Travel report: Lake Constance cycle path with a trip to the Rhine Falls

Get ready for a loop around Lake Constance that leaves your legs happy and your heart full of postcards! This isn't just a bike ride, it's a collection of mini-adventures, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious discoveries. Ready? Let's pedal! 

Day 1: Welcome to Constance and the Cycling "Baptism"!

We arrived in Constance, headed to the hotel, and then... off to find the bikes! We found cycling paradise at Radweg Reisen – great people and they even offered free drinks and ice cream! We started pedaling with tons of energy, but a route mix-up sent us... straight into the wrong adventure! We almost ended up in a town two days away. We turned back, crossed a bridge, and found a spot by the Rhine to catch our breath. Some sunny mate (South American tea) and a sweet moment made waiting for hotel check-in much nicer. 

Check-in done, we enthusiastically set off for Mainau Island. The ride through the park already looked promising, but bam! A bike lock got stuck. We had to call the "bike rescue service," the island trip was postponed, but we explored the center of Constance on foot instead. The city was radiant, full of life, with its vibrant harbor, the rotating statue (mesmerizing!), and a charming old town. We enjoyed local food, including vegan ramen that was so good it made you want to cry! Back at the hotel, showered up, and ready to plan day two. 

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Day 2: From Serene Islands to Charming Towns (and a Hill or Two) 

A relaxed breakfast and then off to Reichenau Island. Entering via that tree-lined path and seeing the church from a field of flowers felt like stepping into a postcard – pure peace and cultivation! We continued towards quiet towns along the lake, learning that the cycling route signs are your best friends. A stop at an Italian cafe saved us from the bad weather with paninis that could revive anyone.

The highlight was reaching Überlingen, which we thought was the prettiest town so far. It greeted us with sunshine and a lakeside promenade that was a garden of flowers – tulips everywhere! Ducks, swans, people enjoying themselves... a fantastic atmosphere! Despite the language barrier, dinner was worth cheering for. To finish, local ice cream from a friendly vendor. A full day! 
 

Day 3: Kingly Breakfasts, Panoramic Views, and Yacht Club Glamour

Good morning from Überlingen with an EPIC breakfast! Fuelled up, we left to enjoy the last sunny glimpses of the town before moving on. The first stop tested us: a tough climb up to the church in Uhldingen! But the view of the lake from the top was the perfect reward. We continued towards Meersburg, with its port and castle, and enjoyed the vibe in Friedrichshafen with its long, pleasant lakeside promenade, ideal for relaxing in the sun. 

The sky started to get dramatic and we sped up towards Kressbronn, pedaling next to the train tracks through rural paths to our cool yacht club accommodation. Arriving just as the drizzle started, a quick shower and a walk around the marina to see the sunset were great. Dinner was tasty and, to top it off, an ice cream shop appeared out of nowhere – pure magic! We had a little adventure finding cash, but it was worth it for the ice cream and the friendly chat. 

Day 4: Crossing Borders, Dreamy Islands, and Views

We started the day ready to devour kilometers. A hearty breakfast and off we rolled through the German countryside. A stop in a beautiful flower field was mandatory for photos! And we reached Lindau – a town on an island that's pure fantasy! The harbor entrance with the lighthouse and the lion is iconic, and its cobblestone streets, cute shops, and cafes are charming. We enjoyed the place with mate and Apfelstrudel before continuing. 

Back on the mainland, we crossed into Austria! The change in signs lets you know the adventure continues in another country. A quick stop at a supermarket for picnic supplies and a lakeside lunch with a bit of improvisation for cutlery gave us energy. The gem of the day in Bregenz was the cable car: going up the mountain and getting that panoramic view of four countries! Up top, a friendly mini zoo and more stunning views. The route towards Höchst tested our navigation skills, but we found a good spot for dinner before a starry night. 

Day 5: From Switzerland to Germany, Gentle Pedaling, and a Soggy Finish (Literally) 

Breakfast ready and hitting the road. Goodbye Austria, hello Switzerland! The signs changed color – new country, new kilometers! This day's path was a bit more... direct. Fewer stunning postcards, more quiet towns and functional areas. But there are always surprises: a park by the lake in Arbon with nice views and some gentlemen playing traditional Swiss horns! It sounded magical. 
 

A quick lunch stop and we continued. A detour to the coast in Kreuzlingen was perfect for a coffee and a crepe with views of the water. We saw rain clouds coming and sped up towards Constance! Ten final minutes and bam! We were suddenly in Germany and back in Constance. We cycled to the hotel, left the bikes, and rested. A little odyssey with the buses that took us sightseeing in the wrong direction before we got it right added another anecdote to the day. But finally, we found an open restaurant and enjoyed a hearty and delicious German dinner.

Day 7: Fortresses, Waterfalls (European Edition), and the Final Pedal

Last day and the best breakfast in the best hotel! Starting like that gives you energy for anything. The day looked cloudy, so first, a walk around Schaffhausen. We climbed up to the Munot fortress, an impressive structure with spectacular views of the city and the Rhine – an incredible viewpoint! Then, a short pedal took us to the Rhine Falls. 

The visit to the falls was a unique experience, with a boat ride that gets you close and lets you climb onto a rock in the middle of them, feeling their power! We met inspiring older cyclists and then took a scenic alternative route, which included a pleasant stop for mate by the river under a covered bridge. We had a small adventure finding the perfect path near a castle, but it was all part of the journey. The final stretch back to Constance, combining bike and train, reminded us of the beautiful landscapes we'd covered. Back at our base hotel, we said goodbye to the bikes and enjoyed a final delicious German dinner, closing an incredible trip full of pedaling and discoveries!