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Austria: Lake Constance

Highlights of Lake Constance by bike

Trip code: C07LC

Average customer rating 4.9 / 5(34 verified reviews)

Self-Guided Cycling
7 nights hotel-to-hotel
Steady
Flights available
CO₂ rating 1/5
Headwater Navigation app

Trip highlights

Flat and flexible cycling along beautiful lakeside paths, wildflower fields, vineyards and cherry orchards

Historical and cultural: Baroque churches, Gothic cathedrals, fairytale palaces, romantic castles

Postcard-pretty villages, half-timbered, frescoed towns, cafe-lined waterfronts and stunning mountain views

Wonderful flora and fauna en route, including kingfishers, cormorants and red-crested pochards.

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Trip details

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.

What's included

Included

  • 7 nights in 3-star and 4-star accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Ferry ticket from Staad to Meersburg

Not included

  • Flights
  • Local taxes/fees
  • Travel insurance

Your bike

Hand-picked for the route, hire included

Kalkhoff or Schauff, Custom Made or equivalent. Your bike hire is included in the price of your holiday and comes equipped with the relevant essentials, plus rear pannier.

Travel options

Flights and rail

Our air-rail prices include standard flights, onward rail and station transfers.

Transfers

Transfers from and to Bregenz train station (pay locally, allow approx 5 euros each way).

Itinerary

Route map, with each night's stop marked
The full route, night by night. Select the map to view it full screen.

Day 1 · —Arrive in Bregenz

Arrive 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.

You stay at Hotel Weisses Kreuz

HOTEL WEISSES KREUZ, BREGENZ (4 STAR)
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Hotel Weisses Kreuz

Bregenz

  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Wifi access

The Hotel Weisses Kreuz is an old coaching inn, and it’s central location makes it perfect for exploring Bregenz; it is only a couple of blocks from the lakeside and about a 5-minute walk from Bregenz station. Bregenz is on the eastern shore of Lake Constance, close to the ‘four-border corner’ with Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The building has been impressively modernised in the last few years – bedrooms are spacious and light with dark carpets, light wooden furniture and big windows onto the street at the front or onto courtyard and the old town at the back.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 2 · 41km/25.5miBregenz to Arbon

Bregenz to Arbon

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.

Elevation

Bregenz to Arbon elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Seegarten

Hotel Seegarten Arbon
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Hotel Seegarten

Arbon

  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Wifi access

The 42 room Hotel Seegarten is on the outskirts of Arbon set amid large gardens and fields. It is a short 5 minute cycle to the marina and the centre of the village, and very close to the Arbon Strandbad – the waterfront swimming area that serves the village.

The rooms have been furnished in a simple but modern style, with neutral colours and each of the modern rooms are equipped with direct dial telephones and televisions.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 3 · 57km/35.4miArbon to Stein am Rhein

Arbon to Stein am Rhein

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.

Elevation

Arbon to Stein am Rhein elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Rheinfels

Hotel Rheinfels, Stein am Rhein
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Hotel Rheinfels

Stein am Rhein

  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Wifi access

Historically, this family-run hotel dates back to the 15th century and was originally a customs warehouse for goods such as salt being transported up and down the Rhine River. It was also a guild house. The hotel is located right on the River Rhine at the north end of the bridge in Stein am Rhein.

There are 16 spacious and light rooms with ensuite bathrooms with bathtub and/or shower, WC, hairdryer, minibar, TV, radio alarm clock, free Wi-Fi within the hotel, direct dial telephone, safe and a unique view of the Rhine. The restaurant offers traditional cuisine using fresh seasonal ingredients. There is a terrace with fabulous views over the river. The restaurant is closed on Wednesdays (excluding during July & August). The hotel also has a boat for trips up the river and onto the lake – the MS St Georg, that seats up to 60 passengers.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 4 · 45km/28.0miStein am Rhein to Konstanz

Stein am Rhein to Konstanz

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.

Elevation

Stein am Rhein to Konstanz elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Halm

HOTEL HALM, KONSTANZ (4 STAR)
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Hotel Halm

Konstanz

  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Wifi access

The Hotel Halm in Konstanz is a grand central hotel separated from the waterfront by the railway station, so you can shorten the cycling on this day, as the train will drop you at the front door!

It is an impressive historic building with views from many of the rooms out over the lake, and it is located right in the heart of the town, which is why dinner has been left up to you in Konstanz – the town is full of restaurants and cafes squirreled away down cobbled streets as well as along the waterfront by the harbour, so it is a pleasant place to stroll around before and after a meal out.

The interior is impressive – there is a grand reception area and bar, and a rather incongruous Moroccan style dining room with very high ceilings which is rather unusual, but very lovely nonetheless.

Bedrooms upstairs are light and modern, and the breakfast here is a feast fit for a king!

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 5 · —At Konstanz

At 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.

You stay at Hotel Halm

HOTEL HALM, KONSTANZ (4 STAR)
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Hotel Halm

Konstanz

  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Wifi access

The Hotel Halm in Konstanz is a grand central hotel separated from the waterfront by the railway station, so you can shorten the cycling on this day, as the train will drop you at the front door!

It is an impressive historic building with views from many of the rooms out over the lake, and it is located right in the heart of the town, which is why dinner has been left up to you in Konstanz – the town is full of restaurants and cafes squirreled away down cobbled streets as well as along the waterfront by the harbour, so it is a pleasant place to stroll around before and after a meal out.

The interior is impressive – there is a grand reception area and bar, and a rather incongruous Moroccan style dining room with very high ceilings which is rather unusual, but very lovely nonetheless.

Bedrooms upstairs are light and modern, and the breakfast here is a feast fit for a king!

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 6 · 28km/17.4miKonstanz to Friedrichshafen

Konstanz to Friedrichshafen

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.

Elevation

Konstanz to Friedrichshafen elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Buchhorner Hof

HOTEL BUCHHORNER HOF, FRIEDRICHSHAFEN (4 STAR)
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Hotel Buchhorner Hof

Friedrichshafen

  • American Express
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Wifi access

The Hotel Buchhornerhof is located overlooking the waterfront, on the road leading into the town centre – ideally situated for a stroll. It is a traditional building with a turret on the corner, and lots of attractive window boxes filled with flowers. Inside it retains a traditional charm, with wood panelled walls, stuffed animals on the walls, stained glass windows and snug corners with leather sofas where you can relax with a drink from the attractive horseshoe shaped bar.

The bedrooms here are light and modern and equipped with all the mod cons you would expect in a 4 star hotel.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 7 · 38km/23.6miFriedrichshafen to Bregenz

Friedrichshafen to Bregenz

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!

Elevation

Friedrichshafen to Bregenz elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Weisses Kreuz

HOTEL WEISSES KREUZ, BREGENZ (4 STAR)
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Hotel Weisses Kreuz

Bregenz

  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Wifi access

The Hotel Weisses Kreuz is an old coaching inn, and it’s central location makes it perfect for exploring Bregenz; it is only a couple of blocks from the lakeside and about a 5-minute walk from Bregenz station. Bregenz is on the eastern shore of Lake Constance, close to the ‘four-border corner’ with Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The building has been impressively modernised in the last few years – bedrooms are spacious and light with dark carpets, light wooden furniture and big windows onto the street at the front or onto courtyard and the old town at the back.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Day 8 · —Leave Bregenz

Leave Bregenz

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.

What our travellers say

An excellent cycling holiday for those who enjoy fine scenery and want to avoid demanding gradients

Mr Butler

an excellent location for an easy cycling holiday with many options to vary the length of the cycling day due to the number of stations close to the route.

Mr Reynolds

Beautiful lake with some great cycles – different scenery every day. Perfect iced coffees and strawberries for sale on the way.

Ms Clarkson

A very good holiday package around a great lake for cycling.

Mr Hill

Great way to explore a region little visited by Brits. Despite no Headwater rep and notes which show their age (and accuracy) the maps and general set up for cycling made this a great holiday.

Mrs Stevenson

We had a fantastic holiday. We were particularly impressed by the company that provided the bikes as they went out of their way to make sure everything was perfect and that we were happy with the bikes before we set off.

Mrs Watkinson

An excellent week cycling round Lake Constance. The route took in many villages and towns with opportunities for sightseeing and refreshments. The lakeside sections provided beautiful views and lots of picnic opportunities. The cycling was not difficult and the distances each day allowed for leisurely cycling with lots of breaks. On the shortest day there was plenty to see en route so we did not arrive at our destination too early. The directions were clear and easy to follow. We had been warned that it is busy in August and certainly at the weekend especially the route was well used but it never felt over crowded and in many ways this added to the atmosphere. For anyone who does not like cycling on roads this trip is ideal, the majority was on dedicated cycle paths and the short sections that were on roads usually had a dedicated lane. We also found that motorists were much more considerate of cyclists than we are used to! The hotels were all good with individual charms, the quality of the food was very good and we enjoyed every meal and not having to find restaurants in unfamiliar places every day. This is one of few holidays we have said we would consider doing again as there is so much more we could explore.

Mrs Turner

Most enjoyable, lovely scenery, excellent cycle paths, perfect bikes and very good hotels.

Mr Cadman

Enjoyable safe cycling along mainly dedicated cycle tracks through some beautiful countryside. Everything ran very smoothly – with our luggage generally waiting for us when we arrived at our hotel. The hotels were all very pleasant and the breakfasts were plentiful with a focus on fresh local ingredients. The hotel staff were pleasant and helpful and all spoke good English (whilst also humouring our attempts to speak German) The arrangements for picking up our bikes were straightforward and the bikes were comfortable and well maintained. The route is extremely well sign posted and once we realised this on the first morning we stopped trying to use the overly complicated/excessively detailed notes provided by Headwater.

Mrs Monkhouse

Excellent week spent round lake Konstanz. Plenty of places to stop off for swimming, mini golf, food and drink and even fishing. Stunning scenery, great accommodation. Would recommend b&b only as plenty of places to eat out but if you did want to eat in hotel book ahead. Bikes were excellent quality .
If I was bringing really picky I would suggest that GPS app for route would be a lot easier as it was a bit of a pain having to stop to read directions/turn page.
We did the recommends wine tasting at Hendricks (joesoh Furst) this was a fantasy experience with a wonderful lady who was so passionate and knowledgeable and extremely friendly, she also has amazing English, we really wished we could had carried more wine on our bikes.
Overall this was an excellent family holiday and would definitely recommend it.

Mrs Carney
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Positive impact

Carbon score for this trip

10.0

Kg CO₂e

per person, per night

Relative to other Headwater trips

We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more

From£1,069per person