This tour is an ideal tour for families or indidviduals of all ages who wish to enjoy some casual bike riding and have enough time to partake in the regions numerous cultural offerings. You ride completely around Lake Constance and cross into three countries; Switzerland Germany and Austria. Everyone in the family is sure to enjoy this trip.

Day 1: Medieval Frescoed Villages

We transfer via private van to Stein am Rhein, a completely walled medieval village whose frescoed houses make it one of the most picturesque villages in Europe.  After giving you a chance to settle in and change into your bike attire we embark on a short 2-hour warm-up loop along what is considered Europe’s most pristine section of the Rhein River.  We stop at the 500yr old medieval wooden bridge that has always been a favorite local landmark of the locals as well as the river crossing from Switzerland into Germany.  Along this route we enjoy a rural jaunt past fields of sunflowers and wheat, then pedal to a spot where you can take your first dip in the crystal clear river before we return to town for a visit of the overlooking castle fortress. From there we watch the sunset and over a complimentary drink we discuss the coming days.

Hotel: Your hotel is part of the colorful, geranium decorated rows of medieval houses along the Rhein River located at an ideal spot to watch the boats arrive.

Dinner: At the hotel’s restaurant, outside and facing the water.

Day 2: Herman Hesse & Flower Island

The riding is nearly always flat and the entire day is abundant in attractions. After a couple of miles we cross the Swiss border into Germany again. Our first stop is the lakeside village of Hemmenhofen, where the German painter Otto Dix as well as the writer Herman Hesse once lived.   We offer an optional visit to both of their homes, which now house small museums within a picturesque town square. Forest, cherry orchards and wheat fields along the Untersee (the lower, smaller lake that stretches between Stein am Rhein and Konstanz) lead us into many peaceful, quiet tiny German fishing villages.  Then after a short climb, we enjoy one of the most idyllic views over the lakes, villages, and mountains that embrace the island we are about to circle.  Our downhill cruise to the island town of Reichenau first passes through a rural landscape and a 6th century village where an 8th century church houses many historically important & fascinating artifacts.

The scenery just seems to get better as a poplar tree-lined bike path leads us to the region’s largest nature reserve.  Here a large variety of water birds and plants are under protection.  Then on our way into the university town of Constance we save the best visit for last--the Flower Island of Mainau.  This island, completely covered in a variety of flowers, exist due to a microclimate whereby mild weather patterns allow even palm trees and other subtropical plants to grow. The Princes of Baden realized long ago the potential to turn their island retreat into a lush garden. Their castle is still important to the island as it houses an abundance of different orchids, roses and much more.  We spend the night in Konstanz (even though the lake is officially named the Bodensee, many refer to it as Lake Constance (English spelling) because this is the Lake’s largest and most important town). 

Hotel: 3*** town house in the old center of Constance (no cars), nice people and good rooms, hearty breakfast. 

Dinner is with the group in a nice restaurant in town, featuring German specialties and international dishes.

Day 3: Medieval Dwelling and Draw Bridge Castles

If we were’t able to see the island of Mainau on Day 2 we visit it early on Day 3, then proceed around the north side of the lower lake.  Today is the only semi-hilly day of cycling as we pass through forests and fields and the typically German lakeside towns. Then the stunning baroque jewel of the region, the chapel of Birnau, makes for a very worthwhile stop. This pilgrimage church was built in 1750, representing all the elements of baroque style; the principle of Illusionism and the emancipation of decoration.

Before arriving in Meersburg we set up a picnic lunch featuring the regional delicacies.  We then continue our ride to where the region’s original inhabitant’s prehistoric lakeside dwellings are on display.  The baroque, pink castle overlooking a colorful medieval town comes into view as our day’s ride comes to an end.  Upon entering Meersburg, the sight of a drawbridge to another ancient fortress makes you realize that there is much to explore in this tiny town. The legends say that the Romans that lived here did not, unlike the Romans of other surrounding villages, deny Jesus food and lodging but welcomed him when in Rome.  As a way of saying thank you, Jesus gave these Romans grapevines. The other villages immediately reconsidered their actions, said sorry and of course received some vines too.  However, their wine is said to be sour and the wine from Meersburg outstanding.  A wine tasting is scheduled that evening.

Hotel: upper scale 3*** hotel at the lakeshore & medieval part of town. The hotel has existed for 400 years and the building is a protected heritage sight. It features a palm & rose garden with space to relax and swim. The rooms are bright and pleasant, decorated in cozy German style.

Dinner: at the hotel and with excellent views of the lake.

Day 4: Zeppelin Museum & Swabian Island Towns

Today is another ride on flat terrain including about 36 miles of vineyards. At the widest point on the lake we visit the Zeppelin museum, home of the world famous Zeppelin that caused such a stir before WWI.  A new Zeppelin model is currently being built. (Lunch)

Perfect panoramic picture stops and beaches lead to the tiny harbor of an island town that features the Monfort Castle. This castle was built by the order of the Kingdom Wuertemberg in a pseudo – Moorish style in the middle of the 19th century.   After a tour we continue to the eastern most point on the lake and stay two nights on the tiny picturesque island town of Lindau, where we command a magnificent view of the Alps. This island town was often referred to as the “Venice of Swabia” because it was composed of several small islands connected with bridges. Only in the last century have the gaps been filled.  Now the town is composed of colorful impressive houses and shops from the bourgeois, an extremely colorful Rathaus, narrow alleyways and a lively lake promenade. In the middle of the 14th century a 150-year long period of wealth came to this island town. The trade route to Italy brought them salt, metal work, a variety of cloth and corn from the many different German towns along the lake.  Then via the nearby waterways the goods were transported to the Rhein and up to Chur from where Mule trails lead over the Alp passes to Italy.

Hotel: Wonderful 3 star in historic centre of Lindau

Dinner:  Surprise!

Day 5: Mad King Ludwig II

A day off from the bikes takes us on an excursion through Bavaria to an isolated community that features one of Europe’s most famous castles; Neuschwanstein This castle is so impressive that even though Mad King Ludwig built three of them, and was planning a fourth, this is the only one people want to see when they visit.  Walt Disney was so amazed by it that he felt it was the ideal location for Sleeping Beauty.  After an interesting tour of the interior we have plenty of time to walk to the other castles or hike amongst this beautiful setting. The night is spent on at the island again—great swimming and shopping. Hotel: same as previous night  Dinner: Free night out on your own.

Dinner: Cook for yourself!

Day 6: Appenzell Cheese

We enjoy the seldom-experienced thrill of biking across 3 borders, Germany, Austria and into Switzerland, within a matter of minutes. The terrain is flat and the days ride easy as we coast past many scenic lakeside towns that now face the other side of the lake. Along our way we stop & have the option of taking a cable car from Bregenz up to the Pfaender, a 3200-foot hill for a special
view of the lake & the Swiss and the Austrian Alps.

Following an unpaved bicycle lane brings us through a nature reserve located along the Rhein Delta. The countless creeks, canals and backwaters nest over 500 species of birds. We lunch around 9km before our destination and with enough time to visit mountain village town of Appenzell that reeks of Swiss traditions, is famous for its cheese, woodwork and maybe even more famous for being the last place in the country to give women the vote. The wooden houses here are painted with rural scenes in a naïve style and the small doors give the town a quaint doll-like look.

Hotel:  3***Converted 18th century castle with outstanding views & cuisine.

Day 7-8: Europe’s Largest Waterfall

We complete the loop around the lake with enough time to visit the Napoleon museum castle, which was once the residence of his stepdaughter and family. Lunch is at a fantastic bakery/café in Mammern, a quaint fishing village along the lake at a point where it empties itself into the Rhine River. Enjoy another swim at the sight where we first began our tour before our final leg brings us to where this enormous lake’s waters have created Europe’s largest waterfalls, Rheinfall  We stay in a picturesque medieval town famous for its alcoves and fortress overlooking the city. The next morning there is an optional city tour. It is Cornelia’s hometown, Schaffhausen (your tour designer.)

Hotel: An upper scale 3*** hotel with very romantic interior and tastefully decorated rooms. This is a small private castle set in a park & overlooks the rooftops of this medieval town.

Dinner: in our favorite restaurant in town; all homemade food prepared with the freshest ingredients from the region.  A 5***** treat in a relaxed atmosphere.

Transportation Logistics

The following is a list of train schedules for transportation to and from the tour start and end locations. Train departure times and tracks are subject to change, so verify before boarding.

Trains from Zurich to Schaffhausen (tour start): ~ 1 hour
Zurich HB -11:47--à arrival Schaffhausen ---12:44

Departing your tour:
From Schaffhausen to Zurich: ~40 min. (departs every half hr.)
Schaffhausen -11:09--à arrival Zurich HB ---11:48