Central Railway Station and Tourist Information Centre

Friedrichshafen’s location on the northern shoreline of Lake Constance doesn’t just offer an idyllic lakeside scenery complete with a beautiful panoramic view of the Alps, but the city is also situated at a desirable geographical junction; both Austria and Switzerland can be reached quickly by water, and the borders to Bavaria and Baden are also nearby. Rulers have therefore always desired a well-connected infrastructure in this region. The Swabian railway line, that has also been made famous by the song by Willy Reichert, was built in the mid 19th Century by King Frederick I of Württemberg.

The southern railway was the first route to be built in the Lake Constance region. The route started from here, the city railway station, and ended in Ravensburg using a steam engine. Friedrichshafen’s good connections are definitely one of the reasons why soon its industry was able to flourish.

Customs procedures, as well as railway and boat services enticed senior officials to the city, whilst the nobility and high society enjoyed spending a relaxing summer by the water. These well-off visitors brought prosperity to the city, which represented a foundation for major investments.

Unfortunately, a strategically and advantageously situated city is both a blessing and a curse. When conflicts and wars break out, it is these places that are first to be attacked or captured. These places are also able to rebuild themselves quickly, what enables a city with many years of history to rise up like a phoenix from the ashes.

Get to know this holiday destination - a city of education, culture, trade and industry that is steeped in history. Walk through the city and marvel at the sights of the Zeppelin city. “Auf de schwäbsche Eisebahne…” (“on the Swabian railway…”)