The Great Lake Constance Cycling Holiday

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, marking kilometer 0 on its way to the North Sea. A few minutes' walk from the medieval old town is the Swiss town of Kreuzlingen with a lively harbor.

This stage takes you to the island of Reichenau, whose monastery had far-reaching influence in the 10th century and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. You will take a boat to Gaienhofen and cycle along the Höri peninsula across the green border to the Swiss town of Stein am Rhein with its picturesque old town. Continue cycling again across the border to the German town of Gailingen.

A bike tour to the Rhine Falls is almost a must as part of a Untersee bike tour. You stay on the northern side of the Rhine and follow the course of the river to the town of 171 oriels, Schaffhausen. The Rhine Falls are not far away, which you will get very close to on a boat ride. High above the thundering waterfall is Schloss Laufen, from whose Känzeli a unique view of the surrounding area opens up. In the afternoon you return to Gailingen by bike.

Today, numerous picturesque Swiss fishing villages lie on your tour through the rural and peaceful landscape of Untersee. Napoleon's stepdaughter, Hortense de Beauharnais, also found a new home here. You can visit her former residence Arenenberg. Today, the Napoleon Museum is located there, from which there is a beautiful view of the island of Reichenau.

Today you will explore the flower island of Mainau (not included), a paradisiacal isle with lush, colorful seas of flowers, redwood trees reaching high into the sky, shady groves and fragrant rose bushes. Afterwards, a short bike ride takes you toward Allensbach, known for its German opinion research institute, to the old imperial town and present-day Kneipp spa of Radolfzell.

Behind Radolfzell, you will cross the Bodanrück near Stahringen and reach Lake Überlingen near Bodman, the old imperial palace. You cycle along the shore to the former imperial town of Überlingen with its Gothic cathedral and the famous lake promenade. The route continues in the direction of Meersburg. Worth seeing are the baroque pilgrimage church Birnau and the reconstructed pile dwellings near Uhldingen.

Meersburg, the well known wine growing area, awaits you! You can visit the old castle, which is the oldest inhabited castle in Germany. Further attractions include the new castle with its amazing staircase and the market place which is surrounded by picturesque wooden-framed houses. Accompanied by a beautiful panoramic view of the Alps, you will cycle to Friedrichshafen where you can visit the Zeppelin museum.

Today the tour first takes you through Langenargen. This is where you'll find Montfort Castle, built according to the old Moorish style. Next, cycle through orchards and arrive after a relaxed pedal to the Bavarian town of Lindau. The harbour is watched over by a 6 meter high lion. Soon you'll arrive in the Festival Town of Bregenz. The wonderful stage on the lake is a sight to behold at any season of the year.

Near Fußach you reach the Alpine Rhine which you follow to Altstätten. From here you take the train right up into the Appenzellerland and then down through picturesque Swiss countryside to St. Gallen, home to a monastery. You have enough time there to visit the historic centre and the baroque monastery library.

Discover Sankt Gallen! The library of the collegiate church is unique all over the world. In these breath-taking Baroque style rooms, you will recognize the handwriting of the early Middle Ages. A short round bike trip or a hike are also good alternatives. The nearby Appenzellerland could be out of a picture book of Switzerland – grazing cows on green hills and in the background, the snow-covered peaks of the mountains on the horizon.

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.

After breakfast your great Lake Constance cycling holiday comes to an end. We would more than happy to extend your stay at Lake Constance.