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Scenic view of Lake Maggiore with blue water, small islands, and mountains. Houses with red roofs and a church tower in foreground, palm fronds visible.

Bike tour from Constance to Locarno

Sporty from Lake Constance to Lake Maggiore

8 Days / 7 Nights
Medium
Scenic view of Lake Maggiore with blue water, small islands, and mountains. Houses with red roofs and a church tower in foreground, palm fronds visible.

Our cycle tour from Lake Constance to Lake Maggiore is many things, but not monotonous. With an average of 55 kilometers per stage, you cycle from Kreuzlingen on Lake Constance to Locarno in the South of Switzerland. Get to know Kreuzlingen's historic neighboring town of Constance right at the start with an extended walk through the old town. Continue along the Swiss shores of Lake Constance towards the mouth of the Alpine Rhine. Through the multifaceted Alpine Rhine Valley, the route takes you leisurely to the small Principality of Liechtenstein. Along the way, you will enjoy impressive views of the numerous Alpine peaks. From the small Graubünden town of Chur, our bike tour from Kreuzlingen to Locarno takes you steadily uphill. After getting to know the Rhine Gorge in all its glory, you cycle via the towns of Ilanz and Disentis to the Lukmanier Pass. Now that you can be truly proud of having reached the 1,900-metre-high Alpine pass, the route takes you downhill into the sun-drenched Blenio Valley. Speaking of sunshine: Your destination Locarno on Lake Maggiore is considered one of the warmest cities in Switzerland. After the sometimes challenging tour, enjoy the dolce far niente – sweet idleness – on Italy's second largest lake. Our bike tour from Kreuzlingen to Locarno is suitable for experienced and sporty cyclists.

Constance – Chur – Lukmanier Pass – Locarno

  • Alpine Rhine Valley, Rhine Gorge, Blenio Valley
  • Principality of Liechtenstein
  • Cities worth seeing: Constance, Chur, Disentis and Bellinzona

Facts & Map

  • Booking code
    CH-OSRKL-08X
  • Accommodation level
    national 3* level
  • Duration
    8 days / 7 nights
  • Arrival days
    Daily
  • Travel documents Languages
    German, English, French
  • Parking information
    Fenced parking lot near the Radweg-Reisen office in Constance, must
    be booked and paid in advance.
  • Return to Constance
    On your own by train, connections several times a day, duration approx. 4 hours, 2 – 4 changes.
Map showing cycling route along Rhine from Konstanz through Rorschach, Buchs, Vaduz, Chur, Disentis, Biasca to Locarno, passing Lake Constance and Swiss lakes.

Map - Bike tour from Constance to Locarno

Itinerary

Day 1

Individual arrival in Constance

Welcome to Kreuzlingen! Your bike tour from Kreuzlingen to Locarno begins at one of the largest lakes in Central Europe. After checking in at the hotel, grab your bike and cycle directly to the shores of Lake Constance before taking a cross-border visit to the neighboring town of Constance. Discover the landmark of this historic city at the harbur: Imperia. The nine-metre-high statue is a satirical reminder of the church council in the 15th century.

Day 2

Constance – Rorschach / region

approx. 40 km

On the first stage of your bike tour from Kreuzlingen to Locarno, you first cycle along the Lake Constance Cycle Path. A first stopover is worthwhile in Arbon. Visit the picturesque old town with its castle, an original fortress. At Romanshorn, you have reached the southernmost point of Lake Constance. During a walk along the lake, you will discover the historic Badhütte. It was built on stilts around 100 years ago and still serves as access to the water today.

Day 3

Rorschach – Vaduz / Buchs

approx. 70 km

From Rorschach, you cycle towards the idyllic estuary of the Rhine into Lake Constance. This is where the Alpine Rhine begins, leading you south through the St. Gallen Rhine Valley. Your destination for the day, the small town of Buchs, lies opposite the Principality of Liechtenstein. Cross the Rhine and visit the sixth smallest state in the world. The residence of the princely family, Vaduz Castle, towers 120 meters above the Liechtenstein capital. The view from the castle, which unfortunately cannot be visited, is worth leaving your bike behind for once.

Day 4

Buchs – Chur

approx. 50 km

Today's stage of your bike tour from Kreuzlingen to Locarno takes you further along the Rhine, with the higher peaks of the mountains in view. In the small town of Chur, it's time to unwind. The dreamy alleyways, the many historic buildings and the Mediterranean flair provide the ideal backdrop for an extended stroll through Switzerland's oldest town. Try Bündner Pfirsichsteine, a Chur specialty that you can buy in confectioneries.

Day 5

Chur – Disentis

approx. 70 km

Today it's a steady uphill ride! After you have passed Bonaduz and thus the confluence of the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein rivers, follow the cycle path towards the Rhine Gorge, also known as the Ruinaulta. This special natural spectacle was formed around 10,000 years ago after a landslide. The gorge can be viewed from viewing platforms. Following the Vorderrhein, you reach Ilanz. Affectionately known as Städtli by the locals, Ilanz is considered the first town on the Rhine. The old town, partly surrounded by high town walls, is well worth a tour. Your stage destination Disentis is characterized by the imposing Benedictine Abbey of St. Martin. In the evening, fortify yourself with Capuns Sursilvans, a Graubünden specialty, and a Röteli, a cherry liqueur.

Day 6

Disentis – Lukmanier Pass – Biasca

approx. 60 km or approx. 40 km + bus

On your bike tour from Kreuzlingen to Locarno, you leave the Rhine and cycle south into Ticino. By the time you reach the Lukmanier Pass, you will have climbed several hundred meters in altitude. The pass lies at 1915 m above sea level. Alternatively, you can take the bus from Disentis up to the top of your tour (not included). Situated in the middle of a barren mountain world, the lush green landscape of the Blenio Valley opens up to you on the descent. In Biasca it's time to relax. Leave your bike and explore the numerous sights of the town. The church of San Pietro e Paolo is one of the most important Romanesque buildings in Switzerland. From here, a path leads to Santa Petronilla, the largest waterfall in Ticino.

Day 7

Biasca – Locarno

approx. 45 km

The last stage of your bike tour from Kreuzlingen to Locarno takes you to Italy's second largest lake. Halfway along the route, you will reach Bellinzona, the Gateway to Italy. The mighty castle complex above the city is one of the most important fortifications in the Alpine region. Enjoy the Italian flair of the old town with a cappuccino in Piazza Nosetto. Refreshed, you cycle to Locarno. Situated on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, Locarno is one of the warmest towns in Switzerland. Palm trees and lemon trees give the town a Mediterranean atmosphere.

Day 8

Individual departure

After breakfast, your bike tour from Constance to Locarno comes to an end. We are happy to extend your stay.

Paved promenade along Lake Bodensee in Arbon with ferry boat on calm blue water, tree branches overhead, and distant mountains under blue sky.

Lake Constance near Arbon

Red train traveling through Rhine Gorge Ruinaulta with white limestone cliffs and dense forest. Clear blue sky above the dramatic rock formations.

Rhine Gorge / Ruinaulta

Disentis Monastery with twin towers and orange roof dominates a Swiss Alpine village. Traditional houses spread below, surrounded by green meadows and forest.

Benedictine Monastery in Disentis

Pedestrian square in Chur's old town with colorful buildings, church spire, outdoor cafes, and green mountain backdrop under blue sky.

Old Town of Chur

Sunset over Lago Maggiore with mountains, a lakeside town, boats, and a lamp post silhouetted against golden light near Ascona-Locarno.

Lago Maggiore

Prices and dates

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

  • 7 nights with. breakfast, national 3* level
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel to Locarno, max. 1 piece of luggage per person, max. 20 kg / piece
  • Ticino Ticket
  • Digital travel documents and route navigation via app
  • Service-Hotline (7 days, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

Not included:

  • Bus trip Disentis – Lukmanier Pass, approx. 25 CHF per person incl. bike
  • City or visitor's tax (if payable)

Due to the challenging stages, we do not recommend this trip for children.

  • Start / Destination
    Constance / Locarno
  • Length
    approx. 330 km
    Daily routes between 35 and 70 km, Ø 55 km
  • Tour operated by
    Local cooperation partner
  • Mobility note
    The trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.

Rental bikes

Types of rental bikes

  • 27-gear unisex bike, derailleur gears
  • Electric bike / Pedelec


Fittings

Pannier, airpump, bike lock, repair kit

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