Switzerland & Germany, Bodensee Route – Riding around Lake Constance

Most riders will arrive in Zurich, where they’ll catch a direct train to Konstanz, Germany. Trains run every hour from Zurich airport, and the scenic ride takes just over an hour. Once in Konstanz, your hotel is a quick and easy walk from the train station.

Upon arrival, our representative will greet you in Konstanz, get you set up with your bikes, and make sure everything feels just right. We’ll also go over the route and a few simple procedures to ensure you’re all set for the adventure ahead.

After that, the day is yours to explore the charming city of Konstanz! Stroll through the medieval old town, relax in a beer garden along the river, or unwind in the thermal baths by the lake. It’s the perfect way to start your journey!

On the second day, you’ll ride west from Konstanz along the picturesque shores of Lake Constance, which transitions into the Rhine River. Your destination is the enchanting town of Stein am Rhein, renowned for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture.

As you make your way, we recommend stopping at Arenenberg to visit the Napoléon Museum, offering stunning views of the lake. Closer to Stein am Rhein, take a peaceful detour to Werd Island, home to a tranquil abbey and welcoming Franciscan monks.

The ride covers about 25 kilometers on flat terrain, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and cultural stops along the way. Once in Stein am Rhein, you can explore the charming Old Town with its painted facades and medieval charm. And if you still have the energy, a hike up to Hohenklingen Castle, which towers above the town, offers panoramic views and a rewarding end to your day.

For those arriving early, there’s an option to take a quick train ride to Neuhausen to see the world-famous Rheinfalls, Europe’s largest waterfall, where you can experience the power of the roaring waters up close from various viewing platforms or by boat.

This morning you’ll cross the Rhine and re-enter Germany, continuing your ride along the coastline of the Untersee. The route takes you through peaceful villages, with stunning views of the lake. You’ll pass countless beaches, parks and ice cream stands that will give you a chance to take it all in.

Fans of Herman Hesse should consider stopping in Gaienhofen. This picturesque town is home to Hesse’s former residence and a museum dedicated to his life and work.

Arriving in Radolfzell, there’s still plenty of time to explore the town’s narrow, medieval streets or relax along the lakeside promenade. If you’re up for more adventure, take a long walk on the Mettnau Peninsula. This beautiful walk will lead you past elegant villas and exclusive vacation homes before reaching the serene nature reserve on the outer banks of the peninsula.

Riders leave the lake and head north through fertile countryside, passing by Bodman-Ludwigshafen, a charming twin community at the western tip of Lake Constance. Nestled between rolling hills and the shores of the Überlinger See, Bodman and Ludwigshafen are connected by a scenic nature reserve. Although the route doesn’t go through Bodman, a short detour is worth it to visit the lakeside promenade, one of the prettiest on Lake Constance.

And don’t miss the UNESCO heritage site up ahead. Pile dwellings, ancient stilt houses built over water, reveal how early European civilizations lived. You can explore 23 reconstructed homes, learn about their history, and see underwater how these structures were built at this newly renovated museum.

And now, your reward: Meersburg, an idyllic town of 6,000 on the northern coast of Lake Constance, renowned for its wine, soothing thermal baths, and Burg Meersburg, Germany’s oldest inhabited castle. It’s your playground for the rest of the day—relax, explore, and enjoy!

Follow the terraced vineyards from Meersburg to Friedrichshafen, home of the legendary Zeppelin. Discover the fascinating history of airship travel at the Zeppelin Museum, including the story of the infamous Hindenburg. Don’t forget to look up—you might just spot a Zeppelin floating overhead!

As you ride on, the sounds of the town fade, and you enter the peaceful Eriskirch Marsh, the largest nature reserve on Lake Constance’s northern shore. You might even consider walking on the shoreline path to better see the marshlands, fruit orchards, rare plants, and wetlands.

The island of Lindau is sure to surprise you. This vibrant gem on Lake Constance boasts narrow, bustling shopping streets, lively beer gardens, and a busy harbor where tourist ships dock. Everywhere you look, kids and old-timers wade into the calm waters for a swim. With its Mediterranean atmosphere, you may find yourself wishing you had planned more than just one night here.

As you leave Lindau, you’ll follow the easternmost shore of the lake, with the Austrian Alps coming into view. Soon, you’ll cross into Austria itself. Bregenz, your next stop, welcomes thousands of travelers daily, making it easy to dive into the Austrian experience. Treat yourself to apple strudel, Wiener schnitzel, Austrian white wine, and strong Viennese coffee ! Simply park your bike and explore in any direction. And make sure to check out the famous lakeside stage, reimagined every year with new decorations and scenery.

And then, before you know it, you’re back in Switzerland. The southern shore of Lake Constance lies just below the Appenzell region and its mountains. This has historically made the villages along this shore less accessible and, as a result, less touristy than those on the northern German side. Towns like Rorschach and Arbon feel quieter and more serene compared to the busier, tourist-filled places you’ve visited earlier.

The people you see strolling along the promenade in Arbon are likely locals, and you can easily stop for a chat. If you ask what there is to do, they’ll probably gesture towards the grassy parks and the lake, inviting you to simply relax and enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine in hand.

Note: Riders preferring wellness hotel with thermal baths, may choose to be routed to the Bad Horn Spa Hotel for a 100 swiss franc supplement.

Your final day of cycling will take you past numerous “badis” (lakeside swimming spots). If you haven’t taken a dip yet, now’s your chance! These spots are scattered every few kilometers, many with wooden docks leading to deeper water, so you can avoid stepping on sharp rocks. There’s usually a small entrance fee, and you’ll often find fish and chips on the menu—a perfect lakeside snack.

If you’re a car enthusiast, make sure to stop at the Auto Bau exhibition center in Romanshorn, a must-see for auto lovers. Otherwise, head back to Konstanz to catch anything you missed on your first night in this vibrant city.