Lake Constance to Rhine Falls by bike (self-guided)

Day 1: Constance – Daily individual arrival

You start your tour in Constance, Lake Constance’s biggest town. 600 years ago this was where the Council of Constance took place, the only council to elect a pope that was held north of the Alps. The Rhine leaves Lake Constance here at 0 kilometres on its way to the North Sea. Only a few minutes by foot from the medieval town centre is the Swiss town of Kreuzlingen with its lively harbour.

Day 2: Constance – Überlingen 45 km (cat. A), Constance-Ludwigshafen/Überlingen 35-55 km (cat.B)

First, you cycle along the “Gnadensee” to the former Imperial town of Radolfzell, now a spa resort. 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. In the evening enjoy a stroll along
Überlingen‘s pretty promenade.

Day 3: Überlingen – Lindau/Kressborn 60-45 km Cat. A) Ludwigshafen-Kressborn/Nonnenhorn 45-60 km (cat. B)

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.

Day 4: Kressbronn – Höchst / Horn / Arbon 30-55 km (cat. A), Kressborn-Höchst/Rorschach 30-55 (cat. B)

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‘ll cross the Bregenzer Ach river at Hard as well as the Alpenrhein river. Welcome to Switzerland!

Day 5: Arbon -Constance 30 km (cat. A), Höchst-Constance 40-50 km (cat. B)

Today your tour takes you through Romanshorn which is home to Switzerland‘s largest harbour on Lake Constance. Now you continue onalong the banks of Lake Constance back to Constance. Wander through the old town or enjoy an ice cream down at the harbour.

Day 6: Constance – Schaffhausen 50 km

Following the side of Lake Constance, you pedal to Stein am Rhein with
its frescoed, medieval houses. 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.

Day 7: Schaffhausen – Rhine Falls – Constance  45 km + boat trip

After breakfast, cycle the short distance to the Rhine Falls, one of Europe‘s biggest water falls. Cycling up the Rhine you go back to Stein am Rhein and then follow the Höri semi-peninsula. At Gaienhofen you go aboard the ferry which takes you to the island of Reichenau. From there it‘s only a few kilometres back to Constance.

Day 8: Constance –  Individual departure or extension of stay