Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure with the Lake Constance Circuit by Bike, traversing the picturesque landscapes of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This self-guided tour takes you through medieval towns like Constance, Stein, Meersburg, and Lindau, offering breathtaking views of the Rhine Falls and the majestic Alps. Enjoy leisurely rides along the lake's shores, crossing borders seamlessly while soaking up the warm hospitality of charming family-run hotels. With a 27-speed bike, detailed route notes, and luggage transfers included, you'll explore scenic vineyards, historic sites, and vibrant local culture at your own pace. This tour promises a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and cycling pleasure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Constance (Konstanz) or Kreuzlingen
Location: Constance
Accommodation Name: hotel
Located on the banks of Lake Constance (Bodensee in German), the compact university town is an ideal starting point for your trip. On arrival make your way to the joining hotel where you will receive your route notes, maps and bike (if requested for delivery at the hotel - alternatively collection details are provided on booking). Later you can visit Mainau island or stroll through the old town of Constance. The aquariums in the Sea Life Centre and the Archaeological Museum are also recommended.
Depending on availability you may start in Kreuzlingen, which is just across the Swiss border from Constance. If you start in Kreuzlingen you will also end the trip in the same hotel. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Cycle via the old imperial city of Radolfzell to Uberlingen/surrounds (35-50km/22-31mi)
Location: Radolfzell
Accommodation Name: Ludwigshafen, Sipplingen or Überlingen
From Constance you cycle in a clockwise direction around the lake shores along the 'Gnadensee'. Your first stop is the former Imperial town of Radolfzell, now a spa resort. Its Gothic cathedral dominates the town and on the third Sunday in July, the 'Hausherrenfest' is celebrated to honour the local saints Theopont, Senesius and Zeno. The following day a Water Procession is held whereby residents from nearby Moos travel in richly decorated boats to Radolfzell to honour a historic oath. From here, you cross the 'Bodanrück' range of hills and encounter a short incline. Arriving at the 'Überlinger See', part of Lake Constance, you are rewarded for your efforts with beautiful views of the lake. In the evening you can enjoy a stroll along Überlingen's pretty promenade.Cat B: Ludwigshafen, Sipplingen or Überlingen - Cycle distance is 35-55km/22-34miCat A: Überlingen - Cycle distance is 45km/28mi
Day 3 : Continue through orchards to Kressbronn / Nonnenhorn/Lindau (50-60km/31-37mi)
Location: Lindau
Accommodation Name: Kressbronn, Nonnenhorn or Lindau
From Überlingen you cycle through vineyards to Friedrichshafen. On the way you will pass the Baroque pilgrimage church of Birnau. In Meersburg, take a break to wander around the old town and its castle. In Friedrichshafen we recommend a visit to the Zeppelin museum, before continuing through extensive orchards to today's destination.
Cat B: Kressbronn or Nonnenhorn - cycling distance: 50 or 55km/31 or 34mi
Cat A: Kressbronn or Lindau - cycling distance: 50 or 60km/31 or 37mi
Day 4 : Cycle into Austria to Hochst (or Horn or Arbon in Switzerland) (30-55km/18.5-34mi)
Location: Bregenz
Accommodation Name: Höchst or Rorschach or Arbon
Setting out today you soon reach Bregenz, the capital of the Vorarlberg region of Austria and famous for its annual festival on the largest lake-stage in the world. You finally reach Höchst where you soon cross the border again and then, after
pedaling onward for a few kilometres to your hotel.
Cat B: to Höchst (Austria) or Rorschach (Switzerland) - cycling distance: 40 or 50km/25 or 31mi.
Cat A: to Arbon (Switzerland) - cycling distance: 50km/30mi.
Day 5 : Along the lake in Thurgau Canton, Switzerland to Constance / Kreuzlingen (30-55km/18.5-34mi)
Location: Constance
Accommodation Name: hotel
Today you cycle through Romanshorn which is home to Switzerland's largest harbour on Lake Constance. Continue along the banks of the lake passing villages filled with wooden framed houses and apple orchards. Finish your ride back in Constance, where you can wander through the old town or enjoy an ice cream down at the harbour.Cat B: Höchst to Constance - cycling distance: 40-50km/24.8-31miCat A: Arbon to Constance - cycling distance: 30km/18.6mi
Day 6 : Cycle to the south shore of the Untersee to Schaffhausen (50km/31mi)
Location: Schaffhausen
Accommodation Name: hotel
Today's route takes you past Swiss fishing villages and along a bike path on the southern shore of the Untersee to the pretty town of Stein am Rhein, with its well preserved medieval centre and richly decorated houses. We recommend taking time to wander through the pedestrian area and view the frescoes. Switching several times between Germany and Switzerland you reach the canton's capital, Schaffhausen, gateway to the Rhine Falls. The town, whose citizens competed with each other in building gables on their houses, is overlooked by Munot fort.
Day 7 : Cycle to the Rhine Falls, boat trip then return by bike to Constance or Kreuzlingen (45km/28mi)
Location: Constance
Accommodation Name: hotel
After breakfast, cycle the short distance to the Rhine Falls, one of Europe's biggest waterfalls. In the middle of this mass of water are the Rhine Fall rocks which you can reach by boat. Cycling up the Rhine you go back to Stein am Rhein and then follow the Höri semi-peninsula, where the writer Hermann Hesse and the artist Otto Dix once lived. At Gaienhofen you board the ferry which takes you to the island of Reichenau. From there it's only a few kilometres back to Constance.
If you started your trip in Kreuzlingen, you will cycle to Kreuzlingen where you will overnight.
Day 8 : Trip concludes
Location: Konstanz
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in 2-3 star hotels -
7 breakfasts - generally buffet style with cereals, bread, cheese, meats, yoghurt, tea, coffee and juice. What is offered will change from hotel to hotel.
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7 nights in Category B 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (option to upgrade to Category A 3-4 star hotels - supplement applies)
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27 speed bike rental with pannier, handlebar bag and bike insurance (8-speed on request only; kids bikes, tandem and electric bikes on request - supplement applies)
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Bike rental insurance
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Luggage Transfer, no limit on bags, cannot weigh more then 20kg each
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Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked & GPX tracks
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Emergency hotline
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Entrance to Rosgarten museum, 1 coffee included
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Boat trip to the Rhine Falls rock
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Ferry from Gaienhofen to Reichenau including bike
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Constance
Travel to and from Constance is not included.
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Meals and Drinks
Meals not listed as included, drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Helmets
Helmets are not available to rent or purchase.
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Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday, no guide is included.
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Solo Traveler Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees unless specifically advised as included.
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Transfers
Transfers unless specifically advised as included.
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Excess Luggage
Excess luggage is not included.
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City or Visitor's Tax
City or visitor's tax - where applicable payable locally.
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Handlebar Phone Holder
Handlebar phone holder – to follow the route more easily using GPX files.
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Items of a Personal Nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Drinks, Lunches, and Dinners
Drinks, lunches and dinners daily are not included.
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Compulsory Travel Insurance
Travel insurance - this is compulsory.
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature - e.g., phone calls, laundry etc.
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Tour Guide
Tour guide - this is a self-guided trip.
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Helmet
Helmet is not included.
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Helmet Purchase
Helmet - available to purchase locally (price guide: Adults: 70,00€, Teens: 60,00€, Children: 50,00€). No need to prebook, buy at the bike collection.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Grading
GRADE 2 - During the 6 days of cycling the daily routes are between 35 and 60 kilometres/22 to 37 miles. The last stage is moderately hilly in the Hori region, otherwise the route is mainly even along tarred cycle paths. The path runs partially along the lakeshore and partially along lakeshore roads. Sporadically there are short, unsealed sections. Around Friedrichshafen the cycle path runs parrallel to the highway. The lakeshore is mostly open to the public. In order to prepare for this trip you will need to be comfortable cycling for extended periods, sometimes with traffic around you (sometimes unavoidable going in to and leaving towns). ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel around Lake Constance by bike, with a 27-speed bike rental included. Luggage transfer is provided, and a ferry ride from Gaienhofen to Reichenau is part of the journey.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in comfortable Category B 2-3 star hotels with ensuite facilities, with an option to upgrade to Category A 3-4 star hotels for an additional supplement.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in Category B 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. There is an option to upgrade to Category A 3-4 star hotels for an additional supplement.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, generally buffet style with cereals, bread, cheese, meats, yoghurt, tea, coffee, and juice. The specific offerings may vary from hotel to hotel.
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Is bike rental included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes the rental of a 27-speed bike with a pannier and handlebar bag. An 8-speed bike, kids bikes, tandem, and electric bikes are available on request for an additional supplement.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is included, with a maximum of 1 piece weighing up to 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
An emergency hotline is available 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm.
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Are there any entrance fees included in the tour?
Yes, entrance to the Rosgarten museum with one coffee included is part of the tour package.
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Are there any boat trips included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a boat trip to the Rhine Falls rock and a ferry ride from Gaienhofen to Reichenau, including the bike.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is compulsory. You will need to arrange your own travel insurance.
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Are helmets provided or available for rent?
Helmets are not available to rent or purchase as part of the tour package. However, they can be purchased locally at the bike collection point with approximate prices of €70 for adults, €60 for teens, and €50 for children.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?
The daily routes range from 35 to 60 kilometers (22 to 37 miles) and are mostly even along tarred cycle paths. The last stage is moderately hilly in the Hori region. The path runs partially along the lakeshore and lakeshore roads, with some short, unsealed sections. Around Friedrichshafen, the cycle path runs parallel to the highway.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Lake Constance Circuit by Bike
8 Days Starting and ending in Constance, Germany
Visiting: Constance, Radolfzell, Lindau, Bregenz, Schaffhausen, Konstanz
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CLC
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
