Konstanz Historical Walking Tour: Marina to Marktstaette

Imperia Statue tour: see rulers Pope Martin V & Emperor Sigismund, symbolizing a historic council's impact

A private guided walking tour of Konstanz starting at the Imperia Statue in the Marina and moving through the Old Town, covering 11 landmarks including the Council Building, Jesuit Church, Constance Cathedral and Town Hall. Your guide speaks English or German and stays with your group only. The walk takes two hours and suits all fitness levels, with no transportation needed since the route stays within the city center.

Step-by-step itinerary

Historical walking tour of Konstanz

• Meet at Imperia Statue in Marina
• Learn about Council of Constance
• View Council building and Zeppelin monument
• See Jesuit Church and Town Theatre
• Visit Constance Cathedral and Roman fort remains
• Walk through Old Town streets
• Stop at Triumph of Satire fountain
• Pass Stephanskirche and medieval square
• End at Marktstaette fountain

The experience

The tour begins in front of the Imperia Statue, a controversial bronze figure holding two naked men (Pope Martin V and Emperor Sigismund), who ruled during the Council of Constance between 1414 and 1418. Your guide explains the story behind this landmark as an introduction to the city's tumultuous history. From there you move to the Council Building, a 14th-century structure that once served as a granary and warehouse, where Martin V was actually elected. A monument nearby marks the birthplace of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, the inventor of the zeppelin, born in Konstanz in 1838.

The route continues through narrow Old Town streets, passing the Jesuit Church and the town theatre, the oldest stage in German-speaking regions, before reaching Constance Cathedral. This building mixes multiple architectural styles, and beneath it archaeologists uncovered remains of a Roman fort from the 4th century. You'll see the Triumph of Satire fountain, a sculpture of more than 30 comical figures arranged around several water basins, and Stephanskirche, a Romanesque church decorated with rococo elements and impressive glass paintings. The walk ends at the Marktstaette fountain in a square that once hosted medieval executions and community gatherings, now surrounded by coffee shops and ice cream stands.

The guide is yours alone, no shared groups, and speaks either English or German depending on your preference. Hotel pickup is available at no extra charge if your accommodation is central to the city. Since all stops lie within walking distance in the city center, no transportation is needed beyond your own feet.

What’s included

• Private guided tour with a local guide who stays with your group only.
• live narration in English or German.
• hotel pickup at no extra charge if centrally located.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day11 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 18:00

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearby

Operated by Global Guide Services

Is this one for you?Two hours lets you see the major landmarks and learn the city's history without consuming your whole day, leaving time for lunch or museums elsewhere in Konstanz. The walk covers flat ground through the city center and suits all fitness levels, so age or mobility is not a barrier.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and German.

What is the Imperia Statue and why does it show two naked men?

The Imperia Statue commemorates the Council of Constance (1414–1418) and depicts Pope Martin V and Emperor Sigismund, both naked except for their crown and papal tiara: symbols of their power. Your guide explains the full story and the controversial nature of this iconic tourist attraction at the start of the tour.

Does the tour include the inside of any churches or buildings?

The tour is a walking route through the streets and squares of Konstanz, passing by and viewing the exteriors of landmarks like Constance Cathedral, the Jesuit Church, Stephanskirche and the Council Building. You see their architectural details and learn their history from outside.

What was found beneath Constance Cathedral?

Archaeologists uncovered the remains of a Roman fort called Constantia dating to the 4th century, located directly under the cathedral. Your guide points out this layer of history as you pass the building.

Can I arrange hotel pickup, or do I need to meet at the Marina?

Hotel pickup is available at no extra charge if your accommodation is central to Konstanz. Otherwise, the standard meeting point is in front of the Imperia Statue in the Marina.

How many people can join this tour?

The tour is private to your group only, with a maximum of 15 participants per guide. Your guide stays with you throughout and does not split attention between multiple groups.