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Trace the flow of the Rhine by bike on this epic journey from Lake Constance in the shadow of the Alps to Strasbourg, where the Rhine continues on its journey to the North Sea. The relaxed itinerary offers the flexibility to explore wine-growers' villages to sample the local specialties, climb to a castle for a picture postcard view, and enjoy a boat ride at Europe's largest waterfall. From the vastness of Lake Constance, the route travels to the Rhine Falls, through picturesque towns and villages along the river to the city of Basel situated on the Swiss/French border. From here a sharp right turn takes you along the German/French border through impressive wine growing regions and via the Black Forest town of Freiburg, all the way to Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region. At night say in comfortable hotels and experience the essence of the medieval towns on the Rhine where wine bars and typical restaurants feature, along with castle topped hills.
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20kg of CO2-e PP per day
(197kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Constance (Konstanz)
Located on the banks of Lake Constance (Bodensee in German), the compact university town of Constance is an ideal starting point for your trip. On arrival make your way to the joining hotel where you will receive your travel documents. In the afternoon or tomorrow morning, you can collect your rental bike (on request the bike/s can be delivered to the hotel however in this case there is no individual bike fitting). Dependent on your arrival time, 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.
Meals: B
Day 2
Cycle via Stein Am Rhein to Schaffhausen (50km/31mi)
Following the shores 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. +430m, -440m
Day 3
Continue to Waldshut-Tiengen (55-60km/37mi)
After breakfast, it's a short cycle ride to the Rhine Falls, one of Europe's biggest waterfalls. Here you can take a boat ride up to the mighty roar of the water (included*). The Rhine continues to accompanies you on your way to Waldshut-Tiengen, as you pass by Rheinau monastery and the little town of Kaiserstuhl. *Operating times of the boat trip to the Rock (subject to change): April and October: 11.00 - 17.00, May and September: 10.00 - 18.00, June-August: 09.30 - 18.30 - and approx every 10-15 minutes within these hours. +480m, -550m
Day 4
Cycle to Basel or cycle to Rheinfelden and train to Basel (65 or 70km/40 or 43.5mi)
The cycle route takes you further on downstream, via Laufenburg to Bad Säckingen, where you'll find Europe's longest wooden, roofed bridge. Have a stop here - there are two very special museums you can visit: the Müllmuseum (garbage museum) and a museum about the famous "Trumpeter from Bad Säckingen". Following the northern bank of the Rhine, you cycle on to Rheinfelden. To shorten the route you can board a train here (not included). Should you decide to continue by bike, a visit to the Roman fort Augusta Raurica is worthwhile. to Basel: +210m, -260m
Day 5
Continue to the Black Forest edge in Badenweller /Müllheim (45 or 50km/29 or 31mi)
As you leave Basel, you will appreciate its location at the border of three countries. During the route along the Rhine you will see in the distance the Istein Klotz which is a rocky outcrop with a ruined castle and church built into its rugged face. At the edge of the Black Forest, you cycle through small spa towns, which all draw on the healing waters of the area. Overnight in either Badenweller or Müllheim. +610m, -450m
Day 6
Cycle to Freiburg (40 or 45km / 25 or 28 mi)
A change of pace today as cycle through the vineyards of the Markgräflerland with the Black Forest on your right and the Vosges Mountains to your left. Freiburg is Germany‘ s warmest and most southern city. It has its own particular charm - look out for the small water-filled rills along most streets and alleyways. From the Schlossberg (castle), you have a great view over the town and the surrounding area. +210m, -340m
Day 7
Continue along the Rhine to Breisach, Vogelgrun or Vogtsburg (30-45km /18-28mi)
On the sixth stage of your cycle tour, it's an easy ride as you cycle into the volcanic hills of the Kaiserstuhl. The town of Breisach is already clearly visible from afar. Vogtsburg in the Kaiserstuhl is the largest wine-growing community in Baden-Württemberg. You will spend the night in Breisach, Vogelgrun or Vogtsburg. +40m, -120m
Day 8
Cycle past vineyards to Ettenheim (35-45km/21-28mi)
Today takes you on a route through the vineyards of the Kaiserstuhl to Ettenheim. For the first few kilometres of the stage, there is a decent ascent. The baroque town of Ettenheim impresses with its historic half timbered and town houses. A few kilometres away is the Europa Park (not included), Germany‘s largest amusement park. +170m, -180m
Day 9
Cycle to Strasbourg (60-70km/37-43mi)
Today‘s stage takes you to Strasbourg! Discover traditional Alsatian cuisine in the cosy wine bars and stroll through ‘La Petite France’. Located in the west of the old town island, the former tanners‘ and millers‘ quarter with its narrow streets is a must-see!
Day 10
Trip concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights if you'd like to extend your stay in Strasbourg. If you need to return to Constance you can take the Black Forest Railway.
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. 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.
The route is predominantly paved, offering smooth cycling surfaces along dedicated cycle paths, quiet country roads, and gravel paths. Higher volume of traffic expected cycling into and out of cities and towns.
GRADE 3 - During the 8 days of cycling the daily routes are between 30 and 70 kilometres/18.5 to 43.5 miles with opportunities to shorten most days. The route is mainly even along tarred cycle paths. The path runs by the river and partially along roads. Sporadically there are short, unsealed sections. Day 5 is the most challenging day, ascent approx 610m. 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).
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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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