• Constance Harbour - The journey begins at the port in front of the historic council building, where a pope was elected in 1417. The guide will share insights about the Council’s participants and those who immortalized the city in literature during that era. Discover the port’s beauty, Imperia, an impressive statue of a remarkable lady who allegedly captivated all men 600 years ago during the Council period, inspiring Honoré de Balzac’s “Bold Stories.”
• Stadtgarten - Lake Constance was described as early as Roman times. Overlooking the Swabian Sea, the guide will reveal which poets and scientists were inspired by the city and lake to create poetic works—or were mistaken.
• Dominicans Island - In the former Dominican monastery, the mystic Heinrich Suso worked in the 14th century. The guide will introduce some of his beautiful poems here.
• Old Town (Niederburg) - Numerous poets and scholars recount the time of the Constance Council 600 years ago. Follow their poetic footsteps through Konstanz’s oldest district, the Niederburg.
• Munsterplatz, Konstanz - Enjoy the opportunity to listen to poems and descriptions in the shadow of the Münster, where the Münster is the focal point.
• Münster Unserer Lieben Frau - The cathedral of Constance has been a site of historical significance more than once. Fortunately, chroniclers and scholars of the time documented events eagerly. Listen to some of the texts written here.
• Fischmarkt - At the fish market, hear a reproach poem by a Tyrolean knight and minstrel who attended the Council of Constance 600 years ago and was displeased with the poor wine and high prices. However, he praised the beauty of the Constance women and fondly remembered dancing with the lovely ladies.
• Kaiserbrunnen - Among the curious sculptures around the Kaiserbrunnen, a tale about the 7 Swabians and their adventures in “Kostnitz” fits well. Additionally, other writers’ reflections on the city of Constance will be shared.
• Rheintorturm - The Rhine Gate Tower from the 13th century was once part of the city wall. A bridge once led from here to the other side of the Rhine. Although the bridge no longer exists, it was immortalized in a poem by Gustav Schwab. The guide will explain the historical event the poet captured in rhyme.

• Personal guide, exclusive to your group

• Tipping

Explore Constance through a literary journey filled with poetry!

Constance has inspired many poets and scholars, including the knight and minstrel Wolkenstein, poets like Rilke, Goethe, and Schwab, writers such as Scheffel, Zweig, and Kisch, the medieval mystic Heinrich Suso, and the French novelist Honoré de Balzac, who set one of his daring tales here. The city also has connections to future Pope Pius II, reformer Jan Hus, humanists Leonardo Bruni and Erasmus of Rotterdam, essayist Michel de Montaigne, and even Sigmund Freud, to name just a few!

Join us for a reflective and sensory city tour brimming with poetry. Walk in the footsteps of these renowned poets and experience the city through their perspectives!

We will visit locations in Konstanz where literature was created or depicted, and recite the relevant texts.

Allow yourself to be captivated by the literary charm of Constance!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.