Lake Constance Circuit by Bike

Cycle along Austria's lakes and woods | Martin Steinthaler

Cycling with friends in Upper Austria | Ralf Hochhauser

Cycling near Lake Constance | Joe Zappia

The Birnau Basilica on Lake Constance

Cyclists on the shores of Lake Constance

Uberlingen, on the northern shore of Lake Constance

Bike riding in gorgeous Austria

Letting loose near Lake Constance | Annie Zappia

Cycle along Austria's lakes and woods | Martin Steinthaler

Cycling with friends in Upper Austria | Ralf Hochhauser

Cycling near Lake Constance | Joe Zappia

The Birnau Basilica on Lake Constance

Cyclists on the shores of Lake Constance

Uberlingen, on the northern shore of Lake Constance

Bike riding in gorgeous Austria

Letting loose near Lake Constance | Annie Zappia

24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List

Duration

8 days

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

7 nights in 2-3 star hotels

Meals

7 Breakfasts

Price

Adult$1250USD

Child$580USD*

* See below for further details.

Overview

Trip Code: CLC

Trip highlights

The medieval towns of Constance, Stein, Meersburg and Lindau
Viewing the impressive Rhine Falls
Leisurely ride in an amazing landscape of the lake against the backdrop of the Alps
Cycling around the whole lake and across borders in Switzerland, Austria and Germany
Soaking up the fine hospitality of small family run hotels

Lake Constance, formed by the Rhine Glacier during the Ice Age, consists of three bodies of water: the Obersee (upper lake), the Untersee (lower lake), and a connecting stretch of the Rhine called the Seerhein. It is bordered by three countries - Germany, Switzerland and Austria - and sits at the northern foot of the Alps. On this circular cycle around the lake, visit the medieval towns of Constance, Stein, Meersburg and Lindau all while enjoying the amazing landscape of the lake against the backdrop of the Alps. Visit the largest waterfalls in Europe, the Rhine Falls and delight in the flower island of Mainau. Soak up the atmosphere in the picturesque towns lining the lakeshore with opportunities to swim and kayak during the warmer months. The cycle terrain is ideal for families.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Share trip:

Facebook Twitter Google+ Email

Traveller Rating

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrive Constance (Konstanz) or Kreuzlingen

Located on the banks of Lake Constance (Bodensee in German), the compact university town is an ideal starting point for your trip. On arrival make your way to the joining hotel where you will receive your route notes, maps and bike (if requested for delivery at the hotel - alternatively collection details are provided on booking). Later you can visit Mainau island or stroll through the old town of Constance. The aquariums in the Sea Life Centre and the Archaeological Museum are also recommended. Depending on availability you may start in Kreuzlingen, which is just across the Swiss border from Constance. If you start in Kreuzlingen you will also end the trip in the same hotel.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Cycle via the old imperial city of Radolfzell to Uberlingen/surrounds (35-50km/22-31mi)

From Constance you cycle in a clockwise direction around the lake shores along the 'Gnadensee'. Your first stop is the former Imperial town of Radolfzell, now a spa resort. Its Gothic cathedral dominates the town and on the third Sunday in July, the 'Hausherrenfest' is celebrated to honour the local saints Theopont, Senesius and Zeno. The following day a Water Procession is held whereby residents from nearby Moos travel in richly decorated boats to Radolfzell to honour a historic oath. From here, you cross the 'Bodanrück' range of hills and encounter a short incline. Arriving at the 'Überlinger See', part of Lake Constance, you are rewarded for your efforts with beautiful views of the lake. In the evening you can enjoy a stroll along Überlingen's pretty promenade. Cat B: Ludwigshafen, Sipplingen or Überlingen Cycle distance is 35-50km/22-31mi Cat A: Überlingen Cycle distance is 50km/31mi

Meals: B

Day 3
Continue through orchards to Kressbronn / Nonnenhorn/Lindau (50-60km/31-37mi)

From Überlingen you cycle through vineyards to Friedrichshafen. On the way you will pass the Baroque pilgrimage church of Birnau. In Meersburg, take a break to wander around the old town and its castle. In Friedrichshafen we recommend a visit to the Zeppelin museum, before continuing through extensive orchards to today's destination. Cat B: Kressbronn or Nonnenhorn - cycling distance: 50 or 55km/31 or 34mi Cat A: Kressbronn or Lindau - cycling distance: 50 or 60km/31 or 37mi

Meals: B

Day 4
Cycle into Austria to Hochst (or Horn or Arbon in Switzerland) (30-55km/18.5-34mi)

Setting out today you soon reach Bregenz, the capital of the Vorarlberg region of Austria and famous for its annual festival on the largest lake-stage in the world. You finally reach Höchst where you soon cross the border again and then, after pedaling onward for a few kilometres to your hotel. Cat B: to Höchst (Austria) or Rorschach (Switzerland) - cycling distance: 40 or 50km/25 or 31mi. Cat A: to Arbon (Switzerland) - cycling distance: 50km/30mi.

Meals: B

Day 5
Along the lake in Thurgau Canton, Switzerland to Constance / Kreuzlingen (30-55km/18.5-34mi)

Today you cycle through Romanshorn which is home to Switzerland's largest harbour on Lake Constance. Continue along the banks of the lake passing villages filled with wooden framed houses and apple orchards. Finish your ride back in Constance, where you can wander through the old town or enjoy an ice cream down at the harbour. Cat B: Höchst to Constance cycling distance: 60km/37mi Cat A: Arbon to Constance cycling distance: 35km/21mi

Meals: B

Day 6
Cycle to the south shore of the Untersee to Schaffhausen (50km/31mi)

Today's route takes you past Swiss fishing villages and along a bike path on the southern shore of the Untersee to the pretty town of Stein am Rhein, with its well preserved medieval centre and richly decorated houses. We recommend taking time to wander through the pedestrian area and view the frescoes. Switching several times between Germany and Switzerland you reach the canton's capital, Schaffhausen, gateway to the Rhine Falls. The town, whose citizens competed with each other in building gables on their houses, is overlooked by Munot fort.

Meals: B

Day 7
Cycle to the Rhine Falls, boat trip then return by bike to Constance or Kreuzlingen (45km/28mi)

After breakfast, cycle the short distance to the Rhine Falls, one of Europe's biggest waterfalls. In the middle of this mass of water are the Rhine Fall rocks which you can reach by boat. Cycling up the Rhine you go back to Stein am Rhein and then follow the Höri semi-peninsula, where the writer Hermann Hesse and the artist Otto Dix once lived. At Gaienhofen you board the ferry which takes you to the island of Reichenau. From there it's only a few kilometres back to Constance. If you started your trip in Kreuzlingen, you will cycle to Kreuzlingen where you will overnight.

Meals: B

Day 8
Trip concludes

The trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts - generally buffet style with cereals, bread, cheese, meats, yoghurt, tea, coffee and juice. What is offered will change from hotel to hotel.
7 nights in Category B 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (option to upgrade to Category A 3-4 star hotels - supplement applies)
27 speed bike rental with pannier and handlebar bag (8-speed on request only; kids bikes, tandem and electric bikes on request - supplement applies)
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked & GPX tracks
Emergency hotline - 7 days 8am to 8pm
Entrance to Rosgarten museum, 1 coffee included
Boat trip to the Rhine Falls rock
Ferry from Gaienhofen to Reichenau including bike
Bike rental insurance

What's not included

Travel to and from Constance
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance
Helmets, not available to rent or purchase
Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees not listed as included
Excess luggage
Transfers not listed as included
City or visitor's tax - where applicable payable locally
Handlebar phone holder – to follow the route more easily using GPX files
Items of a personal nature

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 27 speed bike with handbrakes (or 8 speed on request). You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a handlebar bag, bike computer, lock and repair kit. Helmets are not supplied locally but are mandatory on all bike tours, so you will need to bring your own well-fitted helmet. Children's bikes or trailer, tandem bikes are available on request. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a puncture repair kit, to fix the issue.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below.

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 148cm / 4ft10in.

Grading

introductory to moderate

During the 6 days of cycling the daily routes are between 35 and 60 kilometres/22 to 37 miles. The last stage is moderately hilly in the Höri region, otherwise the route is mainly even along tarred cycle paths. The path runs partially along the lakeshore and partially along lakeshore roads. Sporadically there are short, unsealed sections. Around Friedrichshafen the cycle path runs parrallel to the highway. The lakeshore is mostly open to the public. In order to prepare for this trip you will need to be comfortable cycling for extended periods, sometimes with traffic around you (sometimes unavoidable going in to and leaving towns).

Departure dates

Daily from 14 Apr to 3 Oct

Notes

Mid Season

High Season

Note:

Mid season 26 Apr - 3 May, 15 - 29 Sep. HIgh season 4 May - 115 Sep - supplement applies

Note:

Cycle distances will vary according to the accommodation category chosen and location of hotel.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

Adult$1250USD

Child$580USD** See below for further details.

Options & Supplements*

E-Bike SupplementUSD$190
Category A upgrade - 3-4 star hotelsUSD$230
Single Supplement - category BUSD$290
Single Supplement - category AUSD$410
Child aged 6-11 sharing with 2 adults (season supp applies) - CAT BUSD$580

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.