Lake constance

Lake Constance (German: Bodensee) is a lake on the Rhine at the northern foot of the Alps, and consists of three bodies of water: the Obersee or Upper Lake Constance, the Untersee or Lower Lake Constance, and a connecting stretch of the Rhine, called the Seerhein.

Geography

Lake Constance is the third largest freshwater lake in Central and Western Europe in terms of surface area, after Lake Balaton and Lake Geneva. It is bordered by three countries: Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The lake is situated in the Alpine Rhine Valley, and its shorelines lie in the German states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, and the Swiss cantons of Thurgau, St. Gallen, and Schaffhausen.

Hydrology

The lake is fed by the Alpine Rhine and drains into the river at its lower end. The water level of Lake Constance is regulated by the Laufenburg power stations.

Flora and Fauna

Lake Constance is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The lake's shores are rich in reed beds, which provide habitat for numerous bird species. The lake itself is home to several species of fish, including perch, pike, and whitefish.

Human History

The lake has been a major source of sustenance and transportation for the region's inhabitants since the Stone Age. Numerous archaeological sites around the lake attest to the importance of Lake Constance in prehistoric and early historic times.

Tourism

Today, Lake Constance is a popular tourist destination, offering a wide range of recreational activities such as swimming, sailing, and cycling. The lake is also surrounded by numerous towns and cities of interest, including Konstanz, Bregenz, and Friedrichshafen.

See Also

• List of lakes of Germany
• List of lakes of Switzerland
• List of lakes of Austria