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Home > Germany > Cycling1 > Lake Constance Circuit by Bike - 5 days
Duration
5 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
Meals
  • 4 Breakfasts

Price

$690USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: LC5

Trip highlights

  • Exploring the medieval town of Constance
  • Cycling through 3 countries in 3 days
  • Soaking up the fine hospitality of small family run hotels
  • Long cycling days with a stunning backdrop of the Alps

Bordered by three countries - Germany, Switzerland and Austria - is Europe's third largest lake, Lake Constance. Thanks to its mainly flat terrain the cycle path around Lake Constance is ideal for more leisurely cycling making it an ideal route for families. If your interest however is in clocking up the kilometres and having a good ride out with the opportunity to visit three countries in three days, this trip is hard to look past. Formed by the Rhine Glacier during the Ice Age, Lake Constance consists of three bodies of water: the Obersee (Upper Lake), the Untersee (Lower Lake), and a connecting stretch of the Rhine called the Seerhein. On this circular cycle around the lake you will visit the medieval towns of Constance, Stein, Meersburg and Lindau all while enjoying the amazing landscape of the lake against the stunning backdrop of the glorious Alps. During the ride you have time to soak up the atmosphere in the picturesque towns lining the lakes shore with opportunities to swim and kayak during the warmer months

Trip Grading

moderate to challenging

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Located on the banks of Lake Constance (Bodensse in German), the compact University town is an ideal starting point for your week long trip. On arrival make your way to the joining hotel where you will receive your route notes, maps. 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.

Meals:  Nil

The cycle begins along the Gnadensee to the former imperial town of Radolfzell, now a spa resort. Continue through the beautiful countryside along the Höri peninsula where the writer Hermann Hesse and the artist Otto Dix once lived. En route you will visit the charming village of Stein am Rhein. The route then continues along the Swiss shores of the lake back to Constance.

Meals:  B

This morning take the car ferry to Meersburg to commence your cycle, passing the elegant pilgrimage Birnau church, built in the Baroque style, and the reconstructed lake dwellings in Uhldingen. Cycling through vineyards, you reach Friedrichshafen, home of the Zeppelin, where we recommend visiting the museum and harbour. The tour continues past fields of orchards to the Bavarian town of Lindau, an island town. Next, you cycle along Bregenz bay with the Alps looming in the background, to finally reach today's destination. Overnight in Bregenz (65km) or (dependent on availability) Lindau (50km).

Meals:  B

The start of today’s tour will lead you through the Rhine delta, an important nature conservation area and where the Alpine Rhine (Alpenrhein) flows into Lake Constance. Near Altenrhein you will cross over the border to Switzerland, where you will find the market hall; the last building of the artist Friedrich Hundertwasser. You will cycle to Constance mainly through orchards and the small towns of Arbon and Romanshorn. This stretch which is almost always right at the lakeside, is flat and easy to cycle unless you have a strong westerly wind. You will frequently pass places where you can go swimming and refresh yourself in the lovely cool waters of the lake. Overnight stay in Constance/Kreuzlingen.

Meals:  B

The trip concludes this morning in Constance.

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

  • 4 breakfasts - generally buffet style with cereals, bread, cheese, meats, yoghurt, tea, coffee and juice. What is offered may vary from hotel to hotel.
  • 4 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • 27 speed unisex bike rental with pannier and handlebar bag (premium or electric bikes available on request - supplement applies)
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked
  • Ferry Constance to Meersburg including bike
  • Emergency hotline - 7 days, 8am to 8pm

  • Travel to and from Constance
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Helmets, not available to rent or purchase
  • Premium or electric bikes available on request, supplement applies
  • 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
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess Luggage
  • Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 27 speed unisex or 30 speed rental bike with handbrakes. 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. 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

moderate to challenging  

During the three days of cycling the daily routes are between 50 and 85 kilometres/31 to 49.5 miles. The first 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).

Departure dates

Daily from 15 Mar to 26 Oct

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
Note:
Mid season 23 Mar to 6 Apr, 20 to 26 Apr and 22 Sep to 12 Oct. High season 27 Apr to 21 Sep supplement applies

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

$690USD

Options & Supplements*
  • E-Bike SupplementUSD$110
  • Single SupplementUSD$200
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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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.  

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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.

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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. 

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