Konstanz – vibrant lakeside city
Mayors reveal their insider tips in the deutschland.de series “My city”. Part 12: Mayor Uli Burchardt talks about Konstanz.
Mr Burchardt, what is special about your city?
The wonderful location on Lake Constance and the historical Old Town create a unique feeling. These are two important things that our citizens and visitors to our city find very appealing. The Old Town has a really vibrant atmosphere, and its ancient buildings offer interesting insights into the past. For instance, there’s the Konzilgebäude by the harbour. It’s where the Council of Constance was held in medieval times. Pope Marin V was elected here during the only conclave ever held north of the Alps.
What do you see when you look out of your office window?
When the window is closed, I see the world behind the bull’s-eye panes. And when it’s open, I can see a wonderful historical building that once served as the guild hall – and a lovely cherry tree.
Where in your city do you most like to spend your time?
In the summer I enjoy sitting in a cafe or restaurant beside the harbour. You have a beautiful view of the lake and the mountains whilst basking in the Mediterranean atmosphere. And in the winter I like to take a walk along the bank of the lake to our Swiss neighbour city, Kreuzlingen.
Which of your city’s personalities do you value most?
The 16th century citizen Plimplam. During the Reformation and the Spanish siege, he was the only one to keep his wits about him. He closed the gate on the old Rhine Bridge when everyone else was in utter turmoil. His courageous intervention saved the city from destruction.
What would you like to show tourists?
The Leiner-Saal in our Rose Garden Museum. It’s a real treasure – a 19th century exhibition hall in its original form, a kind of museum within a museum. And on the floor above this, there is the handwritten Richental Chronicle, the city’s most valuable book.
Where can visitors best get to know the people of your city?
Most definitely during carnival time in our oldest district, the Niederburg. And especially on Schmotzige Dunschdig, the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. It’s the chance to experience the true Alemannic zest for life.
And where do you most like to spend your vacations?
My favourite place is a cabin in the mountains.
600th Anniversary of the Council of Constance in 2014 with many events under the motto “Year of European Encounters”
