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Aerial view of a historic town on Lake Constance with red-tiled roofs, marina with boats, and turquoise lake water under cloudy sky.

Cycling around Lake Constance

Cycling along the Swabian Sea

8 Days / 7 Nights
Moderate
Aerial view of a historic town on Lake Constance with red-tiled roofs, marina with boats, and turquoise lake water under cloudy sky.

The essentials at a glance

Cycle approximately 260 kilometres around Lake Constance through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The self-guided route features moderate difficulty with slightly hilly terrain in the first three stages, then becomes relatively flat. Highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage island of Reichenau, Rhine Falls, historic towns like Stein am Rhein and Meersburg, and scenic lakeside paths. The tour includes accommodation, breakfast, bike rental, luggage transport, and two boat trips.

A complete circuit of Lake Constance gives you the opportunity to experience the region from several different perspectives. Following the well-established Lake Constance Cycle Path, you travel through Germany, Austria and Switzerland while exploring the landscapes and cultural heritage found along the lakeshore.

The route introduces you to the four islands of Reichenau, Mainau, Lindau and Werd, each of which has its own character and history. You will also pass through a number of well-preserved medieval towns, including Constance, Stein am Rhein, Meersburg and Lindau. Their historic centres, old buildings and waterfront locations provide plenty to see along the way.

Near Schaffhausen, the journey continues along the Rhine to the Rhine Falls. A boat trip offers the chance to approach the falls and the distinctive rock rising from the river. With relatively short cycling stages each day, there is time to stop en route, explore the towns and islands, visit local attractions or simply take a break beside the lake. The result is a varied circular tour that combines relaxed cycling with nature, history and everyday life in three neighbouring countries.


Highlights of the journey

  • Unique cycling route around Lake Constance
  • Magnificent nature experiences, such as Europe's largest waterfall, the Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen
  • Cultural highlights such as the baroque Wallfahrtskirche Basilika in Birnaum, known for its impressive architecture and the Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen, which honours the era of the airship
  • Experience the Bregenz Festival, an annual art and music festival known for its impressive opera and theatre productions. The festival takes place on the world's largest floating stage. Enjoy the charm of the city and indulge in traditional Austrian cuisine!

The route

Over the course of eight days, you'll cycle approximately 260 kilometres around Lake Constance. The first three stages are slightly hilly, after which the route becomes relatively flat. The route often follows well-defined cycle paths, so the route is safe to follow. Although the terrain is predominantly flat, you will experience moderate climbs, especially when cycling through hilly terrain around towns and nature areas.

Itinerary

See the day-by-day itinerary below.

Arrive in Constance at your leisure. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the historic old town, visit the fascinating aquariums at the SEA LIFE Centre or discover the collections at the Archaeological Museum. A trip to the beautiful flower island of Mainau is another excellent option.

Category A - Hotel (example): Alte Post Konstanz
Category B - Hotel (example): B&B Konstanz

Your first cycling stage leads to Reichenau, an island known for its vegetable cultivation and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. From here, you travel by boat to Gaienhofen before cycling across the Höri Peninsula, once home to the German writer Hermann Hesse.

The route continues to the Swiss town of Stein am Rhein, whose beautifully preserved old quarter invites you to pause and explore. You then leave Lake Constance behind for a while and follow the Rhine to Schaffhausen. If time allows, we recommend a detour to the impressive Rhine Falls, one of Central Europe’s largest waterfalls.

Category A - Hotel (example): Kronenhof Schaffhausen
Category B - Hotel (example): Park Villa Schaffhausen

The day begins with a boat journey along the Upper Rhine, allowing you to admire the landscape from a fresh perspective. Back on land, you cycle around the Höri Peninsula and continue to the spa town of Radolfzell.

Passing the wooded Bodanrück ridge and numerous traditional orchards, you reach Bodman and Ludwigshafen on the shores of Lake Überlingen. From here, the lakeside cycle path takes you onwards to Überlingen, where the imposing St Nicholas Minster can be spotted from afar.

Category A - Hotel (example): Bad Hotel Überlingen
Category B - Hotel (example): Zum Römer

Following the Lake Constance Cycle Route along the northern shore, you reach Unteruhldingen, where the fascinating prehistoric pile dwellings are well worth a visit. Your next stop is Meersburg, a charming town with narrow historic streets and an impressive old castle overlooking the lake.

After enjoying a break in these atmospheric surroundings, you continue to Friedrichshafen. Here, you can visit either the Dornier Museum or the Zeppelin Museum. For a wonderful view across the lake towards the Alps, climb the 22-metre observation tower at the harbour pier.

Category A - Hotel (example): City-Krone Friedrichshafen
Category B - Hotel (example): Rebstock Friedrichshafen

Today’s route leads through vast orchards to Langenargen, where the Moorish-style Montfort Castle provides a striking landmark. Shortly afterwards, you arrive in the Bavarian town of Lindau.

The town’s harbour entrance is guarded by an impressive six-metre-high lion, while its beautifully preserved old quarter occupies an island in Lake Constance.

Category A - Hotel (example): Messmer Bregenz
Category B - Hotel (example): Melbo´s Home, Lindau

Bregenz is an ideal place for your first break of the day. From here, the cable car takes you to the summit of Mount Pfänder, where magnificent views extend across Lake Constance and the surrounding countryside. You can also meet the animals in the mountain wildlife park.

Once back in the saddle, you cycle onwards to Höchst. Soon afterwards, you cross the border into Switzerland and continue to Rorschach or, a few kilometres farther along the route, to Arbon.

Category A - Hotel (example): Römerhof Arbon
Category B - Hotel (example): Frohsinn Arbon

The final cycling stage takes you through Romanshorn, home to Switzerland’s largest harbour on Lake Constance. From here, you follow the lakeshore back to Constance.

The route is predominantly flat and pleasant to cycle, although a strong westerly wind may make it slightly more demanding. Along the way, you pass several inviting bathing spots where you can cool off in the lake. Back in Constance, round off your cycling holiday with a stroll through the old town or an ice cream by the harbour.

Category A - Hotel (example): Alte Post Konstanz
Category B - Hotel (example): B&B Konstanz

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Lake Constance. You may choose to return home or extend your stay with a few extra days in the area.

Prices and dates

Prices per person in EUR

Price includes

ACCOMMODATION

  • 7 nights at hotels in the selected category

 

FOOD & DRINKS

  • Breakfast every day

 

CYCLING & EXPERIENCES

  • 6 days of cycling (approx. 260 km in total)
  • Standard bike hire (can be excluded for a discount)
  • Detailed descriptions of the carefully selected routes (route maps, route descriptions, information about relevant tourist attractions and important phone numbers – in English)
  • Access to the route in our GPS app, which also works offline (one access per person)
  • Option for GPX files for use in your own GPS

TRANSPORT

  • Luggage transport between the hotels
  • Boat trip from Reichenau to Gaienhofen, including bike
  • Boat trip from Schaffhausen to Stein am Rhein, including bike

 

OTHER

GENERAL

  • Transport to/from Germany
  • Handling fee (€ 25)
  • Travel insurance

 

REQUIRED AND PAID LOCALLY

  • Any tourist taxes at the hotels

OPTIONAL
The following can be selected in the booking form, when you book the tour.

  • Rental of electric bike (selected when booking the tour)

 

Use the button "Calculate price" on this page to see what the tour will cost with your wanted inclusions.

PARKING
It is possible to park at the first hotel or nearby. Parking cannot be reserved in advance and must be arranged directly with the hotel (expect a cost of approximately €10–20 per day).

Bikes

You can choose between these bikes on the tour.
Unisex 27-speed bike
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry.

Body size approx. from 150cm.

Red men's touring bicycle with 21 gears parked on grass. Features yellow panniers on rear rack and handlebar bag, black saddle and grips.
Men's 27-speed bike
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry.

Body size approx. from 175 cm.

Unisex 30-speed sporty bike
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry.

Body size approx. from 160 cm - 180cm.

Men's 30-speed sporty bike
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry.

Body size approx. from 175 cm - 195 cm.

8-speed Unisex Bike
Hub gears with coaster brake

High-quality unisex touring bike with coaster brake on the rear wheel.

Body size approx. from 150cm.

8-speed Men's Bike
Hub gears with coaster brake

High-quality unisex touring bike with coaster brake on the rear wheel.

Body size approx. 175cm.

Unisex 8-speed E-bike
Hub gears with freewheel

High quality unisex e-bike with comfortable low entry.

Body size approx. from 150 cm.

Tandem bike
Derailleur gears with freewheel

Comfortable tandem bike.

Notice that there is limited supply of this type of bike.

Practical information

Here you can get answers to various questions about the trip
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The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.

On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.

 

Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill out any forms. Here’s how:

  1. Click on the "Calculate Price" button (you’ll find it in the "Dates and Prices" section) – this will take you to the first pages of the booking form
  2. Select your preferred date, number of people, room distribution, any extra nights, and any available add-ons you may want
  3. See the price


Get a quote
If you would like a flight included, or changes made to the trip, you can request a customized offer by clicking the "Get Quote" button at the top of the page. Remember to describe in detail what changes you would like.

The booking process
When you book the trip, we will begin booking hotels and arranging all the practical aspects of your tour. This process typically takes 5–8 working days, but in some cases it may take longer for certain bookings. If you arrange your own transportation, we recommend waiting until we have confirmed your booking before making any arrangements.

Dates
If you can select a date in the trip calendar (in the booking form), then this is a possible start date. We regularly update our trips with sold-out dates; these dates will then appear in red/grey and cannot be selected.

On all our cycling holidays it is possible bring your own bike but it also possible to rent a bike for the tour. The bikes you can rent are all perfectly suited for the tour and the local terrain and all bikes are perfectly maintained. If you want to rent a bike on your holiday, then you select this on the booking form.

Equipment included in the bike rental:

  • Saddle bag (water repellent)
  • Handlebar bag (water repellent)
  • Service-set with tools and extra bicycle tube
  • Combination lock

Please note that helmets are not included and you need to bring your own.

Roadside assistance
All bikes are equipped with puncture resistant tyres which means that it is virtually impossible to puncture. No rule without exceptions, so should you experience a punctured tyre then you can quickly fix it by using the tools in the service-set. If the damage is greater than a simply puncture then you simply call us and we make sure that your bike is fixed or you will be supplied with a new bike as quickly as possible.

Insurance is included
Insurance against theft and damages are included in the bike rental. Should you have any problems of this nature then all you have to do is to let us know and we will supply a new bike as quickly as possible. Naturally, careless or mischievous behavior is exempt from this.  

We recommend that you find the flights yourself, for example via www.momondo.dk.
We recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your journey before arranging transport.

Here's how it works:

    You book the journey with us
    We confirm your journey (usually within 3-5 business days)
    You arrange your transport

Get a quote
If you need us to organise your flight for you, you can request a quote for the trip including flights. It often takes about two days to get a quote. Please note that we charge a handling fee of DKK 350 per ticket, which means that you get the flight cheaper by booking it yourself.

On this tour you will stay in 3-star hotels. It is possible to upgrade and stay at 3- and 4-star hotels instead. This can be selected in the booking form.

Breakfast is included. It's easy to find lunch before and during the tours. There are also plenty of eateries to choose from when it's time for dinner.

Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.

Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.

Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.

On this tour, you will receive the following documents:

Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.

One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.

Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags, specific local vouchers and if you have rented a bike, they will also be handed out at the first hotel. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.

This tour has difficulty grade 2.

Grade 2
For cyclists who like hilly terrain and a bit longer distances. You cycle on good roads, which usually don’t have much traffic. The distance is between 35 – 60 km or 20 – 38 miles. If you are capable of riding a bike and you have a normal good health, you should not worry about going on these tours.

Read more about our Grading System

Starting in 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need an ESS or ETIAS authorization to enter EU nations. This system enhances border security while simplifying entry procedures. Ensure compliance by applying online before your trip to avoid delays.
You can read more about it here.

After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.

We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.

Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.

Join the special ‘Bering Cycling Holidays’ group on Facebook. Here you'll be notified about new holidays, special offers and much more.

Link to the group

Note: you need to request membership, but everyone is approved.

When you book a trip with us, we plant a tree in Kenya.

Bering Travel partners with Growing Trees Network, which has been planting trees in Kenya since 2020 in collaboration with Seniorer uden Grænser (Seniors Without Borders). The trees are planted with small-scale local farmers in the Mount Kenya region, as well as at schools, where the fruit helps supplement students’ diets and is incorporated into their learning.

The trees are planted using the shamba method – a sustainable approach that combines reforestation with agricultural crops. This keeps the soil covered with vegetation throughout the year, helping to prevent nutrient loss and reduce erosion.

The contribution to tree planting comes directly from Bering Travel’s own earnings and is not added to the price of your trip.

This initiative is not intended as a carbon offset for travel, but as a way to make a positive contribution.

Read more

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