kids encyclopedia robot

Radolfzell facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Radolfzell
Centre of the town
Centre of the town
Coat of arms of Radolfzell
Coat of arms
Location of Radolfzell within Konstanz district
Lake Constance Bodenseekreis Waldshut (district) Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis Tuttlingen (district) Sigmaringen (district) Aach Allensbach Bodman-Ludwigshafen Büsingen am Hochrhein Stockach Eigeltingen Engen Gaienhofen Gailingen am Hochrhein Gottmadingen Hilzingen Hohenfels Konstanz Mainau Moos Mühlhausen-Ehingen Mühlingen Öhningen Orsingen-Nenzingen Radolfzell Reichenau Reichenau Reichenau Reichenau Rielasingen-Worblingen Singen Steißlingen Stockach Tengen Volkertshausen SwitzerlandRadolfzell am Bodensee in KN.svg
Radolfzell  is located in Germany
Radolfzell
Radolfzell
Location in Germany
Radolfzell  is located in Baden-Württemberg
Radolfzell
Radolfzell
Location in Baden-Württemberg
Country Germany
State Baden-Württemberg
Admin. region Freiburg
District Konstanz
Area
 • Total 58.58 km2 (22.62 sq mi)
Elevation
398 m (1,306 ft)
Population
 (2022-12-31)
 • Total 32,043
 • Density 547.00/km2 (1,416.71/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+02:00 (CEST)
Postal codes
78301-78315
Dialling codes 07732
Vehicle registration KN

Radolfzell am Bodensee is a town in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is located at the western end of Lake Constance, which is also known as Zeller Lake. The town is about 18 kilometers (11 miles) northwest of the city of Konstanz.

Radolfzell is the third largest town in the Konstanz district. Only Konstanz and Singen are bigger. It is part of the Hegau region. The Radolfzeller Aach river flows into the lake west of Radolfzell.

The town is famous as a health care center called Mettnau-Kur. In 1990, Radolfzell was even named the Federal Environment Capital City of Germany.

History of Radolfzell

MünsterRadolfzell
The Cathedral Unserer lieben Frau

The town of Radolfzell started from a monastery. This monastery was built in 826 AD. It was like a "cell" or small religious community. Bishop Radolf of Verona founded it.

Over time, the town belonged to different groups. First, it was part of the Abbey of Reichenau. Then, for a long time, it belonged to the House of Habsburg. For 40 years, Radolfzell was a Free Imperial City. This meant it was independent and ruled itself.

Important Buildings and Traditions

In the center of Radolfzell, you can find the Gothic Cathedral. It is called Unserer lieben Frau, which means "Of our Dear Lady." This beautiful church was built in the 15th century. Later, in the 18th century, it was decorated in the Baroque style.

One special part of the cathedral is the Rosary altar. It was made by the Zürn brothers. Another important altar from 1750 holds the relics of local saints. These saints are Theopont, Senesius, and Zeno.

Every year, the town celebrates the Hausherrenfest in their honor. This festival happens on the third Sunday in July. The next day, a famous Water Procession takes place. People have done this every year since 1797. Citizens from the nearby village of Moos travel to Radolfzell. They come in beautifully decorated boats to keep an old promise.

Another important building is the Austrian mansion in the market square. It was built in different stages from the 17th to the 19th century. Its knightly hall dates back to 1626. You can also see many old Patrician houses in the town. These were homes of important families.

Did you know that the mother of the famous mapmaker Martin Waldseemüller was born in Radolfzell? He was the first to use the name "America" on a map!

Radolfzell Untersee
View of Radolfzell from the Höri peninsula

Town Leaders

Since 1975, the head of the town has been called the Lord Mayor. The current Lord Mayor is Simon Gröger. He started his term in 2021.

Sister Cities

Radolfzell am Bodensee has special connections with other towns around the world. These are called "twin towns" or "sister cities."

Famous People from Radolfzell

Many interesting people have connections to Radolfzell. Here are a few:

  • Joseph Victor von Scheffel (1826–1886), a poet and novelist who lived in Radolfzell.
  • Hans Peter Haller (1929–2006), a composer who was a pioneer in electronic music.
  • Jörg Baberowski (born 1961), a well-known historian.

Sports Stars

Radolfzell has also been home to talented athletes:

  • Pit Beirer (born 1972), a famous motocross rider.
  • Kristof Wilke (born 1985), a rower who won a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
  • Anna-Lena Forster (born 1995), a para-alpine skier who has won many medals.

Getting Around Radolfzell

Train Travel

The Radolfzell railway station is an important train hub. It connects to the High Rhine Railway (from Basel to Konstanz). It also connects to the Hegau-Ablach Valley Railway, which leads to Friedrichshafen Stadt.

Boat Travel

Radolfzell harbor offers boat trips. You can travel to places like Iznang, Reichenau Island, and Konstanz by boat.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Radolfzell am Bodensee para niños

kids search engine
Radolfzell Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.