roads in Germany are high-speed (the so-called autobahns), so you can move along quickly and comfortably. Frankfurt and Meersburg are connected with highway # A81 (see on the map). Anyway, a car remains one of the most convenient ways of how to get to Meersburg as there is no train station in the town.
How to get to Meersburg from Stuttgart
The distance between Stuttgart and Meersburg is 185 km. They are connected by highway # A81. You can get to the resort by bus (with a short change), or by train to Friedrichshafen, and then by taxi directly to Meersburg.
How to get to Meersburg from Stuttgart by bus
There are bus routes between Stuttgart and Meersburg, but you need to make a change on the way. The duration of the trip is from 4 to 6 hours, depending on how much time you spend when making a change. The change can be made in Titisee-Neustadt, Freiburg, Memmingen or Engen.
How to get to Meersburg from Stuttgart by train
There are direct trains between Stuttgart and Friedrichshafen, the neigbouring town to Meersburg. Trains run every half and hour. The travel time varies from 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes. Train timetables can be checked at the Raileurope booking service. Then you need to take a taxi from Friedrichshafen directly to Meersburg. The distance between the towns is 20 km.
How to get to Meersburg from Stuttgart by car
One more advisable way to travel between cities in Germany is to rent a car. You can rent a car right at the airport upon arrival, or at any other rental offices in Stuttgart. You can also book a car in advance on the different booking services such as Discover Cars, Economybookings, etc.
◊A useful tip: Compare a few of booking services to choose the best price. Roads in Germany are high-speed (the so-called autobahns), so you can move along quickly and comfortably. Stuttgart is connected with Meersburg with highway № A81 (see on the map). I travelled a lot along the highways in Germany and I can confirm they are pretty much comfortable and it is often the fastest way to get to the desired destination. A car is a comfortable and relatively fast way of how to get to Meersburg from Stuttgart.
Where to stay in Meersburg
After you discovered how to get to Meersburg, it is the right time to take car of your accommodation. Meersburg is well-known for its small country-style hotels. Despite the absence of large chain hotels, local hotels have all the necessary services for a comfortable stay. Based on my research, by location, Meersburg hotels are divided into those located in the historical center, and those located by the lakeside. It should be noted that Meersburg is a relatively small town. Most places in the town can be reached on foot.
3-star hotels
Flair Hotel zum Schiff 3* is located on the shores of the Bodensee (Constance Lake). The most rooms overlook the lake. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi. There is an ATM, luggage storage, currency exchange and a tour desk. Paid public parking is available nearby (reservation is not needed). The hotel has rooms of different levels of comfort: standard, superior, suites. Inside you can find a TV, telephone, radio, safe, hairdryer, mini-bar. The hotel has a restaurant and a terrace. It received the best reviews for its location and cleanliness of the rooms. Check-in is from 15.00, check-out is until 11.00.
Hotel Seehof 3* is 25-room family-run hotel located in the heart of medieval Meersburg. Nearby you can find all the main attractions of the resort. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi. Paid public parking is within the walking distance (reservation required). The hotel has an ATM, laundry and conference room. In the hotel you can find single, double, triple rooms, as well as family rooms designed for a larger number of guests. Inside you can find a TV, telephone, safe, hair dryer. The price includes buffet breakfasts. The hotel received the best ratings for its location and cleanliness of the rooms. Check-in is from 14.00, check-out is until 12.00.
No-star hotels
Sporthotel Schönblick is the hotel where you can find a spa, solarium, tennis court, bike rental, sauna and a terrace. Wi-fi is provided free of charge. Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed). The hotel offers rooms of different categories. All of them are equipped with everything you need, including an iron, a hair dryer and air conditioning. Breakfasts are included in the price. The location is highly rated by tourists. The front desk is open 24/7. Check-in is from 12.00, check-out is until 13.00.
Hotel 3 Stuben is the hotel located in the historic center of the town. All of the rooms are individually designed. Guests are welcome to use the local restaurant and lounge bar. You can also rent a bike here. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi. Private paid parking is available nearby (reservation required). The hotel has different types of rooms. The rooms have TV, safe, hairdryer, telephone, radio, mini-bar. Buffet breakfasts are included in the price. Check-in is from 15.00, check-out is until 11.00.
Hotel Seepromenade is located on the waterfront of Meersburg. The hotel and the restaurant terrace overlook Lake Constance. Nearby are the main historical monuments of the city. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi. Paid public parking is available nearby (reservation required). It is important to find out a parking space especially in case you choose a car as a way of how to get to Meersburg. The hotel has single and double rooms and suites. Inside you can find everything you need to relax. Buffet breakfasts are available at an additional cost. Check-in is from 14.00, check-out is until 11.00.
What to see & do in Meersburg
Meersburg’s main attractions are the Old Castle and the New Palace. The Old Castle was founded back in the 7th century, so it is rightly called one of the oldest buildings in Germany. Surprisingly, the castle has been preserved almost intact. Nowadays, there is a museum here. At museum exhibitions, you can see more than 30 rooms with authentic furniture, interior items, paintings, and various utensils. In the summer, the highest point of the castle, the Dagobert Tower, is also open for visiting, where you can see the town at a glance. I collected some practical information:
- Meersburg Castle is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. during the summertime;
- Meersburg Castle is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. during the period of November to March;
- Standard adult ticket rate is 12,80 euros. Standard children ticket rate is 8 euros;
- You also can get a 25% discount for family visiting (2 adults + child).
The New Palace
The New Palace was built in the 18th century, the style of the building is magnificent baroque with elements of rococo. For a long time, it served as the residence of the princes and barons of Constance. The palace is also well preserved, now there is a museum, which means that the doors of the palace are open to visitors who have the opportunity to view the interior and decoration of the palace. After some research, I discovered the following practical information:
- New Palace is open daily from 09.30 a.m. to 06.00 p.m. during the period of March, 25 to November, 5;
- New Palace is open daily from 12.00 p.m. to 05.00 p.m. during the period of November, 6 to March, 24;
- Standard adult ticket rate is 6 euros (includes audio guide).
The Thermal Spa
When we talk about spa areas in Germany, the famous ones are situated Baden-Baden. Baden-Baden spa area comes to mind most often, but Meersburg also can boast its spa area. The Meersburg thermal complex is located directly on the shores of Lake Constance and has a thermal pool and a wide variety of spa treatments. I visited some thermal spas in the region and I can definitely recommend such a nice activity to try.
The Meersburg thermal area has been opened recently, perhaps this explains their lesser popularity compared to the Baden-Baden thermal baths. But the equipment of the complex includes everything you need for water relaxation and even more – an outdoor and indoor pools, a beach (in summer), mini-pool for children, a variety of water attractions, hydromassage facilities, a Finnish sauna, a Turkish hammam, massage services, a cafe, a terrace with lake views and much more.
- Pool area is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 07.00 p.m.; Sauna area is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.
- Standard adult ticket price for pool area for 3 hours is 13 euros, children ticket price is 8 euros;
- Standard ticket price for the sauna area is 23,50 euros for 3 hours (adult only).
Boat Trips
In addition to strolling around the town on foot, you can also see it from the water. Numerous boat trips are carried out here in the summer. The duration of these trips varies depending on the route. Some excursion boats travel not only along the northern shore, where Meersburg is located, but also to the other shores and towns of Lake Constance. The 3-country Panorama Tour is especially popular among the tourists as it lets you see 3 countries in a route – Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
As you see, Meersburg is a nice lake resort full of attractions. It is suitable for water sport, relaxation, sightseeing and even for visiting thermal baths. There are different ways of how to get to Meersburg, be it public transport or a car, but all of them, in my opion, are convenient enough.
Take a note! When going on a trip to Germany, do not forget to take out travel insurance, which is useful for receiving a tourist visa and for solving emerging medical problems when travelling in another country. You can purchase insurance via online services, for example, via EKTA and others. You can choose from different modes, including quiet, active or extreme rest.
Photo above the article: Huub Janssen
Julia is an experienced traveller, BA in International Relations and Languages and true lover of planning trips in advance. Learn more about the author…
While we biked through Meersburg, we didn’t have a chance to explore the castle and palace, which we would have enjoyed. Hopefully we can do that on one of our next trips to the area.
Meersburg looks absolutely enchanting with its medieval charm and lakeside setting! I’ve explored parts of Baden-Württemberg before and loved the mix of history and nature, so this town is definitely going on my list. Your tips on the best time to visit and the different transport options are really helpful for planning. I’d especially love to stroll the historic streets and enjoy those Lake Constance views!
I’d love to visit the castle and the thermal spas, this sounds dreamy!