Lake Constance cycle path easy going

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 highlight is the island of Reichenau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 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.

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 kilometres you get to the Rhine Falls, one of Europe‘s biggest water falls. Going upstream along the Rhine, you return to Gailingen or Stein am Rhein.

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.

First you explore the „flower island“ of Mainau. Bikes are not allowed on the island: simply park at the entrance and access the island via the bridge. Next a short cycle takes you via Allensbach to the former Imperial and now spa town of Radolfzell.

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.

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.

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 kilometres to Bregenz, the capital. town of the Vorarlberg region of Austria and famous for its annual festival on the world‘s largest lake-stage.

In the morning you visit the Pfänder, Bregenz‘ „own“ mountain. After that it‘s time to get back on your bike: to 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.

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. We can also recommend a hike in the local area.

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.

After breakfast you start your individual return journey home or extend your stay.