Here at the shoreline of Obersee, have you ever wondered what secrets lie beneath its shimmering surface? Obersee, also known as Upper Lake Constance, is the larger of the two parts of Lake Constance. The other part is called Untersee, or Lower Lake. These two parts are separated by the Bodanrück peninsula.
Obersee stretches 63 kilometers between Bregenz in the southeast and Bodman-Ludwigshafen in the northwest. Its maximum width spans 14 kilometers. The lake covers an area of 473 square kilometers. Its average depth reaches 101 meters. The deepest point plunges to 251 meters.
The Alpine Rhine is Obersee’s main source of water. Other tributaries include the Dornbirner Ach, Bregenzer Ach and Argen. At Konstanz, water drains through the Seerhein into the Untersee.
The northwestern arm of Obersee is distinctive. It is called Überlinger See. The Bay of Bregenz and the Constance Hopper are also part of Obersee.
Three countries border Obersee. These are Switzerland with its cantons of Thurgau and St. Gallen, Austria with Vorarlberg, and Germany with Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The exact border locations are disputed, except for Lake Überlingen, which is entirely within Germany.
The southeastern end of Obersee meets the Alps. You can see the Appenzell Alps of Switzerland and the Allgäu Alps of Austria and Germany. The Pfänder above Bregenz is a notable mountain with a great view.
The Romans had several names for it. They called it Lacus Venetus, Lacus Brigantinus and Lacus Constantinus. In the Middle Ages, it was called Lacus Bodamicus or Bodensee. Gradually, this name included the Lower Lake. The term “Upper Lake” was then introduced for the larger lake.
Obersee and the entire Lake Constance region offer much more than just stunning views. The lake serves as an important source of drinking water for southwestern Germany. It also supports diverse ecosystems. Around 45 species of fish live in Lake Constance.
Remember the storms can be intense. A storm warning system is in place. Orange lights flash around the lake to warn of high winds or gales. Ships hoist a “Sturmballon” during a gale warning.
Every so often, the Obersee freezes over completely. The last time this happened was in 1963.
Obersee is a place of natural beauty. It is rich in history and ecological importance. Its ever changing weather makes it so special. Take a moment to appreciate the grandeur of Obersee.