Old Town of Radolfzell on Lake Constance

With a history spanning nearly 1,200 years, Radolfzell is one of the oldest settlements on Lake Constance. In 826, Bishop Radolf of Verona founded the spiritual nucleus “Cella Ratoldi” here on land belonging to Reichenau Abbey. Houses, a church, and relics of Saints Theopont, Senesius, and Zeno turned the place into a pilgrimage site—marking the birth of the Radolfzell Householders’ Festival. Today, the Cathedral of Our Lady, built starting in 1436, is particularly well-known.

Around 1100, a thriving market emerged, and in 1267, Radolfzell was granted town rights. Shortly before 1300, the heavily indebted Reichenau Abbey sold the town to the House of Habsburg. Radolfzell remained Austrian—with the exception of 40 years as a Free Imperial City—until 1805. Grain and wine shaped the economy. The Napoleonic Wars and customs barriers led to decline; in 1810, the town became part of the Grand Duchy of Baden. In 1863, the railroad reached the town, industrialization began, and the population grew.

The Old Town is bordered to the east by the city park; parts of the city wall date back to the 13th century. Historic buildings include the Schützentorturm (14th century), the Reichenauer Turmburg (13th century), the hospital from 1541, and the house at Kirchgasse 14, formerly a canon’s residence. Villa Windschief offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people; the narrowest house in the old town, located on Schmidtengasse, is only 2.64 meters wide and about 300 years old.

Today, the squares and alleys provide a lively setting for festivals, weekly markets, and evening markets. Long-established specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafés invite visitors to shop and linger.