Travel report: The classic Lake Constance cycle tour
From our guest Klaus
The first day led from Constance to Gailingen, situated on the High Rhine. Starting in Constance, the route crosses over to the Swiss side after a few kilometers. Along the Lower Lake, the Lake Constance cycle path leads through fruit and vegetable-growing areas, but largely with Lake Constance in view. The area here is characterized by agriculture. You should definitely make a stopover in the small Swiss town of Stein am Rhein. The picturesque old town is well worth a visit here, with its impressive façade paintings.
In Stein am Rhein, the Rhine leaves Lake Constance. The route now continues along the banks of the Rhine to the stage destination. After crossing a large wooded area, we pass the green state border to Germany on good cycle paths and reach the town of Gailingen a little later. The Rhine Bridge in Gailingen, a covered Pfahljoch bridge, is a place of interest here. The bridge connects the town of Gailingen with the Swiss town of Diessenhofen.
The Rhine bridge in Gailingen
The second stage stretches from Gailingen to Überlingen. The route covers around 70 kilometers. The first section takes us back to Stein am Rhein (10 kilometers). On the German side along the north bank, the cycle path leads us to Radolfzell. Beautifully landscaped lidos, tranquil villages and marinas line the cycle path and give an impressive impression of the Lake Constance region.
On arrival in Radolfzell, we leave Lake Constance for around 20 kilometers and head inland. The reason for this is the crossing of a headland that leads us from Untersee to Überlinger See. This section of the route has some small climbs, but they are easy to master. In addition, the impressions of the surroundings sweeten the effort. But then we reach Lake Constance again. Via Ludwigshafen and Sipplingen, we reach our destination of Überlingen, the venue for the 2021 State Garden Show.
View of Lake Überlingen
The third day then takes us along the eastern side of Lake Constance to Lindau (approx. 60 kilometers). Shortly after Überlingen, it is worth visiting the impressive monastery church in Birnau. Here you also have a wonderful view over Lake Constance. The route continues to Unteruhldingen. Here you can visit the pile dwellings. Huts built on stilts reflect everyday life thousands of years ago. The history of life in the past is imposing and impressive.
Continue along the shores of Lake Constance to Meersburg. Here, the lake can be seen in all its glory and the panorama with a view of the Alps is fascinating. Here, the Upper Lake of Lake Constance replaces the Lower Lake. Meersburg itself also boasts a beautiful old town and invites you to linger.
From Meersburg, the route then continues through wine-growing areas and beautiful lakeside passages to Friedrichshafen. Friedrichshafen has a wonderful waterfront promenade and is the perfect place to take a break. The Zeppelin Museum on the promenade is also well worth a visit.
The route then continues via Nonnenhorn and Wasserburg to Lindau in Bavaria, our destination for this stage. Lindau impresses with its beautiful seaport. But the narrow streets in the town center and the old town hall also give this town a special flair.
The port of Lindau
The fourth day then takes us to the Swiss town of Arbon (approx. 55 kilometers). Directly along the shores of Lake Constance, we reach the town of Bregenz after 10 kilometers. The cycle route takes us directly to the lake stage, which is famous for its international performances. Unfortunately, it was not possible to visit due to construction work for a performance. Nevertheless, it is an impressive building that you have to see.
Bregenz also offers a wonderful view over the whole of Lake Constance. You can enjoy this view if you take the time to ride the Pfänder panoramic gondola to the mountain station. In addition to Lake Constance, the view offers an impressive overview of the Alpine peaks of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
The tour continues via Rorschach to the stage destination of Arbon, located directly on Lake Constance. A tour of the town reveals many historic buildings dating back to the Middle Ages.
The hotels located directly on the shores of Lake Constance with their terraces are beautiful here and make you want to stop off and enjoy the flair of this region.
Arbon
On the fifth and final day of our cycle tour, we cycle from the Swiss town of Arbon back to Constance. This stage covers around 35 kilometers and leads mainly along Lake Constance. It is worth stopping off in Romanshorn, where the harbor facilities are well worth a visit. It is also worth making a detour to the Autobau Erlebniswelt. Here in Romanshorn, expensive and elegant automobiles are exhibited by a Swiss racing driver. The car museum is located almost directly on the Lake Constance cycle path.
The last 20 kilometers of this day trip lead through scenic areas before the destination of the round trip, Constance, is reached again.
The Asco fountain in Romanshorn
Conclusion:
This cycle tour far exceeded our expectations. A scenic area that deserves to be marveled at. The Lake Constance cycle path leads wonderfully around Lake Constance. You rarely lose sight of Lake Constance and when you do, you are rewarded with wonderful views from elsewhere.
This cycle tour is easy to recommend and the great thing is that it is also very easy to master with conventional bikes (without assistance). Only a few passages require you to pedal hard. The travel documents provided were also excellently prepared and a great source of information about the route and highlights along the way. We will have very fond memories of the long tour around Lake Constance for a long time to come.
