Hegau on Lake Constance: Highlights & Real Insider Tips

Tips and Info for Your Vacation in the Hegau Region

Before we get to our interview, here’s the most important information you need before heading to the Hegau on Lake Constance.

Location

The Hegau sits in southern Germany in Baden-Württemberg.

Since the region is just a short drive from Lake Constance, you won’t have to go far for a swim. The beautiful city of Constance is only about half an hour away by car.

If hiking is more your thing, a day trip to the Black Forest is a great option — you’ll be right in the mountains in under 100 kilometers.

From the Hegau region on Lake Constance, a trip to Switzerland is also absolutely worth it. You can reach Zurich in less than an hour.

Our Hotel Picks

Here are our hotel recommendations for the Hegau to suit every budget:

Interview with a Local: The Best Insider Tips for the Hegau

Our Expert

My name is Saskia. I love to travel and discover the world — especially with my camera in hand. That’s actually how I came across 22places.

Love brought me to Singen and the Hegau region. I’ve lived here for many years now and find myself amazed again and again.

Here I can indulge my love of the outdoors and photographing nature without having to travel far. Just step out the front door and go.

The Hegau in Three Words

“Des Herrgott’s Kegelspiel” (God’s bowling game) — that’s what local poet Ludwig Finck called the Hegau, a nod to the nine volcanic cones that shape the landscape and each offer a completely different view over the Hegau countryside, the Alps, and Lake Constance.

Why Go There!

Because there’s genuinely something for everyone. Nature, sports, art, great food — all tastes are covered.

Many people zip through the Hegau on the A81 (affectionately called the “Spätzle Highway” by locals) on their way to Lake Constance. But that’s actually an advantage — here you can relax and enjoy your time without fighting masses of tourists for the best spots.

You’re quickly out in nature and can explore it on foot, by bike, or on the water — stand-up paddleboarding, for example. Even hiking or winter sports in the Alps are often less than two hours away by car.

The neighboring Hochschwarzwald is even closer. It’s a place where others vacation — but you get to live there. And despite the proximity to nature, you don’t have to give up culture or culinary variety.

Singen, where I live, offers an extraordinary range of options for a city of its size. That’s why I recommend everyone visit the Hegau and spend a little time here.

What Makes the Hegau Unique

The highest wine-growing area in Germany at 562 meters above sea level. There are two wineries here: the “Olgaberg” is managed by the Staatsweingut Meersburg, and the “Elisabethenberg” by Weingut Vollmayer.

Weingut Vollmayer has a wine shop where you can taste the wines before you buy. I also highly recommend the walnut schnapps they carry.

Once a year in August, a popular wine festival is held. Visitors can even stay overnight in the Weinvilla — with a direct view of the Hohentwiel and the vines.

Sights and Activities in the Hegau

Must-Sees

You should definitely visit the Hohentwiel Fortress Ruins, located on the former volcano of the same name in Singen. It’s the largest fortress ruin in Germany. You can combine this with a short hike along the Vulkanlehrpfad (volcano trail) or the premium hiking trail “Hohentwieler.”

For those who aren’t great walkers, there’s a weekend bus connection from the train station to the visitor center, with stops at the town hall and the Landesgartenschau stop. This is also the best place to park, since parking at the visitor center itself is very limited.

The visitor center has a small but worthwhile exhibition with information about the mountain, the fortress ruins, and a model showing what it must have looked like before its destruction in 1801. From there, it’s just a short walk uphill to the fortress entrance.

Don’t forget: tickets are available at the visitor center, not at the actual entrance. On days with good visibility — especially in spring and fall — you can see all the way to the Alps. At a minimum, comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are recommended, as the paths inside the fortress are partly rocky and can be slippery in wet weather.

If you download the corresponding app before your visit, you can follow an audio guide and listen to fascinating details about the fortress ruins at marked locations.

The Aach Spring in the town of Aach is always worth a visit. It’s the largest karst spring in Germany, fed largely by water from the Danube sinkhole between Immendingen and Fridingen. You can take a short hike here or simply relax in the beer garden overlooking the spring.

Another well-known attraction is the Rhine Falls near Neuhausen in neighboring Switzerland. You can get there by car or train and then explore the various viewpoints on foot along marked paths.

While you’re in the area, a side trip to Schaffhausen is also worthwhile. From the Munot — a circular fortress in the center of the city on the Emmersberg — you get a beautiful panorama of the Rhine and the surrounding landscape. Just note that eating and drinking here tends to be pricier than in Germany.

On a Rainy Day

For those who enjoy shopping, the Cano shopping center in the center of Singen is a great option — lots of stores and a solid food court. It’s located directly across from the train station and features some interesting architecture too.

The landmark-protected facade of the former Hotel Victoria has been integrated into the modern building on the north side; on the west-facing front, the building was constructed around Café Hanser. The café’s interior has been unchanged since 1934 — a small step back in time compared to the shopping center that grew up around it.

Right next to the Cano, the pedestrian zones August-Ruf-Straße, Hegaustraße, and Scheffelstraße are great for a leisurely browse through various shops.

Getting around downtown is remarkably easy, as the streets are laid out in a grid pattern.

If you still have the shopping bug, hop on the Seehas (the commuter rail connecting all communities between Engen and Constance) to Radolfzell and visit the Seemaxx outlet center. You can find really great deals here, especially during end-of-season sales.

Not into shopping? Spend your time in one of the museums instead. In Singen, the MAC I and MAC II are particularly worth a visit. MAC stands for Museum Art and Cars, and both buildings stand out for their distinctive architecture even from the outside.

You’ll find them near the Landesgartenschau bus and Seehas stop, where there’s also a large parking lot. From Singen’s city center, you can stroll over comfortably through the Stadtgarten, a remnant of the 2000 state garden show. The MAC hosts rotating exhibitions that bring together art and automobiles.

The Art Museum in Singen, located at the northern end of Scheffelstraße, is also well worth a visit.

History enthusiasts and families with kids will love the Archaeological Hegau Museum in Singen Castle near the town hall square. It covers history from the Ice Age through the early Middle Ages, regularly runs hands-on activities for children, and admission is free.

For wellness fans, the Bora Sauna in Radolfzell is a great bad-weather escape — you can also book spa treatments there if appointments are available. After the sauna, cool off in the plunge pool or in Lake Constance itself. The sauna has a small beach with exclusive lake access for guests, open year-round.

With Kids

The Hegau Museum in Singen Castle (described above) is a fantastic option in wet weather or winter. Admission is free; it’s open Monday through Saturday from 2 to 6 PM and Sunday from 2 to 5 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays.

A visit to the Hohentwiel Fortress Ruins is also a great outing for kids — they can playfully explore vaulted cellars, viewpoints, and ruins.

A trip to the Bodanrück and the Wild- und Freizeitpark Allensbach is highly recommended for children. Here you can observe native wildlife in large enclosures, and kids can burn off energy on the large playground or the wave slide. There’s also a petting zoo with little goats.

Another fun option is the Lochmühle in Eigeltingen, with an adventure park, petting zoo, and adventure playground.

In summer, a visit to the Aachbad in Singen is a great idea — it’s beautifully situated in a green setting surrounded by the Aach river.

The side trip across the border to Neuhausen and the Rhine Falls in Switzerland (described above) is another excellent excursion for the whole family.

Kids and adults who love trains will have a fantastic time riding the Museumsbahn Etzwilen (CH) – Singen museum railway — check the website for the current schedule.

A bit farther afield but well worth it for a longer stay is the Open-Air Museum in Neuhausen ob Eck — about a 40-minute drive from Singen, near Tuttlingen. It tells the story of the region between the Swabian Alb, the Black Forest, and Lake Constance. Various historic buildings can be explored, and there are several playgrounds plus special event days throughout the year.

The Hegau in Winter

The Hegau has plenty to offer in winter too. Most hikes and bike rides are totally doable in winter as long as there isn’t deep snow — which rarely happens given the proximity to the lake, and has been happening even less lately.

In fact, the long-distance views in winter are noticeably better, and the shapes of the Hegau mountains with their fortress ruins appear much more dramatic once the trees have lost their leaves. When the sun breaks through the clouds and mist hangs low in the valleys, you feel like you’re in another world entirely.

If the cloud cover that comes with proximity to Lake Constance just won’t lift, you can always fall back on the bad-weather options. The higher up you go and the farther from the lake, the better your chances of finding sunshine.

The town of Engen is usually a good bet for getting above the fog. On particularly stubborn days, it’s best to head straight up to the Witthoh toward Tuttlingen or to the old postal road.

My tip: Check the weather conditions beforehand using webcams online. That’s already helped me find many a sunny afternoon when others were stuck in a soup of fog.

A day trip toward Lake Constance also has its own charm in winter — not least because you won’t run into crowds and can enjoy the peace and quiet. One of my favorite winter relaxation spots by the lake is a walk through the nature reserve on the Mettnau peninsula near Radolfzell.

In the pre-Christmas season, the Hüttenzauber (chalet festival) on the town hall square in Singen is worth a visit. You won’t find the usual Christmas market fare here — instead, there are delicious regional dishes, winemakers’ mulled wine from the local winery, and the well-known Hirsch mulled wine, which also comes from the Hegau (specifically from Volkertshausen).

In the evenings there are fire pits, a beautiful old wooden carousel for children, and other kids’ activities. Events take place in the Urweißen Hütte on evenings throughout the festival.

The Christmas market in Radolfzell is also worth a visit — it leans more toward arts and crafts and creative goods, though it only runs for one weekend in December.

To Relax

For those who find it easy to unwind in nature — like me — here are a few personal favorites.

One is a lovely “lounge bench” below the Karlsbastion at the Hohentwiel, which offers a great view over the city of Singen and the Untersee — on a clear day you can see all the way to the Alps. During the day, especially on weekends, it can be quite busy; if you walk up in the evening, you’ll usually have some peace and quiet to yourself.

Best to bring a bottle of wine and a picnic.

The already-mentioned walk out to the Mettnau peninsula near Radolfzell is another wonderful way to unwind. The very tip of the peninsula, a nature reserve, is closed between April 15 and August 31 to protect nesting birds.

For a quick and easy treat in Singen, I love stopping by Da Bennardo for a cappuccino and a pistachio cornetto. It instantly feels like a little escape to Italy.

Best Viewpoints

Picking the single best vantage point is nearly impossible. One of the most beautiful is at the Hohenstoffeln, where you can enjoy a stunning vista of the Hohentwiel and, behind it, Lake Constance and the Alps (on clear days) from above the hiking parking lot — which is admittedly a bit tricky to find (turn left on the road between Hilzingen and Weiterdingen).

But the overlooks from the Hegaukreuz near the Mägdeberg, from the Hohentwiel across Singen toward Lake Constance, and from the Hegaublick over the entire Hegau are also wonderful. Each one offers a slightly different angle on the Hegau mountains.

I’d also like to mention the view from the Untersee looking back toward the Hegau — a complete change of perspective that’s best enjoyed from out on the water.

Best Photo Spots

I’d send landscape photographers to one of the beautiful overlooks over the Hegau, the lake, and the Alps. Personally, I love the view from the Witthoh, but the Hegaukreuz (note: accessible on foot only) and the Hegaublick also offer great opportunities for landscape shots.

In terms of season, spring and fall are generally best — on some days the mist hangs low in the valleys and the Hegau volcanoes peek above the cloud cover.

I also highly recommend photographing each of the individual Hegau mountains with their varying degrees of ruin. The combination of partly rocky slopes and ivy-covered stone walls makes for truly captivating photos.

Another great spot is Schlatt unter Krähen, between Singen and Engen. Strolling through the castle park, you’ll find beautiful subjects — for example, a stunning avenue of trees leading directly toward the Hohenkrähen volcano behind it. If you leave the park heading north, you’ll find gorgeous blossoming trees along the path in spring during cherry blossom season.

Beautiful photos can also be taken all along the Aach river, which winds through the Hegau landscape from its source in Aach until it flows into the Untersee between Radolfzell and Moos. The spring itself and its surroundings are well worth a visit.

A walk along the Aach between Singen, Hausen an der Aach, and Beuren offers compelling scenes at any time of year. In the morning at sunrise, you can use the ground fog together with the fields and a row of trees to great effect — though you’ll need to get up early for that!

Sunset, on the other hand, is perfect for shooting in the opposite direction, with the Hohentwiel in the background and fields or sunflowers in the foreground. With a bit of luck, you might spot storks in the meadows and red kites in the air.

The Aach estuary is also worth a stroll — nature and wildlife photographers can lie in wait, and with a great deal of luck, a beaver might make an appearance.

Street photographers will find great opportunities in Singen, especially in the evenings and at night — there are various light installations throughout the city. Interesting subjects include the railroad underpass at the main train station, the Maggi company building on the south side of the main station, or the nearby Hegau Tower with its glass facade. Combined with the train tracks in front, there’s plenty of room for creativity.

The weekly market held on Saturdays at the Herz-Jesu Church square is also excellent for photography. Arrive early — the light is great and it’s not yet too busy. When you need a break, there’s a coffee stand with great coffee and a tea selection, plus a bratwurst stand if you’re hungry.

For a nice sausage, it’s worth strolling over to Metzgerei Hertrich at the other end of downtown, photographing the contrasts between modern and old architecture along the way — a contrast that stems from the destruction of the city center in World War II. Once you reach Metzgerei Hertrich, I strongly recommend trying the “Singener” — it’s my favorite sausage in the city.

Another fun photographic challenge is capturing the art found in the Stadtgarten in Singen — on the lawn and in the trees. The park also features beautifully planted flower beds that change throughout the year, plus great views of the Aach with a variety of different subjects.

Wildest Activity

The best thing I can think of is experiencing the Singener Fasnet — Singen’s carnival. The highlight of these exciting days of the “fifth season” kicks off on schmotziger Dunschdig (Fat Thursday). A great way to spend the afternoon is watching the Narrenbaumumzug (fool’s tree parade).

All of Singen’s carnival guilds take part, all the schoolchildren and kindergartners come to watch and receive “Mocken” (candies). Afterward, the Narrenbaum (fool’s tree) is erected on the town hall square. In the evening, the Hemdglonkerumzug follows — everyone parades around in their nightgowns. The Bög (a straw figure) is then burned on the town hall square. The atmosphere is seriously incredible! Those who want to keep the party going head to the Hemdglonkerball at the Gems.

The next highlight is the big parade on Saturday — before and after, there’s plenty of carnival mayhem on the town hall square and throughout Singen’s city center. If you plan ahead, you might be lucky enough to snag tickets for one of the two balls held in the Scheffelhalle, which is beautifully decorated every year.

The guild ball with costume judging takes place on the Saturday before schmotziger Dunschdig; the Fasnetsnacht (carnival night) is on carnival Saturday. It’s definitely worth showing up to the parade in costume — in the evening at the hall, you won’t even be let in without one. There are no limits to your imagination; the most creative revelers take their inspiration from that year’s carnival theme.

Note: the Scheffelhalle burned down completely in November 2020, so it’s currently unclear how the balls will continue.

To enter the town hall square, you need a badge for the current carnival season — the sale of badges helps fund the security concepts and supports the preservation of the tradition. You can get badges directly at the entrance to the square or from guild members, who usually offer them to you when they see you don’t have one.

You’ll find me during these days with the Poppele Zunft, in the group of the Rebwieber.

Best Event of the Year

Definitely the wine festivals!

In August there’s the Weingut Vollmayer festival, where you can taste all the wines and sit comfortably in the vineyard with a view of the Hohentwiel.

Since 2019 there’s also been a wine festival in Singen, in the Eichenhain right along the Aach. Regional wines and wines from Singen’s sister cities are served — all in a wonderful setting with string lights in the trees and charming little wooden huts.

No longer technically in the Hegau, but also lovely, is the wine festival on the island of Reichenau. If you want to get there from the Hegau, you can take the Seehas to Allensbach and then cross over by boat.

Another worthwhile event is the Hohentwielfestival. The stage is located on the Karlsbastion below the entrance to the fortress ruins — a one-of-a-kind backdrop and acoustics for concerts. The festival usually takes place in late July.

Best Swimming Spots in the Hegau and on Lake Constance

There’s something for every type of swimmer. There are wonderful outdoor pools in Engen, Gottmadingen, and Singen, swimming in the Rhine is a special experience, and there are also several small lakes in the Hegau — plus lovely spots along Lake Constance itself.

The Aachbad in Singen sits on an island encircled by two branches of the Aach river. Here you swim with a view of the Hohentwiel. There’s a large non-swimmer pool with a slide, a lazy river, and water play features, a diving pool with 1 m, 3 m, and 5 m platforms, and a 50 m lap pool. There’s also a separate section for the very little ones, slightly apart from the bustle of the main pools.

If you prefer something more natural, the best option is the Naturbad Aachtal in Rielasingen-Worblingen. Here you swim in designed pools fed with treated natural spring water — and there’s something for every family member, from a swimmer’s area to a toddler zone.

Something truly special is a visit to the Rheinuferpark in Gailingen on the High Rhine. You can spend time here for free on the lawn directly along the Rhine. This is especially nice on the hottest days of the year, when the lake near the shore is almost bathtub-warm and algae dampen the swimming experience — the Rhine offers a fantastic cool-down in refreshing water.

Simply walk as far upstream as possible, jump in, and let the current carry you downstream. But be careful: don’t go too far toward the middle of the river — there is boat traffic. The other bank of the Rhine is already Switzerland — so if you want to cross the river, remember to bring your ID!

The Hegau also has smaller lakes where you can spend summer days swimming. The Steißlinger See has its own lake swimming area, and the Güttinger lakes also offer swimming opportunities.

On Lake Constance itself, the Höri peninsula and the Untersee are easiest to reach from the Hegau. My personal favorite is the beach at Horn — since it’s already heading toward the Rhine, there’s a slight current that keeps the water nice and clean. There are also more swimming beaches in Moos and Iznang.

Most Beautiful Hike

For me, it’s a hike in the Donaubergland at the northern edge of the Hegau. The Donauversinkung premium circular trail starts and ends at the Danube sinkhole, where a kiosk serves refreshments after your hike. The highlight is a turquoise lake in the crater of the extinct Höwenegg volcano — the northernmost Hegau volcano. Along the way, on a clear day, you also get a beautiful view of the entire Hegau region on Lake Constance.

Most Beautiful Bike Route

For mountain bikers, it’s definitely the route of the Bike Marathon Hegau, held annually in Singen. The route is marked and takes you through the Hegau on either a 31-kilometer loop with 650 meters of elevation gain or a 49-kilometer loop with 1,400 meters of elevation gain.

The Schiener Berg is also well known among mountain bikers who love single tracks.

For those who prefer less climbing and descending, I recommend the Höri-Runde. This route takes you all the way around the Höri peninsula with its fruit trees. The best starting points are Radolfzell or Moos, though you can also set out from Singen by bike. Be sure to bring your ID or passport, as part of the route passes through Switzerland.

Places for a Stroll Through Town

The largest city in the Hegau is Singen. Visitors will find a large pedestrian zone with shopping options; in recent years, many small cafés and great dining spots have also opened. In November 2020, the Cano shopping center near the train station opened its doors — I already covered the shopping options in the rainy-day section above.

On the edge of the city center, a walk through the “Alte Dorf” (old village) is also worthwhile — tucked between the town hall square, the Aach, and the city center, you’ll still find a number of half-timbered houses. The area around the Herz-Jesu Church at the eastern edge of downtown is also worth exploring. On Saturdays, the market is held on the newly redesigned square, where you can find delicious locally grown fruit and vegetables.

For fans of romantic historic districts, a visit to Engen and Radolfzell is a great choice. There’s less shopping here, but both towns offer half-timbered houses and pleasant strolling.

Food and Drink in the Hegau

Regional Specialty

Chichi — cubed pork tenderloin in a snail pan with herb butter and cheese.

You can find it, among other places, at ECKLE in Bohlingen, at Roten Rettich in Singen, and at Pilles Treff in Rielasingen.

Bodenseefelchen — a type of fish from Lake Constance — is available at many restaurants around the lake, usually served with a salad plate. Highly recommended!

And throughout southern Germany, you should try Wurstsalat (sausage salad) if you see it on the menu. A beer or a Radler pairs perfectly with it. The ideal meal after a hike or a stop on the road.

Favorite Restaurants

Da Bennardo — a little slice of Italy in the pedestrian zone in Singen. Perfect for enjoying a coffee with delicious Italian pastries, for breakfast, or in the evening with an excellent wine selection and antipasti — you instantly feel like you’re on vacation. Don’t miss: cornetto with pistachio filling.

Bär Grill is more of a casual spot, but if you’re after tasty burgers with fresh ingredients and house-baked buns, this is the place. Order to go or, in good weather, enjoy outside at the wooden tables. Personal recommendation: the “Grillmaster.”

The alternative for burger fans is the American sports bar Willys. It’s a comfortable place to sit, with big screens showing sports. My favorite is the Little Italy, and for a starter the Rabbit Roundup. A reservation is absolutely necessary — walk-ins rarely find a table.

Last but not least, the freshly renovated Gasthaus Kreuz Singen, the oldest inn in Singen. At lunchtime you can enjoy an Augustiner beer in the shady beer garden, paired with a Wurstsalat or a salad with crispy Felchen (a Lake Constance fish). In the evening, the kitchen serves upscale cuisine made with regional ingredients. Since the menu changes regularly, I don’t have a specific dish to recommend — but so far everything has been excellent. A reservation is recommended given how popular it is.

This is just a small selection — I could think of something for every occasion, budget, and palate. Vietnamese, sushi, Indian, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, or Mexican — you’ll find something delicious to your taste.

Best Ice Cream

The best ice cream is at Fernando in Radolfzell. First you can watch through the window as the ice cream is made, then choose from the many different flavors.

Afterward, a leisurely stroll through the old town is a great idea, or you can walk along the lake out to the Mettnau peninsula, as described above.

Hotels in the Hegau

Favorite Hotel

Since I haven’t personally stayed at any of the hotels myself, I can’t speak from my own experience here.

From guests of my own, I know that the Hostel Art and Style in Singen was great. Rooms with a view can be found at the Hegau Tower hotel, which is located on the 7th floor and has a fantastic location right next to the train station and city center.

I already mentioned the Weinvilla at Weingut Vollmayer earlier.

For those who also want a wellness component, I’d recommend the bora HotSpa Resort next to the sauna of the same name.

Newly opened in Bohlingen is the Hotel Sternen, which makes a great impression in terms of concept, architecture, and cuisine.

Best Base for a Vacation

As a base for exploring the Hegau, I can definitely recommend Singen — especially if you’d like to get around mostly without a car. You’ll have many different restaurants right at your doorstep and can set off directly from the city on hikes and bike rides, or take the Seehas to the relevant starting points.

For campers, there’s a motorhome pitch with electricity and disposal facilities on the so-called Offwiese — a large gravel parking area — right at the former state garden show grounds and very close to the Seehas stop.

A proper campground can be found in Engen for those who want more nature and less city. From there you can also explore the area by Seehas without a car, and go on great hikes and bike rides. The restaurant selection, however, is not as varied.

Another popular campground is located in Tengen — families with children are sure to have a great time here. The site offers a petting zoo, playgrounds, and a swimming area.

If being close to the lake is important to you, your best bet is to look for accommodation in Radolfzell.