Cycling around Lake Constance, which borders Germany, Austria and Switzerland, offers the chance to experience a unique mix of people and cultural traditions from the three countries.
This tour starts near the Swiss border in Constance and continues to Meersburg along the Untersee and Überlinger See. From here you cycle through extensive vineyards and orchards to Friedrichshafen, also referred to as the Zeppelin City. Bregenz is the next stop, home to a world renowned performing arts festival, and then it's a pedal through the Rhine delta to make your way back to Constance along the Swiss shore of the lake.
Holiday details
Price
- Luxury
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from £980 – £1,080 per person
Please also note that the Bregenz Festival runs runs between 17th July and 18th August 2019 and there is an accommodation surcharge (on request) due to the festival
Based on two people sharing a room. Price range due to seasonal variations
What’s included?
There are no extras, however you’ll love what’s included as standard
Duration
6 nights
Start & Finish
Starts daily and is circular from Constance which is 1 hour by train from Zurich airport. Tours run every day from 1st April to 20th October 2019
Hotels
- Luxury
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All 4 star hotels, a mixture of old and new buildings, some are lakeside
Holiday type
Self-guided
This tour is priced without a guide and you are free to explore on your own. If you would like a guide for part or all of your trip, we are happy to provide a knowledgeable, local guide
Activity level
Gentle cycling (1) More info...
Electric bikes
Available
Mileage
5 days of cycling 18 - 37 miles (30 - 60 km) average per day
Terrain
Generally flat with some small inclines
Traffic-free
Mostly traffic free on cycle paths with some quiet side roads
Options
- Additional nights in Constance at the start or end of the trip
Itinerary day-by-day
Luxury
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1. Day one
Constance
Arrive in Constance and check into your hotel. Inspired by late classicism and neo-renaissance architecture, the hotel was first opened in 1874. Make your way to our bike base today where your host will run through your itinerary and will give you your bike and equipment. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city. We suggest visiting the beautiful flower island Mainau or the convent on Reichenau island.
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2. Day two
Constance to Stein am Rhein
Today you cycle along the Lower Lake to the picturesque village of Gottlieben. The architecture of this former fishing village is really impressive and is one of the finest in the area. The Drachenburg castle and the Waaghaus are worth a visit too. The Waaghaus, a Gothic building in the Old Town, was originally a weighing house and is now a puppet theatre. If you wish you can cycle on to the Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfalls.
18 miles (29 km)
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3. Day three
Stein am Rhein to Bodman-Ludwigshafen
Make sure you spend some time in Stein am Rhein before setting off today – it's one of the best preserved medieval cities in Switzerland and worth taking the time to explore. From Stein am Rhein you continue your journey across the Höri Peninsula to Radolfzell, home to the fantastic Radolfzell Basilica and the "Austrian Castle“, both absolute must-sees for any visitor!
25 miles (40 km)
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4. Day four
Bodman-Ludwigshafen to Friedrichshafen/Lindau
Your first stop today is the stunning Birnau Basilica and then it's on to Unteruhldingen, famous for its pre-historic stilt houses which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue on through the fishing and viticultural village of Hagnau. From here to Friedrichshafen - sometimes known as the Zeppelin city. For those interested in this early form of aviation, a trip to the Zeppelin museum is highly recommended. If not, then perhaps enjoy a stroll along the lakeside promenade, or head up to the lookout point and enjoy a majestic view over the Alps! As you continue on your loop of Lake Constance, you'll cycle through the most important nature reserve on the north shore: Eriskircher Ried. Once out the other side, your path leads along the lake shore to Lindau.
21 miles (35 km)
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5. Day five
Friedrichshafen/Lindau to Horn
The old town of Lindau, which is located on an island on the lake, the lighthouse with lions (Lindau's landmark), and the town hall shouldn't be missed. From Lindau, pedal to Bregenz, capital of the Austrian state of Vorarlberg. Make sure you explore the old town before moving on. Crossing the Rhine Delta you then reach the old harbour town of Rorschach, where you can visit one of Switzerland’s beautiful corn houses that includes a museum. From here, continue along Lake Constance until you reach the pleasant village of Horn.
12 miles (20 km)
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6. Day six
Bregenz Region/Horn to Constance
On your last day of cycling you pedal through the canton of Thurgau, passing manybeautiful, small villages on the way to Romanshorn. After Romanshorn, continue to cycle on the bike trail back to Constance thus completing your loop of the Lake. Enjoy a final night's stay here.
19 miles (31 km)
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7. Day seven
Depart Constance
Find the perfect holiday gift in the town before taking a final look at the lake and departing.