Cycling along the Swiss Lakes

You start your cycling tour in Constance, the largest city on Lake Constance. 600 years ago, it was the scene of a church council and the only papal election north of the Alps. The Rhine flows out of Lake Constance here: kilometre 0 on its way to the North Sea. A few minutes' walk from the medieval old town is the Swiss town of Kreuzlingen with its lively harbour.

Your bike tour takes you along the Lake Constance Cycle Path out of Constance through picturesque Swiss fishing villages. Along the waterside, the path takes you to Stein am Rhein with its beautiful fresco-decorated, medieval houses. Switching several times between Germany and Switzerland you reach the canton's capital, Schaffhausen. The town whose citizens competed in building numerous gables on their houses, is overlooked by Munot fort.

The first highlight of your trip are the Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe, which you will approach by boat. The valley of the Glatt will lead you on to Zurich. Modernity and tradition unite in this fascinating cosmopolitan Swiss city. Why not visit the well-preserved old town and make sure that you experience the cultural life of the city.

Today you will cycle along the northern banks of Lake Zurich, which is also known locally as the Gold Coast, until you come to Rapperswil with its old castle. From there you cross over to the other side of the lake on a dam. From there it won't be long until you reach the small town of Lachen. Here you can visit the Baroque Church Heilig Kreuz, enjoy the flair of the harbour or just enjoy a swim in the Lake.

Along the Linth Canal, the artificial connection between Lake Zurich and Lake Walen, you reach the pretty town of Weesen. Here a boat takes you to the other end of Lake Walen to Walenstadt. The lake is 150 m deep, with the Churfirsten peaks towering over it by another 1800 m, and is ideal for swimming. Incidentally, palm trees grow on the northern shore of Lake Walen, while snow still lies on the same slope until May. You will see – Lake Walen will impress you with its contrasts! After a few kilometres you reach the valley of the Alpine Rhine. Here you will make swift progress to the Principality of Liechtenstein, where you will spend the night in Vaduz.

Many impressive castles dominate the valley along the stage. The medieval town of Feldkirch, already on Austrian territory, lies at the exit of the Illtal. The town is overlooked by Schattenburg Castle, which houses an important historical weapons collection and is one of the best-preserved castle complexes in Central Europe. Later you cross the Rhine. Then the train takes you from Altstätten up into Appenzellerland. Alpine pastures and cows accompany you on the hilly way to St. Gallen, the town that has become famous for its linen and embroidery trade. Particularly worth seeing is the 18th century baroque collegiate church with the associated collegiate library. The entire St. Gallen Abbey District has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

Enjoy the downhill stretch to Lake Constance and your arrival near Arbon. Next, cycle along the lake through cultivated little Swiss villages and orchards, back to Constance. Take a break wherever you want in any of the many cafes along the lakeside or jump into the water to be refreshed! Finally, there should still be time for a visit to Rosgartenmuseum or a relaxed wander through the old quarter of Constance.

Your cycling tour along the Swiss lakes unfortunately comes to an end after breakfast. We would be happy to extend your stay in Constance.