The Great Lake Constance Cycling Holiday

Your bike tour begins in Constance, the largest city on Lake Constance. 600 years ago, it was the scene of the church council and the only papal election north of the Alps. The Rhine flows out of Lake Constance here is the kilometer zero 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 harbor.

This stage takes you to the island of Reichenau. Its monastery was truly influential in the 10th century as such it was declared a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site in 2001. Take a boat to the town of Gaienhofen and cycle along the Höri peninsula. Here you will cross the green border to the small Swiss town of Stein am Rhein with its picturesque historic old town. You then continue your trip crossing the border to the small German town of Gailingen.

A cycle tour to the Rhine Falls is an essential part of the experience around Untersee. You cycle on the northern side of the Rhine and follow the course of the river to Schaffhausen, the town of 171 oriels. You will soon reach the mighty Rhine Falls, which you can experience up close on a boat trip. Laufen Castle lies high above the thundering masses of water, from whose Känzeli you can enjoy a spectacular view. After the visit, the boat takes you to Diessenhofen. From there, the route leads through the charming river landscape of the High Rhine back to Stein am Rhein.

The path runs past numerous picturesque Swiss fishing villages through the peaceful rural landscape of lower Lake. Napoleon's stepdaughter, Hortense de Beauharnais made her home here. You can visit her former residence in Arenenberg. Today it is home to the Napoleonic Museum, which offers a beautiful view of the island of Reichenau.

Today you will explore the flower island of Mainau (not included), a paradisiac island with lush, colorful seas of flowers, redwood trees towering high into the sky, shady groves and fragrant rose bushes. A short bike trip takes you in the direction of Allensbach, known for the German empirical research institute, to the old imperial city and modern-day Kneipp spa town of Radolfzell.

Today you cycle across the peninsula Bodanrück which divides the Lake Constance into the upper and lower Lake also known as Überlinger Lake. In Stahringen just behind Radolfzell reach Lake Überlingen at Bodman, the old imperial palace. You cycle along the shore to the former imperial town of Überlingen with its Gothic cathedral and famous lakeside promenade. The route continues towards Meersburg. Here you will pass the baroque pilgrimage church of Birnau and the reconstructed lakeside dwellings near Uhldingen.

Meersburg awaits you with a variety of sights. Visit the oldest inhabited castle in Germany, the last residence of the poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, the New Palace with its magnificent staircase by Balthasar Neumann and the market square. Accompanied by the most beautiful Alpine panorama, you cycle to Friedrichshafen in order to visit the Zeppelin Museum.

Today you will first pass through Langenargen and its pretty Moorish-style Montfort Castle. You then continue on the Lake Constance bike path cycling past apple orchards until you reach the Bavarian town of Lindau. The old historic city center is located on a peninsula whose harbor is guarded by a 6 m tall lion. Soon after, you will arrive in the festival city of Bregenz. The imaginative stage on the lake is an eyeturner at any time of year! If you like, take the train up to the Pfänder mountain. It is Bregenz's local mountain here you will enjoy the fantastic view over Lake Constance in the evening!

If you couldn't find the time yesterday take the chance to float to the summit of the Pfänder today. If you fancy a speedy descent, simply take your bike with you on the train!
You then cycle towards Fußach, where you reach the Alpenrhein. Follow the river to Altstätten. Here you get on the train and ride up into Appenzellerland region to Gais. The route takes you through a picture-book Swiss landscape to St. Gallen. The city is famous for its ancient monastery and its library. Enjoy the beautiful old town and visit the baroque abbey library.

Today you have the opportunity to leave your bike behind during. Explore St. Gallen! The library of the collegiate church is unique in the world. Manuscripts from the early Middle Ages can be found in the breathtaking, baroque rooms. A short bike tour or a hike is also a good idea. The nearby Appenzell region is synonymous with picture-book Switzerland - grazing cows on green hills with snow-capped peaks on the horizon.

You cycle pleasantly downhill to Arbon where you will reach Lake Constance. You then continue your bike tour through neat Swiss villages and apple orchards to Constance. Take a break along the way at one of the numerous cafés or just jump into the water. At the end, there is still time for a visit to the Rosgarten Museum or to drift through Constance's historic city center.

After breakfast your Great Lake Constance Cycling holiday has reached its end. We are happy to extend your stay at Lake Constance with additional nights.