evidence: Known as "Bodensee" in German, Lake Constance lies below the northern edge of the Alps. Not only is it the largest lake in Germany, it's also one of the most beautiful bodies of water in Europe. Bordered by Austria and Switzerland, it offers strikingly breathtaking scenery with its majestic expanse of water, and encompasses some 270 kilometers of shoreline, by far the greatest share of it in Germany. [...] Long a center for water sports, Lake Constance is particularly popular among sailing and windsurfing enthusiasts. The area is also rich in culture and history and boasts many old castles, picturesque medieval villages, and beautiful gardens. Popular things to do here include hiking and mountain biking, as well as swimming at the many beaches, or enjoying a relaxing boat ride. [...] Walkers and cyclists are well catered to by the excellent Lake Constance Trail (Bodensee-Rundwanderweg). This spectacular trail network encircles the entire lake at varying distances from its shores for about 272 kilometers. Within Germany, the trail frequently follows the paths waymarked by the Black Forest Association (Schwarzwaldverein).