A bright spot on a rainy day is something to be treasured. While traveling in Germany has been great, I can’t say the same for the weather. We left the Black Forest on the third day of our stay with the sun poking in and out of the clouds. We stopped at a wonderful town park that was decorated for the season. Talk about something to put a smile on your face and give a bright spot to the day. I loved the imagination that went into the exhibits.
After a quick stop in the colorful medieval town of Meersburg, we headed for our destination for the next two days, Lindau. It is located in one of Europe’s most beautiful regions, on Lake Constance (Bodensee in German) where Germany, Austria and Switzerland meet. The area around the Bavarian town of Lindau is known for fruit growing…apples, plums, and cherries and well as vineyards. The town itself is made up of two parts, one being the mainland and the other an island connected by a causeway.
On our first visit to this area, we stayed on the island. For this visit, we were staying high above the lake at the Relais & Chateaux hotel Villino. It is a small country style Italian villa that is known for its 1 star Michelin Restaurant where the owner Reiner Fischer is the chef. His wife Sonja runs the front of the hotel and warmly greeted us in the colorful lobby as our luggage was swiftly unloaded and taken to our room.
We had a lovely room called Limonaia that had a sitting room with a balcony looking out onto the gardens and an apple orchard.
The bedroom had a large skylight where you could view the stars at night if only it hadn’t been teeming rain. A large bathroom full of candles completed our suite. I could see that the hotel was going to be the bright spot of our stay in Lindau as it never stopped raining.
Dinner in the beautiful dining room was a romantic affair with a seven course meal that was superb. I know why Michelin has awarded the restaurant with a star.
Each course of the meal was light and imaginative…combining the flavors of Asia and Italy that went so well together. Here are a few of the courses.
After a meal like this, the pouring rain outside didn’t seem to be so bad. All we had to do was climb the stairs up to our room for the night.
The next morning we have a nice breakfast in the dining room before heading out to discover some of the other towns in the area. Unfortunately, it was raining so hard that after several hours of driving in the pouring rain we headed back to Villino. After the damp day, it was nice to enjoy the hotel’s lovely little spa that took the chill out of our bodies. Yes…I’m so happy that we stayed at the colorful little villa that had such lovely amenities, wonderful food and great hospitality. It was certainly a bright spot on an otherwise dreary visit to Lindau.
Back Road Journal 
You are definitely a ‘glass half full’ woman, Karen! So pleased you’re finding such lovely bright spots in your holiday – the hotel looks wonderful – but wish you some better weather from now on! Kay
Hi Kay, I think you are right about the way I look at life…it makes life so wonderful that way. I’m so lucky to be on this lovely adventure no matter what the weather is like. We have some more days like this ahead but the forecast for the end of our trip gets better. Thank you for your nice comment and wish.
God this looks good. Reminds me of my recent travels in Burgundy. Beautiful.
Hi David, Thank you for stopping by for a visit and your nice comment. I would say the food that we have experienced on this adventure is every bit as good as what we have had in France…some much better. Hope you stop by again as I think you will enjoy where we will be traveling.
Sorry the weather has been bad for you there 😦 We are just starting to see the sun here today over Cologne, after what seemed like forever, and it’s going to be an unusually mild, warm fall day today. I hope it will be the same where you are!
Hi Laura, We haven’t had a break in the weather for the first portion of our trip but as you say things seem to be changing. Thank you for your nice wish.
That sounds like the epitome of relaxation my friend beautiful 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Hi Uru, You are totally right…I’m so happy that we had such a lovely hotel to forget about the weather outside.
The food and rooms look fabulous!
Hi Rosemary, The hotel and the food were truly wonderful. By the time I finish our trip, you will have a whole list of places to visit when you have the opportunity. As you can see…there is great food to be enjoyed in Germany. I think you will like your new home country even though you will miss your home in France.
Oh, that food looks amazing…
Thank you House and A Garden, for your nice comment. The food was excellent.
Sounds like you are having a great time in spite of the rain. Happy travels!
Hi Teresa, I’ll never let the weather stop me from enjoying a trip…you just make the most of the situation. I’m just sorry that I don’t have wonderful photos of the great towns we are visiting. Thank you for following along on our trip and your nice wish.
Hello Karen!
So sorry the weather is still not cooperating. Such a beautiful region-I’ve seen the area in it’s full sunny glory and loved it. I think next year you’ll have to try it in July. The weather then is gorgeous. Of course, it’s also VERY busy. Ah well, looks like you’re making the best of it. Enjoy!! And thanks for taking “us” along with you!!
: )
Hi Sue, This is the second time I’ve been to Lindau and both times it has rained. You never know about the weather…we traveled the same time last year and had perfect weather. I don’t like traveling anywhere in the summer because of the crowds…I love, spring, fall and Christmas for traveling in Europe. Besides, I don’t think I could get my husband to give up summer on the lake in Maine. I’m glad you are enjoying the journey. The weather is supposed to get better by the end of the trip.
Karen, I’m going to let you plan my next trip seeing the great places you select. Weather on our last adventure was not so good either . Stay dry and continue enjoying.
Hi Linda, I love planning trips and making them special. I’d be happy to give suggestions anytime. Thank you for your nice wish…the weather should change towards the end of our journey.
You stay in the most amazing places..Do you organize everything?
Like royalty:)
Hi Monique, I do plan all of our trips. I put a lot of time and research into finding the perfect spots to stay and where the best restaurants can be found. I’m glad you are enjoying our little adventure.
The weather has been appalling all over Europe, with endless grey skies and rain. It’s such a pity when weather conspires to spoil a holiday. I hope it gets better for you both.
Hi Roger, Yes the weather has been appalling. We have traveled in Europe so many times at this time of the year and it has been beautiful but not this time. I don’t care what the weather throws at me, I won’t let it spoil my trip. Thank you for your nice wish…the weather is supposed to change for the better.
That was a pretty darn fancy meal! I particularly like the corn, fish, popcorn dish! 🙂 No really – it looked lovely. My favorite shot was the one with the candle and the rose in the glass – what a great idea!!
Hi Kelli, The meal was fantastic and you would have enjoyed the soup immensely. I liked the taste and texture that the popcorn added. I can see why the chef earned his Michelin star. I had to take a photo of the candle and rose on the table…I’m glad you enjoyed it. Each table had a different holder for the candles as well as for the roses. The restaurant was really lovely.
I’m going to have to work on a corn/bacon/popcorn soup – hubs isn’t a fish lover – but I really think the textures of that could be incredible! It really opened up all kinds of ideas for me – like you always do!! 🙂 Loving “our” trip to Europe!
I’m always delighted to inspire my foodie readers. I’m glad that you are enjoying “our” trip…nice to have you along for the ride.
What a wonderful experience – something I really would enjoy too. Everything with the post will suit me like a glove. Germany has many hidden treasures like this. Have been staying at hotels belonging to “Relais & Chateaux” in France and Canada – they are so exquisite. Thanks to bringing some luxury to my Thursday. Your photos make the place true justice. Bodensee area is so such beauty. The island Mainau in Bodensee belongs to a member of the Swedish royal family – count and prince Lennart Bernadotte. He died in 2004, but his wife still own and lives there.
Thank you Viveka, for your lovely compliment. I’m glad that you are enjoying our journey. I think about you everyday that we get into our Volvo. Yes, I did know that a member of the Swedish royal family owned the island of Mainau in the Bodensee. Since it has rained both times that I have been in the area and haven’t gotten to see the beautiful gardens. I have to agree with you about the Relais & Chateaux chain of hotels…they are always wonderful.
You are driving class … Like Volvo it has become a very nice looking car – was so boxy for years. SAAB is still my favorite car, but not in production anymore … a big sorry for me. You are well educated … I’m sure there is many Swedes that don’t know … about Mainau. I love to come along in your Volvo.
We are enjoying the car. It is one of the safest cars built and that means a lot when driving on the mountain roads. Wish you were in the back seat with us.
One day maybe …. *smile
You never know.
Karen, if I win that lottery ticket … I will come straight away .. and soak up all the colors around you just now.
That sounds like a good plan to me.
I promise you that .. I will be there .. if those millions pops up. Straight way. I would love to meet all my faithful bloggers .. that would be fantastic. Need an around the world ticket for that.
But with millions no problem. *smile
In spite of the weather the hotel looks wonderful from the bedrooms, gardens and dining rooms to the delicious looking food you were served.
Hi Boleyn, I’m so happy that we were staying at Villino. Everything about the hotel was wonderful and it made me forget about the weather. I’m glad you are enjoying our journey.
It all looks good but the Asian Starter is so nicely assembled!
Hi John, Each wonderful little part of the Asian starter was delicious. Thank you for your comment.
That food looks amazing and I love the pumpkins 😉
Shame about the weather.
Hi Mad Dog, The food was so good at Villino. What can you do about the weather…just grin and bare it. Wasn’t it clever what was done with the pumpkins in the fall display. It took some doing to find a place to park so that I could get the photos of them. They certainly put a smile on our face.
Such a bummer that the rain is reducing the amount of sightseeing that you can do, but you certainly found yourselves an excellent shelter from the storm! What a great hotel – it looks so comfortable and inviting. And the meal looks over-the-top good. Love the pictures up top of the animals made from squash, and all of the food pictures have me ready for a second breakfast! I can’t wait to see where you are visiting next!
Hi John, This hasn’t been the best trip weather wise but we are still having a great time. As you said, Villino was a great place to seek shelter. There wasn’t one course that I wouldn’t order again if I had the chance…it was all perfect. I’m glad you are enjoying the trip. I think you are going to like where we are going next.
Oh what great memories you’ve brought back with this post Karen. I absolutely love Lindau am Bodensee! I’ve been there many time with my husband and our son was just a toddler back then. We would travel on a train from Waldshut to Lindau, sit by the lake, have a picnic and watch our son play. Thanks for sharing! The food looks superb!
Hi Sibella, It is nice to know that I have brought back happy memories of time spent with you family in Lindau. Sorry I didn’t have sunny photos of the lake to share with you. The food was wonderful at Villino. Thank you for your nice compliment.
I was able to travel some in and around the Black Forest, Freiberg, the casino in Baden-Baden and others – rain or not the country side is so nice! I am enjoying “traveling” with you in your posts…brings back found memories from 1972!
Hi Bishop, It’s nice to know that you like the Black Forest as much as we do. We have been to Freiberg and Baden-Baden several times and love both towns. I’ve never been to the casino though. I’m glad that you are enjoying “traveling” with us and that I have brought back good memories.
I am so sorry you are having inclement weather as we did while traveling through Europe, Karen. You certainly know how to select beautiful places to stay. JT’s dream is to eat at a Michelin Star restaurant…we’ll have to see how many stars we can afford when we do so! There were over 34 in Lyon but none of them were anywhere near our hotel so we decided to pass this trip. Perhaps next year, for my benchmark birthday (what are numbers anyway?) we shall go again and dine like this.
Hi Eva, Thank you for your nice compliment. Villino was a lovely hotel. I’m sure JT will fulfill his dream in the not too distant future. Not all Michelin starred restaurants are as expensive as you imagine, especially if you have lunch instead of dinner. Usually the menu if very similar…just not as many courses.
What an AMAZING place and the food looks oh so delicious – thanks for sharing! Have a Great One:)
Thank you Adventurer, for your nice comment. The hotel and the food were both wonderful. I’m glad that you enjoyed the post.
Adorable place. My toddler son wanted to keep looking at the pumpkin decor.
Hi Liuba, I’m glad that your son enjoyed the photos of the pumpkins in the park. The city did a wonderful job using the pumpkins in such a fun way. Thank you for your nice comment. I’m happy to know that you are following our adventure.
Each dish is a work of art!
Hi Carolyn, The entire meal and wonderful and beautifully presented. It reminds me of some of the places that you have shown me on your food adventures. Thank you for your nice comment.
Hi Karen, seems the rain is playing havoc all over the world at the moment – we have had floods here at home and our kitchen was one of the casualties, so not fun so reading your lovely uplifting post was refreshing, thank you.
🙂 Mandy x
Oh Mandy, I’m so sorry to hear that not only are you having bad weather but that it has effected your home. I hope everything will return to working order before too long. I’m happy that my post was a uplifting moment in your day. Take care and again I’m sorry to hear about your difficulties.
I just love hotels where the rooms have names…so cozy!
Here’s to better weather for the rest of the trip!
Hi Marie, I thought Limonaia was a wonderful name for our bright and cheery room. The weather is supposed to be better for the last portion of our trip according to what I see on the internet. Thank you for your comment and following along.
I just love Germany, and this post reminds me why – beautiful scenery and amazing food. As delicious as the food looks, I’m loving the photo of the dining room the most – gorgeous!
Hi Pumpkin, I have to agree with you about the dining room at Villino. It was warm, friendly and inviting with the red and checks but romantic and elegant with the crystal, china,candles and sparkling chandeliers. Germany is one of my favorite countries to visit. Thank you for your compliment.
One of those “Wish You Were Here” moments….wonderful photography!! Maybe attach a falovor file next time…LOL
Hi Reg, Believe me this is a restaurant that you definitely would love. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos…thank you for your nice compliment.
FLAVOR FILE…sorry the wine got to me….
I did understand what you meant…we had a wine paring with this dinner and wine can sneak up on you if you aren’t careful.
What a shame the weather has been so disappointing but the town is pretty nonetheless and I think that hotel looks very romantic. What a pretty bedroom! xx
Hi Charlie, Since we can’t do anything about the weather, we are just making the most of it. Isn’t the room lovely. I wish it hadn’t been raining…I would have loved to have seen the stars through the skylight above the bed. Perhaps another time. Thank you for your compliment.
I’m so sorry the weather isn’t cooperating very well for you so far, but it certainly looks like you’re making the most of it and I love the pumpkin and squash decorations, so charming. And the food you’re eating…oh my goodness, that’s almost worth the trip alone…almost! 😉
Hi Betsy, Weren’t the garden decorations creative and fun…I thought everyone would enjoy them as much as I did. We are definitely trying enjoy ourselves despite the weather. The meals at Villino were terrific. Thank you for your comment.
Those first 2 photos are adorable! You are certainly staying & dining at some very amazing places. That veal… oh my!
Hi Diane, I’m glad you enjoyed the photos from the town gardens…so much thought went into them. Villino is very lovely and the food was delicious. Thank you for your comment.
Sorry, Karen, to read that the weather has been so uncooperative. When travelling, I so enjoy just walking about the city/town without an agenda or list of sights to see. You know, just strolling about. I feel cheated when unable to do so. I am glad, though, that you accommodations were so nice and that dinner you enjoyed sounds superb. I hope the sun returns for the rest of your travels.
I’m like you, John and like to explore a town leisurely. Oh well…perhaps there will be another time. Villino is a lovely place to stay and the food was delicious. Thank you for you comment and wish about the weather. It is supposed to get better.
Love those veggie sculptures, how creative. Gorgeous hotel, the owners are truly detailed oriented, both with the occommodation and the food. I am totally enjoying each course thanks for sharing..
Thank you Norma, for your nice comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. The veggie sculptures were so cute…very imaginative. Children must love them. The husband and wife team at Villino do a terrific job.
Sorry your weather has been so bad, but I admire your great attitude.
Thank you Victoria, for your nice compliment. You just have to make the most of each day. We are having a lovely time.
What delightfully styled dishes – it makes you want to eat them right off the paper. Great pumpkin displays too.
Hi Suzanne, You are right…not only was the food delicious but it was beautifully presented. I thought the garden was decorated so cute…kids must love the fun animals that were created.
Even with the rainy weather, the trip still looks absolutely fabulous! Every picture seems like you are wrapped in luxury, from the beautiful views to the delicious food!
Hi Theresa, Thank you for stopping by and your nice compliment. We are having a great trip despite the weather. Villino is a lovely hotel and the food was excellent.
I’m so envious of your trip! Your pictures are great, that room you rented is awesome and the food – a foodie’s dream! Keep having fun!
Thank you MJ, for your nice compliment. You are right…the meal at Villino was a foodie’s dream. Each course was delicious. Our room was just lovely, wasn’t it.
My fave: that bedroom in Lindau – fancy lying on that bed watching the skies pour down [I DO presume there were no trickles 🙂 ! Turn over, remember the meal you have just had, make love and go to sleep! Pure heaven!!
Hi Eha, I like your way of thinking…the room was romantic indeed!
What a lovely place!
Hi Grace, Thank you for stopping by for a visit and your nice comment. Villino is a lovely hotel.
Oh my what a beautiful hotel and a stunning meal! Fingers crossed that the rain eases off 🙂
Thank you Tanya, for your wish about the weather. The weather is supposed to be nice for the rest of our trip. I have wanted to stay at the Villino for a long time and was happy that I finally got the chance. The hotel and food were both great.
Beautiful pictures, incredible food! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Hi Lisa, Thank you for stopping by for a visit and your nice compliment. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos.
What a pity it rained! The food looks amazing and at least you were comfortable 🙂
Hi Tandy, Staying at the Villino certainly made up for the rainy weather. The food was as good as it looks.
Very imaginatively arranged dishes-how did the Sweet Corn Soup With Trout Topped With Caviar And Popped Corn Kernels taste and the Ravioli With Cod, Pumpkin And Aged Balsamico?
Hi Dragonette, Both of the dishes were terrific. The soup was poured around the fish and popped corn kernels so they were both very cripy and I love the texture they added to the dish. The caviar added wonderful flavor. The ravioli with cod went perfectly with the pumpkin and aged balsamico. All the dishes were delicious and very inventive.
I’d just stay right there inside? What a lovely place to stay, so romantic. And the food, your photos are fabulous! Makes me feel like I’m right there. You’re a lucky traveling lady, Karen!
Hi Linda, Thank you for your very nice compliment. I truly am a lucky lady…our travel experiences have been wonderful. What can you do about the weather. We drove from wonderful town to wonderful town thinking that it rain would let up but we never could get out of the car. We should have just stayed at the hotel all day like you said.
That hotel room looks very nice – must be nice in the evening, sinking down into that nice comfy looking bed after feeling stuffed (but not *too* stuffed) on that fantastic food!
Hi Charles, You got it just right. The bed was very comfy and we were pleasontly stuffed but not too stuffed. The food was absolute delicious.
What a beautiful setting and that dining room is gorgeous!! It looks like you are having wonderful meals during your travels!
Hi Laura, The dining room was lovely. I loved the red checks on some of the chairs mixed with the solid red ones…they gave the room a cosy feel. The crystal chandeliers, candles and roses gave it elegance. It was a great combination.
Such a beautiful hotel, the menu is so interesting, Well this time of year it is expected to be raining but that’s ok, either way your trip is magnificent. Have a wonderful weekend Karen
Hi Eri, Everything about the hotel was perfect and the food was terrific. We have traveled to Europe at this time of the year many times and had perfect weather but not as lucky this year…you never know. Thank you for your compliment and your wish. I hope you have a good weekend as well.
Karen, I didn’t realize you’ve been traveling overseas! (And you’re doing such a good job of posting and sharing your trip and responding to comments.) I smiled at the seasonal displays, and then went on to admire your other photos and then started salivating with that delicious looking food! Have a great time. How long will you be in Europe?
Hi Kathy, Thank you for your nice comment. We are on a three week trip to Germany and Austria. I have to make a little time to post and answer comments but unfortunately it leaves me almost know time to visit everyones blogs while we are on our trip. I’ll be catching up when I return home. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and photos.
These rooms are just gorgeous – the dining room, the bedroom, the reception area. Definitely bright spots in a rainy day. It seems that rain is plaguing everyone’s vacations this year. I’m happy that you’re still finding ways to enjoy yourselves and have fun. And as always I’m happy that you’re posting your trip. 🙂
Thank you Kirsty, for you nice comment. I’m glad you are enjoying the trip so far. Villino really was a bright spot in a dreary, rainy day.
This place looks absolutely gorgeous…love! the room you had. You guys sure know how to pick ’em!
Hi Heather, Villino is a wonderful small hotel that we enjoyed very much. Thank you as always for your comment.
I’m so sorry to hear you had rain, that is so frustrating when you want to actually get out of the car and walk around to see everything! Thankfully your hotel looks absolutely lovely! Those dishes look amazing.. how do they ever think up those different combinations of flavors? So remarkable!
Hi Barb, I really hated that I had to miss exploring a couple of historic towns but we are still enjoying our time in Germany. I really find it amazing that chefs can create such interesting dishes…I can see why the chef has a Michelin star. The food was terrific. Thank you for your comment.
It sounds, and looks, like you made the best of dreary weather. I found that a comfortable room and great food can work wonders. – http://mary-goingnative.blogspot.com/
Hi Mary, Thank you for stopping by for a visit and your nice comment. I agree that great food and a comfortable room can definitely improve a situation.
How beautiful! The gourd arrangements in the garden are adorable and all that beautiful food. Yum!! Hope the rain stops soon 🙂
Hi Ruth, I agree with you about the seasonal display in the gardens…they were adorable and I sure are especially enjoyed by the children that visit. The weather has changed for the better…thank you.
Everything looks great on your pictures, but the second picture is the best, so funny. I moved to Germany in June and I definitely need to travel around a bit.
Hi Marta, The garden displays were so creative and fun. I think you are lucky to be living in such a beautiful country. You definitely need to travel when you get a chance…Germany is one of my favorite countries to visit.
The starter looks fantastic!
Hi Raymund, Every part of the starter was delicious…as was the entire meal.
all of this looks so wonderful! Sorry for the rain but I love your attitude
Thank you Jessica, for your nice comment. You can’t do anything about the weather so you just have to make the best of it. Villino was a great stop on our trip.
Karen, this isn’t an area my husband and I had considered visiting until now! You’ve convinced me its a must for our travel list. Even with the dreary skies it all appears just wonderful. I’m hoping the sun comes out for you! Safe travels.
Hi Linda, My husband and I enjoy finding towns that aren’t as well known to most Americans but should be visited. I know that after I have posted all the stops on our adventure, you will be thinking about Germany and Austria for a vacation…they are lovely. Thank you for your nice comment.
Hi Karen, what a romantic place to stay…and that food…..I’m getting hungry over here 🙂
Hi Letizia, The Villino was a very romantic place to stay. I can just imagine it on a beautiful spring day when the apple orchards and the flower gardens are all in bloom. Thank you for your comment.
Hi Karen, oh yes, it would be even more romantic. On the other hand….a rainy day can be charming as well…if it happens not to often 😉
Karen you are a lucky person indeed, although the waeaher has not been cooperative, you do get to stay in the most amazing places. The Villino (Relais & Châteaux) in Lindau enjoys an excellent reputation with Chef Reiner Fischer – the Italo-Asian dishes that he creates and the pictures that you took of them look absolutely wonderful! Great post with lots of terrific pictures and details on your trip! Hope you will enjoy some sunshine soon!
Thank you Andrea, for your lovely compliment. I have to agree with you that I am a lucky person to be able to enjoy my travels to some wonderful places. Chef Fischer created wonderful dishes for us on our two day stay. His reputation is well deserved.
Thanks for coming over and commenting on my blog!! Love your little hotel – the food looks divine! Love those Michelin rated restaurants!! Fabulous!
Hi Marcia, It is always nice to meet someone that lives in Maine since we spend our summers there. Villino was a lovely hotel and the meals in the restaurant were wonderful. I can see why Chef Fischer has been awarded a Michelin star. Thank you for your comment.
It’s all so elegant. Beautiful meals…
Always wonderful linens too… But I can’t say the crack down the middle of the bed is my favorite. My husband feels miles away!
Hi Wendy, We thought the meals we enjoyed at Villino were wonderful. We are used to sleeping in a kingsize bed but I know what you mean.