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.

Switching between Germany and Switzerland several times, you reach the cantonal capital of Schaffhausen, overlooked by the Munot fortress, whose citizens competed in building bay windows. After a few kilometres you reach the Rhine Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Europe. Head up the Rhine by boat back to Gailingen. From the water, you will experience the river landscape of the High Rhine in a very special way.

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.

Along the southern bank of the lake, you cycle through picturesque Swiss fishing villages back to Constance. If you still have some pedal power in your legs, we can recommend a detour to Arenenberg Castle, former residence of the French Emperor Napoleon III.

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.

From here, you cross the Bodanrück range of hills and encounter a short incline. Arriving at the so-called Überlinger See, part of Lake Constance, you are rewarded for your efforts with beautiful views of the lake, known here as the Swabian Sea. Enjoy a break in Überlingen and an ice cream on the pretty promenade. In Uhldingen, you visit a reconstructed pile dwelling and learn how settlers lived on Lake Constance in the Stone and Bronze Ages.

In Meersburg, make sure you take some time to stroll through the lovely old town. A guided tour of castle Meersburg is also a fascinating experience. Today‘s destination, Friedrichshafen, has a great Zeppelin 
Museum we can recommend visiting. It tells you everything there is to know about the history of these air ships.

Next, you cycle through extensive orchards, through Langenargen with its pretty Montfort Castle, built in the Moorish style. Shortly after you reach the Bavarian town of Lindau, whose harbour is watched over by a 
6-metre high lion. The entire old town lies on an island.

In the morning, visit the Pfänder, Bregenz’s local mountain. Continue your journey by bike: cycling along the Alpine Rhine, you will ride to Altstätten. From there, the train takes you up into the Appenzell region 
to Gais, where you will cycle through picture-perfect Swiss landscapes on your 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.