A classic tour through Switserland, Germany and Austria
Distance: 35-50 km average per day Altitude: 0-100 hm average per day. The lightest cycling holiday.
In a very classic way, this trip takes you once around the entire Lake Constance. It is the perfect way to get to know the most beautiful corners around Germany's largest lake in a relaxed way by bike.
Mostly flat and always close to the water, you follow the well-maintained Lake Constance Cycle Path from one highlight to the next. Discover the historic city of Constance, medieval Stein am Rhein, the scenic Höri peninsula, maritime Überlingen, the Zeppelin city of Friedrichshafen and impressive Arbon Castle. With its varied landscapes, charming towns and easy cycling, this tour is ideal for cycling beginners and anyone who enjoys a relaxed and enjoyable cycling holiday.
Take the opportunity to visit the island of Mainau, wander through Constance’s old town or visit the aquariums in the Sea Life Center and go to the Archaeological Museum.
The first stage of your bike tour takes you first along the Swiss shore of the Untersee to Stein am Rhein. The town has one of the most beautiful medieval town centers on Lake Constance and impresses with its colorfully painted facades. Depending on the category booked, you will reach Gailingen a few kilometers downstream, stay overnight in Stein or cycle to the picturesque Höri peninsula to Wangen, Radolfzell
Today you will circle the Höri peninsula and reach the spa town of Radolfzell. Visit the Radolfzell Minster, which has the highest church tower on Lake Constance. Passing the Bodanrück and numerous orchards, you will reach Bodman and Ludwigshafen on Lake Überlingen. Following the cycle path along the shore, you will reach the town of the same name, Überlingen. From a distance you can already see the stately St. Nikolaus Minster.
Your journey today takes you along the Obersee. First, make a stop at the pilgrimage church of Birnau. Situated amidst vineyards, the forecourt of the splendidly decorated baroque church offers a wonderful view over the lake. Visit the pile-dwelling museum in Unteruhldingen, Germany's oldest inhabited castle in Meersburg and be impressed by the largest collection on the history of aviation in Friedrichshafen. The old town of Lindau is located on an island. Enjoy the view of the Alps at the harbor - in the foreground the town's landmarks: the Bavarian Lion and the 33-meter-high lighthouse.
Not far from Lindau, you will pass the border to Austria almost unnoticed. Take a break in Bregenz and take the cable car up to the Pfänder, the local mountain of the festival city - including a fantastic view of Lake Constance and over 200 Alpine peaks. Just a stone's throw from Bregenz, you will cross the Bregenzer Ach river at Hard as well as the Alpenrhein river. Welcome to Switzerland!
Your tour today takes you through Romanshorn with the largest Lake Constance port in Switzerland. The tour continues along Lake Constance back to Constance. End the day with a stroll through the old town or an ice cream at the harbor.
After breakfast, you start your individual return journey home or extend your stay.
The tour starts in Constance and takes you around Lake Constance through Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Via the Untersee, you cycle to the medieval town of Stein am Rhein and continue across the Höri peninsula to Radolfzell and Überlingen. Along the Obersee, you pass places such as Meersburg, Friedrichshafen and the island town of Lindau. You then cross the border into Austria and cycle via Bregenz to the Swiss shore. Via Rorschach and Arbon, you follow the lakeside back to Constance.
Route profile
Level
The route is mostly flat and suitable for recreational cyclists. Some stages include hilly sections, particularly around the Bodanrück peninsula. Daily distances range from 30 to 60 kilometres, leaving plenty of time to explore places such as Stein am Rhein, Meersburg, Lindau and Bregenz along the way.
Per person in a double room in 2027
Category 4* hotels
Surcharge single room € 669,-
Twin rooms (with 2 separate beds) are on request, but cannot be guaranteed.
Supplements:
Reservation costs € 25,- per booking
Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund € 5,- per person (Insolvency Protection)
Bike rental (bike insurance incl.):
Extra night in Constance (incl. breakfast)
Per person in a double room
March - October € 165,-
Surcharge single room € 120,-
* Additional charge apply for use of bike during extra nights before or after the tour, please indicate this at time of booking.
Included
Not Included
Special details
Arrival and departure in Constance
There is a direct train connection between Zürich and Constance. From the train station, you can take a Bus, Taxi or walk to your hotel.
Arrival by public transport
From Zurich (Kloten airport):
• Train from the airport-station or main station to Konstanz
• Journey takes approx.1 hour
From Stuttgart
• IC or RE regional train to Singen
• RE/SBB („Seehas“) trains to Konstanz
• Journey takes approx.2 ½ hours
From Friedrichshafen:
• Catamaran to Konstanz
• Journey takes approx. 1 hour or
• Train via Radolzell
• Journey takes approx. 1 hour
4* hotels
Please note that the hotels listed are only examples and are subject to change. We book the standard rooms in the selected hotels. You will find your final hotel in the hotel list, which you will receive before departure.
Exemplary:
Centrally located in the Old Town, hotel Halm is situated in a grand, historical building, some rooms have air conditioning. A rich buffet breakfast and delicious cuisine is served in the elegant Maurisches Saal restaurant, featuring chandeliers and high-ceilings. The Bibliothek bar serves exotic cocktails and features its own library.
This modern hotel is located directly on Lake Constance and features a private beach, a garden with a terrace, and a restaurant. Rooms offer views of either the lake or the courtyard. A very extensive breakfast buffet is available in the morning.
The 4-star Hotel Bad Horn is situated right by the water and offers fantastic views. It features a restaurant and a wellness center with an indoor pool. An excellent breakfast is served in the morning.
This 4-star hotel features a spa with an outdoor pool and a restaurant with a terrace. The rooms are elegantly furnished and have a spacious bathroom.
Additional equipment on all rental bikes
Note: at the end of your cycling holiday you can simply leave your rental bike at the hotel. We automatically take care of picking it up.
On this tour you can rent the following bikes:
24-speed derailleur gears and calliper brakes, Unisex bikes with deep step-through frames for all sizes, Men's bikes from a body height of 1.75 m. Anti-puncture Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires.
For people who would like to have the support of a motor when they're out and about, then we can recommend our stable and reliable e-bikes. The deep step-through frames and upright sitting position make sure that you really enjoy your cycling.
Route
You will receive the route digitally and have access to a navigation app that you can install on your phone. If desired, you can request a printed version of the route when booking. Additional costs apply for this service.
Technical assistance and support along the way
If you experience serious problems with your rental bike during the trip (we assume that you can repair punctures and other minor issues yourself), you can contact our local agent for assistance.
Luggage transport
Luggage transport takes place on the days you change accommodation, between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Your luggage must be handed in at the hotel reception before 9:00 a.m., with a luggage label attached. The maximum weight for luggage transport is 20 kg. Please note that your luggage must be packed in one suitcase per person, with a maximum weight of 20 kg. We recommend that you do not pack valuables, money or travel documents in your luggage.
Clothing
Wearing a good-quality cycling helmet can help prevent serious injuries in the event of a fall. When cycling, we recommend wearing a well-fitting cycling jersey that quickly absorbs and wicks away perspiration. Depending on your bike, padded cycling shorts are also recommended. Other useful items include a small bag for essentials, a helmet, sunglasses and a camera. Cycletours would be delighted to receive any great photos you take during your trip for use on our website.
Yes, you can rent a comfortable touring bike or e-bike for your Cycletours holiday. Your rental bike is adjusted to your height and comes with a helmet, pannier, lock and water bottle, so you can simply hop on your bike and start exploring. E-bikes offer welcome support on longer rides or breezy days, but availability is limited, so we recommend reserving yours when you book. Please note that private e-bikes cannot usually be taken aboard our hotel barges for safety reasons.
Read more about our bike rental
Yes. The tour is rated cycling level 1 and is mainly flat, making it very suitable for beginners and recreational cyclists. There are some gentle climbs, particularly during the first part of the tour.
The nearest airports are Zurich, Friedrichshafen and Stuttgart. Constance also has a train station and is directly connected to Zurich by train. From Zurich Airport, the journey to Constance takes approximately one hour by train.
Your luggage is transferred daily to the next hotel. You only carry what you need for the ride, such as a rainjacket, some food and water. Panniers are usually included in the price.
No. This is an individual, self-guided cycling holiday. You cycle at your own pace and have digital travel documents, GPS data and access to a navigation app. A service hotline is also available during the tour.