Lake Constance cycle path
Europe's third largest lake
Over the last 30 years, Lake Constance has developed into one of the most popular cycling holiday destinations in Europe. The mild climate with palm trees on the island of Mainau and the diverse cultural offerings cast a spell over leisure cyclists.
The 273 km long lakeshore is perfect for exploring by bike. Lovely vineyards, the impressive view of the Swiss mountains or the 75 km wide view over the lake are particularly unique. The festival town of Bregenz, the island town of Lindau, the enchanting Meersburg, the islands of Mainau and Reichenau, the medieval town of Stein am Rhein and, and... are all well worth a visit. The largest waterfall in Europe, the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen, shines incomparably in the evening light and should not be missed on any Lake Constance cycle tour!
➡ HERE are the most popular sights ⬅
➡ Click HERE for day bike hire on Lake Constance in Bregenz ⬅
TOP sights along the Lake Constance cycle path
RHEINFALL
near Schaffhausen
At 23 metres high and 150 metres wide, the Rhine Falls are one of the largest and most water-rich waterfalls in Europe. There are shorter and longer boat trips to the Rhine Falls as well as trips to Laufen Castle, which is located on the other side of the Rhine. On such a round trip or crossing, you can experience the cascading masses of water at close quarters.
ZEPPELINFLUG
Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen
The white giant rises gently into the air and floats elegantly through the sea of air. Shortly after take-off, it reaches an altitude of around 300 metres. On board, guests can move around freely, look over the captain's shoulder or simply lean back and relax.
For those who prefer to stay on the ground, the Zeppelin Museum provides plenty of information about the rigid airships. With over 1,500 original exhibits as well as historical sound, film and image recordings, the Zeppelin Museum tells the story of airship travel in a lively and multimedia way.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Reichenau Island
This island is the largest of the three islands on Lake Constance. Together with Reichenau Monastery, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2000. The idyllic lakeside path invites you to hike up to the Hochwart, the highest point, to enjoy a marvellous view. You can pedal between vegetable fields and vines on your bike.
MEERSBURG CASTLE
During a visit, you can marvel at more than 30 furnished rooms. You will see an old castle kitchen, the Dürnitz, the palace, the armoury, the knights' hall, the castle dungeon, the stables, the torture chamber and much more. The atmospheric castle café with its magnificent panoramic terrace and the café side room with a view of the lake invite you to take a cosy break.
SALEM MONASTERY AND CASTLE
The former Cistercian monastery, now Salem Castle, is surrounded by spacious parks and gardens. It is one of the most beautiful cultural monuments on Lake Constance and has been largely preserved in the authentic state of its monastic period. The extensive gardens and the courtyard garden with its labyrinths invite visitors to linger.
PEAKWAY
Bregenz
The Pfänderbahn railway gives you a unique panoramic view of Lake Constance and 240 Alpine peaks. Right at the mountain station is the Rheintalterrasse with a direct view of the border area of the old and new Rhine, the majestic mountain peaks of Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Vorarlberg.
PFAHLBAUMUSEUM
in Unteruhldingen
Walk on a footbridge over Lake Constance and try out old techniques from the Stone Age - the pile dwellings make a fascinating sunken world visible again. In Unteruhldingen, 23 pile dwellings have been reconstructed in a museum complex. In 2011, the pile dwellings were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
WINE TASTING
in Hagnau
Exceptional wines ripen on the vineyards of the Hagnau winegrowers' association. The "Seeweine" are characterised by their delicacy and lively character. Nowhere is Müller-Thurgau better known than on Lake Constance. A traditional speciality, hearty and elegant, is the Blauer Spätburgunder vinified as Weißherbst. The Bacchus is fragrant and fruity, the Kerner full-bodied with striking acidity.
You can enjoy a commented wine tasting in a wine shop.
MAINAU ISLAND
Enjoy nature, feel good, relax - Mainau Island is always a nature experience. It is the ideal place to relax in the great outdoors. There are many things to discover: of course, the impressive castle on the island of Mainau is the first to be mentioned; it is also open to visitors during events or exhibitions. A special attraction is the palm and butterfly house. It is around 16 kilometres by bike from the old town of Constance to the island of flowers and back.
PILGRIMAGE CHURCH BIRNAU
Magnificent basilica on Lake Constance
Picturesquely situated on a hill above Maurach Bay, the Birnau pilgrimage church is one of the most extraordinary baroque churches in southern Germany. The pilgrimage church is often referred to as the baroque jewel on Lake Constance. However, it is not only the baroque interior of the basilica that is impressive, but also the marvellous view across Lake Constance to the Swiss Alps.
The building boasts countless architectural details - the seven altars alone are incredibly impressive: in addition to the high altar, there are two further altars to the left and right, some with paintings that date back to Old Birnau.