Trip code: C07LC 4.9 (26 reviews)
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Flights
available
10.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
Bordered by the majestic Alpine peaks of Germany, Switzerland and Austria, the turquoise shoreline and pebbly beaches of Lake Constance are shared between three countries. As Central Europe's third largest lake, cycling around the lake is special in that you visit all three countries in a week.
Hosting a huge 270km lakeside cycling path, it's a beautifully flat journey from one country to the next, where you'll take in the sights and scents of cherry orchards, wildflower fields and daisy-strewn meadows.
Cross the mighty Rhine Delta that straddles the border between Austria and Switzerland and encounter wonderful wildlife, including kingfishers hidden in the reeds. Take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters during stop-offs, visit half-timbered frescoed towns for lunch (kretzer (perch) and zander (pike-perch) are Konstanz specialities), and then admire the myriad of Baroque churches and Gothic cathedrals.
Brimming with historical and cultural highlights, jump off your bike to visit fairytale Meersburg boasting twin castles, steep streets and vine-covered hillsides. Get a true taste of Germany when cycling through the Bavarian vineyards - local Muller-Thurgau wines come from Riesling and Silvaner grapes for which Lake Constance is famous. For chocolate-lovers, mediaeval Stein am Rhein boasts an array of lovely chocolate shops, and you can visit the 11th century monastery while you're there.
During the week you'll stay in an old coaching inn, a riverside hotel that used to be a 15th century customs warehouse, and a luxury lakeside mansion - including two nights in Konstanz and two nights in Bregenz.
After arriving at your hotel, a historic coaching inn, in the centre of Bregenz, you can explore the ancient cobbled streets of the old town before dinner.
Today you'll cycle west along Lake Constance's southern shore before crossing the mighty Rhine delta that straddles the border between Austria and Switzerland. It's an area of great natural beauty and a refuge for wildlife - be sure to keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers in the reeds. Your final stretch takes you around the lake to historic Arbon where you'll find pretty half-timbered houses and a 16th century castle.
There are two routes today - if opting for the shorter route you can take the train to Guettingen this morning. Otherwise, you'll pedal clockwise around the lake and pass waterfront villages affording lots of panoramic sun terraces for coffee stops and lunch. In the afternoon, you coast effortlessly between sleepy harbours before arriving in medieval Stein am Rhein.
After freewheeling east this morning, you'll soon cross the border to enter Germany. In the Hornstaad Nature Reserve you may spot cormorant and red-crested pochard. Cycling along the Gnadensee you'll soon reach the UNESCO Heritage Site of Klosterinsel Reichenau, the first populated area on Lake Constance and home to an impressive 8th century Benedictine abbey. It's then on to the unofficial regional capital, Konstanz.
Today you can spend the day exploring the narrow streets of Konstanz: visit the Altstadt, Munster and the lively centre crammed with quirky shops and museums. Alternatively, you can hop on a boat (payable locally) to visit Mainau Island's palace and landscaped rose gardens. If you take your bike, you can pedal back at leisure along traffic-free lakeside cycle paths.
Pedal through oak forest this morning to catch the 15-minute ferry ride (included) to fairytale Meersburg - built on a steep vineyard right by the lake, it boasts twin castles and many museums. It's a perfect place to stop for lunch! Then, pedalling south, it's a gentle cycle into Friedrichshafen.
Today you head to lovely Lindau, a stunning island village surrounded by cobalt blue waters with long-distance views of razor-edged peaks across the lake. En route you cycle past the pretty village of Langenargen and through peaceful vineyards and cherry orchards. After lunching in an idyllic setting near the lake, a final push alongside the lake takes you back down to Bregenz. Time permitting, you could take the cable car up Pfander mountain (1,064m), for a fantastic vista of your entire route, giving you a real sense of achievement!
Please note that cycling helmets are compulsory in Austria for all customers under 12yrs. As we are unable to provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.
Please see our Planning you holiday page for full details.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £335.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
Twin-bedded rooms in Austrian resorts are normally one large base with two mattresses/duvets. These are also known as 'Austrian Twins' and are regarded as two beds. Separate twin beds are rare and cannot be guaranteed as available.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Zurich airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Flights
available
10.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
