Lake Constance reaches historic low: water level drops below record level

Despite the rain in recent weeks, Lake Constance is still unusually empty. Because of the low water level, areas on banks and in harbors are dry and boats have difficulty getting into the water. The situation is particularly clear on the Untersee around Radolfzell and the municipality of Moos in the Konstanz district.

266 centimeters were recently measured at the Konstanz gauge. The water level was below the previous historic low of 277 centimeters from September 8th in 2003.

The consequences are particularly visible in flat areas. The Bodensee-Schiffsbetriebe (BSB) also warn of restrictions and delays in shipping traffic. “The summer water level of Lake Constance has never been as low as this year,” the BSB wrote on its website.

There are several reasons for the unusual situation. According to the Baden-Württemberg State Environmental Agency (LUBW), there was a lack of meltwater from the Alps after a winter with little snow. In addition, there has been low rainfall for months and high evaporation during the warm summer.

Is the rain coming soon?

There is currently no quick relief in sight. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), only intermittent rainfall is expected in the coming days. “There won’t be much that will come together,” said a DWD meteorologist. It will certainly not be able to compensate for the deficit of the last few months.

The Internationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbH emphasized that the lake remains an attractive travel destination even when the water level is low. Anyone planning a boat trip, an excursion with their own boat or water sports activities should, however, find out from the respective operators on site about possible restrictions at individual piers or in flatter bank areas.