Cycling along the Swiss Lakes

You’ll begin your cycling tour in Konstanz, the largest city on Lake Constance. Six hundred years ago, it was the site of a church council and the only papal election north of the Alps. The Rhine flows out of Lake Constance here: kilometer 0 on its journey to the North Sea. Just a few minutes’ walk from the medieval old town lies the Swiss city of Kreuzlingen with its lively harbor.

Your bike tour takes you along the Lake Constance Bike Path from Constance through picturesque Swiss fishing villages. The route follows the shore of the Untersee to Stein am Rhein, with its medieval houses adorned with frescoes. This is where Lake Constance ends. Crossing the border between Germany and Switzerland several times, you’ll reach the cantonal capital of Schaffhausen on the Rhine Cycle Route. The city is dominated by the Munot Fortress, and its citizens once competed to build the most elaborate bay windows.

The first highlight of the day is the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall. You’ll take a boat to the Rhine Falls Rock and experience the power of the rushing waters up close. You’ll continue your tour through the Glatt Valley on your way to Zurich. Near Zurich-Kloten Airport, you can shorten the bike tour by taking the S-Bahn (not included) from the Rümlang train station. This fascinating Swiss cosmopolitan city blends tradition and modernity. Explore the well-preserved Old Town, but also take time to soak in Zurich’s cultural scene.

You’ll cycle along the northern shore of Lake Zurich—often referred to as the Gold Coast —toward Rapperswil, where the castle is visible from afar, and cross the lake via a causeway. On the other side of the lake, you’ll reach the small town of Lachen. You can visit the Baroque Church of the Holy Cross, enjoy the atmosphere in the harbor and the Alpine panorama, or simply take a dip in Lake Zurich.

Following the Linth Canal—the man-made waterway connecting Lake Zurich and Lake Walen—you’ll reach the charming little town of Weesen. From there, a boat will take you to the other end of Lake Walen, to Walenstadt. The lake is 150 meters deep, towered over by the Churfirsten at an elevation of 1,800 meters, and is ideal for swimming. Incidentally, palm trees grow on the northern shore of Lake Walen, while snow still lies on the same slope well into May. You’ll see—Lake Walen will impress you with its contrasts! After a few kilometers, you’ll reach the valley of the Alpine Rhine. From there, the journey continues swiftly into the Principality of Liechtenstein, where you’ll spend the night in Vaduz.

Many impressive castles dominate the valley along this stage. The medieval town of Feldkirch, already on Austrian territory, lies at the mouth of the Ill Valley. The town is dominated by Schattenburg Castle, which houses an important historical weapons collection and is one of the best-preserved castle complexes in Central Europe. Later, you’ll cross the Rhine. Then the train will take you from Altstätten up into the Appenzell region. Alpine pastures and cows accompany you along the hilly route to St. Gallen, the city known for its linen and embroidery industries. Particularly worth seeing is the 18th-century Baroque Abbey Church with its adjoining abbey library. The entire St. Gallen Abbey District has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

You’ll enjoy a pleasant downhill ride to Lake Constance, which you’ll reach near Arbon. Then you’ll cycle through picturesque Swiss villages and apple orchards on your way to Konstanz. Along the way, you can take breaks at one of the many cafés or take a dip in the water. At the end of the ride, you’ll still have time to visit the Rosgarten Museum or simply wander through Constance’s Old Town.

After breakfast, the Swiss Lakes Route ends at Lake Constance, Lake Zurich, and Lake Walen. However, we would be happy to extend your stay at Lake Constance.