Stretching My Legs

TAKING advantage of the first really decent day of weather, I headed round the lake (called Lake Constance in English, after the town of Konstanz, but Bodensee in German, after the town of Bodman), across the border into Bavaria, and on to Lindau island.

The island is in the distance, connected to the mainland by a causeway a bridge

It should have been just over six miles, but it was more like seven, or more, as I hugged the shore and twice found the path fenced off without warning. This necessitated retracting my steps, which added to  the distance, but not the enjoyment.

Looking back to Bregenz, with what I am fairly sure are the Swiss Alps in the background

Most of the time I was walking either on a paved footpath beside a cycle lane, or on a narrow dirt track that weaved through trees.

Unusual mural on what turned out to be an art gallery

There were several possible stops on the way for refreshment, but I did not use them (it was a different story walking back in the full heat of the afternoon).

Closer view of Lindau island

This is Ascension weekend in Austria, which means Thursday was a public holiday (even supermarkets closed), and many people take Friday off as well to create a long weekend.

Even so the island was not overly busy, apart from the most popular cafes and restaurants.

Naturally there are plenty of buildings with murals

Some more elaborate than others

The entrance to the harbour is flanked by Bavaria's only lighthouse and by a depiction of a lion from the Bavarian coat of arms

Close-up of the lighthouse

The lion viewed from the lighthouse

This 'fairytale castle' was built in the late-1300s for defence, but became the town prison