The big Lake Constance bike tour

You start your journey in Constance, the largest city on Lake Constance, which still has a medieval feel to it today. In 1414, it was the scene of the only church council north of the Alps. A small museum commemorates the Czech reformer Jan Hus, who was burned to death here. The town's landmark is the statue of Imperia, a monument to the prostitutes of the time of the Council. The aquariums at the Sea Life Centre and the National Archaeological Museum are also highly recommended.

This stage takes you to the island of Reichenau, whose monastery had far-reaching influence in the 10th century and was declared a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site in 2001. Take a boat to Gaienhofen and cycle along the Höri peninsula across the green border to the small Swiss town of Stein am Rhein with its picturesque old town. You then cycle across the border again to the small German town of Gailingen.

Today's day trip takes you to the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen. At 23 metres high and 150 metres wide, the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen are the largest and most water-rich waterfall in Europe. You can enjoy the most beautiful cycle paths to Schaffhausen and then experience the impressive Rhine Falls by boat. Return by boat to Stein am Rhein or Gailingen.

Today you cycle from Gailingen or Stein am Rhein to Arenenberg Castle. The castle is located on the southern shore of the lake, above Ermatingen, with a wonderful view over Untersee and Höri. Enjoy the view. Then continue along the Lake Constance cycle path to Constance. With over 80,000 inhabitants, Constance is the largest city on Lake Constance and offers a lively atmosphere with many cultural and leisure activities.

Today we are travelling to the flower island of Mainau. The island is the third largest in Lake Constance. Due to the favourable climate of Lake Constance, palm trees and other Mediterranean plants grow on the island in the palace park. Enjoy a relaxing tour of the island. The cycle path around Lake Constance then takes you on to Radolfzell. The town lies on the northern shore of Lake Constance and is known for its early and long-standing environmental commitment.

Today, the Bodanrück awaits you, embedded in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes of Lake Constance. The Bodanrück is a 112 km² peninsula known as the Molasserücken. Cycle on towards Uhldingen - famous for its reconstructed pile-dwelling settlement - or to Meersburg.

Meersburg is a very pretty little town located directly on Lake Constance. The castle is the oldest inhabited castle in Germany. After visiting the castle, the tour continues along beautiful cycle paths to Friedrichshafen with its interesting Zeppelin Museum. 

Today you will first pass through Langenargen. Here you will see the pretty Moorish-style Montfort Castle. You then cycle through orchards and reach the Bavarian town of Lindau, whose old town is located on an island. The harbour is guarded by a 6 m high lion. Soon after, you arrive in the festival town of Bregenz. The imaginative stage on the lake is an eye-catcher at any time of year! If you wish, you can take the railway up to the Pfänder, Bregenz's local mountain, and enjoy the fantastic view over Lake Constance in the evening!

The day gets off to a great start with a ride on the cable car up to the Pfänder. Enjoy the journey and the new impressions before getting back on your bike. Continue along the Alpine Rhine to Altstätten and then take the railway to Gais in Appenzell. You cycle through a truly picture-book Swiss landscape all the way to St. Gallen.

Today you have the opportunity to leave your bike behind during your cycling holiday. Explore St. Gallen! The library of the collegiate church is unique in the world. Manuscripts from the early Middle Ages can be found in the breathtaking, baroque decorated rooms. A short round trip or a hike are also recommended. The nearby Appenzell region epitomises picture-book Switzerland - grazing cows on green hills with snow-capped peaks on the horizon - ideal for hiking.

You cycle pleasantly downhill to Lake Constance, which you reach near Arbon. You then cycle through well-kept Swiss villages and apple orchards to Constance. Along the way, you can take a break in one of the many cafés or jump into the water. At the end, there is still time for a visit to the Rosgarten Museum or you can simply let yourself drift through Constance's old town.

After breakfast, individual return journey or start of your extension.

Note: When booking with your own bikes, any stage destination is possible as a start/finish.