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Cycling Lake Konstanz

The Lake Constance cycling route is one of the most popular bike circuits in Europe. On this tour, you cycle all the way around the lake, pedalling through three different countries and visiting the islands of Reichenau, Mainau, Lindau and Werd. Highlights include the historic Medieval towns of Konstanz, Stein, Meersburg and Lindau. In comparison to other cycling tours, the daily routes are relatively short, with a variety of places to visit and attractions waiting to be discovered along the way. Ride among amazing natural landscapes, along this serene lakeshore set against a backdrop of snowy Alps.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Konstanz/Kreuzlingen

Sieze the opportunity to stroll through the well-preserved historical quarter of Konstanz, with its council building, cathedral and winding lanes of Niederburg. Visit the Mediterranean harbour with the famous "Imperia", Peter Lenk's controversial statue created in memory of prostitutes in the era of the Konstanz Council (1414-1418), which at the time was the only church gathering celebrated north of the Alps. Overnight stay in/near Konstanz or Kreuzlingen.

Villages along the way: Konstanz

Day 2: From Konstanz/Kreuzlingen to Stein am Rhein/Diessenhofen

This tour leads you past the Wollmatinger Ried, an important bird sanctuary. You then cycle along a shady poplar-lined road to reach the Island of Reichenau. The monasteries on this island were of great importance in the 10th Century and in 2001 the island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You travel by ferry from this island to the Höri Peninsula and Gaienhofen, where Hermann Hesse lived from 1904 to 1912. You pedal on, passing Hemmenhofen and Öhningen, then over the Swiss border into Stein am Rhein, with its picturesque historical town centre. Overnight stay in Stein am Rhein or Diessenhofen.

Challenge: ca. 20/30 km

Villages along the way: Konstanz, Island of Reichenau, Hemmenhofen, Öhningen, Stein am Rhein

Day 3: From Stein am Rhein/Diessenhofen - Insel Mainau to Überlingen

Shortly after setting out this morning, you'll cross a bridge over to the island of Werd, with its tiny Franciscan monastery. You then cycle along the lake shore, through small Swiss fishing villages with beautiful wooden-frame houses, to Konstanz. You then pedal out to the garden island of Mainau, which is well worth a visit. To end the day, you take a ferry from Wallhausen to the old imperial town of Überlingen.

Challenge: ca. 40/50 km

Villages along the way: Konstanz, Wallhausen, Mainau, Überlingen.

Day 4: From Überlingen - Birnau - to Immenstaad/Friedrichshafen

The cycle tour leads you to the Baroque pilgrims' church of Birnau and the reconstructed lake dwellings in Uhldingen, and then to Meersburg with its ancient Merovingian castle. You then continue on through the wine-producing villages of Immenstaad and Hagnau, where the first German winegrowers' association was founded in 1881. You cycle on to the blimp-building town of Friedrichshafen. A visit to the Zeppelin Museum and harbour is recommended.

Challenge: ca. 20/30 km

Villages along the way: Überlingen, Meersburg, Immenstaad, Hagnau, Friedrichshafen

Day 5: From Immenstaad/Friedrichshafen to Inselstadt Lindau/Bregenz

Today' route leads you through Langenargen, where you can admire the bridge which inspired the famous Golden Gate in San Francisco. You then cycle through sprawling orchards to reach the Bavarian town of Lindau, whose ancient town centre is a protected site situated on an island. After a few kilometres you will be on Austrian ground. Cycling along the lakeshore, you reach the town of Bregenz with its unique lakeside setting.

Challenge: ca. 30/45 km

Villages along the way: Friedrichshafen, Lindau, Bregenz

Day 6: From Lindau/Bregenz - rehin-Detla to Rorschach/Arbon

Take the chance today to visit the town of Bregenz, founded in Roman times. It has a truly well-preserved historical town centre and a famous stage situated on the lakeshore. At Hard, you cross the Rhein, which flows here from the Swiss Alps. Once in Switzerland, in Altenrhein you'll be able to view the Hundertwasser-Hall, the last building designed by this famous Austrian artist. You then cycle through Horn and along the lakeshore to the old harbour of St. Gallen and Arbon.

Challenge: ca. 30/50 km

Villages along the way: Bregenz, Hard, Altenrhein, Horn, St. Gallen, Rorschach Arbon

Day 7: From Rorschach/Arbon to Konstanz/Kreuzlingen

The last day of your cycling route belongs to the Swiss canton of Thurgau, well-known as an apple-growing region. You cycle through well-maintained villages along the lakeshore back to Konstanz. If you wish, you may stay an extra night in Rorschach, which can be combined with a trip to the Appenzell region.

Challenge: ca. 30/45 km

Villages along the way: Arbon, Kreuzlingen, Konstanz

Day 8: Journey home or extended stay

Your cycling tour comes to an end after breakfast today. However, if you so wish, we would be very happy for you to extend your stay.

Challenge: Travel from Konstanz

Villages along the way: Konstanz