The Lake Constance Cycle Route – a ride well worth taking
The Lake Constance Cycle Route is one of the most popular cycle routes in Europe – and for good reason. Stretching some 260 kilometres, it circles Central Europe’s third-largest lake, passing through Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Flat lakeside paths, medieval towns, vineyards with views of the Alps and, time and again, the sparkling waters of the lake: it’s simply the perfect combination.
Whether you have a week to spare or just a long weekend – the Lake Constance Cycle Route can be tackled in many different ways and adapts to your pace.
View of the Untersee
On the Lake Constance Cycle Route
Lindau
Friedrichshafen
Unteruhldingen Harbour and Lake Dwellings
Bregrenz Bathhouse
The Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen
Mainau Island
Hagnau Alpenblick
Our bestsellers on the Lake Constance Cycle Route
Route – Lake Constance Cycle Route
The Lake Constance Cycle Route is divided into three sections: the Obersee – the largest section – runs from Constance via Meersburg, Friedrichshafen and Lindau to Bregenz, always close to the shore. The Untersee to the west is quieter and more unspoilt, with the picturesque old town of Stein am Rhein as its highlight. Lake Überlingen connects the two sections and offers surprises such as vineyards, the Baroque gem of Birnau and the Unteruhldingen Pile-Dwelling Museum.
The route is signposted throughout with the blue cycle logo – standardised across all three countries – and runs mainly along tarmac or hard-surfaced paths.
Short & Sweet: The Lake Constance Cycle Route
- Length:
￮ Total route: approx. 260 km
￮ Upper Lake (with ferry): approx. 120 km
￮ Lower Lake: approx. 70 km - Topography:
￮ Mostly flat and close to the shore
￮ Climbs between Bodanrück & Lake Überlingen - Signposting:
￮ Marked throughout with the blue bicycle logo
￮ Uniform in Germany/Austria/Switzerland - Path quality:
￮ Mostly asphalted or paved
￮ Partly on farm tracks & quiet roads - Best time to travel:
￮ April to October: mild temperatures, early blossoms in spring and golden colors in autumn ￮ High season: July and August - Note:
￮ Helmets are mandatory in Austria for children under 12
￮ Helmets are recommended for all cyclists
Cyclists on the Lake Constance Cycle Route
Lake Obersee – Cycling with Alpine views
Experience the Obersee – the largest part of Lake Constance – with a unique blend of nature, culture, enjoyment, and family fun:
- Cycle through the Meersburg wine region with views of the castle and palace
- Colorful splendor and an adventure playground on the flower island of Mainau – a highlight for young and old alike
- Discover technological history up close at the Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen
- Gastronomic diversity – from rustic wine taverns to upscale lakeside terraces
- Stroll through historic old towns and along the lake promenade in Lindau
- Swimming fun at numerous natural beaches and family-friendly outdoor pools
- The cultural city of Bregenz with its lake stage and festival
- Picturesque route through Switzerland with Alpine panorama
- Diverse shopping opportunities in Konstanz, Friedrichshafen, or Lindau
Lake Untersee - tranquillity, nature, and medieval charm
The Untersee delights visitors with its tranquil nature, charming towns, and exciting history:
- Quiet route along the natural southern shore of Switzerland
- Stein am Rhein: half-timbered houses, frescoes, and fairy-tale charm in the medieval old town
- Optional: day trip to the spectacular Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen – an experience for all ages
- Höri Peninsula: Natural idyll and artists' village – accessible by bike or boat
- Radolfzell – charming old town, nature reserves, and swimming fun
- Picnic breaks by the lake, playgrounds along the way, and family-friendly restaurants
Lake Überlingen – culture, baroque architecture, and lake panoramas
The western tip of the Obersee lake has a special charm – here, baroque architecture, vineyards, and lively lakeside towns come together:
- Mediterranean flair and promenade life in Überlingen – with attractive boutiques to browse
- The baroque jewel of Birnau with views over the lake
- Exciting journey through time at the Lake Dwelling Museum in Unteruhldingen – especially popular with children.
- Wine, castle, and palace in the historic town of Meersburg
- Ferry connection back to Konstanz with a stroll through the old town and a wide range of shopping opportunities
- Swimming and water sports for active people and families
Travel time
The Lake Constance Cycle Route is open from April to October. The weather at Lake Constance is milder than elsewhere in Central Europe – the proximity to the lake and the shelter provided by the Alps create a microclimate of its own.
In spring, the orchards along the route are in bloom, and the villages are still pleasantly quiet. June and September are considered particularly good times to visit: good weather, fewer crowds than in the height of summer, and accommodation is easier to come by. July and August are the most popular months – crowded beaches, lively promenades, but also more hustle and bustle and earlier booking deadlines. In autumn, the vineyards turn red and gold, the view of the Alps becomes clearer, and the route belongs to cyclists once again.
Immenstaad Alpensicht
Arrival
Most tours on the Lake Constance Cycle Route start and end in Constance. Free parking spaces are rare here. Parking garages or areas are available in the city, but they can be very expensive. Similar conditions apply in other towns around the lake. Please inquire in advance about local parking options. Constance has a train station, but with few exceptions, it is not connected to long-distance transportation. Change trains in Singen or Radolfzell and use the regional train. The Swiss railroad station (SBB), located directly next to the Constance train station, offers a direct connection to the Swiss rail network.
If you intend to arrive by plane, the airports Friedrichshafen and Zurich are not far away. From Zurich airport, you can reach Konstanz in about 1 - 1.5 hours by train. By long-distance bus, the towns of Constance, Überlingen, Meersburg, Friedrichshafen, Lindau, and Bregenz, among others, are served. Bicycle transport is limited and must be registered.
Constance on Lake Constance
Shortcut options
If a section of the Lake Constance Cycle Route does not suit you or the weather does not cooperate, there are numerous possible shortcuts around Lake Constance. A shortcut by train is possible in most of the stages, but sometimes it takes more time. Some train stations are not always close to the Lake Constance Cycle Route.
It is also possible to shorten stages by water. Many places on Lake Constance have boat docks and are served by the Weiße Flotte. These are scheduled and excursion ships that are usually in operation from April to mid-October. The range of ships is supplemented by the car ferries Constance - Meersburg (all year round) and Friedrichshafen - Romanshorn (April to mid-October) as well as by the catamaran between Friedrichshafen and Constance (all year round).
Romanshorn Ferry
Who is the Lake Constance Cycle Route suitable for?
The Lake Constance Cycle Route is one of the few long-distance cycle routes that really caters to a wide audience. The route is predominantly flat, well-maintained and clearly signposted – making it accessible even to people who do not regularly undertake long rides.
Families with children will find short stages, places to swim, playgrounds and enough variety along the way to keep even younger riders entertained. Beginners and leisure cyclists appreciate that you rarely have to really struggle here – the few climbs around Bodanrück and Überlinger See are easily manageable. Experienced cycle tourists can tackle the route at a brisker pace or combine it with an e-bike.
The only restriction: in Austria, helmets are compulsory for children under 12. For everyone else, a helmet isn’t compulsory, but it is recommended.
On Lake Überlingen
Frequently asked questions about the Lake Constance Cycle Route
Which Lake Constance type are you?
Easy Lake Constance cycling holidays
Here the glittering water of the lake, there the snow-topped peaks of the Alps - a cycling holiday on Lake Constance is pure enjoyment! The different tours around Lake Constance can be found here.
Athletic cycling holidays on Lake Constance
If you prefer to be on a bike than in a museum on holiday, then have a look at our athletic tours! Longer sections along the Lake Constance cycle path or racing into the hinterland by mountain bike: on these tours, the focus is on biking!
Weekend cycling holidays on Lake Constance
Relax around the Lower Lake cycle and sail on the Upper Lake. If you don't have much time for a cycling holiday, you'll still find the right tour among our weekend cycling holidays.
Center cycling holidays on Lake Constance
Our center cycling holidays on Lake Constance are for people wanting to explore Lake Constance by bike but who don’t want to be laden down with luggage. From your hotel base, you explore the wonderful Lake Constance area on different day trips.
Cycling holidays to the Rhine Falls
Thundering masses of water fall a distance of 23 meters. The Rhine Falls are one of the biggest waterfalls in Europe! A trip to nearby Schaffhausen is a must for every Lake Constance cycling holiday.
Cycling holidays in Lake Constance's hinterland
Not just the Lake Constance cycle path is a paradise for cyclists. On a relaxing cycling holiday, explore the inspiring Lake Constance hinterland. Switzerland, the Allgäu region, and the Danube are ideal bike destinations from Lake Constance.