Bike tour around Lake Constance – Germany, Switzerland and Austria

Day 1Arrival Day Überlingen

Welcome to Überlingen and beautiful Lake Constance! This charming German town is located right on the lakeshore, featuring a pleasant lakeside promenade, historic buildings, and small streets just waiting to be discovered.

If you have time after arriving, we recommend a stroll through the old town. Überlingen has roots dating back to the Middle Ages, and much of the historic architecture is well preserved. Around the lively Hofstatt square, you will find, among other things, the old town hall, while the impressive St. Nicholas Cathedral is located nearby. Feel free to step inside – here you will find beautiful wood carvings by the artist Jörg Zürn.

Perhaps you fancy a coffee or something delicious to eat along the waterfront? A wonderful way to start your holiday before the bike tour begins tomorrow!

Hotel check-in is from 3:00 PM.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

Day 2Überlingen - Salem

Finally, it's time for the first day on the bike! From Überlingen, you follow gently undulating cycle paths with stunning views of Lake Constance on your way towards the beautiful Birnau Church. This impressive rococo church is perched high above the lake, surrounded by vineyards, and is one of the area's most famous landmarks.

The tour continues to Meersburg, one of the most charming medieval towns along Lake Constance. Here, narrow cobblestone streets climb between colourful houses and cosy small squares, while the historic Meersburg Castle towers over the town. A perfect spot for a coffee break or a lovely lunch!

The journey continues away from the lake and into the green landscape surrounding Salem. You cycle through fields, forests, and meadows, passing characteristic rounded hills formed during the Ice Age. Portions of the route follow the historic Prälatenweg (Prelate's Trail), which was previously used by the monks travelling between Salem Monastery and the church in Birnau.

In Salem, you will find the impressive former Cistercian monastery, known today as Salem Castle (Schloss Salem). Here, both beautiful architecture and centuries of history await.

Accommodation in Salem

You will stay at Gasthof Schwanen *** by Salem Castle, or similar. The historic building dates back to 1665 and was formerly connected to the monastery. The accommodation here is relatively simple, but filled with a very special atmosphere and historic charm.

Practical Information

Luggage must be dropped off at the hotel reception before 09:00 AM every morning. Please inform them that it is to be collected by Bodensee Cycle Route Service.

If you have pre-booked a rental bike, it will be delivered to the hotel by 09:30 AM this morning.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

Day 3Salem - Lindau

Today, a varied cycling stage awaits through green hills, small villages, and lush agricultural landscapes, before you meet the beautiful Lake Constance once again!

From Salem, you first cycle towards Markdorf, about 10 km away. The tour then continues along quiet country lanes through forests and open countryside, offering ever-changing views along the way.

Gradually, the route leads down towards the lake and the charming peninsula of Wasserburg. Here, historic buildings sit close to the water, with the characteristic onion dome of St. George's Church as a well-known landmark. A lovely place to stop for a coffee or a short break by the waterfront!

From Wasserburg, you follow a traffic-free cycle route onwards to Lindau, where today's stage ends at the picturesque harbour. Here you are greeted by the iconic lighthouse and the Bavarian Lion guarding the harbour entrance – one of Lake Constance's most photographed sights.

Feel free to take a stroll along the waterfront in the evening. Lindau features a charming old town with pleasant restaurants, and the view across the lake makes this a wonderful place to end the day.

Accommodation in Lindau

You will stay at Lindauer Hof **** or similar, with a prime location by the harbour. The hotel's restaurant overlooking the lake is a great option for tonight's dinner.

Practical Information

If you prefer a shorter cycling stage, you can take the train from Salem to Markdorf and start your bike ride there. The train ticket is not included in the price.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

Day 4Lindau - St. Gallen

Three countries in one day! Today, you cycle from Germany, through Austria, and on into Switzerland. A varied stage featuring beautiful nature, excellent cycle paths, and constantly shifting scenery!

You may want to take one last stroll through Lindau's charming medieval streets before heading towards Bregenz in Austria. The cycle route follows Lake Constance, offering lovely views across the water, before continuing along the Bregenzer Ache river and on towards the nature reserves at Rohrspitz.

After crossing the border into Switzerland, you arrive in Rheineck, where the landscape gradually changes character. From here, the journey continues towards St. Gallen, a historic Swiss city known for its beautiful old town and impressive abbey district.

The final part of the stage features a steady, gentle ascent over approximately 22 km. A bit of extra pedalling, but all the more rewarding when you arrive at today's accommodation!

Practical Information

Remember to bring your passport, as you will be crossing national borders between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Your luggage must be unlocked on this day, as it will be transported across the border into Switzerland and must be accessible for customs inspections.

If you wish to avoid the climb up to St. Gallen, you can take the train from Rheineck. The train ticket is not included, and in Switzerland you must also purchase a separate ticket for your bicycle. From the railway station in St. Gallen, it is approximately a five-minute cycle ride to the hotel.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

Day 5St. Gallen - Gottlieben

Feel free to start the day with a short walk through historic St. Gallen! The city has been an important cultural centre since the Middle Ages, and right in the heart of the old town lies the impressive Abbey Precinct, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you will find both the beautiful baroque cathedral and the famous Abbey Library, which are well worth a visit.

Once you get on your bike, a few uphill stretches await before the route gradually descends through the green Swiss countryside towards Lake Constance. Fortunately, this stage features more downhill than uphill riding, providing plenty of opportunity to enjoy both the views and the cycling!

Today's destination is Gottlieben, a small and charming village on the Untersee, the western part of Lake Constance. Here you will encounter beautiful timber-framed houses, narrow streets, and a tranquil atmosphere by the water. A wonderful spot to unwind after today's ride.

Accommodation in Gottlieben

You will stay at Hotel Die Krone *** or similar.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

Day 6Gottlieben - Überlingen

The final day on the bike! Today, the tour around Lake Constance concludes with a wonderful stage back to Überlingen. Along the way, you can choose between two different routes – a shorter option via Konstanz, or a longer ride that includes a visit to the beautiful monastic island of Reichenau.

Option 1: Via Konstanz and Wallhausen

From Gottlieben, you cycle back across the border into Germany and continue through historic Konstanz. Here, you are welcome to take a stroll through the old town or enjoy a coffee by the lake before continuing.

The ride continues through pleasant residential areas and along scenic cycle paths towards Wallhausen. From here, you take the ferry across Lake Constance to Überlingen, where the cycling tour comes to an end.

If you follow the suggested schedule, you can be back in Überlingen at around 1:35 PM.

Option 2: Via the Monastic Island of Reichenau

Would you like to take in one more great experience before heading home? Then you can choose the route via Reichenau, a lush and green island known for its historic monastery churches and beautiful cultural landscape.

The boat to Reichenau departs from a location close to the hotel, and the crossing takes approx. 34 minutes (not included). On the island, we recommend a cycling tour visiting the three Romanesque churches, which are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This option takes at least two hours longer than the shortest route. After a pleasant lunch break in Konstanz, you take the ferry back to Überlingen. In the original itinerary, departure is scheduled for 4:12 PM, arriving at 4:42 PM. Ferry times must be verified prior to departure.

Practical Information Regarding Departure

Your luggage must be unlocked on this day, as it will be transported across the border between Switzerland and the EU and may be inspected by customs authorities.

From the harbour in Überlingen, it is approximately 2.3 km and 90 metres of elevation gain up to the hotel, where your luggage will be delivered and any parked car or pre-booked transfer awaits.

Luggage is delivered by 6:00 PM. Since you will also be cycling on your departure day, we recommend considering an extra night in Überlingen, especially if you choose the longer route via Reichenau.

Lunch and dinner on your own (not included).

The itinerary is preliminary; changes may occur. Expa Travel reserves the right to correct any typographical errors, as well as changes in currency exchange rates and/or prices.