Around Lake Constance - 12 Day
Austria, Germany, Switzerland Bike Tours
Bike around one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length12 days
- Prices from€1523 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Bordered by three countries, Lake Constance occupies an extremely beautiful corner of Central Europe and provides the perfect backdrop for this scenic bike tour. This bike tour around Lake Constance includes the most important areas of interest.
You will have an active and enjoyable holiday between the Pfänder mountain and the Rhine Falls, along with the flower island of Mainau and the Appenzeller countryside.
Boat trips and ferry rides will allow you to experience the lake, and numerous towns and villages are waiting to be discovered. This extended bike tour along Lake Constance is also suitable for those not accustomed to cycling long distances.
Highlights
- Island of Reichenau, Unesco World Heritage Site
- Arenenberg Castle, former residence of Napoleon III
- Spa town of Radolfzell
- Swabian Sea
- Old town of Meersburg
- Zeppelin Museum
- Bavarian town of Lindau
- Stunning Swiss countryside
- Hiking in in Appenzell
- Lake Constance Cycle path
Looking for more? Check out our full list of bike tours in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Constance
Day 2: Constance - Isle of Reichenau - Gailingen/Stein am Rhein, 16/22 mi. (25/35 km) + boat trip
Day 3: Overnight stay in Gailingen or Stein am Rhein, day trip to Rhine Falls, 19/31 mi. (30/50 km) + boat trip
Day 4: Stein am Rhein or Gailingen - Constance, 19/25 mi. (30/40 km)
Day 5: Constance - Isle of Mainau - Radolfzell, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 6: Radolfzell - Uhldingen/Meersburg, 22/25 mi. (35/40 km)
Day 7: Uhldingen/Meersburg - Friedrichshafen, 12/16 mi. (20/25 km)
Day 8: Friedrichshafen - Lindau/Bregenz, 16/22 mi. (25/35 km)
Day 9: Bregenz - Pfänder - St. Gallen, 31/37 mi. (50/60 km) + train ride
Day 10: Leisure day in St. Gallen or hiking in the Appenzell region
Day 11: St. Gallen - Constance, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 12: Individual departure or extension of stay*Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations caused by construction or road repairs that cannot be foreseen.
Day 1: Individual arrival in Constance
After arrival in Constance, the largest city around the lake, there is free time to explore! The aquariums in the Sea Life Center and the Archaeological Museum are recommended.Sample Hotels:
Hotel Halm
Alte Post Konstanz
Kreuzlingen Am Hafen
HarbrDay 2: Constance - Isle of Reichenau - Gailingen/Stein am Rhein, 16/22 mi. (25/35 km) + boat trip
The first highlight is Reichenau Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, well-known for the vegetables produced here. You cross over the Höri peninsula by boat. Along the High Rhine you cycle into the medieval town of Stein am Rhein with its many frescoed houses. Depending on where you are staying the night, you cross the border again for Gailingen either during the afternoon or the next morning.Sample Hotels:
Rheingold
Adler SteinDay 3: Day trip to Rhine Falls, 19/31 mi. (30/50 km) + boat trip
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. After just a few kilometers, you get to the Rhine Falls, one of Europe's biggest waterfalls. Going upstream along the Rhine, you return to Gailingen or Stein am Rhein.Sample Hotels:
Rheingold
Adler SteinDay 4: Stein am Rhein or Gailingen - Constance, 19/25 mi. (30/40 km)
You will cycle up along the Rhein today back to Constance. Numerous picturesque Swiss fishing villages lie along your return path through the peaceful countryside of the Lower Lake. Napoleon‘s stepdaughter, Hortense de Beauharnais, made this area her adopted home. We recommend a visit to her former home in Arenenberg, which is now a Napoleon museum.Sample Hotels:
Hotel Halm
Alte Post Konstanz
Kreuzlingen Am Hafen
HarbrDay 5: Constance - Mainau Island – Radolfzell, 19 mi. (30 km)
Today you have the option to explore the "flower island" of Mainau. Tickets are not included and can be purchased on your own. Bikes are not allowed on the island: simply park at the entrance and access the island via the bridge. The route takes you via Allensbach to the former Imperial and now spa town of Radolfzell.Sample Hotels:
Hotel Stadtgarten
Hotel SchmiedeDay 6: Radolfzell - Uhldingen/Meersburg, 22/25 mi. (35/40 km)
From here, you cross the Bodanrück range of hills and encounter a very 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.Sample Hotels:
Hotel Knaus
Hotel Löwen
Hotel Bären
Hotel Schiff
Hotel PilgerhofDay 7: Uhldingen/Meersburg - Friedrichshafen, 12/16 mi. (20/25 km)
In Meersburg, make sure you take some time to stroll through the lovely old town. A guided tour of the castle 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 airships.Sample Hotels:
Seehotel Friedrichsafen
Hotel City-Krone
Buchhorner Hof
Hotel Maier FischbachDay 8: Friedrichshafen - Bregenz, 25 mi. (40 km)
Today, the tour takes you through extensive orchards to the Bavarian town of Lindau, where you should not miss visiting the old town - situated on an island. Now it's just a few kilometers to Bregenz, the capital town of the Vorarlberg region of Austria and famous for its annual festival on the world's largest lake-stage.Sample Hotels:
Hotel Messmer
Lamm
Hotel Germania
Hotel SchwärzlerDay 9: Bregenz - Pfänder - St. Gallen, 31 mi. (50 km) + train ride
In the morning you visit the Pfänder, Bregenz' "own" mountain. After that it's time to get back on your bike and cycle along the Alpenrhein to Altstätten. A train takes you up into Appenzeller Land and then you pedal through absolutely stunning Swiss countryside to St. Gallen.Sample Hotels:
Hotel Einstein
Sorell Hotel City Weissenstein
Hotel MetropolDay 10: Leisure day in St. Gallen or hiking tour in the Appenzell region
Today, you leave your bike at your accommodation and explore St. Gallen. The Abbey Church library is considered one of the most important historic libraries in the world. It is home to about 160,000 books - one of which is the oldest German book. You may prefer to hike in the Appenzell region.Sample Hotels:
Hotel Einstein
Sorell Hotel City Weissenstein
Hotel MetropolDay 11: St. Gallen - Constance, 28 mi. (45 km)
Enjoy the downhill stretch to Lake Constance and your arrival near Arbon. Following the banks of the lake almost all the way, you cycle through apple orchards and the small towns of Arbon and Romanshorn back to Constance. This stretch is flat and easy to cycle, unless in a stronger westerly wind. You will frequently pass places where you can go swimming and refresh yourself in the lovely cool waters of the lake.Sample Hotels:
Hotel Halm
Alte Post Konstanz
Kreuzlingen Am Hafen
HarbrDay 12: Individual departure or extension of stay
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Map
Hotels & Bikes
You will be accommodated in 3 or 4-star hotels during your tour. Twin rooms are generally not available but have double beds with two separate mattresses. In each day’s detailed itinerary you will find the name of the preferred hotel(s). We strongly advise that you research the hotels listed and are satisfied with the accommodations. If the preferred hotels listed are not available, you will be informed and can make a decision accordingly, to proceed with the booking or cancel your reservation. However, if the hotel(s) listed are available, the tour will be confirmed and subject to the terms and conditions of the booking.
Bicycles
Men’s and women’s standard bike
City touring bike
- 27 gear unisex or men's frame custom made by Velo de Ville
- Men's bikes from a body height of 1.75 m
- Anti-puncture Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires
- Hub dynamo
- Luggage rack
- Comfortable saddle
- Weight approx. 17 kg
*Please note: Saddles and pedals on rental bikes can only be changed in Constance with prior notice at our partner's workshop. There are no guarantees that private/personal equipment will fit.
Accessories
- Pannier
- Handlebar bag
- Odometer
- Bike lock
- Repair kit (one per booking)
- Pump
Electric bicycle
For those who would like to have the support of a motor when they're out and about, these stable and reliable e-bikes are recommended. The electric support can be added as you need it to assist with longer stretches or hilly sections.
- Pedelec (pedal assist)
- Deep step-through frame or men's frame custom made by Velo de Ville
- Upright riding position
- Minimum body height: 150 cm
- Maximum body height: 200 cm
- Bosch drive, 400 or 500 Watt, 21 Ampere/hour.
- Integrated push assistance
- Assistance modes: Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo
- Freewheel disc brakes/hydraulic rim brakes
- Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tires
- Weight: 25 kg
*Please note that the saddles and pedals are not interchangeable on electric bikes.
Accessories
- Pannier
- Handlebar bag
- Odometer
- Bike lock
- Repair kit (one per booking)
- Pump
30-gear sporty bike
Sporty bike featuring:
- Sporty seating position
- 30-speed Shimano XT derailleur gears
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Suspension seat post
- Trapezoidal frame: suitable for body sizes from 1.60 m to 1.80 m
- Diamond frame: suitable for body sizes from 1.75 m to 1.95
Accessories
- Pannier
- Odometer
- Bike lock
- Repair kit (one per booking)
- Pump
Children’s bikes and accessories
For young cyclists
- Children's and teenager's bikes from 20" to 26" frame height
- Children's trailers for up to two children: capacity up to approx. 45 kg
- Trailgators: capacity up to approx. 28 kg
- Child seat: capacity up to approx. 22 kg
- Recumbent seater Weehoo trailer: capacity up to approx. 30 kg for children between 2 and 7 years of age.
The children sit comfortably in the Weehoo, secured by a 3-point belt. They decide whether or not they want to pedal too. The Weehoo trailers are available for selected tours.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Hotel accommodations for 11 nights in 3 and 4* hotels
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfer (max. 20 kg/piece)
- 24-speed city touring bicycle (high handlebars and upright riding position). Available in men’s and deep step-through frames.
- Accessories: Luggage rack, rear pannier, handlebar bag, odometer, bike lock, and one repair kit with pump per booking
- Boat trip Reichenau-Gaienhofen incl. bike
- Boat trip to the Rhine Falls rock
- Entrances to Rosgartenmuseum, the Lake Dwelling Museum, and the Zeppelin museum.
- Journey by cable car to Pfänder excluding bike (bike transport is free between 8-10 am)
- Train ride Altstätten-Gais incl. bike
- Comprehensive cycling route description with maps (1 set per room)
- GPS tracks available. Please ask!
- 7-day service-hotline
What’s Not Included
- Individual arrive to hotel in Constance (train from Zurich airport, approx €21)
- Entrance to Mainau Island
- Remaining meals
- City tax, if applicable (to be paid at each hotel) approximately €2 per night
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2024
Daily arrivals from April 14 through October 3, 2024
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Season A
April 14 to April 25 | September 30 to October 3, 2024$ 2575 £ 1331 $ 2,282 € 1523 kr 233502 ₪ 6176 ¥ 254164 Mex$ 27830 NZ$ 2803 NOK 18148 kr 17879 $ 1,680 Season B
April 26 to May 3 | September 15 to September 29$ 2913 £ 1506 $ 2,582 € 1723 kr 264165 ₪ 6987 ¥ 287541 Mex$ 31485 NZ$ 3171 NOK 20531 kr 20227 $ 1,900 Season C
May 4 to May 16 | May 20 to May 23 | June 2 to June 28 | August 25 to September 14, 2024$ 3251 £ 1681 $ 2,882 € 1923 kr 294829 ₪ 7799 ¥ 320918 Mex$ 35139 NZ$ 3540 NOK 22914 kr 22575 $ 2,121 Season D
May 17 to May 19 | May 24 to June 1 | June 29 to August 24$ 3420 £ 1769 $ 3,031 € 2023 kr 310161 ₪ 8204 ¥ 337606 Mex$ 36967 NZ$ 3724 NOK 24106 kr 23749 $ 2,231 Single supplement $ 844 £ 436 $ 748 € 499 kr 76505 ₪ 2024 ¥ 83275 Mex$ 9118 NZ$ 918 NOK 5946 kr 5858 $ 550 Important to know: Rooms typically have a double bed. Twin bed rooms are generally not available in every hotel. If your booking is contingent upon you having twin bed rooms in every hotel, please inform us accordingly. We will do our best to accommodate but cannot guarantee confirmation of this tour.
Extra Options
Bikes
Electric bike $ 271 £ 140 $ 240 € 160 kr 24531 ₪ 649 ¥ 26701 Mex$ 2924 NZ$ 295 NOK 1907 kr 1878 $ 176 Child/teen bike $ 85 £ 44 $ 75 € 50 kr 7666 ₪ 203 ¥ 8344 Mex$ 914 NZ$ 92 NOK 596 kr 587 $ 55 Child seat Free Extra nights
Twin/double Single Uhldingen / Meersburg $ 117 £ 60 $ 103 € 69 kr 10579 ₪ 280 ¥ 11515 Mex$ 1261 NZ$ 127 NOK 822 kr 810 $ 76 $ 184 £ 95 $ 163 € 109 kr 16712 ₪ 442 ¥ 18190 Mex$ 1992 NZ$ 201 NOK 1299 kr 1280 $ 120 Children Discount*
0 - 5 years 100%
6 - 11 years 50%
12 - 17 years 25%*Children‘s discount is valid for accommodation in a room with two full-paying guests, no discount from 18 years and onwards. A shared room is usually a double room with an extra bed or folding sofa. No five-bed rooms possible.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This is an easy to moderate self-guided bike tour on mainly flat, paved cycle paths along the shore of the lake or on paved rural roads. The total distance covered is approximately 181 miles with the opportunity for a 5-mile hike. The average daily distance is approximately 22 miles.
Airport Info
Fly to Zurich International Airport (ZRH) located approximately 8 mi. (13 km) north of Zurich City center.
Local Travel
Zurich Airport railway station (German: Bahnhof Zürich Flughafen) is a railway station serving Zurich Airport in Switzerland. The station is located underneath the Airport Center, the main ground-side passenger terminal of the airport. Train from Zurich airport to Constance (Konstanz), 1-2 hr. with zero to one transfers. Cost is approximately €25 per person
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. The warm season in Constance is from the end of May until mid-September with an average daily high temperature above 69°F. The hottest day of the year generally occurs in August with an average high of 77° F and low of 59°F.
Day of Rest
Day 10 is a designated day of rest.
Recommended
You should bring your personal helmet as helmets are not available to rent or borrow on this tour.
Remarks
Tandem, child bike, Intermediate bike (for teenagers), child’s trailer, E-cargo-bike with seats for 2 children are available. Children’s discounts available (apply for accommodation in rooms with two full-paying guests.) Ask us for pricing.
Bike pick up takes place at the office of Radweg Reisen in Constance daily between 9 am and 7 pm. On request, bikes can be delivered to your starting hotel but you forego a personalized bike adjustment. At the end of your tour, bikes can be returned to the office in Constance or left at the last hotel.
Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check your country's passport and visa requirements and the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*Important note: Please check on the status of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) as once implemented will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Extra Stay
This tour is very flexible. The cycling days can be shortened or lengthened, and you can usually book an extra night in any of the towns. You can also begin in any of the towns listed in the itinerary.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Radweg - Reisen GmbH.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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