Lake Constance and the Rhine Falls
Lake Constance, a treasure on the borders of Germany, Switzerland and Austria
© Freddy Enguix - Switzerland Tourism
Duration
8 days and 7 nights
Level
Leisure
Departure date
From April 3rd to October 4th
Trip type
Self-guided trip
Trip type
Travelling loop
Destination
Key features
- A circuit straddling 3 countries: Germany, Austria and Switzerland
- Lake Constance, a real treasure
- The city of Constance and its old houses
- The Rhine waterfalls in Schaffhausen
7 days cycling in a relaxing and pleasant natural setting
At the water's edge, you ride to discover a region rich in natural and cultural diversity
Located on the borders of Germany, Switzerland and Austria, Lake Constance offers a dream setting for a beautiful and exotic cycling holiday. The area around Lake Constance is ideal for cycling. You ride on tracks away from any car traffic. Coupled with the beauty of its landscapes, the diversity of cultures gives the Lake Constance region a special charm.
The loop around Lake Constance offers several architectural jewels, it also offers fascinating natural curiosities such as the Rhine delta near Bregenz in Austria, the Rhine waterfalls close to Schaffhausen and the island of Reichenau very close to Constance. All under the gaze of the Alpine peaks that overlook the region.
The towns are restful stopovers where it is pleasant to stroll on the cobblestones like in Constance and its well-preserved old town with its elegant old buildings. Other cities like Meersburg, Stein on the Rhine have a certain charm that will not leave you indifferent. This bike tour also allows you to reach the superb, unmissable rococo-style church of Birnau.
Another major advantage of this circuit around Lake Constance is the possibility of swimming. The refreshing swims after the beautiful bike rides are very popular in the summer. All the ingredients are present to live a beautiful cycling travel experience.
Itinerary
Leisure From CONSTANCE to ÜBERLINGEN 50km 
A day of cycling on the shores of Lake Constance. Head towards Überlingen on a slightly hilly course of 50 kilometers. Leaving from Constance, the route passes through the town of Radolfzell then through Bodanrück to Lake Überlinger. Enjoy the charms of Überlingen in the evening.
From ÜBERLINGEN to FRIEDRICHSHAFEN 35km
From FRIEDRICHSHAFEN to LINDAU 30km
When you haven’t visitied the Zeppelin Museum so far, you should do that today! The way to Lindau goes by quickly, so you have more than enough time to check out the famous Zeppelin airships. Afterwards you cycle through Langenargen with its pretty Montfort Castle to the Bavarian town of Lindau, whose harbour is watched over by a 6-metre high lion.
From LINDAU to ARBON 40km
Today, departing from Lindau, towards Bregenz in Austria. Lindau and Bregenz, two very lively cities, are famous for their annual festivals. After Bregenz, you cross the Rhine delta which is an important nature reserve. Here you are at the second border crossing of your day as you enter Switzerland where you spend the night in the Höchst/Rorschach region.
From ARBON to CONSTANCE 35km
You start this stage in Switzerland on the southern shore of Lake Constance. On the road to Konstanz, you pass Romanshorn, the largest port in Switzerland. Along the way, let yourself be lulled by the tranquility of the place. Once in Konstanz, you may visit the island of Mainau if you wish.
From CONSTANCE to SCHAFFHAUSEN 50km
Today, on a route of approximately 50 kilometers between Constance and Schaffhausen, you will pass through picturesque Swiss fishing villages while skirting the Rhine.
From SCHAFFHAUSEN to CONSTANCE 45km
You start your day with a magnificent excursion to the Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe. With a width of 150 meters and a height of 23 meters, they offer a grandiose spectacle. You return to Stein after having surveyed the right bank of the river. A cruise between Gaienhofen and the island of Reichenau allows you to enjoy this sumptuous setting in peace.
They travelled with us
Practical information
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 950€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1170€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Quote on request
Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a Double room
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 7/7
- Application fee
- Entrance to Rosgarten museum Constance, 1 coffee included
- Boat trip to the Rhine Falls rock
- Boat trip Gaienhofen – Reichenau incl. bike
- Cycle route description with maps (1 x per room)
- 7 day Service Hotline
Price does not include
- Bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Tourist tax
A «homemade» stay by a local partner, specialist in Germany:
- Routes selected with the Abicyclette Voyages team for their tourist and cycling interests, fully marked, removed from traffic
- Accomodation proposed for the quality of their welcome, atmosphere, services and gastronomy
- Great organizational flexibility that adapts to your needs and desires: you leave on the date you want! We check accommodation availability to ensure your departure.
Local support:
- A personalized welcome orientation on the first day of your trip by a local guide giving you the travel documents (welcome in English or German of your choice)
- Telephone assistance 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from the ABICYCLETTE VOYAGES team
- Local telephone assistance 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Luggage transfer service
Easy to follow route tracking:
- A road book tto find all the useful addresses and information tourist attractions, maps and a description of the circuit km by km.
And also:
- Rental of comfortable bikes, ideal for this route.
- The option of taking out a cancellation & multi-risk insurance that covers you in case of a problem or unforseen event
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Touring bikeSupplied equipment per bike
|  |
Ebike*Bike rental insurance included Supplied equipment per bike
** Helmet not provided and not available to rent |  |
Teenager bikeSupplied equipment per bike *Bike rental insurance included ** Helmet not provided |  |
Getting here
Departure city : CONSTANCE
Coming by car
- at 8h from PARIS
- at 12h from BORDEAUX
- at 5h45 from LYON
Coming by train
- Konstanz train station - 7h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Zurich Airport
1h by train, 45min by car
Arrival city : CONSTANCE
Coming by car
- at 8h from PARIS
- at 12h from BORDEAUX
- at 5h45 from LYON
Coming by train
- Konstanz train station - 7h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Zurich Airport
1h by train, 45min by car
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags (1 carrier bag supplied with bike rental)
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/en/general-terms-and-conditions/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
|
| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 45% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Between 6 and 3 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Custom made trips
You want a custom made cycling tour, or you’ve spotted one of our trips and would like to adapt it ? Tell us a bit about your project and we’ll help you prepare a trip that suits you best.
Starting from 950€
Book your trip
Easy , 
CONSTANCE
Walk through the old town of Konstanz. Set on the shores of Lake Constance, it has an undeniable character with beautiful cobbled streets and well-preserved old buildings. Do not forget to go for a walk on the side of its Mediterranean port with its famous statue “Imperia”.