The Rhine Valley Cycle Route: Constance – Strasbourg

Welcome to your bike tour on the Rhine Valley Cycle Route! Constance is the ideal starting point to get in the mood for your journey along the Rhine. Visit the lively old town and the Niederburg. From the tower of the cathedral you have an excellent panoramic view over the city to neighbouring Switzerland and the Alps. The Imperia is located at the harbour. The nine-metre-high statue is symbolic of the Council, which took place in the 15th century. The Constance Council building was the venue for the only papal election on German soil.

You cycle through picturesque Swiss fishing villages on the first stage of your cycle tour on the Rhine Valley Cycle Route along Lower Lake to Stein am Rhein. The colourfully painted facades of the medieval old town houses and the former Benedictine abbey of St. Georgen will delight you. Back on the bike, you switch back and forth between Germany and Switzerland several times. On the Rhine cycle path you reach the cantonal capital Schaffhausen. The town's landmark is the Munot. The fortress towers over the town and is surrounded by vineyards. Discover the numerous historic oriels on an evening walk and listen to the Munotglöggli, which sounds every evening at 9 p.m. sharp.

A stone's throw from Schaffhausen lies Europe's largest and most water-rich waterfall. On a boat trip (included) you can get very close to the thundering waters of the Rhine Falls. Following the Rhine, you pass the Rheinau Monastery. Located on an island in the Rhine, the monastery is one of the most important in Switzerland. You will have to overcome a few ascents to reach your destination. Fabulous views of the Rhine landscape reward your efforts. You will spend the night in Waldshut-Tiengen.

Several stops are worthwhile on today's stage of your cycle tour on the Rhine Valley Cycle Route. Laufenburg's historic old town is worth a stroll. The trumpeter town of Bad Säckingen impresses with the longest covered wooden bridge in Europe. In Rheinfelden you can take the train to Basel and shorten the stage (not included). In addition to numerous parks and a colourful cultural programme, the city of culture offers you the highest density of museums in Switzerland. Climb one of the two towers of Basel Cathedral. A unique view of the city and the Rhine compensates you for the 250 steps you have mastered.

With Basel you leave the border triangle in a northerly direction. Away from the Rhine, you pedal hard to Müllheim and Badenweiler. Müllheim is considered the wine capital of the Markgräflerland region. Thanks to the warm climate, sun-drenched white wines thrive on countless vineyards. In nearby Badenweiler, the use of thermal springs has a long tradition. The Romans already used the healing effect of the warm springs. Baden Castle towers high above the town. From the restored keep you have a wonderful view over the Rhine plain and the Black Forest.

At the foot of the Black Forest you cycle to Freiburg, Germany's southernmost city. The eye-catcher of the old town is the cathedral built of red sandstone. It is considered one of the masterpieces of German Gothic architecture. Enjoy a typical sausage on the Münsterplatz. The 35-centimetre-long Rostbratwurst is the city's crisp landmark. On a subsequent walk through the city, look out for the Bächle. Documented since the Middle Ages, the narrow watercourses splash merrily through the old town. But beware, according to folklore, anyone who accidentally steps into one of the brooks will have to marry a Freiburg citizen.

On the sixth stage of your cycle tour on the Rhine Valley Cycle Route, you cycle back to the Rhine. The town of Breisach is already clearly visible from afar. The St. Stephan's Minster, towering high above the Rhine plain, is a real eye-catcher both from the outside and the inside. The historic town centre behind the cathedral offers views of Alsace and the Black Forest. Vogtsburg im Kaiserstuhl, which consists of seven united winegrowing villages, is the largest winegrowing community in Baden-Württemberg. Visit the only corkscrew museum in Germany. You will spend the night in Breisach, Vogtsburg or in Vogelgrun.

You cycle through the vineyards of the Kaiserstuhl to Ettenheim. Expect some ascents on the first few kilometres of the stage. Ettenheim is nestled in gently rolling vineyards, idyllic forests and orchards. The baroque town impresses with its narrow streets and time-honoured half-timbered houses and townhouses. A few kilometres away is Europa-Park in Rust (not included). Germany's largest amusement park attracts visitors with a wealth of attractions, shows and themed areas.

The last stage of your cycle tour on the Rhine Valley Cycle Route takes you back to the Rhine, which you follow to Kehl. After crossing the Rhine, you will reach the center of your destination Strasbourg after just a few kilometers. The capital of Europe offers international flair and picturesque corners in the tanners' quarter La Petite France. You can also visit the impressive Cathédrale Notre-Dame. If you climb the tower of the church building, your efforts will be rewarded with views as far as the Vosges, the Black Forest and the Kaiserstuhl. In the evening, enjoy traditional Alsatian cuisine in a cozy wine bar.

After breakfast, your Rhine Valley cycle route ends already