Rainau(Germany) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

The premier accommodation on Reichenau Island is Hotel Abtei Reichenau, located adjacent to the Reichenau Abbey Complex. This historic hotel blends medieval architecture with modern comfort, offering rooms with lake views and wooden interiors. Guests can enjoy guided monastery tours, classical music concerts in the ancient church, and access to serene gardens. It's highly recommended to book well in advance, especially during summer months due to high demand.

Staying in the central district of Reichenau Island offers the most convenient access to key attractions. This area lies just steps from the Reichenau Abbey, Church Square, and main walking paths. Accommodations here include boutique hotels like Haus am See and family-run guesthouses, all providing peaceful lakefront views. With no cars allowed on the island, this location ensures easy, quiet exploration and a true sense of immersion in local culture.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Reichenau Island hosts the annual Monastery Music Festival, featuring performances of Bach and Mozart in the historic abbey church. Visitors can also join handmade pottery workshops led by local artisans, creating pieces inspired by medieval designs. Additionally, guided wetland ecology tours reveal the island’s rich biodiversity, including rare bird species and native flora, offering deep insight into its natural heritage.

Reichenau Island is accessible only by ferry from Bregenz or Kulm, with frequent departures daily (15–20 min ride). Once on the island, there are no motor vehicles—travel is by foot or bicycle rental. The scenic lakeside paths make cycling ideal for exploring the abbey complex, gardens, and forest trails. Renting a bike is highly recommended for a flexible and immersive experience of the island’s landscape.

Try the Lake Constance trout stew and herb-butter baked fish at Fischrestaurant Seehof, renowned for fresh catch from the lake. Don’t miss the Abbey Honey Cake (Klosterhonigkuchen), a traditional sweet made in the monastery kitchen—rich, moist, and deeply flavorful. For a local touch, visit the weekly farmers’ market to buy organic vegetables and homemade jams, perfect for a lakeside picnic.

Yes, Reichenau Island is excellent for families. Children can enjoy interactive nature trails with scavenger hunts and ecological quizzes. The Abbey Museum features a dedicated children’s zone with hands-on activities and craft kits. Safe, shallow waters along the shore allow kids to play, and stroller rentals are available throughout the island. The calm, car-free environment makes it ideal for a stress-free family getaway.

Accommodation prices vary by season and category. Mid-range boutique guesthouses range from €120–180 per night, while premium options like Hotel Abtei Reichenau charge €250–350 for deluxe rooms. Prices peak in summer (June–August), so HopeGoo 2–3 months ahead is advised. Budget-friendly options include private apartments near the lake, priced at €90–130, still offering lake views and tranquility.

The best time to visit is between May and September. Spring (May–June) brings blooming cherry blossoms and rhododendrons; summer (July–August) hosts festivals and lively events. Autumn (September–October) offers fewer crowds and stunning fall foliage. Winter is quiet but magical—snow-dusted abbey buildings create a fairy-tale atmosphere, perfect for photography and peaceful retreats.

Enjoy evening light tours of the abbey grounds, where historical architecture glows under soft lanterns. Some hotels host stargazing sessions with local astronomers, revealing constellations in the clear night sky. Occasionally, lakeside bonfire evenings feature hot chocolate, roasted marshmallows, and live folk music, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere under the stars.

Absolutely. At just 2.5 square kilometers, Reichenau Island is perfectly sized for slow travel. Spend two or more nights exploring one theme per day: visit the abbey and museum, cycle the lakeside trail, attend a workshop, or simply meditate by the water. With no traffic noise and only birdsong and lapping waves, the island offers a true escape into mindful, unhurried living.