Travel report: Around Lake Constance
From our guests Doris, Hermann, Sieglinde and Karl
In May 2019, the small group set off from Constance on their cycle tour around Lake Constance. They enjoyed the tour in four stages through three countries and were able to explore some beautiful places along the way. And they loved the idea of planning an extra day in Constance for the island of Mainau!
Show more Show lessYes - we have, as you can see for yourself below!
Individual arrival
Nothing could go wrong! Equipped with excellent travel documents from RADWEG-REISEN, we were ready to set off. After a final check to make sure the bikes were securely mounted, we set off for Konstanz-Litzelstetten to the Hotel Volapük - beautifully situated near the island of Mainau. We were able to park our cars in the underground garage until we returned from our bike tour. We felt very welcome and enjoyed a good meal in the hotel's own restaurant in the evening.
Show more Show lessStage 1: Constance - Stein am Rhein - Radolfzell (approx. 70 km)
After a hearty breakfast buffet, we set off on the first stage of our tour around Lake Constance in sunny, rather cool weather. We crossed a bridge over the Rhine in Constance and shortly afterwards passed the easily recognizable border crossing into Switzerland. Passing numerous orchards along Lake Constance - nestled in a beautiful landscape - we reached Stein am Rhein in Switzerland at around 1.00 pm.
Show more Show lessAccording to the travel guide's recommendation, the numerous artistic facade paintings on the restored town houses in the old town and the St. Georgen monastery are well worth seeing.
Our tour continued to Radolfzell. After 70 km, we reached the Hotel Garni Zur Schmiede near the train station with nice rooms and secure storage for our bikes at around 4.00 pm. We strolled through the beautiful town center of the spa town and visited the local church: the Minster of Our Lady. From the numerous restaurants, we chose the Zum Kreuz restaurant. Not only here on the Lower Rhine, but also on Lake Constance, they serve delicious asparagus dishes.
Show more Show lessStage 2: Radolfzell - Friedrichshafen (approx. 60 km)
After another sumptuous breakfast buffet, we prepared for the onward journey to Friedrichhafen. The sun was shining, but it was quite chilly again. The baggage collector who had just arrived at the hotel had already warned us:
"I'll be there before you anyway. It's pretty chilly today. You'd better ride without a battery!"
Smiling, we got on our bikes.
Show more Show lessGorgeous scenery along Lake Constance in the direction of Ludwigshafen awaited us. The promenade there invited us to take a champagne break in the glorious sunshine.
We continued to the spa town of Überlingen, which was adorned by a promenade with numerous beautiful flowerbeds.
Both the beautifully situated Birnau monastery church and the famous pile dwellings in Uhldingen continued to be admired.
Around 4 p.m. (after approx. 60 km) we reached the city of Friedrichshafen, which is characterized by the name Zeppelin in many places. The somewhat older hotel was family-run and cozy, and the hospitality in the hotel was also very good. The accommodation for our bikes was not quite secure, but at least it was dry.
Stage 3: Friedrichshafen - Höchst (approx. 60 km)
It was only six degrees that morning. It was a good thing that we had all packed our gloves in our luggage at the last minute. The ice saints also lived up to their name here on Lake Constance. However, as every day so far, the sun was shining. We now enjoyed a beautiful route from Friedrichshafen to the idyllic island of Lindau. Warming up in the island town of Lindau with a tour of the town and harbor was now on the agenda.
Show more Show lessNow we continued on beautiful paths towards Bregenz, with Lake Constance almost always in sight. In Bregenz, a visit to the lake stage for the Bregenz Festival, which had already been prepared for the performance of Rigoletto, was of course a must.
The destination of the day was now the small town of Höchst. We reached our destination after around 60 km and spent the night at the Sporthotel Garni Krenn. The bikes could be parked safely, the farmhouse rooms were cozy and the restaurant recommended to us was also rustic. The son of the hotel gave us a quick course in distilling schnapps - of course we had to try the hotel's own brandy.
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Another stop at a café in Romanshorn in Switzerland was a must, we were amused by the Swiss dialect of the waitress.
At 3 p.m. we reached Constance again and our Hotel Volapük (after approx. 50 km). The successful and eventful circumnavigation of Lake Constance without a flat tire or any other unpleasant surprises had to be celebrated. We had now earned a refreshing Aperol.
Additional day: Excursion to Mainau Island
We dedicated this additionally booked day to the island of Mainau. Today the weather spoiled us - what a glorious summer's day with 20 degrees! We cycled to the parking spaces for buses, cars and bikes in front of the island. From there, we continued on foot over the bridge.
Show more Show lessA variety of trees, plants (flowering and non-flowering), herbs and much more could be admired and you couldn't get enough of it. The weather was fantastic and we sat down in the garden of the Schwedenschenke and indulged ourselves with beer and delicious drinks. We then continued our walk to the castle with its beautiful attractions (church, palm house, rose gardens,...).
We spent the last evening on the terrace of our Hotel Volapük with cold drinks and good food.
The entire organization regarding the overnight locations, hotels with friendly staff everywhere, smooth luggage transport, reasonable mileage and much more was perfect. We were thrilled! Next year we will book the trip from Passau to Vienna.
THANK YOU very much to the entire team at RADWEG-REISEN
