As a gateway into Europe's most scenic destinations, Friedrichshafen Airport does its job well. As a car-hire pick-up point, Friedrichshafen Airport is an excellent base. From Friedrichshafen it's possible to enjoy the best of the city as well as the countryside. The following is a guide to how best to spend your time in Friedrichshafen.

Friedrichshafen Mini Guide:

The town of Friedrichshafen is located on the northern shore of the scenic Lake Constance, right next to the Austrian and Swiss borders. It is the capital of the Bodensee district in the federal state of Baden W'rttenburg. Friedrichshafen has seen a steady growth in tourism over the last few years, a trend that many attribute to the extension of low fares routes to Friedrichshafen Airport.

Things To See/Do in Friedrichshafen:

Friedrichshafen is a compact little town, whose main attractions can be easily explored within a day. Friedrichshafen's biggest claim to fame is that it was the home of the Zeppelin Airship Company. Visitors are invited to learn more about the airship company at the Zeppelin Museum which is located close to the lakeshore. Zeppelin airships can also be booked for sightseeing tours. Meanwhile, Lake Constance provides plenty of opportunities for watersports and fishing. The Lake is Europe's third largest and was formed by the Rhine Glacier during the ice age. Car ferries link Friedrichshafen to Romanshorn in Switzerland and Meersburg to Konstanz. While you're in the city centre, you'll find historical curiosities worth exploring include the Castle Church, which has two distinctive domed towers. The church was built between 1695 and 1701 and is regarded as one of the most famous constructions from the baroque period. It's worth following the historical path while you're in the vicinity, you'll find plenty of attention grabbers while you're there. The historical path consists of 50 plates detailing the historical importance of certain structures. The trail winds its way from the train station at the port to the castle church along the shore, past the central train station and continues on for approximately an hour.

Eating Out in Friedrichshafen:

Dining out in Friedrichshafen is a pleasure, whatever your budget or craving. While in town its always worth sampling the traditional fare. In Friedrichshafen hearty fare reigns supreme. Dishes such as ?Maultaschen?, a type of ravioli stuffed with spinach, herbs and meat and whitefish ? la meuni're are definitely worth a try. A glass of the local beer complements any meal perfectly.

Day Trips/Events in Friedrichhafen:

Let Friedrichshafen act as a base from which to explore the surrounding countryside. Friedrichshafen's location offers plenty of scope for hire car touring. For the ultimate Friedrichshafen car hire experience be sure to include a day trip to the scenic Lake Constance area. Alternatively you could make a short 30km drive to the Austrian town of Bregenz.

A number of festivals and events take place in and around Friedrichshafen throughout the year including May's annual International Bodensee Festival, a celebration of the local arts scene where concerts, theatrical performances exhibitions are held around the Bodensee Lake.