The border separating Germany and Switzerland is a notable line where the European Union meets a closely associated but non-EU nation. Your crossing here involves navigating the course of the High Rhine river and the picturesque shores of Lake Constance (Bodensee), a large lake bordered by Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. While Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, which allows for passport-free travel, it is importantly not in the EU Customs Union. This creates a unique situation for travelers. While you may not be stopped for a passport check, you can expect to see active and staffed customs posts, and you may be stopped for customs inspections, especially if you have goods to declare.
The German city of Konstanz is uniquely intertwined with its Swiss neighbor, Kreuzlingen. There is no physical separation between them, and life flows easily across the border, with people crossing constantly for work, shopping, or leisure. However, the presence of a historic customs fence that still runs through parts of the area is a constant visual reminder of the different economic jurisdictions. This dual status makes the German-Swiss border a fascinating example of selective integration in the heart of Europe.