Life-Pfad Untersee

Where do the many ducks come from? What has the Ice Age left us? How did people live here at the lake in Ötzi's times? Whether from a local history perspective, in the course of biology lessons, or simply as a hiking day: the Life-Pfad with its total of 19 information boards can be wonderfully explored - even independently. In the process, the Lake Constance habitats and their inhabitants can be observed and experienced up close.

The path runs from the Mettnau Tower to the Naturfreundehaus Markelfingen through the two nature reserves "Bodenseeufer Markelfingen" and "Mettnau Peninsula". It can also be walked in the opposite direction.

Exciting discoveries at all seasons

Winter:
High season on the water: Thousands of water birds populate the shallow water zones. Due to its special climate, Lake Constance is an ideal body of water for overwintering about 70 species of water birds. Only about half of the birds you see at the lake in winter are native here. From September 1 to April 15, the path from the Mettnau Tower to the tip of the peninsula is open - with many opportunities to explore the habitat of the water birds up close and also enjoy a magnificent view of Reichenau Island. Spring:
Morning concert: the star soloist is the nightingale, which sings at several points along the Life-Pfad in April and May. April to June is the best time to observe the courtship rituals of rare wild ducks (observation platform at Mettnau beach road) or great crested grebes (platform at the lakeshore). Summer:
The hay meadows are in full bloom from May to September. Take the opportunity to get to know the brilliant colors of cowslip & co. on a NABU (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union) guided tour! Autumn:
Best time to collect feathers: from the end of August many ducks change their plumage in the shallow bays. Sunsets are often particularly colorful - best enjoyed from the Markelfinger shore.

The habitat network in Markelfinger Winkel is, along with other areas at the Lower Lake Constance, an important breeding and overwintering site and therefore part of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas.