Cycling along the Swiss Lakes

Your bike tour begins in Constance the largest city at the Lake Constance. 600 years ago, it was the scene of the church council and the only papal election north of the Alps. The Rhine begins its path here f Lake Constance is kilometer zero on its way to the North Sea. A few minutes' walk from the historic city center is the Swiss town of Kreuzlingen and its lively harbor.

Your cycle tour begins on the Lake Constance bike path. Leave Constance behind and cycle through picturesque Swiss fishing villages. The route meanders along the shores of lower Lake to Stein am Rhein. The city is famous for its frescoed medieval houses. Now you've reached the end of Lake Constance ends. Follow the Rhine bike path and cross the boarder between Germany and Switzerland several times in order to reach the cantonal capital of Schaffhausen. Visit the Munot fortress and gaze at its oriel windows.

The first highlight of the day is the Rhine Fall. It is arguably the largest waterfall in Europe. Take a boat to the Rhine Falls rock to admire the sheer force of its waters up close. Get back on your bike and cycle through the Glatt valley to Zurich. You can shorten the bike tour by taking the S-Bahn (not included) from Rümlang station to Zurich-Kloten airport. The fascinating Swiss cosmopolitan city combines tradition and modernity. Visit the well-preserved old town and experience the culture.

Today you follow the northern shore of Lake Zurich. It is often referred to as the Gold Coast. From afar you'll see the castle of Rapperswil here you will  cross the lake on a dam. On the other side of the lake is Lachen. Pay a visit to the baroque Heilig Kreuz church, enjoy the flair of the harbor and the Alpine panorama or take a dip in Lake.

Follow the Linth Canal until you reach the town of Weesen. The canal is an artificial construct connecting Lake Zürich and Lake Walen. You will cross the Lake Walen here by boat. Enjoy the view of the Churfirsten peaks reaching up to 1800m while crossing the deep lake. On its norther shore you'll encounter palm trees. Meanwhile its slope is covered in snow until May. The landscape around Lake Walen is truly remarkable! Continue on your way to the alpine Rhine valley. Already you've reached the Principality of Lichtenstein. You will spend your night here in Vaduz.

Today's route is lined by imposing castles. The foremost of them is Schattenburg Castle at the heart of the medieval town of Feldkirch. It is highly esteemed and well preserved complex housing a valuable collection of historical weapons. Continue on your way and  cross the Rhine river to Altstätten. From here a train takes you up the hills into the Appenzellerland region. From now on alpine pasture and cows will accompany you on your route to St. Gallen. The town gained fame for its canvas and its embroidery trade. Its entire Abby district has been named a UNESO World Heritage site in 1983.  Visit the 18th century baroque collegiate church and the abbey's library which looks like a medieval movie set. 

Cycle downhill towards Lake Constance which you will reach just before Arbon. Follow the bike path through well-kept Swiss villages and apple orchards to Constance. Along the way take a break at one of the many cafés or jump into the water. Once you arrive there is still time for a visit to the Rosgarten Museum or just drift through Constance's history city center.

After breakfast your bike tour along the Swiss Lakes encompassing Lake Constance, Lake Zurich and Lake Walen is at its end. We are happy to extend your stay in Constance.