The Aare Cycle Path

Welcome to Constance! This, the biggest town on Lake Constance, is a perfect starting point for your Rhine cycling holiday in Switzerland. Regardless of whether by bike or by foot, explore the narrow streets of the Niederburg, Constance' oldest part of town. Take a break at the harbour and have a look at the rotating statue, the Imperia. Another tip is to go up the spire of Constance' Münster church, to the viewing platform. It's 193 steps up to fantastic views of the town and the lake. If you still have enough time, visit the Sea Life Centre or the Archaeological Local Museum.

The first section of your holiday on the Aare Cycle Path conveniently starts with a transfer to Interlaken. In the town situated between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, an overwhelming mountain panorama is awaiting you. The Bernese Oberland is in perfect sight from Interlaken. Why not enjoy picture-perfect views of Mounts Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger while on the rack railway? The Aare, which will accompany you along vast parts of this trip, flows straight through this town.

Right at the beginning of your tour along the Aare Cycle Path, take an excursion to the Aare Gorge (admission fee not included). Along Lake Brienz you can enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains. The 1400 meter long gorge is barely a meter wide at its narrowest point. Thanks to many footbridges and tunnels, the gorge is ideal for a short hike. Return to Interlaken by bike.

Today’s stage starts with a boat trip over Lake Thun, followed by a leisurely ride towards Bern. This city, which has received UNESCO world heritage site status and was already raved about by the likes of Goethe, has a lot to offer: Why not discover Paul Klee’s work or stroll along the Kramgasse through Bern’s historic centre, or visit the Zytgloggeturm tower, which is known for its astronomical clock and its unique chime.

Cycling along the Aare River and Lake Wohlen you come to the bilingual town of Biel / Bienne. The Swiss watch-making industry made the town famous. In the Omega museum you can learn all about the industry. The many fountains in the old town are also worth a look, the majority of which are fed by the Roman springs. They were once thought to be holy. The lake shore known as the Strandboden is also beautiful.

The cycle path along the river takes you swiftly to Solothurn. This canton capital, with great sights such as Baseltor, St. Urs’ Cathedral and other splendid monuments, is considered to be Switzerland’s most beautiful baroque town. Solothurn also has a special connection to the number eleven: eleven churches and chapels, eleven fountains, eleven towers and eleven steps are only a few examples.

Charming villages, lush meadows and an impressive castle lie ahead on your way towards Aarau. This town is shaped by the 16th century and was once the capital of the Helvetic Republic. You will be particularly impressed by the over 70 detailedly painted roof soffits in the town’s historic centre, which is also why Aarau is known as Stadt der schönen Giebel (town of pretty gables). 

Today you cycle alongside the Aare to the town of Brugg, which is home to Habsburg castle, the home of the eponymous dynasty, which ruled over a medieval global empire. Via the Wasserschloss (moated castle), through which almost half of Switzerland’s water flows, you reach Koblenz, the place where the Aare flows into the Rhine. Now it’s only a few miles to today’s final destination!

Upstream along the Rhine you continue your trip, and why not visit Rheinau Monastery, picturesquely situated on a river island, on the way? It was built in the 11th century and developed into the focal point of a small period of regional monastic dominion. The closer you get to the Schaffhausen Rhine Falls, the more you will hear the noise of the water crushing down. By boat, you will sail on to the Rheinfallfelsen rock, which is steadfastly defying the huge masses of water.

Today, you cycle to Stein am Rhein, where you find several fresco-clad buildings. From here, you ride alongside Lake Constance until you reach the city of Constance, where the Seerhein river marks the Rhine’s kilometre zero. The old episcopal city was the scene of a medieval council, and the only papal election north of the Alps. Why not visit the Rosgartenmusuem, where Constance’s history is exhibited within historical walls.

After breakfast, your trip along the Aare Cycle Path concludes. We are more than happy to extend your holiday, both on the Aare Cycle Path or in Constance.