The Bodensee - or Lake Constance as it is known in the English language.
Some also call it "the Swabian Sea" - das schwäbische Meer.
It's the setting in many poems and novels.
The Bodensee is a huge lake in the South of Germany and it borders three countries - Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Bregenz in Austria hosts the famous "Bregenzer Festspiele" where the stage is actually built on the water.
It's a lively tourist area with old towns like Lindau and Meersburg (my personal favorite), the "fruit basket" of the country and it also produces some really great wine. The lake is home to some wonderful fish that make delicious meals.
The Bodensee looks calm in this picture, taken from the Birnau, a church/monastery close to Meersburg. However, it can be very angry and wild where boats get lost in the fog and people who are foolish enough to venture out on the water in weather like that die by drowning or just disappear. On really good days you can see the Alps in the distance - in this picture you get an idea of that.
It was a two hours drive away from my home when I still lived in Germany. I loved to go there, it was like feeding my soul. It still is one of my favorite places.
If you have anything German - a photo, a story, a memory, food - please share it with us by leaving a link in the comments.
8 comments:
What a magical place...it reminds me of the poem, The Lady in the Lake...it is so magical and mysterious looking. Fabulous photo!
A fabulous photo, indeed, Carola. I'd love to see this beautiful lake!
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
leaves me breathless!
Ah..memories...when we were living in Germany my parents took us everywhere we could go in Europe (thanks be to them!) and one summer we spent drifting around the swiss side of the mighty Bodensee...too gorgeous to describe...am I remembering a garden island too lots of children friendly topiary and bright planting - Kinder Mainau...or something..oh gosh, I have to go dig out a very old scrapbook now!
Hi Carola! I don't have anything German to share, but I enjoyed your Owl story and pictures VERY much! Magnificent, really.
I wanted to let you know that you won the monthly drawing at IA...I know you've been busy and the notice got kinda scrunched in, so I am sending you the link☺♥♥♥
http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/2011/05/april-monthly-winner-giveaway.html
I've been enjoying all your posts about Germany and been meaning to tell you I have a copy of a German book - that I can't read.
The hardbound book is Funfzehn Jahre in Amerika by Marg. Lenz. Copyright 1911.
I intended to use the pages in altered art but can't bear to tear it up.
Darla
I can totally relate to finding your sole! That is how I feel while I am in Switzerland. I love your shot and it does make my heart thump. The photo also reminds me of a lot of the scenery all around Switzerland. Just beautiful!
What beauty! This is a gorgeous photograph, Carola.
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