2024
Radtour vom Bodensee zum Lago Maggiore

Bike tour from Kreuzlingen to Locarno

Sporty from Lake Constance to Lake Maggiore

  Kreuzlingen – Chur – Lukmanier Pass – Locarno

  • Alpine Rhine Valley, Rhine Gorge, Blenio Valley
  • Principality of Liechtenstein
  • Cities worth seeing: Constance, Chur, Disentis and Bellinzona
  • Daily routes ●●●●○, altitude profile ●●●●○

Days
8

Ø km per day
55

Our cycle tour from Lake Constance to Lake Maggiore is many things, but not monotonous. With an average of 55 kilometers per stage, you cycle from Kreuzlingen on Lake Constance to Locarno in the South of Switzerland. Get to know Kreuzlingen's historic neighboring town of Constance right at the start with an extended walk through the old town. Continue along the Swiss shores of Lake Constance towards the mouth of the Alpine Rhine. Through the multifaceted Alpine Rhine Valley, the route takes you leisurely to the small Principality of Liechtenstein. Along the way, you will enjoy impressive views of the numerous Alpine peaks. From the small Graubünden town of Chur, our bike tour from Kreuzlingen to Locarno takes you steadily uphill. After getting to know the Rhine Gorge in all its glory, you cycle via the towns of Ilanz and Disentis to the Lukmanier Pass. Now that you can be truly proud of having reached the 1,900-metre-high Alpine pass, the route takes you downhill into the sun-drenched Blenio Valley. Speaking of sunshine: Your destination Locarno on Lake Maggiore is considered one of the warmest cities in Switzerland. After the sometimes challenging tour, enjoy the dolce far niente – sweet idleness – on Italy's second largest lake. Our bike tour from Kreuzlingen to Locarno is suitable for experienced and sporty cyclists.

Itinerary

  • Booking code
    OE-CHKL7-sp
  • Start / Destination
    Kreuzlingen / Locarno
  • Duration
    8 days / 7 nights
  • Length
    approx. 310 km
    Daily routes ●●●●○
    between 35 and 70 km, Ø 55 km
    Altitude profile ●●●●○

Day 1: Individual arrival in Kreuzlingen

Welcome to Kreuzlingen! Your bike tour from Kreuzlingen to Locarno begins at one of the largest lakes in Central Europe. After checking in at the hotel, grab your bike and cycle directly to the shores of Lake Constance before taking a cross-border visit to the neighboring town of Constance. Discover the landmark of this historic city at the harbur: Imperia. The nine-metre-high statue is a satirical reminder of the church council in the 15th century.

Constance Kreuzlingen Lake Constance Overview

View of Lake Constance

Day 2: Kreuzlingen – Rorschach / region, approx. 35 km

On the first stage of your bike tour from Kreuzlingen to Locarno, you first cycle along the Lake Constance Cycle Path. A first stopover is worthwhile in Arbon. Visit the picturesque old town with its castle, an original fortress. At Romanshorn, you have reached the southernmost point of Lake Constance. During a walk along the lake, you will discover the historic Badhütte. It was built on stilts around 100 years ago and still serves as access to the water today.

Lake Constance Arbon

Lake Constance near Arbon

Day 3: Rorschach – Vaduz / Buchs, approx. 70 km

From Rorschach, you cycle towards the idyllic estuary of the Rhine into Lake Constance. This is where the Alpine Rhine begins, leading you south through the St. Gallen Rhine Valley. Your destination for the day, the small town of Buchs, lies opposite the Principality of Liechtenstein. Cross the Rhine and visit the sixth smallest state in the world. The residence of the princely family, Vaduz Castle, towers 120 meters above the Liechtenstein capital. The view from the castle, which unfortunately cannot be visited, is worth leaving your bike behind for once.

 

Vaduz Castle

Vaduz Castle

Day 4: Buchs SG – Chur, approx. 50 km

Today's stage of your bike tour from Kreuzlingen to Locarno takes you further along the Rhine, with the higher peaks of the mountains in view. In the small town of Chur, it's time to unwind. The dreamy alleyways, the many historic buildings and the Mediterranean flair provide the ideal backdrop for an extended stroll through Switzerland's oldest town. Try Bündner Pfirsichsteine, a Chur specialty that you can buy in confectioneries.

Old Town Chur

The old town of Chur

Day 5: Chur – Disentis, approx. 70 km

Today it's a steady uphill ride! After you have passed Bonaduz and thus the confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein rivers, follow the cycle path towards the Rhine Gorge, also known as the Ruinaulta. This special natural spectacle was formed around 10,000 years ago after a landslide. The gorge can be viewed from viewing platforms. Following the Vorderrhein, you reach Ilanz. Affectionately known as Städtli by the locals, Ilanz is considered the first town on the Rhine. The old town, partly surrounded by high town walls, is well worth a tour. Your stage destination Disentis is characterized by the imposing Benedictine Abbey of St. Martin. In the evening, fortify yourself with Capuns Sursilvans, a Graubünden specialty, and a Röteli, a cherry liqueur.

Ruinaulta Rhine Gorge

Rhine Gorge / Ruinaulta

Day 6: Disentis – Lukmanier Pass – Biasca, approx. 60 km or approx. 40 km + bus

On your bike tour from Kreuzlingen to Locarno, you leave the Rhine and cycle south into Ticino. By the time you reach the Lukmanier Pass, you will have climbed several hundred meters in altitude. The pass lies at 1915 m above sea level. Alternatively, you can take the bus from Disentis up to the top of your tour (not included). Situated in the middle of a barren mountain world, the lush green landscape of the Blenio Valley opens up to you on the descent. In Biasca it's time to relax. Leave your bike and explore the numerous sights of the town. The church of San Pietro e Paolo is one of the most important Romanesque buildings in Switzerland. From here, a path leads to Santa Petronilla, the largest waterfall in Ticino.

 

Disentis Monastery

Benedictine monastery in Disentis

Day 7: Biasca – Locarno, approx. 45 km

The last stage of your bike tour from Kreuzlingen to Locarno takes you to Italy's second largest lake. Halfway along the route, you will reach Bellinzona, the Gateway to Italy. The mighty castle complex above the city is one of the most important fortifications in the Alpine region. Enjoy the Italian flair of the old town with a cappuccino in Piazza Nosetto. Refreshed, you cycle to Locarno. Situated on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, Locarno is one of the warmest towns in Switzerland. Palm trees and lemon trees give the town a Mediterranean atmosphere.

Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore

Day 8: Individual departure

After breakfast, your bike tour from Kreuzlingen to Locarno comes to an end. We are happy to extend your stay in Kreuzlingen or Locarno with an extra night.

Ascona Locarno Lake Maggiore

Farewell to Lake Maggiore

Dates / Prices / Services

Season times and prices 2024

Arrival daily from 15.06.2024 to 29.09.2024

Bookable dates are shown in the booking form. The season is dictated by the arrival date.

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Season A
14.09. - 29.09.

from1249 €
Season B
15.06. - 13.09.

from1289 €

All prices per person in a double room

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Services

  • 7 nights incl. breakfast, national 3* level
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel to Locarno, max. 1 piece of luggage per person, max. 20 kg / piece
  • Ticino Ticket
  • Travel documents with maps (1 x per room)
  • Service hotline (7 days, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
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Not included:

  • Bus trip Disentis – Lukmanier Pass, approx. 25 CHF per person incl. bike
  • City or visitor's tax (if payable)
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For our younger cyclists

Due to the challenging stages, we do not recommend this trip for children.

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Additional services

Additional bookable services

Additional fee single room

339 €

All prices are per person

Additional nights

Room
Breakfast
Price
Kreuzlingen
 DBL

105 €

 SGL

119 €

Locarno
 DBL

115 €

 SGL

199 €

All prices are per person

Rental bikes

Rental Bikes

Rental Bike
Rental Bike
155 €
E-Bike
E-Bike
289 €

Types of rental bikes

  • 27-gear touring bike with derailleur gears
  • E-bike / pedelec
Features

Pannier, airpump, bike lock, repair kit

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27-gear rental bike

155 €

E-bike / pedelec

289 €

All prices are per person

Brief info

  • Booking code
    OE-CHKL7-sp
  • Start / Destination
    Kreuzlingen / Locarno
  • Duration
    8 days / 7 nights
  • Length
    approx. 310 km
    Daily routes ●●●●○
    between 35 and 70 km, Ø 55 km
    Altitude profile ●●●●○
  • Parking information
    Paid parking available in Kreuzlingen
    No reservation possible through Radweg-Reisen
  • Return to Kreuzlingen
    On your own by train, connections several times a day, 2 – 4 changes, duration approx. 4 hours
  • Tour operated by
    Radweg-Reisen and local cooperation partner
  • Mobility note
    The trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
  • Print version PDF

Days
8

Ø km per day
55