Whitefish Fillet, Wine, Schäufele: Specialities from Lake Constance

Lake Constance is a paradise for food lovers who can discover their personal favourites among a wide range of culinary specialities in the border region where Germany, Austria and Switzerland meet.

The Lake Constance region offers many local specialities made from fresh ingredients sourced from the lake, orchards, vineyards and farms. Whether fish, meat, cheese, fruit or wine, there is something to suit every taste. The range extends from delicate whitefish fillets and fine wines to hearty Schäufele, making the culinary diversity around Lake Constance a real treat. When you stay in a holiday apartment at Lake Constance, you cater for yourself. This gives you the chance to discover the regional cuisine when you eat out in the area’s restaurants.

Whitefish fillet – the classic fish fresh from the lake

Whitefish is the most popular food fish from Lake Constance and is caught fresh every day by professional fishermen. It belongs to the salmon family and has tender, white, lean flesh with a delicate flavour. Whitefish fillet can be prepared in different ways. The buttery-soft flesh tastes excellent fried, steamed, smoked or breaded. A traditional way of serving it is “Lake Constance whitefish fillet à la meunière”, where the fillet is coated in flour and fried in butter. It is usually served with potato salad and/or fried potatoes.

Another popular variation is “whitefish fillet in almond butter”, where the fillet is also fried in butter and topped with roasted almonds. A green salad and/or freshly steamed vegetables make a good side. You can enjoy whitefish fillet in many restaurants, for example at Fischerhaus in Constance, Seehof in Lindau or Seegarten in Meersburg.

Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris – fine wines from Lake Constance

Lake Constance is an important German wine region, best known for its fruity, crisp white wines. The vineyards lie on the sunny slopes around the lake and benefit from the mild climate and fertile soils. The main grape varieties are Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir. The wines are characterised by elegant acidity, subtle fruit and a harmonious balance. They pair perfectly with local specialities such as fish, cheese or fruit.

You can taste and buy Lake Constance wines directly from the winegrowers or in the many wine taverns and vinotheques. You can also take part in a wine tasting or a wine walk and learn more about the history and production of these fine wines. Recommended addresses include Weingut Aufricht in Meersburg, Weingut Markgraf von Baden in Salem and Weingut Rädler in Lindau. You can also find exclusive wines in the vinotheque of the Reichenau winegrowers’ cooperative, located right by the passageway to the monastery courtyard under the west wing of the historic town hall.

Video: The taste of home – young winemakers at Lake Constance

Schäufele – hearty meat dish from Lake Constance

Schäufele is a typical meat dish from the Lake Constance area and is especially common in Baden-Württemberg. It is made from the pork shoulder, which is cooked or roasted on the bone with the rind on. The meat is juicy and tender, while the rind becomes crisp and aromatic. Schäufele is usually served with potato salad or sauerkraut. A full-bodied red wine or a cold beer is a classic accompaniment. Many inns serve Schäufele. Potato dumplings, sauerkraut and a rich gravy are sometimes added as extra sides to this hearty dish. You should not miss the chance to try this speciality when staying in a holiday apartment on the Upper Lake.

Cheese in many variations

Lake Constance is a cheese region where different types of cheese are produced. The range stretches from Emmental to mountain and soft cheeses and robust goat’s cheese. The cheeses are made from the milk of cows, sheep or goats that graze on the lush meadows around the lake. They can be enjoyed on their own, on bread or in dishes such as cheese spaetzle or cheesecake. You can buy cheese from Lake Constance directly from local farms or from dairies. If you are unsure which variety to choose, you can sample the regional cheeses in the local cheese shops.

Fresh fruit from the Lake Constance region

Apples, pears, plums, cherries and berries are grown along the shores of Lake Constance. Thanks to the mild climate, all varieties thrive particularly well. The fruit is crisp, juicy and sweet and is grown according to ecological guidelines. Enjoy it fresh, as juice, jam or schnapps. You can buy seasonal fresh fruit directly from local fruit growers or at weekly markets.

Chocolate from Lake Constance: a sweet temptation

Only a few insiders know that Lake Constance is also a chocolate region where sweet treats such as milk, dark, nougat and fruit chocolate are produced. The chocolate is creamy, smooth and indulgent, made from high-quality ingredients. You can enjoy these delicacies on their own, as pralines, cakes or ice cream. During your stay in a holiday apartment at Lake Constance, you can buy locally made chocolate directly from chocolatiers or from chocolate shops in the towns.