Few cycling routes in Europe pack as much into a single week as the loop around Lake Constance. Known in German as the Bodensee, it is shared by Austria, Germany and Switzerland, and its shoreline is ringed by a signposted cycle path that rarely leaves the water's edge. In one day you can breakfast in Bregenz, lunch on the German shore and finish with a glass of wine in a Swiss harbour town. Flat paths, short ferry crossings and a backdrop of Alpine peaks make it one of the easiest and most rewarding multi-country rides on the continent.
This guide brings together all seven Lake Constance tours in our catalogue, starting from Bregenz in Austria or Friedrichshafen in Germany and crossing into Switzerland on every route. They range from six-day short loops to a nine-day leisurely circuit with a rest day.
Why Cycle Lake Constance?
Three countries, one lake. The Bodensee loop crosses Austria, Germany and Switzerland, each with its own food, architecture and wine. You change country several times, usually without noticing a border.
Flat and family-friendly. The lakeside path is almost level all the way round, with dedicated cycle lanes and quiet roads. It is one of Europe's classic first cycling holidays and a favourite with families.
Short distances, big variety. Medieval towns, island gardens, vineyards, nature reserves and one of Europe's great waterfalls all lie within a day's ride of each other.
Boats as shortcuts. Regular ferries cross the lake, so tours can skip sections, shorten a day or add a scenic crossing such as Konstanz to Meersburg.
The Highlights of the Bodensee Loop
Bregenz
The Austrian start of most of our tours, at the eastern tip of the lake. Its famous floating stage hosts the Bregenz Festival every summer.
Lindau
An island town on the German shore, connected to the mainland by a causeway, with a lighthouse and a stone lion guarding the harbour.
Meersburg and the German Shore
Vineyards climb above the lake on the north shore. Meersburg's castle and steep old town are a highlight, and the wine village of Hagnau is a classic tasting stop.
Mainau and Reichenau
Mainau is the flower island, a garden of palms, roses and butterfly houses. Reichenau, a UNESCO-listed island of monasteries and market gardens, sits in the western arm of the lake.
Stein am Rhein and the Rhine Falls
Where the Rhine leaves the lake, the Swiss town of Stein am Rhein is famous for its painted medieval facades. A little further downstream, the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen are the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and several of our tours include a boat trip to the foot of the falls.
The Höri Peninsula and the Untersee
The quieter western end of the lake, with reed beds, nature reserves and small fishing villages. A boat ride on the Untersee is included on some itineraries.
Lake Constance Tours Compared
Short Loops (6 days)
Two six-day loops cover the essentials in a long week. The Short Tour from Bregenz is around 140 km, using ferries to keep the days short, with Mainau and a scenic crossing included. The Short Tour from Friedrichshafen starts on the German shore and rides further, around 230 km, past Bregenz, the Höri peninsula, Stein am Rhein and Reichenau.
Family Tour (6 days)
The Lake Constance Family Tour covers about 140 km in six days on flat lakeside paths, with daily distances designed for children. It is one of the best family cycling holidays in Europe; for more ideas, see our guide to the best bike paths in Europe for families.
The Most Beautiful from Bregenz (7 days)
The full loop in six nights, around 240 km, taking in Stein am Rhein, a day trip to the Rhine Falls, Mainau, Lindau and the Konstanz–Meersburg ferry. Breakfast is included, with an optional half-board upgrade.
Classic from Bregenz (8 days)
A complete circuit of around 280 km over eight days, past the Bregenz Festival stage, Stein am Rhein, the Rhine Falls and Meersburg, with luggage transfer between hotels each day.
Leisure from Bregenz (9 days)
The slowest way round: eight nights and about 295 km, with a rest day in Konstanz, a boat trip beneath the Rhine Falls and handpicked 3- and 4-star hotels. Ideal if you want to linger.
Lake Constance Delight: Top Class (8 days)
The premium version: around 227 km in eight days, mostly in 4-star hotels, with a Rhine Falls boat trip, an Untersee boat ride, a regional speciality dinner and a wine tasting in Hagnau included.
How to Choose Your Lake Constance Tour
Short on time? The six-day loops from Bregenz or Friedrichshafen. Travelling with children? The Family Tour. First full circuit? The Most Beautiful or the Classic. Want to take it slowly? Leisure, with its rest day. Comfort first? Lake Constance Delight.
All seven tours are self-guided, with luggage transfer, maps and GPS tracks, and trekking bikes or e-bikes available. Bregenz is easy to reach by train from Zurich, Munich or Innsbruck; Friedrichshafen has its own regional airport.
When to Go
The season runs from spring to early autumn. May and June bring flowering orchards and gardens on Mainau; July and August are warm enough for swimming in the lake and coincide with the Bregenz Festival; September is calm, golden and the start of the grape harvest on the German shore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Lake Constance cycle route?
The full loop around the lake is around 260 km. Our tours range from about 140 km, using ferries to shorten some sections, to about 295 km including detours to the Rhine Falls.
Is Lake Constance suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is one of the flattest and best-signposted multi-day routes in Europe, ideal for first-time cycle tourists and families.
Do I need a passport?
Austria and Germany are in the EU and Switzerland is in the Schengen area, so there are no routine border checks, but you should carry a valid ID or passport. Switzerland uses the Swiss franc.
Bregenz or Friedrichshafen: where should I start?
Most of our tours start in Bregenz, which is easy to reach by train. Friedrichshafen suits riders arriving by air or from southern Germany.
Can I combine Lake Constance with another route?
Yes. The lake sits at the start of the Rhine Cycle Route and close to the Alpine routes of Bavaria and Austria. See our guide to cycling in Germany and our Rhine family guide for ideas.
Ready to Ride the Bodensee?
Three countries, one flat lakeside path and some of the most beautiful towns in Central Europe: Lake Constance is a near-perfect cycling week. Compare dates on our Switzerland, Austria and Germany pages, or browse the full tour catalogue.
