Shop and eat in Germany, Austria and Switzerland around Lake Constance
As I cut into the pale white sausages floating in a bowl of broth, I wished I'd opted for the safer option of small, cheesy pastries
AS I cut into the pale white sausages floating in a bowl of broth, I wished I'd opted for the safer option of small, cheesy pastries.
It was our first night enjoying traditional cuisine in the Bavarian region of Bodensee — the name given by locals for the area surrounding Lake Constance, the third largest lake in Central Europe.
Never heard of it? Then you're not alone.
This gem of a region has widely flown under the radar with tourists favouring more popular destinations in each of the three countries the lake of its namesake touches — Switzerland, Germany and Austria.
It's also a hop, skip and a jump away from the Principality of Liechtenstein.
The region is bursting with natural beauty.
Think crystal clear waters, towering trees, fresh air in abundance, a wealth of history and some seriously hearty cuisine, all cast against the snow-capped Alps.
It seems a great shame that its charms are largely going unnoticed.
Here, visitors can enjoy everything from outdoor pursuits such as swimming, hiking, biking and skiing to more chilled-out activities, including cultural events and festivals.
You can also feed your appetite on belt-busting culinary delicacies.
For a small region, there is an abundance of specialities that locals will insist you try for an authentic experience.
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From the Olma-Bratwurst from St Gallen (a traditional grilled bratwurst sausage) to Käsknöpfle (mini cheesy dumplings) or, my personal favourite, käsespätzle — basically a pimped-up version of mac and cheese with onions — you can't go wrong.
Whenever you visit, you won't be short of things to do.
The summer months provide ample opportunities for swimming and you can even leave your kit at home if you dare to bear on the nudist beach near the town of Hard.
Ahem. To take full advantage of the lake, a boat trip is a must via a private boat or an organised tour.
For those visiting during the winter, the charming Christmas markets are a must-see, guaranteed to get even the biggest Grinch into the festive spirit.
To see as much of the region as possible, your best bet is to hire a car.
On the right, we share our pick of the cities worth stopping at along the way.
GO: LAKE CONSTANCE
GETTING THERE: British Airways, easyJet and Monarch fly to Friedrichshafen with fares from £54 return. Or fly to Zurich with easyJet, British Airways, Iberia and KLM with fares from £49 return.
STAYING THERE: Go to for a variety of packages throughout the region. This winter, a two-night stay in a choice of six hotels in the region is from £75.
WHERE TO STOP AROUND THE LAKE...
LINDAU, GERMANY
This picture-perfect town has it all - stunning lake views, beautiful old buildings and boutique shops. If you want some fresh and tasty local fish, head to Zur Fischerin ().
KONSTANZ, GERMANY
Take a walk around the harbour or head to Niederburg, the Old Town, to see the ancient buildings. Stay at former monastery, the Steigenberger Inselhotel ().
ST GALLEN, SWITZERLAND
This petite and perfectly formed town has charm in spades. Stay at the Hotel Vadian (), a budget hotel that gives its proceeds to a care home for the less fortunate.
FELDKIRCH, AUSTRIA
This town featured in Bond film Quantum of Solace and is brimming with gorgeous historical buildings. Visit in the summer to check out the super-cool PoolBar Festival ().
DORNBIRN, AUSTRIA
The largest town in the Rhine Valley, Dornbirn is renowned for its shopping. Round off your day at Gemsle (), an inn with a wine cellar and massive portions of traditional cuisine.