Things To Do
in Kreuzlingen

Kreuzlingen is a Swiss town on the southern shore of Lake Constance, facing the German town of Konstanz. It combines lakeside calm with easy access to nature, culture, and cross-border day trips. The town features leafy parks, a scenic promenade, and a compact center that is easy to explore on foot.

Visitors can enjoy water-based activities, markets, and scenic lake views throughout the year.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Lakeside Introduction
morning
:

Arrive at Kreuzlingen train station and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through Seeburgpark to revel in fresh morning air. Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Constance as the Alps shimmer with dawn light.

afternoon
:

Head to a waterfront café for lunch and sample local specialties like fresh lake fish and crisp salads. Rent a paddleboat or stand-up paddleboard to explore the calm waters at your own pace. Drift past the harbor as swans glide by for a serene lakeside experience.

evening
:

Take a sunset promenade along the lakeshore path toward the Italian Garden. Dine at a local restaurant serving Swiss specialties such as rösti and seasonal fish. End the night with a glass of local Pinot Noir under softly glowing lanterns by the water.

day 2
Exploring Lake Constance and Untersee
morning
:

Board a scenic boat cruise from Kreuzlingen harbor toward the Untersee and watch vineyards and wooded hills drift by. Relax on deck as gentle breezes carry the scent of pine and water. Spot historical landmarks along the shoreline emerging in the morning light.

afternoon
:

Disembark at Bodman-Ludwigshafen and enjoy a lakeside picnic among wildflowers. Wander the peaceful trails along the water’s edge and discover hidden coves. Sample regional cheese and crisp apples from local farm stands.

evening
:

Return to Kreuzlingen for dinner at Hafenhalle with panoramic views of glittering waters. Join in a lakeside concert or open-air cinema screening if available. Soak up the romantic atmosphere under a canopy of stars reflecting on the lake.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$15-25
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$120-250
Coffee$3-5
🚆Public transport day pass$8-15
🥗Three-course meal at mid-range restaurant$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful lakeside setting with easy access to nature
  • Compact town center and walkable streets
  • Strong public transport links and cross-border accessibility
  • Limited nightlife within Kreuzlingen itself
  • Can be pricey, reflecting Swiss costs
  • Cross-border travel may require careful border awareness
  • "Grüezi" - Hello
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Ich möchte bitte zahlen." - I would like to pay, please.

Places to Visit in Kreuzlingen

Visit one of these nice places.

Seeburg Park Lakefront

Wide, open lake views with the Alps on clear days; ideal for sunrise and golden-hour photography.

Kreuzlingen Hafenpromenade and Seerhein overlook

Harbor reflections, boats, and the river mouth provide dynamic water reflections and silhouettes.

Seerücken ridge viewpoints

Elevated vantage points above the lake offering sweeping panoramas of the lake and distant mountains.

Höri peninsula overlook across Lake Constance

Contact points with open water vistas and pastoral landscapes; great for wide-angle lake photos.

Culinary Guide

Food in Kreuzlingen

Kreuzlingen’s cuisine centers on fresh lake fish, dairy, regional produce from Thurgau, and Swiss classics such as rösti and fondue, with easy access to German influences across the border.

Kreuzlingen Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Lake fish dish (zander or rainbow trout)

Grilled or pan-seared freshwater fish from Lake Constance, commonly served with potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Must-Try!

Rösti with onions and cheese

Crispy potato rösti often served as a side or main with regional toppings.

Fondue or Raclette

Classic Swiss cheese dishes often available in local restaurants, especially in cooler months.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Kreuzlingen weekly market

Fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread, and regional specialties on market days.

Harbor-side snack stalls

Light bites, coffee, and pastries along the lakefront for a casual meal or snack.

Climate Guide

Weather

Kreuzlingen experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant, winters are cold with occasional snow, and spring and autumn offer mild temperatures with vibrant seasonal displays along the lake.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality and greetings

Be punctual and greet with a courteous 'Grüezi' or 'Guten Tag' when entering shops or restaurants.

Personal space and quiet

Swiss preference for personal space and quiet tones in public; avoid loud behavior in public spaces.

Border etiquette

Respect border rules when crossing to Konstanz; carry ID if crossing between countries and follow local signage.

Safety Guide

Safety

Kreuzlingen is generally very safe with low crime rates. Standard travel precautions apply: keep belongings secure in crowded areas, especially near the lake and train stations, and be mindful of weather changes on the water.

Tipping in Kreuzlingen

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Service charges are often included or expected to be modest; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common but not mandatory.

Payment methods

Cash (CHF) and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) are common, especially in towns and shops.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with blooming gardens and markets reawakening; layers recommended for variable temps.

Summer

Warm to hot days ideal for lake swims, boat trips, and long evenings along the promenade; occasional thunderstorms can occur.

Autumn

Cooler weather and colorful foliage; great for harvest markets and scenic walks along the lake.

Winter

Cold but peaceful, with cozy cafés, possible light snow on the hills, and nearby Christmas markets in the region.

Nightlife Guide

Kreuzlingen at Night

Kreuzlingen itself has a modest nightlife scene focused on bars and cafés. For a broader selection, residents and visitors often venture to nearby Konstanz across the border for additional bars, live music, and club venues. Seasonal beer gardens and lakeside venues offer relaxed evenings by the water.

Hiking in Kreuzlingen

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Seerücken Ridge Trail

Forest-covered ridge with sweeping lake views and varied elevation suitable for day hikes.

Höri Peninsula Trails

Scenic routes along the lake edge with open landscapes and lakeside viewpoints.

Langenargen and surroundings trails

Shorter lakeside and woodland trails within easy reach for relaxed hikes.

Airports

How to reach Kreuzlingen by plane.

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Major international hub about 1.5–2 hours by train; frequent connections to the region.

St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (ACH)

Smaller regional airport closer to Kreuzlingen with some seasonal and charter flights.

Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH)

Nearby German airport offering additional regional connections; convenient for southern Lake Constance travel.

Getting Around

Walkability

Kreuzlingen is very walkable within the town and along the lakefront. The compact center, parks, and promenade make most attractions easy to reach on foot, and it’s simple to combine walking with short bike rides or boat trips.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

A mix of Swiss locals, cross-border workers from Germany, and international residents contributing to a cosmopolitan feel.

Visitors

Tourists from Switzerland, Germany, and beyond who come for the lake, markets, and cross-border day trips.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Sailing and water sports

Lake Constance is a hub for sailing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Cycling and running

Flat lakeside paths and surrounding hills provide pleasant routes for cyclists and runners.

Hiking

Regional trails around Seerücken and Höri provide varied terrain and scenic views.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport in Switzerland is efficient, with frequent trains and buses. The Kreuzlingen-Konstanz border area has easy cross-border rail and road links; driving around the lake is scenic but can be busy in peak season. Parking is available in town centers and at lakefront areas, with paid options in busy spots.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Kreuzlingen.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most menus offer vegetarian options such as salads, roasted vegetables, and cheese-based dishes; ask for meat-free adaptations and look for vegetarian specials.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Switzerland provides high-quality healthcare. In Kreuzlingen you’ll find local general practices and pharmacies; for major hospitals or specialties, nearby Konstanz (Germany) and larger Swiss centers offer broader options. Carry health insurance information and any required documents when traveling.

Discover Switzerland

Read more in our Switzerland 2025 Travel Guide.

Switzerland Travel Guide