On the continuously signposted cycle path you can discover the lake in several stages. The majority of the route is created on a very well-maintained path. It is recommended to ride in clockwise direction, so as to ride directly on the lakeside. In order to ride it all around, a timetable has to be planned: so as to include some highlights on the way and having some rest. For the entire route of 270 km, it is recommended to plan a trip from four to seven days. Thanks to its well-maintenance, the route is appropriate for both beginners and families.
Directions
Stage 1: from Constance to Stein am Rhein (45 km)
Starting from Constance you ride forward the nature reserve Wollmatinger Ried in the direction of Reichenau Island, which in 2001 was declared UNESCO world heritage site. A must-see here is the historic convent, before coming back to the mainland and continuing to Radolfzell. The path continues toward the peninsula Höri in Gaienhofen. The writer Hermann Hesse lived here from 1904 to 1912. You continue through Hemmenhofen and across the Swiss border to Stein am Rhein, with a small picturesque old town.
Stage 2: from Stein am Rhein to Constance (30 km)
Before heading back to Constance, a visit to Werd Island is worth a visit. Here there still is an inhabited Franciscan monk’s convent. The large part of the route develops along the lake, even if sometimes you have to divert to the main road. The last Swiss city is Gottlieben. The former fishing village fascinates visitors with its bishop´s fort and the 17˚ century Drachenburg.
Stage 3: from Constance to Überlingen (45 km)
On from Constance the cycle route goes on to Mainau Island, which with its garden always worth a visit. Then continue to Wallhausen, Bodman-Ludwigshafen and Sipplingen until Überlingen. Here you can come across the lake´s biggest gothic cathedral.
Stage 4: from Überlingen to Friedrichshafen (30 km)
Passing by the pilgrimage church Birnau and the idyllic vines you can reach Uhldingen, where are located the lake dwellings. The next stop is the well-preserved old town Meersburg with the old and new castle. Continuing through the wine-home town Hagnau and Immenstaad you arrive in Friedrichshafen, dirigible Zeppelin´s home-town, now located in Zeppelinmuseum.
Stage 5: from Friedrichshafen to Bregenz (35 km)
In Langernargen you can ride across the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge´s original model to the Bavarian city of Lindau, whose old town is located on an island. Going across the Austrian border you get to Bregenz. Continuing along the lakeside you can reach the big festival stage on the water, which in summer opens its doors to music enthusiasts.
Stage 6: from Bregenz to Aarbon (35 km)
Leaving Bregenz behind, you continue to the Rhine delta. In Hard you ride across a bridge, whose river comes from the Alps and flows into Lake Constance. Riding across the border in Gaißau you enter again into Siwss territory. In Altenrhein the artist Hundertwasser left its mark, building the market hall. On from the town, the route heads to Rorschach, Steinach and Arbon.
Stage 7: from Arbon to Constance (30 km)
Starting from Romanshorn you ride forward Kreuzlingen, pass the border and get to Constance.
