Lake Constance 7-Day Challenging

Lake Constance
7-Day Challenging

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Overview

  • Tour DifficultyChallenging
  • Tour Duration7 Days / 6 Nights
  • Daily Saddle Time3.5+ Hours
  • Daily Elevation330 m (1113 feet)
  • Daily Distance64 km (40 miles)
  • Total Distance319 kms (198 miles)
  • StartKonstanz, Germany
  • FinishKonstanz, Germany
  • Local AirportsZurich, Stuggart or Basel
  • Tour SeasonApr 1 - Oct 31
  • Food & DrinkYes
  • Lakes & MountainsYes
  • Electric BikeYes
  • Solo TravellersYes

Overview

  • Tour DifficultyChallenging
  • Tour Duration7 Days / 6 Nights
  • Daily Saddle Time3.5+ Hours
  • Daily Elevation330 m (1110 feet)
  • Daily Distance64 km (40 miles)
  • Total Distance319 kms (198 miles)
  • StartKonstanz, Germany
  • FinishKonstanz, Germany

Highlights

  • Globe Trotting: Experience the unique blend of cultures as you journey through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, all in a single unforgettable trip.
  • Medieval Charm: Step back in time as you wander through the cobblestone alleys of Lindau and Meersburg, where half-timbered houses and medieval castles tell tales of a bygone era.
  • Mainau: Discover the enchanting beauty of Mainau, an island paradise renowned for its stunning botanical gardens that bloom year-round.
  • Alpine Views: Embark on a scenic adventure with the Pfänder cable car in Bregenz, offering sweeping views of Lake Constance and the majestic Alpine peaks beyond.
  • Reichenau: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lake Constance, Germany, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval monasteries, rich agricultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty.
  • Rheinfall: Europe's largest waterfall, and a breathtaking natural wonder where the mighty River Rhine cascades dramatically over a 150-meter wide cliff.
  • Culinary Delights: Ride through vineyards and fruit fields, with endless opportunities to indulge on your cycling breaks.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Konstanz

Upon arrival in Konstanz, the starting point of your Lake Constance cycle tour, you’ll have the day to settle in and explore this charming city. Located at the western tip of the lake, Konstanz is a beautiful blend of medieval and modern architecture. The old town is full of cobbled streets, and highlights include the Imperia statue at the harbor, the historic Münster Cathedral, and the picturesque lakeside promenade. The city is a wonderful place to get acclimatized and soak up the atmosphere of a lakeside town before the cycling adventure begins. Spend your evening strolling by the lake or enjoying a meal in one of the lakeside restaurants.

Day 2: Konstanz - Meersburg

Distance: 60 kms (37 miles) / Elevation Gain: 510 m (1719 feet) / Saddle Time: 3+ hours

The cycling adventure kicks off along the scenic German shores of Lake Constance, from Konstanz to Meersburg. The opening and closing terrain is mostly flat, following well-maintained cycle paths with sweeping views of the lake. The middle stage of the day includes a cut through a forest presenting some more technical ascents. Along the way, pass through the vineyards of the region, offering a picturesque backdrop. Meersburg, a charming medieval town, is famous for its castles and its welcoming atmosphere. The day will end with time to explore the town’s cobblestone streets and enjoy a relaxing evening by the lake.

Day 3: Meersburg - Bregenz

Distance: 53 kms (33 miles) / Elevation Gain: 180 m (607 feet) / Saddle Time: 3+ hours

Cycling along the shores of the lake, you’ll head from Meersburg to Bregenz, crossing into Austria. The route follows gentle hills and flat sections, providing excellent views of the lake. As they approach Bregenz, the scenery transforms with the Alps visible in the distance. Bregenz is known for its vibrant cultural scene and beautiful lakeside promenade. The evening can be spent wandering through the town, perhaps visiting the famous Bregenz Festival Hall or enjoying a meal with a view of the lake.

Day 4: Bregenz - Konstanz

Distance: 67 kms (42 miles) / Elevation Gain: 165 m (556 feet) / Saddle Time: 3.5+ hours

Today, the journey continues as they cycle back towards Konstanz, passing through Rorschach in Switzerland. The route offers stunning views of the Alps and the lake, with the terrain shifting between flat stretches and gentle inclines. The town of Rorschach, known for its art museums and lakeside charm, makes for an enjoyable stop. After a scenic ride, Konstanz will warmly greet you, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s journey, soaking in the familiar sights before the next leg of the adventure.

Day 5: Konstanz - Schaffhausen

Distance: 69 kms (43 miles) / Elevation Gain: 356 m (1200 feet) / Saddle Time: 3.5 hours

Embark on a new route that takes you along the northern shore of the Untersee, a quieter arm of Lake Constance. The cycling paths are flat and smooth, with lush landscapes and tranquil lakeside views. Along the way, they will pass through small villages, vineyards, and forests. The journey culminates in Schaffhausen, a town known for the spectacular Rhine Falls. The day’s ride offers a peaceful and scenic experience, with opportunities to stop and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Day 6: Schaffhausen - Konstanz via Rheinfall

Distance: 70 kms (43 miles) / Elevation Gain: 440 m (1483 feet) / Saddle Time: 3.5+ hours

After visiting the majestic Rhine Falls in the morning, cycle along the south bank of the Untersee, enjoying a mix of lakeside paths and quiet country roads. The terrain is a bit steeper around the waterfall, but smoothens out as the day progresses. In the afternoon, you’ll take a ferry to Reichenau Island, known for its UNESCO-listed monastic sites and serene beauty. A short loop around the island offers the chance to see its stunning landscapes before returning to Konstanz for the evening. The day provides a delightful blend of nature and history.

Day 7: Depart from Konstanz

On your final day, you’ll have the morning to further explore Konstanz before departing. You can visit any sites you missed on your first day, such as the Rosgartenmuseum or the Sea Life aquarium. The charming streets and lakeside paths offer the perfect setting for a peaceful walk or a relaxing coffee by the water, letting you take in the beauty of the area one last time. After a week of cycling and sightseeing, it’s time to say goodbye to Lake Constance and reflect on the unforgettable experience of this stunning tour.

Map

Accommodation

All our accommodation selections are in-house reviewed. We partner with family-owned, charming guesthouses and hotels where you can relax and recharge. Below are some sample accommodations on our Lake Constance tours. Depending on availability, the accommodation you stay at may vary but will always be of a similar standard.

Konstanz: Romantik Hotel Barbarossa

“A truly welcoming place in a historic location”

This motto of Barbarossa founder Martin Miehle from 1874 is brought to life every day by his great-great-grandson Florian Miehle with his wife Christiane and by the entire Barbarossa team.

In this boutique hotel, with its many historical details, you can feel the eventful history of Constance. Thanks to the location in the middle of the historic old town, it is the perfect starting point for city, sightseeing and shopping tours. Everything is within easy walking distance. 

Überlingen: Bürgerbräu Guesthouse

Located in the old town center of Überlingen, you will find the time out for you and your loved ones that you really deserve! Bürgerbräu is away from the hustle and bustle but still close enough to not miss anything: Lake Constance, the historic old town, the pedestrian zone and also the Bodenseetherme. Everything is within walking distance – or not, if you just want to be alone. Then the hinterland offers beautiful, quiet places in the middle of nature.

Lindau: Hotel Garni Brugger

Hotel Garni Brugger is part of the historical heart of the old Lindau island. It has been lovingly restored and offers you a beautiful home during your stay. Family-run in the second generation, it has always been their aim to make all our guests feel welcome and provide them with the best possible service.

With a pleasant breakfast room, in the winter heated up by a historical oven, a bright conservatory and a cosy little courtyard to enjoy.

FAQ

What Is the cycle like?

This tour is in our Challenging difficulty grading. Consisting of a blend of cycle lanes, quiet country roads and forest trails. You’ll spend most of the ride following the banks of Lake Constance and passing through the surrounding towns. While the route overall is relatively flat, the opening and closing days have some steeper ascent to tackle. The main challenge for this tour is the daily distance.

We offer hybrid bikes for this route. If you are having doubts about your fitness levels, we also offer electric touring bikes on this tour.

Is this tour for me?

This Lake Constance tour puts the riding first. If you appreciate covering good ground while surrounded by sparkling lake views and quant country village, this is the tour for you.

It is a perfect route for those who have been on bike tours before or enjoy frequent, long rides at home. The route attracts large amounts of cyclists from all over the world, giving the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow riders too.

Tour includes

  • 6 nights accommodation in charming guesthouses and hotels.
  • A hearty breakfast each morning
  • Luggage transfers between accommodations
  • Detailed itinerary, GPX files and printable maps of your route
  • Tips on local attractions, history & evening meals
  • On call support before and during your tour

Tour excludes

  • Flights and transfers to and from the trail heads
  • Lunches & Dinners
  • Insurance
  • Bike rental (Selected on checkout)

The Bikes

You have a choice of bringing your own bike or renting your tour bike through us during booking. For Lake Constance, the bikes available are quality electric or manual touring/hybrid bikes. If an electric bike is chosen, it will bring the daily saddle time down by approximately 1 hour.

We only partner with the best bike suppliers for all our destinations so you’ll be guaranteed well maintained, premium brand bikes such as Cube, Trek or KTM.

All bike rentals come with helmet, lock and repair kit. A network of mechanics are on call in case of any mechanical issues faced while on tour.

What Is The Climate Like?

We offer tours on Lake Constance from April – October. At the start of the tour season, the average temperatures in Konstanz are approximately 12 °C (54 °F). This is the quietest times of the season to miss queues at landmarks and also the driest time of the year. Temperatures peak at 26 °C (79 °F) in July & August. Temperatures as high as 35 °C (95 °F) have been recorded, but these are quite rare. Please see image below for reference.

Around Austria and Switzerland, you’ll encounter micro climates where the weather can suddenly shift due to the alpine peaks lining the lake. It is recommended to have emergency wet gear packed at all times while riding. Precipitation in this region is typically infrequent but heavy in nature.

Is The Tour Easy To Navigate?

We include detailed navigation instructions and GPX files for your ride. Our navigation app is easy to use and we give a detailed instructional video on how to use it. If you are having any difficulty, we are on call at all times to assist you.

There is frequent marked signage on the routes to keep you on course, as well as many fellow cyclists on the route to steer you in the right direction.

What If There Is An Issue On Tour?

Included in your tour, is 24/7 message and video support. If you have an issue with navigation, bike breakdown, accommodation, medical, etc, we are at the touch of a button away at all times.

We have an extensive network of suppliers along the route, who will resolve the problem as swiftly as possible.

More FAQ

If you haven’t found the answer you’re looking for above, visit our general FAQ page for more information or simply reach out to us with the “Ask A Question” button on the side.

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Price

Lake Constance 7-Day Challenging

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Tour Includes


3* or 4* Accommodation Throughout

Breakfast Each Morning

Train/Ferry Transfers While On Tour

Luggage Transfer

Itinerary & Navigation Documentation

Tips & Local Insights

24-Hour Support

From$1,578
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