Visitors to the Lake Constance region often don’t think of Friedrichshafen as an obvious destination for a city tour. On the Friedrichshafen city tour, we’ll prove you wrong! Despite being completely destroyed during World War II, there’s plenty to discover in the largest city on the northern shore of Lake Constance. The “Häfler,” as the residents of Friedrichshafen call themselves, are justifiably proud of their city. On this walking tour, you’ll discover corners of the city that will surprise you.
Founded in 1811, the city was named after Frederick I, the first King of Württemberg. He converted the abandoned Hofen Monastery into a palace, which became one of the royal family’s favorite summer residences. The castle church is a city landmark and a delight for lovers of Baroque architecture. A visit there is, of course, part of the Friedrichshafen city tour. As a privileged free port and transshipment hub for trade with Switzerland via Lake Constance, Friedrichshafen thrived economically. No wonder, then, that industry began to establish itself here as early as the 19th century. The industrialization of Friedrichshafen was shaped above all by Ferdinand von Zeppelin. Friedrichshafen was at the forefront of pioneering work in aviation; the world’s first Zeppelin took off from here in 1900. Shortly thereafter, Luftfahrzeug-Motorenbau GmbH and, eventually, the Dornier Works were established here. Even though it was precisely this industrial history that led to Friedrichshafen’s complete destruction during World War II, the people of Friedrichshafen are proud of their pioneering role in the development of aviation. Amid the city’s status as both an industrial hub and a summer retreat for royalty, several local customs have been preserved—customs you’ll discover on the Friedrichshafen city tour. For example, what “Seehasen” are—and why the city dedicates a big festival to them every year. If you’re visiting Lake Constance, you definitely shouldn’t skip Friedrichshafen—our Friedrichshafen city tour will make you fall in love with this underrated city!
Main Station (Google Maps)
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