Lake Constance cycle tour: The classic 8-day round trip around the lake and to the Rhine Falls from Bregenz

Individual arrival in Bregenz (A)

Arrival in Bregenz to our Info-Point; handing out of the bikes and information about the bike tour ahead.

Overnight stay in a 3*** hotel in Bregenz (e.g. Hotel-Gasthof Lamm, Hotel Ibis).

Note: During the festival season, season 4, 17.07. – 18.08. due to the festival in Bregenz, accommodation can be provided partly in places close to the lake in the immediate vicinity.

Cycle tour Bregenz (AT) – Güttingen or Romanshorn (CH), approx. 50 km, 110 m ↑, 130 m ↓

Start your cycle tour in the charming festival town of Bregenz and glide along the picturesque lakeside promenade of Lake Constance – past the famous festival theater and the impressive lake stage. The route takes you through well-tended parks and on to Mehrerau Abbey, the only active monastery on Austria’s Lake Constance.

Enjoy the ride along numerous bathing spots before crossing the Bregenzer Ache and entering the nature reserve of the Altenrhein estuary. Here you will experience untouched nature and impressive birdlife.

After a short detour through Staad, you reach Switzerland. You cycle through the idyllic Altrhein region. The route continues via Rorschach with its striking Würth sculpture park, past the historic old town of Arbon with its Gothic flair and famous castle tower.

After a first day in the saddle, you will then reach your destination for the day: Romanshorn or Güttingen – charming towns right on the lakeshore. Spend the night in style in a comfortable 3*** hotel in Arbon, e.g. the Hotel Frohsinn or an equivalent establishment.

Cycle tour from Romanshorn (CH) – Gailingen or Reilasingen (D), approx. 60 km, 250 m ↑, 250 m ↓

This stage takes you along the glistening shores of Lake Constance through one of the most beautiful regions in Switzerland. From Romanshorn, you cycle directly along the shore to Kreuzlingen – always accompanied by the calming sound of the waves and the view of the expansive water.

The route continues along Untersee through the charming towns of Ermatingen and Berlingen until you reach the picturesque village of Stein am Rhein. A true jewel of medieval architecture awaits you here: artistically painted facades, winding alleyways and an atmosphere as if from another time.

After a break in Stein am Rhein, continue your journey towards Rielasingen or Gailingen – nestled in the gently rolling hills of the Hegau. The region welcomes you with rural tranquillity and warm hospitality.

Overnight stay in a 3*** hotel in the Gailingen region.

Round trip to the Schaffhausen Rhine Falls, approx. 30 km, 250 m ↑, 250 m ↓

Experience a round trip along the lake and High Rhine on its northern bank. This is where Germany and Switzerland meet in a special way.

Your route takes you through the idyllic Rhine landscape to the German enclave of Büsingen – a geographical curiosity in the middle of Switzerland – and on to the charming Rhine Falls town of Schaffhausen.

The picturesque old town with its ornately decorated facades and the imposing Munot Castle, once designed by Albrecht Dürer, await you there.

The crowning highlight is your visit to the majestic Rhine Falls – Europe’s largest waterfall, whose masses of water offer an unforgettable natural spectacle.

With the impressions behind you, cycle back to your accommodation. Take the north route you already know from the outward journey or switch to the south bank – it’s up to you.

Overnight stay as on the previous day.

Cycle tour Gailingen (D) – Constance (D), approx. 55 km, 300 m ↑, 300 m ↓

This stage of your cycle tour takes you through one of the most charming regions of Lake Constance. Via the picturesque Höri peninsula – known and loved by artists such as Otto Dix and Hermann Hesse – you reach Radolfzell on Untersee. Continue along the newly designed path to Allensbach and via the Ried, the Schilfdamm to Reichenau.

There, on the monastery island of Reichenau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impressive Romanesque churches await you, powerful, venerable and embedded in the lovely landscape of the island.

Your route then takes you via Wollmatingen directly into the heart of the historic council city of Constance. Take your time to explore the harbor, the medieval alleyways, the cathedral and the lively lakeside promenade.

Overnight stay in a comfortable 3* hotel in Constance or Kreuzlingen (e.g. Hotel Kreuzlingen am Hafen or equivalent) – on request also in a stylish 4**** hotel.**

Cycle tour Constance – Friedrichshafen (D), approx. 45 km, 200 m ↑, 200 m ↓, ferry Constance – Meersburg

A particularly varied stage along Lake Constance awaits you today. You start in Constance and cycle first to Wallhausen. Take the opportunity to make a detour to the famous flower island of Mainau. You can decide spontaneously whether to visit the splendid Mediterranean plants and the baroque lakeside castle or stay away from the crowds. The lakeside path to the island and back to the ferry in Constance Staad is definitely worth a trip.

Take the ferry from Constance Staad to Meersburg. Treat yourself to a second detour to nearby Überlingen with its world-famous pile dwellings, the oldest traces of settlement on Lake Constance. On the way back, treat yourself to a break in historic Meersburg with its medieval castle and charming alleyways. The route continues via Immenstaad to Friedrichshafen, where the customs office building in the middle of a well-kept park, the baroque castle church and the fascinating Zeppelin Museum await you.

Overnight stay in a comfortable 3* hotel in Friedrichshafen (e.g. Hotel Comfort or equivalent).**

Cycle tour Friedrichshafen – Lindau Island – Bregenz (AT), approx. 35 km, 100 m ↑, 100 m ↓

Your last stage on the lake takes you through charming vacation resorts such as Nonnenhorn between lovely vineyards, the lakeshore and the magnificent panorama of the Swiss Alps. The route continues through the nature reserve at the mouth of the Argen – a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

A worthwhile detour along the Argen takes you to Laimnau (+ approx. 18 km) before you reach the island town of Lindau.

With its historic old town and famous harbor panorama, Lindau is a real jewel on Lake Constance.

To round off your trip, cycle back to Bregenz – the festival city on the lake, where culture, architecture and Alpine views form an impressive backdrop.

Overnight stay in a 3*** hotel in Bregenz or the surrounding area, especially during the festival season also in Wolfurt, Hard, Dornbirn or Lustenau.

Departure or extension in Bregenz