The Classic Lake Constance Cycling Tour

Your Lake Constance cycling tour begins in classic style in Constance, the largest city on Lake Constance. After checking into your hotel, take a leisurely stroll through the Niederburg district. Narrow alleys, crooked half-timbered houses, and cozy wine taverns characterize the oldest part of the city. Climb the tower of Konstanz Cathedral and enjoy the panoramic view of the city, the lake, and all the way to Switzerland. At the harbor, the Imperia has been rotating since 1993. The nine-meter-tall figure is a satirical reminder of the era of the Council in the 15th century.

Konstanz – Gailingen / Wangen, approx. 35 / 40 km (Cat. A),
Konstanz – Gailingen / Stein am Rhein, approx. 30–50 km (Cat. B)
 

The first stage of your Lake Constance cycling tour takes you along the Swiss shore of the Untersee and the Upper Rhine. You’ll reach Stein am Rhein. The town boasts one of the most beautiful medieval town centers on Lake Constance and impresses with its colorfully painted facades. A few kilometers downstream, you’ll reach Gailingen, one of the southernmost towns in Germany. Now, on the German side of the Rhine, you’ll cycle to the Höri Peninsula. It’s known for its artistic community. The painter Otto Dix once lived in Hemmenhofen. His home has been converted into a museum and is open to visitors.

Gailingen – Überlingen, approx. 45 / 60 km (Cat. A),
Gailingen – Ludwigshafen / Überlingen, approx. 40–60 km (Cat. B)
 

Today you’ll circle the Höri Peninsula and reach the spa town of Radolfzell. Visit Radolfzell Cathedral, which boasts the tallest church tower on Lake Constance. Crossing the Bodanrück (Caution: hilly!), you’ll pass through Bodman, Ludwigshafen, and Sipplingen. Following the bike path along the shore of Lake Überlingen, you’ll reach the town of Überlingen. The stately St. Nicholas Cathedral is already visible from a distance. Take a stroll along the approximately five-kilometer-long lakeside promenade and enjoy the view of the lake and its maritime charm.

Überlingen – Lindau / Kressbronn, approx. 60 / 45 km (Cat. A),
Ludwigshafen – Kressbronn / Lindau, approx. 50–60 km (Cat. B)
 

Today, your Lake Constance cycling tour takes you along the Obersee. Start by making a stop at the Birnau Pilgrimage Church. Nestled amid vineyards, the forecourt of this magnificently decorated Baroque church offers a wonderful view of the lake. Visit the Pile-Dwelling Museum in Unteruhldingen, Germany’s oldest inhabited castle in Meersburg, and be impressed by the largest collection on the history of aviation in Friedrichshafen. Lindau’s old town is situated on an island. Enjoy the view of the Alps from the harbor—with the city’s landmarks in the foreground: the Bavarian Lion and the 33-meter-high lighthouse.

Lindau – Arbon, approx. 50 km (Cat. A),
Kressbronn – Höchst / Rorschach, approx. 55–65 km (Cat. B)
 

Not far from Lindau, you’ll cross the border into Austria almost without noticing. Take a break in Bregenz and ride the cable car up to the Pfänder, the local mountain of the festival city—enjoying a fantastic view of Lake Constance and over 200 Alpine peaks. Just a stone’s throw from Bregenz, you’ll cross the Bregenzer Ach and the Alpine Rhine near Hard. Welcome to Switzerland! In Rorschach, visit the historic Badehütte and enjoy the view of the lake from the lakeside promenade. Arbon’s landmark is its castle. The museum housed within it traces the more than 5,000-year history of this small town.

Arbon – Konstanz, approx. 30 km (Cat. A),
Höchst – Konstanz, approx. 40–65 km (Cat. B)
 

The final leg of your Lake Constance cycling tour takes you back to Konstanz along a flat, easy-to-cycle path. While in Konstanz, visit the Rosgarten Museum (included), which traces the city’s art and cultural history. If you’d like to spend a little more time on your bike, we recommend visiting the flower island of Mainau and taking a detour to the island of Reichenau, known for its three Romanesque churches.

Today marks the end of your Lake Constance cycling tour. We'd be happy to extend your stay with an extra night in Konstanz or one of the other towns along the lake.