Island Mainau

Insel Mainau is a small island (approx. 45 hectares) just north of Constance set in the Bodensee. It has a moderately interesting history having belonged to the Order of Teutonic Knights for centuries before being purchased by Grand Duke Federick I of Baden. In 1928, after the death of Grand Duke Federick II the island passed to Victoria of Baden who was the wife of King Gustav V of Sweden. It belonged to Victoria for the next two years until her death when it was passed along to Prince Wilhelm, Duke of Sodermandland and his decedents. While still in the care of Prince Wilhelm's line the property was ultimately transitioned to a family foundation and currently operates as an Arboretum and nature reserve.

Our visit to Insel Mainau was the result of a lazy Sunday at the end of a particularly rainy stretch of the summer and the prospect of trees, well manicured gardens, a childs play park and butterfly house seemed to be a good way to enjoy the return of the sun. And what's to follow is just a small collection of the 520 pictures we took of our visit.

Giant Sequoia

I'm a flower too Daddy!

It's impossible to keep Charlotte out of the water!

Charlotte found a petrified stump!

All in all I think we accomplished what we set out for!