Mainau (again)- go twice!

It is worth it to check out the island of Mainau each season, as the blossoms change. I was especially thrilled to discover a hydrangea garden going up the hill behind the harbor restaurant. Who knew that there are dozens of varieties of hydrangeas??? My scientist friend wants to know if they maintain different soil ph levels on Mainau to keep the blossoms different colors?

Early summer is a great time to bring a picnic and eat outside on one of the many benches. The lake views are stunning, and visiting ducks will eventually take your “no” after they beg adoringly for snacks. Unless you succumb to their puppy-dog eyes (?) and general cuteness!

There is a small animal farm, a butterfly building, and an assortment of walking paths surrounded by flowers and trees. Of course there are plentiful cafes and restaurants, where you can get everything from salads to decadent cakes.

There are parking garages in the nearby town of Konstanz, which includes a boardwalk, pedestrian shopping zones along historic lanes, and more restaurants. This is where I discovered the Läderach Swiss chocolate shop, although I can now get that brand of chocolate in Stuttgart, too.