Cycling holidays in Lake Constance's hinterland

Peace, open space and Alpine views — the many faces beyond the Lake Constance

Lake Constance is a true paradise for cycling holidays — yet some of the most memorable moments begin a few miles away from the shoreline. In the hinterland, the atmosphere changes: quieter, wider, more authentic. Whether you head north into the Allgäu, south into Switzerland or follow routes toward the Danube, gentle hills, open countryside and sweeping Alpine views come together to create a remarkably varied journey.

Cycling north, the lively lakeside soon fades behind you and the green landscapes of the Württemberg Allgäu take over. Lush meadows, tiny villages and distant mountain silhouettes set the scene, with welcoming country inns along the way. Here, regional favourites such as cheese-laden “Kässpatzen” or sweet pastries taste even better after a day in the saddle.

South of the lake, the character shifts again. On Switzerland’s scenic lake route, quiet stretches lead to striking highlights such as the powerful Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen, the vibrant city of Zurich, or the rolling hills of the Appenzell region. The result is a journey rich in contrasts — close to nature, unhurried, yet full of rewarding experiences.

If you would like to discover Lake Constance from a different perspective, the hinterland offers exactly that: tranquillity, wide horizons and new impressions every day between lakes, hills and Alpine backdrops

Two cyclists sitting on stone wall by turquoise Lake Brienz with red tandem bike. White swan swims nearby, mountains and clouds in background. — Lake Brienz

Two cyclists riding through vineyards near Meersburg with Lake Constance and a historic tower visible in the background under blue sky. — Meersburg

Aerial view of Zurich with the turquoise Limmat River flowing through the city, historic church with green spire, boats moored along the river. — Zurich

Vaduz Castle on green hillside with winding road, surrounded by trees. Mountain range and valley visible under dramatic cloudy sky. — Vaduz Castle

Cyclists on a riverside path next to a white church with red half-timbered tower in Stein am Rhein. The Rhine River and green hills under blue sky. — Stein am Rhein

Rhine Gorge with forested slopes, white limestone cliffs, a river with a train running alongside, and snow-capped mountains under blue sky. — Rhine Gorge

Panoramic view of Lago Maggiore surrounded by green mountains under a dramatic cloudy sky. Forested slopes frame the turquoise lake. — Lago Maggiore

Gravel path through green vineyard rows with Lake Constance and snow-capped Alps in background. Small hut visible among vines under blue sky. — Lindau

Green meadows and forests slope down to Forggensee lake with dramatic Alpine mountain peaks in the background under a blue sky with white clouds. — Forggensee

Two brown cows with yellow ear tags and cowbells standing in green meadow. Alpine village and forested mountains visible in background under blue sky. — Allgäu

Cycling holidays in Lake Constance's hinterland

Who is cycling in the Lake Constance hinterland ideal for?

If you enjoy longer distances, quiet country roads and landscapes that keep changing, these routes will suit you perfectly. They are especially appealing to experienced leisure cyclists, couples or solo travellers who like to stay active over several days — as well as families with older teenagers who have good stamina.

Some days roll gently through hills, others follow rivers or pass through small historic towns. Again and again, wide viewpoints appear that almost insist on a short break. Fortunately, there is no shortage of inviting places to pause: a village inn, a shaded beer garden, or simply a bench with a view.

Accommodation, route planning and luggage transfers are arranged in advance, so you can focus entirely on the ride. Stop when something catches your eye, continue when you feel ready — and often you will be surprised in the evening how many miles have quietly accumulated.

Rolling green meadows with scattered trees and a small wooden hut beneath dramatic snow-capped mountain peaks near Grindelwald, Switzerland. — Grindelwald

What makes cycling in the Lake Constance hinterland special?

The region offers a remarkable variety of routes. The Bike tour from Constance to Locarno leads from Constance across Switzerland to Locarno on Lago Maggiore, crossing impressive Alpine passes, narrow gorges and peaceful valleys before ending in Mediterranean sunshine by the lake. The Lake Constance & Hinterland Biketour heads toward the Danube and the Allgäu, passing the roaring Rhine Falls, the rolling volcanic hills of the Hegau and charming towns in southern Germany, with magnificent Alpine views on the final stretch.

The Bike tour across Baden-Württemberg alternates between dense forests, historic towns such as Hechingen and Sigmaringen, grand monasteries and castles, plus sweeping panoramas of the Black Forest and the Swabian Alb. At the end, a refreshing swim in Lake Constance often feels like the perfect reward.

Whichever route you choose, small villages, viewpoints and green meadows invite you to linger. Photo opportunities appear everywhere, and each stage can be enjoyed at your own pace — making cycling in the hinterland a particularly rich and memorable experience.

Red bicycle with blue panniers on riverbank with Sigmaringen Castle perched on cliff above the Danube. Castle reflects in calm water under blue sky. — Hohenzollern Castle in Sigmaringen

Frequently asked questions

Search FAQs

White Antoniuskapelle chapel with red roof on green hill near Wasserburg, surrounded by trees with snow-capped Alps in background. — Wasserburg (Lake Constance)

How short are the shortest cycling holidays?

Our shortest tours last 3 days – ideal for a long weekend. Most short cycling holidays in our range run for 4 to 6 days, with stages of between 35 and 90 kilometres per day depending on the tour.

Can I book a short cycling holiday at short notice?

Yes, it is often possible to book at short notice – subject to hotel availability. For last-minute enquiries, we recommend calling us directly so that we can quickly check what’s still available.

Are short cycling trips suitable for beginners too?

Yes. Many tours have a stage length of 1–2 and a topography rating of 1–2 on our five-point scale – that equates to 35 to 50 kilometres a day on predominantly flat terrain.

Are short cycling trips also suitable for solo travellers?

Yes. Our short cycling tours are organised on an individual basis – you cycle at your own pace, without a fixed group or tour guide. Solo travellers book the same tours as couples or small groups and often find themselves in good company with other cyclists along the routes.

Is the organisational effort worth it for just 3 or 4 days?

Yes – and that’s exactly the point. On a short cycling tour with us, we take care of all the logistics: hotel bookings, luggage transport, route information. The effort required of you is the same as on a long trip – namely, none at all. Just turn up and set off.