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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.
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25kg of CO2-e PP per day
(174kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Constance or Kreuzlingen
Arrive in the lively lakeside city of Constance, beautifully positioned on the shores of Lake Constance and close to the Swiss border. Take some time to explore the atmospheric old town, with its historic buildings, narrow streets and inviting cafés, or stroll along the waterfront and soak up the holiday atmosphere. You can either collect your bike from our supplier which includes a fitting or (if requested) your bike can be delivered to the hotel, however no fitting provided. If time allows, you may like to visit nearby Mainau Island, renowned for its colourful gardens, or discover the city’s archaeological museum and Sea Life Centre. 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 to the Island of Reichenau and onto Schaffhausen (45km/27.96mi)
Your first day on the bike is packed with highlights as you set out from Constance towards Reichenau, the largest island on Lake Constance and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its market gardens, vineyards and historic monastic heritage, the island makes a wonderfully scenic start to your journey. From Reichenau, board a boat with your bike for the journey across the lake to Gaienhofen. Back in the saddle, follow the picturesque Höri Peninsula, an area of peaceful villages and lakeside landscapes that once inspired writer Hermann Hesse. Continue across the border into Switzerland and arrive in Stein am Rhein, a beautifully preserved medieval town famous for its colourful frescoed façades. From here, leave Lake Constance behind for a while and follow the Rhine towards Schaffhausen. A visit to the mighty Rhine Falls, one of Central Europe’s largest waterfalls, is a great way to end your first day of cycling.
Meals: B
Day 3
Boat along the Upper Rhine, cycle to Radolfzell and onto Uberlingen/surrounds (35-55km/22-34mi)
Begin the day with a relaxing boat journey along the Upper Rhine, offering a different perspective of the river and its surrounding countryside. Returning to your bike, cycle around the Höri Peninsula before reaching the attractive spa town of Radolfzell. The scenery becomes increasingly rural as you pedal past the Bodanrück and through countryside dotted with traditional meadow orchards. Eventually the blue waters of Lake Überlingen come back into view as you approach Bodman and Ludwigshafen. Depending on your overnight location, continue along the lakeshore cycle path towards Überlingen, an elegant waterfront town where the impressive tower of St Nicholas Minster rises above the historic centre. Cat B: Ludwigshafen, Sipplingen or Überlingen - Cycle distance is 35-55km/22-34mi Cat A: Überlingen - Cycle distance is 45km/28mi
Day 4
Lakeside and waterfront towns to Friedrichshafen (35km/21mi)
Today is a wonderful combination of easy lakeside cycling, history and beautiful waterfront towns. Follow the Lake Constance Cycle Path along the northern shore towards Unteruhldingen, where you can visit the fascinating prehistoric pile dwellings and learn more about life beside the lake thousands of years ago. Continue to picture-perfect Meersburg, one of Lake Constance’s most appealing towns. Its steep cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses and imposing medieval castle create a wonderfully historic setting overlooking the water. Take some time to explore or pause at a café before continuing towards Friedrichshafen. On arrival, aviation enthusiasts may wish to visit the Zeppelin Museum or Dornier Museum. Alternatively, head to the harbour and climb the 22-metre observation tower for sweeping views across Lake Constance towards the Alps.
Day 5
Cycle through orchards to Lindau or Bregenz (25-35km/15.5-21mi)
Leave Friedrichshafen behind and enjoy a relaxed ride through one of Lake Constance’s most picturesque fruit-growing regions, where orchards and vineyards accompany you along the route. Pass through Langenargen, home to the distinctive Moorish-style Montfort Castle overlooking the lake. Soon you reach Lindau, a beautiful Bavarian town whose historic centre occupies an island in Lake Constance. Its harbour entrance, guarded by an impressive Bavarian lion and lighthouse, is one of the lake’s most recognisable sights. Wander through the colourful old town, relax beside the harbour and enjoy the wonderful backdrop of the lake and distant Alps. Depending on your accommodation, you may continue along the shoreline to the Austrian city of Bregenz.
Day 6
Cycle from Lindau or Bregenz and onto Rorschach or Arbon (45-50km/27-31mi)
Three countries and plenty of lakeside scenery feature on today’s ride. Cycle into Austria and make your way to Bregenz, where you may choose to take the cable car up Mount Pfänder. From the summit, there are superb panoramic views over Lake Constance and, on clear days, towards the surrounding Alpine peaks. Return to lake level and continue through the Rhine Valley towards Höchst before crossing the border into Switzerland. The cycling remains enjoyable as you follow the southern shores of Lake Constance towards Rorschach. Depending on your overnight accommodation, continue a little further to Arbon, an attractive historic town with a waterfront promenade and a relaxed lakeside atmosphere. Cat B: Lindau to Rorschach - cycling distance: 45-50km/27-31mi Cat A: Lindau to Arbon - cycling distance: 50km/31mil
Day 7
Cycle through Romanshorn and onto Constance (30-50km/18.6-50km)
Your final cycling stage follows the Swiss shore of Lake Constance, providing a fittingly scenic conclusion to your journey. Pass through Romanshorn, home to Switzerland’s largest harbour on the lake, before continuing along predominantly flat and easy cycle paths towards Constance. There are plenty of opportunities to stop along the way, whether for a coffee in a lakeside village, a picnic overlooking the water or, on a warm day, a refreshing swim in the lake. Enjoy the final kilometres as you complete your circuit of Lake Constance and return to where your adventure began. Celebrate with a wander through the old town, a drink by the harbour or perhaps an ice cream beside the lake.
Day 8
Trip concludes
Your cycling holiday concludes in Constance after breakfast. Make your onward journey or consider extending your stay to enjoy more of this beautiful lakeside city and surrounding region.
What's included
What's not included
A combination of 2-3 star hotels with all rooms having ensuite facilities. Hotels are chosen for their charm, location and hospitality. A twin room in Germany often means two mattresses together within one bed frame having two separate duvets, or one large mattress with two separate duvets.
Upgrade available to a combination of 3-4 star hotels. Category A follows a slightly different itinerary.
During the trip you will be provided with a 10 speed bike. 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 bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedalling ‘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.
GRADE 2 - 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 parallel 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).
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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