Day Trip Idea from Zurich: Explore Meersburg on Lake Constance

Looking for a unique and scenic day trip from Zurich? Discover Meersburg, a fairy-tale town perched on the northern shore of Lake Constance (Bodensee). With its medieval castle, charming old town, and panoramic lake views, Meersburg is a perfect escape and surprisingly easy to reach by car and ferry.

Downtown Meersburg

The way up to the Castle

View from near the castle

How to Get from Zurich to Meersburg

The best way to get to Meersburg from Zurich is by car. It’s scenic, straightforward, and includes a pleasant car ferry ride across Lake Constance.

First, drive from Zurich to Konstanz (Constance Stadt). The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes via the A1 and A7 highways.

From Konstanz Staad, take the car ferry across Lake Constance to Meersburg. The ferry runs approximately every 15 minutes and the crossing takes just 15 minutes.

When you arrive in Meersburg, park your car directly at the harbor. There are plenty of parking spaces available, and the old town is only a short walk away.

This combination of driving and ferry travel makes for a beautiful and relaxed approach to one of the region’s most charming destinations.

On the Constance to Meersburg car ferry

Important tip: Make sure to park in the parking garage and not in the open public parking directly in front of it. That outdoor area is reserved for local residents only — something not clearly marked. We actually received a fine of nearly 100 euros for parking there with a foreign license plate, even though there was no obvious signage. To avoid this, head straight into the garage where public parking is permitted for visitors.

Top 5 Things to Do in Meersburg

Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or spending the night, here are the top five things to do in Meersburg.

1. Visit Meersburg Castle (Altes Schloss)

Europe’s oldest inhabited castle is the centerpiece of the town. Step into history as you tour the knight’s hall, armory, and dungeons, and enjoy the stunning views over the lake from the castle terrace.

Almost 30 different rooms to visit inside the castle

With different things to see

Loved this one

2. Explore the Old Town (Altstadt)

Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful half-timbered houses, small boutiques, and welcoming cafés. The steep Steigstrasse connects the upper and lower parts of town and offers plenty of photo opportunities.

Beautiful house in the old town

3. Take in the View from Parkaussichtspunkt

Just a short walk from the town center or the harbor parking area, this viewpoint offers a quiet and beautiful panoramic view over Lake Constance. It’s a great place for a quick photo or to pause and take in the scenery.

4. Relax Along the Lake Promenade

Enjoy a peaceful walk along the lakefront. With sailboats on the water and, on clear days, views of the distant Alps, it’s an ideal spot to unwind.

Walking along the lake is beautiful

5. Taste Local Wine

Meersburg is located in one of Germany’s key wine regions. Stop by a local wine tavern and try a glass of Müller-Thurgau, the region’s signature white wine grown on the surrounding hillsides.

Where to Eat in Meersburg

Dining in Meersburg can be quite expensive, especially around the historic center. If you're traveling on a budget, here’s a tip based on our own experience.

We had lunch at a restaurant called "Meersburg" in Unterstadtstrasse, right in the lower old town. Although it only has 1.8 out of 5 stars on Google and many of the reviews are critical, it turned out to be surprisingly decent for the price. Most of the nearby restaurants are significantly more expensive, so if you're looking for something quick and affordable, this place is worth considering.

Return to Zurich or Stay Overnight

If you’re ready to head back, simply take the ferry from Meersburg to Konstanz and drive back to Zurich the same way you came.

If you’d like to stay longer in the area, consider spending the night in one of these charming towns nearby:

• Überlingen, known for its lakeside gardens and spa

• Lindau, a picturesque island town with a lighthouse and historic harbor

• Konstanz, a vibrant city ideal for shopping and dining

Also, remember to bring your passport or ID, as you’ll cross the Swiss-German border on both legs of the journey, even though checks are usually minimal.

Final Thoughts

A day trip from Zurich to Meersburg is a rewarding blend of scenic travel, history, and lakeside charm. Whether you're exploring the castle, wandering the old town, or simply enjoying the view, Meersburg makes for an ideal getaway that feels like a true escape from the everyday. Looking for more ideas for potential day trips? Take a look at our collection of over 30 day trip ideas from Zurich.

Have another day in the area? Don’t miss our article on visiting the island town of Lindau.

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