Overview:

Mainau Island is a 45 hectare/112 acre island located in Lake Constance, in the German region of Baden-Württemberg. It lies off the southwestern shore of the city of Konstanz and is one of 8 islands in the lake. The island is privately owned and is maintained as a park. It is known for its gardens, greenhouses, and flower shows. One of the island’s highlights is its Baroque palace, which was built in the 18th century. Other attractions on the island include several restaurants, a butterfly house, and a Russian chapel. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Germany
Prominent Features:

1. Flower Gardens: Mainau Island is known for its extensive and beautiful flower gardens that draw visitors from around the world. There are over 4,000 varieties of flowers, spanning 15 hectares of land, so there is plenty to admire! 2. Palaces and Churches: The island is also home to three palaces and several churches, some of which date back to the 12th century. The spectacular Italian Baroque palace is a particular highlight, and it overlooks Lake Constance and the Alps. 3. Historic Parklands: The island's parks are well-manicured and beautiful, with views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. You can easily spend a few hours strolling through the gardens and admiring the view. 4. Attractions and Cafes: As well as its stunning gardens, the island is home to a variety of attractions and cafes. The butterfly house is a highlight, where visitors can walk amongst thousands of butterflies. There is also a mini-golf course and a playground. 5. Scenic walks: Finally, one of the best ways to explore the island is to take a leisurely stroll around its perimeter. This is a great way to appreciate the stunning lake views and the island's other attractions. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Germany.

History:

Mainau Island is a 45-hectare (111-acre) island in Lake Constance, Germany. It is located near the city of Konstanz, in the state of Baden-Württemberg. The island has been owned and managed by the House of Bernadotte since the 19th century. The island has been inhabited since pre-historic times and is mentioned as early as the 3rd century AD by the Roman historian Eutropius. The island changed hands many times throughout its history, but was eventually bought by a Swiss family in 1798. This family, the Counts of Neipperg, developed the island into a holiday destination. The Bernadotte family purchased the island in 1853 and transformed it into an attractive royal gardens, with exotic plants and trees. Grand Duke Friedrich I of Baden and Crown Princess Louise of Sweden were the first members of the family to occupy the island and the castle on it. In 1932, Count Lennart Bernadotte, a great-grandson of King Oscar II of Sweden, inherited the island and continued in the footsteps of his ancestors by maintaining and developing the gardens. In 2001, Count Lennart gifted Mainau Island to his son, Count Björn Bernadotte, who continues to upkeep the island as a tourist attraction. The gardens of Mainau are divided into several different areas, including a rose garden, a butterfly house, a “noah’s ark”, and an orangerie. In addition to flora, Mainau is also known for its many art and architecture, fountains, historic buildings, and sculptures, which include works by Auguste Rodin and Hubert Lebiez. The island also offers a variety of activities such as boat rides, golf, and pony rides. The island is open all year round and is a popular holiday destination. Visit one of the famous monuments of Germany with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The island's name is derived from the Latin term ‘mansio’, meaning residence or lodging. 2. Mainau Island boasts of stunning gardens and parks with a mix of tropical and temperate plants throughout the year. 3. The Island is the largest in Lake Constance, measuring approximately 45 hectares (112 acres). 4. Mainau is visited by more than one million visitors every year, making it one of the most popular attractions in the region. 5. The island is home to a number of attractions, including a butterfly house, a historical chapel, a castle, a rose garden, a castle park, and a beach club. 6. The Mainau Lemon House, one of the main attractions on Mainau Island, is a large greenhouse of 6,000 square meters dedicated to growing and showcasing citrus fruits from all around the world. 7. The Island is owned and operated by the Bernadotte family, who are descended from the House of Bernadotte, a royal house originating from Sweden. 8. During the summer season the island hosts a wide variety of cultural events, such as music festivals, theatre performances and food markets. 9. Mainau Island also holds parades, fairs, and contests in the local flower show. 10. Mainau is known as the Island of Flowers thanks to its many varieties of blooms, including exotic specimens like palm trees and bougainvillea. One of the historical monuments of Germany, it tells the story of a bygone era