Romanshorn on Lake Constance

Romanshorn lies on the southern shore of Lake Constance and is a harbor town in the canton of Thurgau. It was first mentioned in 779 or 782 under the name Rumanishorn: Waldrata donated her property there to the Abbey of St. Gall. The harbor, lakeshore, and transport history feature in several of the attractions that make the town interesting to visitors with a range of travel interests.

Ferry crossing and harbor cruise

The Lake Constance ferry connects Romanshorn with Friedrichshafen year-round, departing every hour; the crossing takes 45 minutes. This makes it possible to build a fixed crossing time into your day’s plans. Check the current timetable before traveling, as operating hours may change.

The MS Zeppelin cruise offers a different perspective on the harbor. It lasts around 90 minutes and passes, among other places, the ferry terminal, the lighthouse, Inseli, the shipyard, and the beacon. Local guides explain the harbor’s development, Romanshorn’s transport history, and life on the lake. The topics covered may vary depending on the departure; you should also check whether the cruise is available seasonally during your visit.

Lakeshore, water, and art

Romanshorn Lido has three swimming pools, a water slide, a current pool, a whirlpool, and a diving tower. The facility also includes a shallow-water area with a jetty, inviting visitors to spend time there and enjoy activities in the water. These features give a concrete idea of the water facilities available at the lido.

The Lake Constance lakeside path runs along the lake from Kreuzlingen to Romanshorn, where it ends. The shoreline described includes wild-growing plants, trees, and dense shrubs, as well as bare stretches of beach and secluded jetties. Along the way, the path passes numerous lidos and picnic spots. Those interested in the lakeshore landscape will find a different focus here than on a harbor cruise: instead of the harbor’s development, the focus is on the changing stretches of shoreline.

The Seepark is home to two works made from different materials and in different years: Franz Fischer’s bronze sculpture Woman with Fish from 1966, and a group of bronze figures by Kurt Laurenz Metzler from 1987, accompanied by five chrome-steel sails. The details about the artists, materials, and years provide concrete points of reference for distinguishing the works. Cultural tours cover a broader range, presenting the town’s history and culture from the historic castle to contemporary art; individual tour dates may change.

Local history and transport heritage

The Romanshorn Museum focuses on a fascinating period in the village’s history and the development of transport on and around Lake Constance. At Locorama, meanwhile, the focus is on the railway: the exhibition is housed in the former SBB locomotive depot, where the railway arrived in 1855. Visitors can see historic steam and electric locomotives, various mail, passenger, and freight cars, Signal Box II, a turntable, and a former signal bridge. Visitors can also try a locomotive driver simulator; special programs may change.

Another transport-related attraction is autobau Erlebniswelt, located directly on the Lake Constance Cycle Route. Its five exhibition halls showcase racing and sports cars, as well as classic cars and vintage cars. Romanshorn thus brings together different transport themes: lake shipping, railway history, and vehicle exhibitions.

Weekly market and recurring events

The Romanshorn weekly market takes place on Friday mornings from 8 to 11 a.m. Depending on the season, local producers sell products directly to visitors, including vegetables, fruit, berries, eggs, fish, cheese, bread, and pastries. If you plan to visit, it is worth checking the current market hours and seasonal selection.

Recurring events can also play a part in planning your trip: Romanshorner Lenz takes place every year on the last Sunday in April, and the traditional fair is held on the fourth Wednesday in October. Event dates may shift if the program changes, so check the specific dates before your trip. The Christmas tradition also includes a market on Alleestrasse, which is decorated with fir trees.

Discover more destinations: Egnach, Dozwil, Uttwil, Horn, Hefenhofen, Kesswil, Sommeri, Amriswil.

View the broader travel guide: Arbon.