Lake Constance Cycle Path: The Classic Way
- Ride Europe's most popular cycle path
- Easy going cycling through Austria, Germany and Switzerland
- Visit the 'Bavarian Riveria'
- Medieval towns of Stein am Rhein, Constance & Überlingen
- Lakeside beaches & Alpine mountain views
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive ConstanceYour cycling trip will begin in Constance, the largest town on Lake Constance and the town which gave the lake its name. It is a thriving university town and the unofficial capital of the region. You can spend the afternoon exploring the maze of little alleyways and squares or relax at its Mediterranean style harbour.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Hunter's Barracks were built, inspired by the architecture of the Karlsruhe Castle. It later became the French officers' mess, and in 1994 the ABC Hotel opened its doors. Expect individual, charming, no hotel chain, privately run and nothing off the peg!

Stay at Hotel Halm, along the shores of the beautiful Lake Constance landscape with its rich culture. Built in 1874 stay in one of the town's most historic hotels. Today, history and modernity are combined in the Hotel Halm with its comfortable rooms, suites and the historic Hall - the heart of the hotel.
Your first day’s cycling takes you along the shore line and via the north west corner of Lake Constance to the waterside town of Uberlingen. The gothic style cathedral and beautiful lakeside promenade are perfect for exploring foot before settling into a local bar for a picturesque evening drinks.

The hotel is situated northeast of the historic district of Überlingen on the premises of a 70-hectare park close to Lake Constance. The view from the terrace will impress you.
The route leads you to the baroque pilgrim church of Birnau, the reconstructed lake dwellings in Uhldingen and then onto Meersburg with its ancient Merovingian castle. Continue through the wine growing villages of Immenstaad and Hagnau, where in 1881 the German winegrower’s association was founded. Cycle on to the town of Friedrichshafen; here you will find the world's largest collection of aviation exhibitions at the Zeppelin Museum—well worth a visit!
A modern hotel offering comfortable and stylish rooms.

A comfortable hotel based in Lindau
Today you will cycle through sprawling orchards and vineyards towards the Bavarian town of Lindau, whose old town is a protected site and located on an island! After a few kilometres more you’ll cross the border into the Austrian town of Bregenz. If time permits you can take the cable car up Pfander mountain, (1,050m), for a fantastic vista of your entire route - a real achievement!

Stay on the shore of Lake Constance, in Hotel Mozart. It features a Viennese restaurant where you can sample Viennese Schnitzels and fresh fish from the lake or some sweet Viennese specialities like Crêpe Sissy, Kaiserschmarren and Marillenschmaus.
Today cycle through the Swiss canton of Thurgau, a well-known apple growing region. You can admire the small, neat villages and typical half-timbered houses as you cycle along the lakeshore back into the Mediterranean style harbour of Constance.

Ko´Ono Hotel offers South Pacific-themed rooms and a restaurant serving Polynesian food. It is located in Litzelstetten town centre, just 500 metres from Lake Constance.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Hunter's Barracks were built, inspired by the architecture of the Karlsruhe Castle. It later became the French officers' mess, and in 1994 the ABC Hotel opened its doors. Expect individual, charming, no hotel chain, privately run and nothing off the peg!
A day pedalling the historic fishing villages of Lake Constance as you make your way to the Swiss town of Stein am Rhein. Boasting a picturesque old town decorated by numerous well preserved fresco paintings Stein am Rhein is also a great town to sample Swiss chocolate before finishing your day further down the lake at Schaffhausen.

Situated in the heart of the historic district, the hotel dates back to the 15th century. Renovated in the 1990's it features characterful rooms and has an inhouse restaurant.
Ride to Europe’s largest waterfalls, Rhine Falls. From here, cycle back along the Hori to the Swiss town of Stein am Rhein, with its picturesque old town. A must-see, with well preserve fresco’s decorating the town walls. Finish the day with the boat to Reichenau Islanden-route to Constance town.
After Cycle Boat Trip!

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Hunter's Barracks were built, inspired by the architecture of the Karlsruhe Castle. It later became the French officers' mess, and in 1994 the ABC Hotel opened its doors. Expect individual, charming, no hotel chain, privately run and nothing off the peg!

Ko´Ono Hotel offers South Pacific-themed rooms and a restaurant serving Polynesian food. It is located in Litzelstetten town centre, just 500 metres from Lake Constance.
Depending on your onward travel arrangements, you may have time to soak up the relaxed lakeside atmosphere of Constance.
Other Information
Is it for me?Cycling through Germany, Austria and Switzerland made easy! Following Europe’s most popular cycle path, this near-free traffic route is predominately flat with an occasional hill here and there. Cycling along the shores of Lake Constance is perfect for first-time or seasoned leisure cyclists looking to experience medieval towns, lakeside beaches fuelled by regional culinary delights.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling
Solo Travellers
This cycling tour is graded easy to moderate. The first stage in the areas around Hörli is moderately hilly, otherwise the route is mainly even along tarred cycle paths and is very well signposted all the way around.Â
The accommodation on this cycling trip consists of small charming, often family-run 3* and 4* hotels. Many are renowned for their excellent cuisine and all offer a warm welcome to cyclists, traditional hospitality and an authentic experience. The differing distances each day reflect the fact that the accommodations are located in different areas within a certain region/town area each night. We work with a number of accommodations along the cycle path, so all distances are an approximation of the recommended routes and all accommodations listed are examples of some of the hotels we work with.
Single Rooms & Solo Cyclists
Single rooms are available subject to a supplementary payment. This trip is also available to solo cyclists and is perfect as the route is popular so there are plenty of people to chat with every day.
The route is well signposted and waymarked and your info pack along with maps will suffice for directions to each destination. There will often be other cyclists around just in case if you are looking for help. A detailed information pack including route notes, local information and maps will be included in the trip.
- 7 Nights in 3* hotels
- 7 Breakfasts
- Entrance to Rosgartenmuseum
- Baggage transfers
- Boat trip to Rhine Falls
- Detailed information pack and maps
- 24/7 telephone support from our UK office and local partners
- Travel to and from Constance
- Dinners and lunches
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal Equipment
- Travel insurance (required)
- Bike helmet
- Additional nights at the beginning or end of your trip
- Bike hire
- Airport transfers or travel with Deutsche Bahn
This trip is available to start on any day from late April to early October.Â
Your cycling trip will begin in Constance, the largest town on Lake Constance and the town which gave the lake its name. It is a thriving university town and the unofficial capital of the region.
By Air
Zurich is the closest large airport and direct flights from the UK are available with Easyjet, British Airways or Swiss. Constance is an easy approx. 1hr direct train journey from Zurich Airport (see www.bahn.co.uk). Alternatively, you can fly into Friedrichshafen and take a 40 mins ferry across the lake.
By Train
The train stations in the airports are well sign-posted. It is an approx. 1hr train journey from Zurich Airport to Constance (Konstanz). More information can be found at www.bahn.co.uk.
By Car
Take the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais (approx. 35 minutes) and then drive to Zurich (approx. 8 hours).
Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the price of your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per person (maximum weight 20kg).
All bike tours are unescorted. The mileages and approximations are distances of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen and proper sports shoes. Travel to and from Constance is not included in the tour price and must be arranged on your own. In Austria it is mandatory for children under 12 yrs to wear a helmet when on a bike.
You can rent comfortable unisex bikes with deep step-through frames, optionally with a 24-gear derailleur and rim brakes or 7 speed hub gears and back-pedal brakes. You can bring your own saddle if you wish.
All bikes come equipped with panniers, mileometer, bicycle lock and puncture repair kit. A handlebar bag with map compartment is available, please advise at the time of booking if you require this.
If you would prefer to take your own bike, do let us know at the time of booking.Â
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Bike that you have suitable Travel Insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.
This cycling tour is graded easy to moderate. The first stage in the areas around Hörli is moderately hilly, otherwise the route is mainly even and along tarred cycle paths. Daily distances are between 20 km and 55 km.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this trip is extremely popular especially during peak season from July to August.Â
Spring at Lake Constance is from around May to June. Flowers quickly blossom and timbered houses over spill with colourful flower boxes. July and August is the best of the weather but can be busy. September is just in time for end of the wine season and can also have superb weather without the crowds.
You will need comfortable sports shoes, comfortable clothes for cycling, waterproof jacket and trousers, a helmet and a sunhat. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.Â
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