Exploring My Roots at Lake Constance

Sunset Dreams and Ethical Streams

Today was a beautiful blend of nature, ethical shopping, and culinary delights here at Lake Constance. It felt like the perfect way to spend one of the last days of our trip, soaking in the local culture and natural beauty before heading back to Dublin. Liam and I started our day with a hearty breakfast, setting the tone for a day of exploration and relaxation.

Our morning began at Restaurant Zur Wendelgard in Konstanz. The cozy, down-to-earth atmosphere was exactly what we needed to kickstart our day. The restaurant is known for its traditional German cuisine, and I was eager to try some local favorites. The reviews I had seen mentioned their stone-cooked steaks and rosti, and I was not disappointed. Liam opted for a classic Zwiebelrostbraten, while I decided on the Holzfällersteak. Both were delicious, and the service was remarkably fast and friendly. It was the perfect way to fuel up for our day of adventures.


Experience authentic German cuisine at Restaurant Zur Wendelgard in scenic Konstanz – where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

After breakfast, we decided to immerse ourselves in nature at the Vogelwarte, a renowned bird observatory. I had heard so much about the diverse birdlife around Lake Constance, and I was excited to experience it firsthand. As someone deeply invested in sustainable living, visiting a place dedicated to studying and protecting birds felt like the perfect activity. We packed our reusable water bottles and set off, eager to see what we could spot.


Discover Vogelwarte in Eriskirch: a serene destination for birdwatching and nature appreciation along the picturesque Lake Constance.

The Vogelwarte was a haven for bird enthusiasts. The air was filled with the sounds of chirping and singing, and the sight of various species flitting about was simply mesmerizing. I was particularly excited to see several types of waterfowl, as Lake Constance is known to be a significant resting place for migratory birds. Liam, with his keen interest in photography, was in his element, snapping photos of everything from the smallest finches to the more majestic swans. We spent hours wandering through the trails, binoculars in hand, marveling at the avian diversity around us.

Sometimes, the most profound connections are found in the quiet observation of the natural world.

One of the highlights was spotting a pair of great crested grebes, gracefully gliding across the water. Their elegant movements and striking plumage were truly captivating. We also saw several common swifts darting through the sky, their acrobatic flight patterns a joy to watch. As we continued our walk, we made sure to adhere to birdwatching etiquette, keeping a respectful distance and avoiding any disturbance to their habitat. It's crucial to remember that we are visitors in their home, and it's our responsibility to protect their environment.

After our enriching experience at the Vogelwarte, we decided to do some ethical shopping at Weltladen Immenstaad. As a marketing assistant at a sustainable packaging company, I’m always keen to support businesses that prioritize fair trade and sustainability. This charming shop, run by volunteers, offers a variety of products from the Global South, supporting socio-integrative and cooperative initiatives. I was excited to explore their selection of fairly traded goods.


Explore ethical shopping at Weltladen Immenstaad, where every purchase supports fair trade and global artisanship.

The Weltladen was a treasure trove of unique and ethically sourced items. From handcrafted jewelry to organic coffee and artisanal chocolates, every product had a story to tell. I learned about the artisans and farmers behind these goods, and the positive impact that fair trade has on their communities. It was heartwarming to know that our purchases were contributing to a more equitable and sustainable world. I picked up a beautiful handwoven scarf for myself and some delicious fair-trade coffee for my parents, knowing that these gifts would carry a meaningful message.

For lunch, we stopped by Restaurant Dischinger in Konstanz. This cozy eatery came highly recommended for its local cuisine and friendly atmosphere. We decided to try their kebabs, which were flavorful and satisfying. It was a great spot for a quick and tasty meal before continuing our exploration.


Discover authentic German cuisine in the heart of Konstanz at Restaurant Dischinger, where tradition meets taste.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Lake Constance to witness the sunset. I had read about some of the best spots for sunset viewing and was determined to find the perfect location. Given it's summer, and with advice I found online, we headed to the southeastern shore, near Bregenz. We found a spot where we could sit and watch the sun dip below the horizon. The sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors, with hues of orange, pink, and purple painting the clouds. The serene beauty of the lake, combined with the stunning sunset, created a magical atmosphere. It was a perfect moment of tranquility and reflection.


Experience the enchanting sunset views at Lake Constance in Langenargen, a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.

The sunset at Lake Constance was truly breathtaking. The way the light reflected off the water, creating a shimmering spectacle, was simply stunning. People gathered along the shore, all captivated by the natural beauty unfolding before us. There was a sense of collective awe and appreciation as we watched the sun slowly disappear, leaving behind a sky full of stars. It was a perfect ending to a day filled with exploration, ethical choices, and natural wonders.

Dinner was at RIVA - Das Hotel am Bodensee. The location right on the lake was stunning. We chose to eat at their main restaurant, foregoing the gourmet experience at the Michelin-starred Ophelia, just wanting something a little more relaxed after a long day. The food was delicious, and the service was impeccable. It was the perfect way to cap off our day of exploration and relaxation. The hotel itself looked incredible, and I made a mental note to consider staying there on our next visit.


Experience luxury at RIVA - Das Hotel am Bodensee with exquisite dining, relaxing spa treatments, and breathtaking views of Lake Constance.

Reflecting on the day, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences we had. From the vibrant birdlife at the Vogelwarte to the ethical shopping at Weltladen Immenstaad and the breathtaking sunset over Lake Constance, every moment was filled with beauty and meaning. It reinforced my commitment to sustainable living and the importance of supporting local communities.

Tomorrow marks the last day of our trip, and we plan to make the most of it. Our itinerary includes a visit to the Klosterhof and Stadtgarten, followed by dinner at the Gourmetrestaurant OPHELIA**. I’m particularly excited about the Stadtgarten, as I’ve heard it’s a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the scenery. We might also check out the Manhattan Bar for a nightcap before heading back to our accommodation. And as it is our last day, we will merge in “Trip end”, making sure we soak in every last moment of this beautiful region before heading back to Dublin.

As I sit here writing this, I can’t help but feel grateful for this trip. It has been a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with my roots, explore new places, and reaffirm my commitment to sustainable travel. Lake Constance has a special place in my heart, and I look forward to returning again soon. Good night from Germany!