Lake Constance Cycling Tour

You will begin your adventure in Konstanz, a German lake town on the shores of Badensee, also known as Lake Constance. Known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town and stunning waterfront views, Konstanz offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. You can take some time to visit Mainau Island, a breathtaking destination famed for its vibrant gardens and butterfly house. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and recharge for an exciting cycling adventure that awaits you tomorrow!

The first ride will take you west from Konstanz, along the shores of Badensee, which transitions into the Rhine River. Once in Stein am Rhein, you can explore the charming Old Town with its painted facades and hike up to Hohenklingen Castle. For those arriving early, there’s an option to take a quick train ride to Neuhausen to see the world-famous Rhine Falls, Europe’s most powerful waterfall.

Today, you will cross the Rhine and re-enter Germany, continuing your ride along the coastline of the Untersee. The route will lead you through peaceful villages with stunning lake beaches. Arriving in Radolfzell, you will have plenty of time to explore the town’s narrow, medieval streets. If you are up for more adventure, take a long walk on the Mettnau Peninsula, passing elegant villas and exclusive vacation homes and reaching the serene nature reserve on the outer banks of the peninsula.

The route will take you away from the lake’s shores and head north through fertile countryside, passing by Bodman-Ludwigshafen, a charming twin community at the western tip of Lake Constance. The area is famous for its UNESCO heritage site of pile dwellings – ancient stilt houses built over water, which reveal how early European civilizations lived. You will conclude the stage in Meersburg, an idyllic town renowned for its wine and thermal baths.

You will follow the terraced vineyards from Meersburg to Friedrichshafen, home of the legendary Zeppelin. You can discover the fascinating history of airship travel at the Zeppelin Museum. As you ride on, the sounds of the town fade, and you enter the peaceful Eriskirch Marsh, the largest nature reserve on Lake Constance’s northern shore. The route will lead you to Lindau, an island bustling with shopping streets, lively beer gardens, and a busy harbor.

As you leave Lindau, you will follow the easternmost shore of the lake, with the Austrian Alps coming into view. Soon, you’ll cross to Austria itself. You can treat yourself to an apple strudel in Bregenz! Cycling the southern shore of Lake Constance, you will reach back to Switzerland’s side, just below the Appenzell mountains. This has historically made the villages along this shore less accessible and, as a result, less touristy. Arbon will feel quieter and more serene compared to other lake towns.

On your final day of cycling, you will pass by numerous lakeside swimming spots, known as “Badis,” where you can take a refreshing dip and unwind by the water. The route will then guide you back to the vibrant town of Konstanz, where this circular cycling tour comes full circle. 

Your cycling tour has come to an end. Take a moment to appreciate Konstanz’s unique history – it was one of the few German cities left untouched by World War II bombings, preserving its medieval charm. To wrap up your day, you can stroll through the town’s narrow, winding streets, discovering cozy cafés and hidden courtyards.