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Discover three lakes: Lake Constance, Zurichsee and Walensee and enjoy the variety and similarities as you ride through four countries - Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria - from the banks of Lake Constance. From lively Constance to the high mountains of the Churfirsten, you will find there is a lot to see on this route, which is also easy to cycle. View the unfolding countryside at handlebar level from charming lakeside Constance to the frescoed, medieval towns of Stein Am Rhein and the picturesque Rheinfall waterfall near Schaffhausen. Visit cosmopolitan Zurich, cross Lake Walsensee by boat, take the train up to Appenzell to ride through typical Swiss mountain pasture scenery and cycle the length of Liechtenstein. At night stay in comfortable family run hotels to truly soak up the famous hospitality of the region
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25kg of CO2-e PP per day
(178kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Constance
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 and maps. 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. In the afternoon 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
Day 2
Cycle lakeside to Stein Am Rhein then Schaffhausen (50km/31.3mi)
Following the side of Lake Constance, you pedal to Stein am Rhein with its frescoed, medieval houses. Switching several times between Germany and Switzerland you reach the canton's capital, Schaffhausen. The town, whose citizens competed with each other in building gables on their houses, is overlooked by Munot fort.
Meals: B
Day 3
Ride to the Rhine Falls then through the Glatt Valley to Zurich (55 or 70km/34 or 43.5mi)
After breakfast, it's a short cycle to the Rhine Falls, one of Europe's biggest waterfalls. You can get a boat (ticket included) right up close to the mighty roar of the water. Next, you follow the Glatt Valley, which takes you to Zurich, Switzerland's fascinating, cosmopolitan city. It unites tradition with modernity and its unspoiled historic quarter is very inviting, thanks to the many cafes and bars here. Note: From Zurich-Kloten Airport, you can shorten the cycle day by taking the S-Bahn (not included) from Rümlang station
Day 4
Along the golden coast to Rapperswill and Lachen or surrounds (45km/28mi)
Today you cycle along the northern bank of Lake Zurich on the so-called 'golden coast' to Rapperswil. Take a break here and go up to the old castle, from where you'll have lovely views of Lake Zurich and the countryside. From Rapperswil, you cross the lake via the dam and then cycle along the opposite bank a little further to the small town of Lachen.
Day 5
Follow the Linth Canal to Weesen then by boat to Walenstadt, cycle to Vaduz or surrounds (60km/37mi)
The Linth Canal, an artificial waterway between Lake Zurich and Walensee lake, was built at the beginning of the 19th century to prevent flooding from the Linth and its tributaries. In Weesen you board a boat (ticket included) which takes you to Walenstadt. The Churfirsten peaks tower high above the impressive Walensee, which is perfect for swimming. After only a few kilometres you reach the valley of the Alpine Rhine, which you continue to follow to the Principality of Liechtenstein, where you will spend the night today.
Day 6
Cycle the Rhine to Altstätten and continue by cog train and bike to St Gallen (55km/34mi)
After cycling along the Rhine the next stage will be by cog railway up to Gais, which lies in Appenzell. On your way to St. Gallen you’ll be accompanied by the sound of bells from cows grazing in beautiful alpine pastures. The library of the collegiate church in St Gallen is one of the most important historical libraries in the world. Here, among the 160.000 books in the library, the oldest German book can be found.
Day 7
Downhill towards Arbon, follow the lake shore back to Constance (45km/28mi)
Enjoy the downhill stretch to Lake Constance as you make your way towards Arbon. Following the banks of the lake almost all the way, the trail leads you through apple orchards and the small towns of Arbon and Romanshorn back to Constance. This stretch is flat and easy to cycle, unless a strong westerly wind is blowing. You will frequently pass swimming spots where you can refresh yourself in the lovely cool waters of the lake.
Day 8
Trip concludes
Your cycle trip concludes after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay in Constance, please ask for our rates.
What's included
What's not included
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. 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 3 - This trip involves 7 days cycling, usually along cycle paths and separate cycle routes. Short sections will be through main centres where you will encounter car traffic. The average distance is 25-70km/15.5 to 44mi per day, which should take between 3-6 hours and the route is characterised by rolling hills at times. You should prepare for the cycle in the months leading up to your trip with cycling, jogging and walking the best preparation. You need only carry your camera and water bottle etc as your luggage is transported for you between hotels. *For safety reasons, we highly recommend that cycle helmets are worn.
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8Days
Introductory to Moderate
Moderate to Challenging
14Days
Moderate