The Great Lake Constance Cycling Holiday

You’ll begin your cycling tour in Constance, 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, marking 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.

This stage takes you to the island of Reichenau, whose monastery wielded far-reaching influence in the 10th century and was designated a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site in 2001. You’ll take a ferry to Gaienhofen and cycle along the Höri Peninsula across the “green border” into the small Swiss town of Stein am Rhein with its picturesque old town. You’ll then continue cycling across the border once more into the small German town of Gailingen.

A bike tour to the Rhine Falls is an absolute must when exploring the Untersee region. You’ll cycle along the northern bank of the Rhine and follow the river all the way to Schaffhausen, the city of 171 bay windows. Soon you’ll reach the mighty Rhine Falls, which you’ll experience up close on a boat tour. High above the roaring waters lies Laufen Castle, from whose Känzeli you can enjoy a spectacular view. After your visit, take a boat to Diessenhofen. From there, the route leads through the charming river landscape of the Upper Rhine back to Stein am Rhein.

Numerous picturesque Swiss fishing villages dot the route of your tour through the peaceful, rural landscape along the Untersee. This is also where Napoleon’s stepdaughter, Hortense de Beauharnais, found a new home. You can visit her former residence, Arenenberg. Today, it houses the Napoleon Museum, which offers a beautiful view of the island of Reichenau.

Today you’ll explore Mainau, the “Flower Island” (not included), a paradise-like isle with lush, colorful seas of flowers, giant sequoias soaring high into the sky, shady groves, and fragrant rose bushes. Afterward, a short bike ride will take you toward Allensbach—known for its German opinion research institute—to the old imperial city and today’s Kneipp spa town of Radolfzell.

Past Radolfzell, you’ll cross the Bodanrück near Stahringen today and reach Lake Überlingen at Bodman, the site of the old imperial palace. You’ll cycle along the shore into the former imperial city of Überlingen, with its Gothic cathedral and famous lakeside promenade. The route continues toward Meersburg. Worth seeing are the Baroque pilgrimage church at Birnau and the reconstructed pile dwellings near Uhldingen.

Meersburg awaits you with many attractions. Visit Germany’s oldest inhabited castle, the final residence of the poet Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, the New Palace with its magnificent staircase designed by Balthasar Neumann, and the market square. Accompanied by the most beautiful Alpine panorama, you’ll cycle to Friedrichshafen and visit the Zeppelin Museum.

Today’s route takes you first through Langenargen. Here stands the charming Montfort Castle, built in the Moorish style. You’ll then cycle through fruit orchards and arrive at a leisurely pace in the Bavarian town of Lindau, whose old town is situated on an island. The harbor is guarded by a 6-meter-tall lion. Soon after, you’ll arrive in Bregenz, home to the Bregenz Festival. The imaginative stage on the lake is a sight to behold any time of year! If you’d like, take the train up to the Pfänder—Bregenz’s local mountain—today and enjoy the fantastic view of Lake Constance at dusk!

If you didn’t make it yesterday, float up to the summit of the Pfänder today. If you’re in the mood for a thrilling descent, just take your bike on the cable car! Afterward, cycle toward Fußach, where you’ll reach the Alpine Rhine. Follow the river all the way to Altstätten. Here, hop on the train and ride high up into the Appenzell region to Gais. The route takes you through a picture-perfect Swiss landscape to St. Gallen, the ancient monastery town. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the beautiful old town and the Baroque abbey library.

Today you have the opportunity to take a break from cycling during your biking vacation. Explore St. Gallen! The library of the Stiftskirche is one of a kind worldwide. The breathtaking, Baroque-style rooms house manuscripts from the early Middle Ages. A short sightseeing tour or a hike are also great options. The nearby Appenzell region epitomizes picture-perfect Switzerland—cows grazing on green hills against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks on the horizon—ideal for hiking.

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 to Constance. Along the way, you can take breaks at one of the many cafés or take a dip in the water. At the end, there’s still time to visit the Rosgarten Museum or simply wander through Constance’s Old Town.

After breakfast, your great cycling vacation on Lake Constance comes to an end, and you’ll make your own way home. We’d be happy to extend your stay on Lake Constance.