Travel report: The Danube-Lake Constance cycle path for sporty cyclists
From our guests Birgit and Andreas
The Danube-Lake Constance Cycle Route for Sporty People
This summer of 2022, we made a snap decision to take the Danube-Lake Constance Cycle Route for Sporty People. As we didn't have such a long journey, we took our own bikes with us this year. In previous years, as we traveled by train, we rented bikes from Radweg-Reisen, which are highly recommended.
We parked our car in the Radweg-Reisen parking lot in Constance and were greeted very warmly by a member of staff, who also offered us coffee, water and ice cream to get us in the mood for our vacation. A really great start to our vacation. She then took us straight to the parking lot.
As we were already in Constance in the early afternoon, we immediately cycled to and across the island of Reichenau. It was incredible, but the shores of Lake Constance in this part looked like a mudflat due to the lack of water and the heat of the last few weeks
1st day of cycling: Constance - Bad Saulgau
Freshly fortified, we took the ferry to Meersburg after breakfast in bright sunshine. A great start to the vacation when it begins with a boat trip. We then continued on the Oberschwaben-Allgäu trail through impressive moorland and reed areas up to Bad Saulgau. Steep climbs and brisk descents alternated, but the great views of the surrounding area were worth having cycled over 100 kilometers on this day.
2nd and 3rd day of cycling: Bad Saulgau - Ulm
Once again, we had around 100 kilometers ahead of us. Along the young Danube and the rewarding tour via the Blautopf to Blaubeuren, it was a very interesting and varied day. In particular, the section along the Blau through a narrow valley encouraged us to take frequent breaks and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Ulm is a city that has a lot to offer, a great old town, fishermen's quarter, cathedral, etc. Our hotel was right in the old town, it couldn't have been better. We also received very courteous service at the Hotel am Rathaus in Ulm.
We then booked an extra night in Ulm and as we already knew Ulm, we spontaneously cycled along the Danube to Günzburg the next day. We were very impressed by this town and its atmosphere. We even found a souvenir for our grandson in a very nice and friendly little store, which was lovingly wrapped by the owner. Really nice.
4th day of cycling: Ulm - Bad Wurzach
We were almost alone for most of the tour. The area is so diverse and varied that it was always worth taking a detour here and there and simply enjoying the view into the distance.
On arrival in Bad Wurzach, we then cycled to the high moor and hiked through the unique nature reserve. Pure nature and secluded spots right by the Riedsee. Afterwards, we enjoyed a cozy dinner at the Adler, where we were also very well accommodated.
5th day of cycling: Bad Wurzach - Wangen im Allgäu
The route continued hilly in the morning. The detour via Zeil Castle was worth it, the magnificent view of the Alps from the highest point of this tour, the great descent to Leutkirch and on to Isny. Wangen in the Allgäu is always worth a visit, this beautiful little town, lively and yet quiet, here you can really relax after this somewhat strenuous tour. A leisurely break and delicious ice cream are always part of the experience.
6th day of cycling: Wangen im Allgäu - Bregenz
The next day took us through a hop-growing region that will make any beer drinker's heart beat faster. Kilometers of hops and then down to Lake Constance through an extensive fruit-growing area. A contrast that could not be more beautiful. After this somewhat deserted tour, the area around Lindau was a stark contrast. Crowded streets and alleyways, pure life here. But Lake Constance had us back and so we continued along the lake to Bregenz. A great hotel right next to the Pfänder valley station awaited us here. Today was the first time it was cloudy or thundery, so we didn't cycle up the Pfänder but took the train and chose the footpath back. However, this is very steep and stony in places and should only be chosen with good shoes and a good level of fitness. The first thunderstorms fell in the evening, which prompted us to enjoy a leisurely dinner.
7th - 9th days of cycling: Bregenz - Constance
We started the last stage in sunshine again. We cycled through a very beautiful area through the Harder Ried and along the Swiss shore of Lake Constance, past the Würth Museum in Rorschach, which is well worth seeing, via Kreuzlingen back to Constance. A view across Lake Constance showed white sailing ships and the view back to Bregenz and the hinterland we had cycled through.
We stayed in Constance for two more days and cycled back to Constance on the first day via Stein am Rhein - well worth seeing the beautiful old facades and houses - and the Höri peninsula and Radolfzell, before cycling a longer loop across the Bodanrück on the last day. And all this in summer temperatures.
All in all, we cycled 850 kilometers in the nine days, in the best weather. A wonderful tour for ambitious cyclists who want to escape the daily grind and seek peace and relaxation. We recommend this tour with an e-bike, as you should also enjoy the area and take breaks.
As in previous years, the tour was very well organized, the luggage transport was superbly arranged and the accommodation was excellent. A big compliment to Radweg-Reisen and see you next time.
Birgit and Andreas
