Lake Constance Cycle Path Highlights
- Ride Europe’s favourite cycle path - Lake Constance
- Easy-going cycling through Austria, Germany and Switzerland
- Visit the 'Bavarian Riveria'
- Medieval towns of Constance, Überlingen and Lindau
- Lakeside beaches and alpine 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!
Your first day’s cycling takes you north across to Wallhausen. From here you’ll hop on a boat across to Uberlingen See where you visit the ancient Lake Dwellings Museum. Cycling onwards through medieval Meersburg the final destination today is Friedrichshafen; here you will find the world's largest collection of aviation exhibitions at the Zeppelin Museum—well worth a visit!
Cycle:Â 35 km + boat trip

Hotel Waldhorn has been managed by our family since 1953 and is now run by the third generation. A three-star hotel in Friedrichshafen, it is an excellent base to discover the whole area of Lake Constance.
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!
Cycle: 30—40 km

A comfortable hotel based in Lindau
Before leaving today, take a stroll through the historic streets of Upper Bregenz. Departing by bike, you’ll soon cross the border into Altenrhein Switzerland where you view the colourful Hundertwasser Hall. The final ride of the day leads along the lake shore to your overnight stop in the Rorschah / Arbon region.
Cycle: 30 km—50 km
The last day of the cycle route allows you to visit 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 to Constance. If you have not already done so, visit Mainau island today.
Cycle: 30—45 km
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?If you’re don’t want to cycle for a full week or prefer to keep a couple of days free for sightseeing, this itinerary brings together easy-going shoreline cycling days, perfect for first-time or seasoned leisure cyclists. Between the historic towns and ports there are plenty of opportunities to take a break at one of the many lakeside beaches or viewpoints. Following a dedicated cycle route makes for easy cycling every day.
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.
- 5 Nights in 3* hotels
- 5 Breakfasts
- Baggage transfers
- Entrance to Rosgartenmuseum
- Wallhausen to Uberlingen Boat Trip
- Information pack and route notes with maps
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office and local partners
- Travel to / from Constance
- Bike hire
- Upgrade to an e-bike
- Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
- Visitor's/tourist tax
- Bike helmet
- Personal equipment
- Travel insurance (required)
- Additional nights at the beginning or end of your trip
- Bike hire
- Upgrade to an e-bike
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
-
HikingHow to avoid blisters on a walking tripRead More3 Min Read02 May 2019
-
HikingHolidays in Times of the Coronavirus – Anja’s Trip to Bavaria & Tyrol!Read More3 Min Read08 July 2020
-
What is it like to stay in an Alpine hut?Read More3 Min Read11 November 2020
-
HikingAdventure of the Week: E5 Alpine CrossingRead More3 Min Read11 November 2020
-
Adventure of the Week: Across the Tyrolean AlpsRead More3 Min Read11 November 2020
-
Top 5 Hut to Hut HikesRead More3 Min Read11 November 2020
-
HikingWhich Walking Holiday in the Alps is for you?Read More3 Min Read17 December 2020
-
Meeting the people behind the scenery - Minna & Classic RoutesRead More2 Min Read01 February 2023
-
Hiking13 Things you can do in the Bernese Oberland (besides the epic hiking!)Read More2 Min Read22 June 2017
-
HikingTour Of The Matterhorn – 5 Top TipsRead More2 Min Read19 August 2019
-
HikingTop 5 Hiking Trips in SwitzerlandRead More2 Min Read30 January 2020
-
HikingWalk of the Week: Walker's Haute RouteRead More2 Min Read17 December 2020
-
Adventure of the Week: The Glacier Express Rail and HikeRead More3 Min Read17 December 2020
-
BikingFilm and TV hotspots in Croatia and SwitzerlandRead More2 Min Read05 January 2017
-
HikingVisiting Lucerne for the DayRead More2 Min Read11 March 2022
-
WalkingWhere are the Harz Mountains?Read More2 Min Read19 February 2020
-
What is Walpurgisnacht?Read More2 Min Read12 November 2020
-
Adventure of the Week: The Harz Witches TrailRead More2 Min Read12 November 2020
-
5 Reasons to walk the King Ludwig WayRead More2 Min Read04 February 2021
-
HikingAdventure of The Week: Bavarian Alps: Hiking the Salt TrailRead More3 Min Read04 February 2021
-
Hiking5 Good reasons to spend a holiday in Germany (by a German!)Read More3 Min Read05 February 2021
-
Walk of the WeekAdventure of the Week: The Black Forest Gorge TrailRead More2 Min Read05 February 2021
-
HikingHow fit do I need to be for the Tour du Mont Blanc?Read More4 Min Read20 January 2018
-
HikingPacking List for the Tour du Mont BlancRead More3 Min Read22 January 2018
-
HikingWeather Conditions on the Tour du Mont BlancRead More2 Min Read19 January 2018
-
HikingWhere to walk in Southern Europe… for the best weatherRead More2 Min Read26 April 2017
-
HikingFriluftsliv: A Norwegian PhilosophyRead More3 Min Read20 October 2016
-
Hiking27 fascinating facts about the Maltese islandsRead More2 Min Read21 June 2016
-
BikingBest destinations for winter sunshine cyclingRead More2 Min Read22 February 2013
-
Hiking6 reasons to visit West SwedenRead More3 Min Read02 February 2023
-
BikingBiking in Nova Scotia: My Top Four HighlightsRead More1 Min Read17 April 2019
-
Biking6 of the Best Free Cycling AppsRead More3 Min Read07 March 2017
-
BikingBenefits of baselayers for walkers and cyclistsRead More3 Min Read24 September 2012
-
5 Great Reads For Those Who Love Adventure!Read More2 Min Read20 August 2019
-
BikingThe Best Regional Dishes of ItalyRead More4 Min Read16 November 2017
-
Hiking5 Must-See Salvador Dalí sites in CataloniaRead More1 Min Read01 February 2022
-
Save %6 Days 5 Nights
Cycle the Loire In Style
Relaxing cycling in the Loire Valley by day then dine and stay in upscale châteaux hotels by night.Highlights- Pedal between the Loire’s famous châteaux
- Riverside forest cycling between elegant towns
- Spend each night in stylish château hotels
-
Save %8 Days 7 Nights
Classic Danube Cycle Path: Passau to Vienna
Bike along the world-famous Danube River from Passau to Vienna on easy-going, dedicated cycle pathsHighlights- Bike along the renowned Danube Cycle Path
- Ride through Wachau Valley, UNESCO World Heritage
- Visit the wine growing villages Spitz & Dürnstein
-
Save %7 Days 6 Nights
Cycle Sicily's South
Discover the UNESCO listed Baroque towns and charming fishing villages of south east Sicily.Highlights- Ride from the Mediterranean to the Ionian Sea
- Discover the Baroque cities of Syracuse and Modica
- Indulge in local cuisine; seafood is the specialty