Lake Constance Cycle Path: Route Overview and Travel Guide

The Lake Constance Cycle Path (Bodensee-Radweg) is one of Europe’s most scenic and accessible long-distance cycling routes. Circling the shores of Lake Constance across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, it forms a 270-kilometer circular trail of mostly flat, well-paved paths through vineyards, orchards, and Alpine foothills. 

This cross-border route links lakeside villages, medieval towns, and ferry crossings into a relaxed journey ideal for both first-time cycle tourists and experienced riders. Its infrastructure is first-class, with clear signage, frequent train links, and abundant cafés, hotels, rentals, and repair stations along the way. 

The Bodensee-Radweg waymarks guide cyclists clockwise around the lake, and ferries between key towns allow flexible route planning. Traffic is minimal thanks to dedicated paths and quiet rural lanes, while daily rides of 40–60 kilometers reveal ever-changing scenery — from German vineyards to Austrian alpine views and Swiss meadows.

Quick Facts at a Glance

• Total distance: ~270 kilometers (loop)
• Route type: Circular lake circuit
• Countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland
• Terrain: Mostly flat, well-paved lakeside paths
• Best direction: Clockwise (for clearer signage)
• Cycling level: Easy to moderate
• Best season: April – October
• Highlights: Konstanz, Lindau, Bregenz, Meersburg, Mainau Island, Rhine Falls

What to Expect

• Average daily distance: 40–60 kilometers
• Surface: 95 % paved, 5 % compact gravel
• Signage: Continuous Bodensee-Radweg logos (clockwise riding preferred)
• Facilities: Frequent cafés, hotels, rentals, and repair stations
• Main Access Points: Konstanz, Lindau, Bregenz, Romanshorn

Cycling Conditions & Infrastructure

• Route layout: The Lake Constance Cycle Path forms a 270-kilometer continuous loop encircling the lake, with optional detours to islands, vineyards, and viewpoints.
• Gradients: The terrain is mostly flat, with only minor rises near Meersburg and Bregenz.
• Signage: Clearly marked with the green-and-blue Bodensee-Radweg logo, best followed clockwise for consistent directions.
• Cross-border flow: Borders between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are seamless — no passport checks within the Schengen area.
• Ferry services: Regular ferries link Meersburg–Konstanz, Friedrichshafen–Romanshorn, and Lindau–Rorschach, allowing riders to shorten or vary their stages. See ferry schedules here.
• Rail access: Every major lakeside town — Konstanz, Friedrichshafen, Bregenz, Romanshorn — offers bike-friendly train connections, making one-way riding easy.
• Bike support: Frequent rental stations, repair points, and Bett+Bike-certified accommodation with storage and e-bike charging facilities.
• Safety: Dedicated cycle paths and courteous local drivers make it one of Europe’s safest and most family-friendly touring routes.
• Navigation: GPX tracks and printed maps are widely available at local info centers; tourist offices provide multilingual support and ferry timetables.

When to Go

The Lake Constance Cycle Path is best enjoyed between April and October, when lakeside paths are dry, ferries run regularly, and temperatures stay mild.

Season overview:

• Spring (April–June): A beautiful time for cycling, with temperatures from 12–24 °C, blooming orchards, and long daylight hours. Paths are quiet in early spring, and ferries and cafés reopen by May. The scenery is fresh and colorful, especially along the German and Swiss shores.
• Summer (July–August): The warmest and liveliest months, reaching 25–30 °C. Lakeside towns such as Lindau and Bregenz are busy with visitors and swimmers, but early mornings and evenings remain ideal for relaxed rides and photography.
• Autumn (September–October): Mild and golden, with 14–24 °C and clear skies. Vineyards and orchards turn vibrant, and traffic eases after summer. It’s a favorite period for calm touring and scenic lake views.
• Winter (November–March): Cold and quiet, averaging 0–10 °C with fog and occasional frost. Many ferries and hotels close for the season, making it better suited for short day rides or winter breaks rather than multi-day cycling tours. More suitable for our winter holidays options.

Tip: Winds around the lake tend to blow from west to east, so many cyclists prefer riding clockwise for smoother progress and better lakefront visibility.

See our full weather guide for Germany here.

Cultural & Natural Highlights

The Lake Constance Cycle Path combines lakeside towns, historic castles, and gardens in three countries, making every stage culturally rich and visually diverse. Cyclists can easily move between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, experiencing centuries of shared history amid Alpine and lakeside scenery.

Highlights along the route include:

See our must-see places guide in Germany for your next cycling adventure inspiration!

Folk Stories

The calm waters of Lake Constance hide centuries of legend. Locals still share tales that blur the line between history and myth — stories that echo across the lake on quiet evenings and remind cyclists that every turn of the shoreline holds something ancient beneath its beauty.

The Sunken City Beneath the Waves

As you ride along the northern shore, the lake seems endless and still — yet locals whisper about a city that once stood where the water now lies. Proud and wealthy, its people turned away a hungry traveler who was, as the story goes, an angel in disguise. Overnight, the waters rose and swallowed the city whole. On stormy nights, some say you can still hear church bells chiming faintly from beneath the surface, a warning against pride and forgetfulness.

The Mermaid of Meersburg

Further east, near Meersburg, pause by the water’s edge and look out across the shifting reflections. On calm days it gleams silver-blue, but before a storm, it turns deep grey — a sign that the mermaid has awakened. According to legend, she sang to warn sailors of approaching winds. Those who heeded her song found safety; those who didn’t were claimed by the storm. Even now, locals say the lake changes color when she stirs, watching over travelers who pass her waters.

These folk tales lend Lake Constance its quiet sense of mystery — a reminder that beneath even the smoothest surface, stories live on.

Cycling Through Three Culinary Traditions

Cycling around Lake Constance is also a culinary journey through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where each region brings its own lakeside flavors and traditions. 

Freshwater fish, orchard fruit, and local wines define the menus here — all served with the kind of lakeside calm that perfectly complements a day on the bike.

In the north, you’ll find German beer gardens and vineyard taverns; on the Austrian side, lakeside restaurants with mountain views; and in Switzerland, light dishes paired with chocolate or local wines from Thurgau.

What to try along the way:

Food around Lake Constance is seasonal, fresh, and deeply regional — a reflection of the landscapes you cycle through each day. For more culinary inspiration, see our German, Austrian, and Swiss food guides.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Konstanz

Arrive in the historic city of Konstanz, where Germany meets Switzerland at the Rhine’s outflow. Stroll through the old town or visit the Imperia statue on the harbor before preparing for the start of your lakeside journey.

Day 2: Konstanz – Stein am Rhein – Radolfzell

Follow the Swiss shore to Stein am Rhein, a medieval gem with frescoed façades. Continue along quiet paths toward Radolfzell, passing reed beds and small lakes that mirror the Alps in the distance.

Distance: ~55 km

Elevation: +180 m / −170 m

Average gradient: 1–2%

Surface: Paved cycle paths and light rural roads

Day 3: Radolfzell – Meersburg

Ride through gentle countryside along the Überlinger See, stopping in Bodman-Ludwigshafen or Sipplingen for panoramic lake views. End the day in Meersburg, known for its castle, wine terraces, and lakeside promenade.

Distance: ~45 km

Elevation: +250 m / −240 m

Average gradient: 2–3%

Surface: Fully paved lakeside trails and short vineyard climbs

Day 4: Meersburg – Friedrichshafen

Cycle through orchard country and past the vineyards of Hagnau, with open water views on one side and forested hills on the other. Reach Friedrichshafen, home to the Zeppelin Museum and lively harbor cafés.

Distance: ~30 km

Elevation: +120 m / −130 m

Average gradient: <2%

Surface: Smooth asphalt with short urban segments

Day 5: Friedrichshafen – Lindau – Bregenz

Continue east toward Lindau, whose harbor and lighthouse form one of Germany’s most iconic lakefront views. Cross into Austria, following flat shoreline paths to Bregenz, known for its floating opera stage and cable car to Pfänder mountain.

Distance: ~40 km

Elevation: +110 m / −100 m

Average gradient: <1.5%

Surface: Flat, fully paved coastal paths

Day 6: Bregenz – Arbon (Switzerland)

Ride south into Switzerland, tracing quiet lakeside lanes past Rorschach and small fishing harbors. The scenery here feels wide and open, framed by distant Alpine peaks and orchards heavy with fruit.

Distance: ~45 km

Elevation: +130 m / −120 m

Average gradient: 1–2%

Surface: Paved cycle lanes and countryside roads

Day 7: Arbon – Konstanz

Complete your loop along the Swiss shore through Romanshorn, a traditional port town, before returning to Konstanz. End the trip with a ferry ride across the harbor or a final lakeside walk before departure.

Distance: ~35 km

Elevation: +80 m / −80 m

Average gradient: <1%

Surface: Paved riverside and urban cycle lanes

Try This Itinerary on Our Tour:

What to Pack

With short daily stages, well-serviced paths, and comfortable hotels along the route, you can travel light while still being prepared for changing lakefront weather.

Essentials

• Cycling gear: Padded shorts, lightweight jerseys, a breathable rain jacket, and gloves for cooler mornings.
• Helmet: Strongly recommended on all sections of the route.
• Footwear: Comfortable cycling shoes or trainers suitable for walking in towns.
• Waterproof panniers or small day bag: Useful for ferry crossings and variable weather near the lake.
• Powerbank: to make sure your GPX files or offline maps are always with you and so that you can contact us for assistance whenever you need it.
• Reusable bottle and snacks: Refill stations and shops are frequent, but rural stretches can be quiet between villages.
• First aid and sun protection: Include sunscreen, bandages, and basic medicine for minor injuries or irritation.
• Travel documents: Passport or ID for border crossings (no checks within Schengen but still required by hotels).

Optional Extras

• E-bike charger or spare battery — charging points are common in towns and Bett+Bike hotels.
• Swimwear and a towel for lakeside swimming stops near Meersburg or Arbon.
• Compact lock for quick café or ferry stops.
• Light fleece or arm warmers for evening rides along the water.
• Power bank for phone or GPS on longer stages.

Our ultimate German cycling guide has an even more detailed description of anything you need to know and may need on the way.

Getting to the Start - Konstanz

Getting to the starting point in Konstanz is straightforward — the route is well connected by air and train from other European countries or by ferry from the shores of Austria and Switzerland, with seamless access from three countries. 

If you choose to ride with us, everything from accommodation to luggage transfers is arranged for you, so all that’s left is to start pedaling and enjoy the lake.

By Air

Several international airports make reaching the Bodensee region easy:

• Zurich Airport (ZRH): The largest and most convenient hub for reaching Konstanz or Arbon, with direct trains running hourly (1.5–2 hours).
• Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH): Located directly on the lake, ideal for starting the German section near Meersburg or Lindau.
• Munich Airport (MUC): A good option for riders beginning in Lindau or Bregenz, connected by fast trains (approx. 3 hours).

All three airports have reliable public transport, bike-friendly carriages, and transfer options to major starting points. If you’d like a private transfer, we can book that for you, just say the word!

By Train

The rail network around Lake Constance is one of Europe’s most efficient, offering smooth connections between major towns in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Trains are reliable, scenic, and equipped for cyclists.

• Main hubs: Konstanz, Friedrichshafen, Lindau, Bregenz, Romanshorn, and Arbon — all located directly on the lake.
• Bike-friendly travel: Most regional and intercity trains accept bicycles for a small fee; reservations are recommended during summer.
• Cross-border connections:
  • Deutsche Bahn (DB) links German towns and connects Munich or Stuttgart to the lake.
  • ÖBB (Austrian Rail) runs services from Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg to Bregenz.
  • Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) connect Zurich to Arbon, Romanshorn, and Kreuzlingen.
• Flexibility: Frequent local services make it easy to shorten stages or adapt your itinerary to see some places outside the lake. If you would like that - we can make it happen. Just reach out!
• Scenic routes: The stretch between Friedrichshafen and Bregenz offers some of the best lake views from the train windows.

See train schedules here:

• Deutsche Bahn (DB)
• ÖBB Austrian Railways
• Swiss Federal Railways

By Ferry

If you want to skip certain stages or just ride a ferry post-ride, that is also possible. Several ferries operate year-round across Lake Constance:

• Meersburg – Konstanz (20 min)
• Friedrichshafen – Romanshorn (45 min)
• Lindau – Rorschach (seasonal, ~40 min)

All accept bicycles, providing flexible alternatives for one-way cycling or sightseeing days.

If you’d like help arranging your transfers, train connections, or pre- and post-tour nights, simply plan a meeting with us — we’ll help plan the most convenient start and ensure a smooth beginning to your Lake Constance cycling journey.

Finishing the Route – Returning from Konstanz

The Lake Constance Cycle Path forms a full loop, ending where it begins — in Konstanz. Returning home is just as simple as arriving: the city is directly connected to Zurich, Munich, and Friedrichshafen airports, as well as major DB, ÖBB, and SBB rail lines. 

Ferries, regional trains, and transfer services operate year-round, so you can finish your ride and continue your journey effortlessly.

Why Choose a Self-Guided Holiday

A self-guided tour around Lake Constance combines freedom, comfort, and cultural variety in one seamless journey. Each day follows well-marked lakeside paths with luggage transfers, pre-booked hotels, and flexible start times — allowing you to ride entirely at your own pace.

Detailed GPS navigation and route notes make it easy to explore independently while knowing every practical detail is taken care of. The cross-border setting adds an extra layer of discovery: you’ll cycle through three countries, three cuisines, and a mix of German precision, Austrian charm, and Swiss calm — all within a single week.

This type of holiday suits couples, friends, and small groups who value flexibility, local immersion, and reliable organization without the structure of a guided group. It’s cycling made simple: just follow the shoreline and enjoy the views.

Want to discover more scenic routes like this? Explore our other cycling tours in Germany, from the Danube to the Romantic Road and beyond — each designed with the same balance of structure, freedom, and authenticity.

Ride Lake Constance With Us

Encircling three countries and some of Europe’s most beautiful lakeside scenery, the Lake Constance Cycle Path offers an effortless blend of nature, culture, and comfort. From vineyard-lined shores to medieval harbors and Alpine views, every day brings a new perspective around the water’s edge.

If you’re ready to begin planning your trip, contact us to discuss travel dates, preferred route sections, or itinerary customizations.