Interested in cycling around Lake Constance?
This is something 3 friends and I did, connecting with the Rhine Cycle Route, which runs along the north shore of the lake.
Cycling around Lake Constance is one of the most popular bicycle touring routes in Europe, also known as the Bodensee cycling route. It is offered by many tour companies as a one-week package, but our group of four planned our own journey, and you can easily do it too.
This is one of the most popular cycle paths in Europe, with an estimated 200,000 cyclists each year.
Distance – 263 km loop taking 4 to 5 days for the entire route, including the Untersee
Surface – the entire route is paved on bicycle trails or quiet local roads
Difficulty – one major hill leaving Konstanz and a second just past Reichenau Island, otherwise flat
Best suited for – school kids, families, and many others, bicycle touring, so really any cyclist.
Lake Constance has one large body of water, which is about 260 km around; it is really like a giant figure 8 with Konstanz in the middle. It takes about 4-5 days to ride with Germany on the north side (Eurovelo 15), a short section of Austria at the east end, and Switzerland along the south shore (Swiss National Route 2/Eurovelo 6).
In the middle is Konstanz with the second body of water known as Untersee, also generally part of many cycling tours of the region.
Cycling from Stein-am-Rhein to Konstanz
We had been following the Rhine Route, so we connected with the Bodensee Cycling Route in a slight drizzle. Our starting point was from the medieval Stein-am-Rhein with its beautiful façade paintings, crossing the bridge to Switzerland, and up a small incline to join the Lake Constance Route (also signed as the Rhine Route).
These cycle routes are part of EuroVelo, which covers several countries. Zurich Airport is the closest for anyone flying in.
This section is about 50 km and is along a well-signed paved bike route with good views of Lake Constance to your left, although sometimes you ride next to a rail line. This section is very flat. Take care when approaching the old town of Constance, as the route meets many local bike paths.
We rode to the waterfront and our bike-friendly accommodation with the storage area already with plenty of bicycles. Be sure to take a walk along the attractive waterfront, visit Constance’s old town, visit the cathedral, and enjoy a drink at one of the outdoor cafes. Excellent choice of restaurant for dinner; one of my favorite towns.
There is a guided walking tour of the town available, including the cathedral and the alleys of the old town.
Cycling from Konstanz to Meersburg
We followed the signed bike route through some residential areas before reaching the lake, easy to follow as there were plenty of other cyclists, day trippers, and those on bicycle tours. This stage is along a finger of the upper lake known as the Überlinger See.
A short ride brought us to the entrance of Mainau Island, the garden island, parks, and a flower-decked palace. Our mistake: we did not stop to visit, but friends did by taking a boat trip from Konstanz to the Island of Mainau and found it was worth the visit.
We soon reached the base of the only significant hill on this route. You start by heading inland on a quiet road, but soon reach dedicated cycle paths as you continue to climb a short, steep incline. There are a few dips before you descend on a quiet road, although I was passed by a class of school kids on bikes to the town of Bodman back on Lake Constance.
Back along the shores of Lake Constance, we passed through an area of Bavarian vineyards before reaching a residential area where the route took us through quiet residential streets.
We passed Uhldingen, where there is an open-air archaeological museum with an impressive reconstructed stilt village that provides an insight into life during the Bronze and Stone Ages.
The next section is a joy as you follow the flat shoreline on quiet roads and paved bicycle trails with superb lake views to the right and vineyards and apple orchards to the left. Reaching Meersburg, we entered through the gate into a medieval town crowded with shoppers.
We had reservations at a hotel for our overnight stop right in the middle of the action. We were not too happy with the stern German owner, but he made up for its with a lavish buffet breakfast the following morning.
Bodensee Card Plus – provides admission to 160 attractions around Lake Constance, including Meersburg Castle, the Zeppelin Museum, and boat trips. There are regular ferries from Konstanz to Meersburg if you want to skip the first stage, but I recommend that you don’t do that.
Many visitors headed to the waterfront cafes to watch the passing ferries and distant Alps; this coast is often referred to as the German Riviera.
Recommended tour: However, ever the explorers, we headed up the steep hill to visit Meersburg Castle with 43 rooms open to visitors, well worth the entrance fee. I liked how close you can get to the exhibits and the mountain views from the castle. On a clear day have great views of the Alps.
Cycling from Meersburg to Bregenz
Riding along quiet bike lanes and streets, the signed route is easy to follow, as there are plenty of other cyclists also on the route. I lost the other members of my group, but we happened to meet up again 20 km later, easy to do on a signed route.
You pass through Friedrichshafen, home of the Zeppelin Museum.
Worth the Stop: at Lindau, we took a side trip on the bicycle route to the island to view the scenic harbor, enjoy some ice cream, and tour the town. You can make it a circular route by following the local bike paths and rejoining the Bodensee cycling route on the far side of town.
Then, continuing along this 61 km section, we soon reached the border of our second country, Austria, and the town of Bregenz, which is hemmed in between the lake and the Alps. As we had plenty of time, we took the cable car to the top of Pfander Mountain for a view of the Alps and the lake, along with many hikers taking a short walk.
Cycling from Bregenz to Kesswil
Our ride today turned out to be 61 km, mostly along the lake, and we enjoyed the attractive surrounding countryside on the Swiss side of Lake Constance.
However, just before the town of Rorschach, the route heads inland so you can cross a bridge over the mighty Rhine delta as it reaches Lake Constance from Switzerland, our third country.
When we return to the lake, we pass several towns, all with harbors full of sailboats. Very flat section with easy riding. We had reserved a B&B in Kesswil and enjoyed dinner in the only restaurant in a local campground, joined by others also cycling the Bodensee.
Cycling from Kesswil to Moos
We continued along the south shore, passing picturesque Swiss fishing villages (or at least there were a lot of boats in the harbors), reaching Konstanz again in short order. After heading through town, we headed out on the route around the smaller Untersee.
This side trip is worth the visit: We soon reached the causeway to the island of Reichenau, a UNESCO heritage site, visiting the Benedictine Monastery founded in 724. Very popular, as we saw plenty of other cyclists, bike tour groups, and bus tours, all of which headed to the three interesting churches. We also circled the island and stopped at a café across from one for coffee and some pastries on the outdoor patio with plenty of other island visitors.
Returning to the mainland, we continued along the southern shore of the Untersee with lakeside paths through one of the main towns, Radolfzell, to our hotel in the small town of Moos. Small towns often have cheaper accommodation prices, and this hotel also featured a bicycle storage room.
Cycling from Moos to Stein-am-Rhein
It is only a short 25 km back to Stein-am-Rhein, so this section provided some hills, so we had to work a little harder, but still superb lake views and an interesting medieval town at the end. You can continue on the Rhine Route or, as we did, take a local cycling route to Zurich. Click here to check out other European cycling routes.
Bodensee Cycle Route Map
Best places to stay around Lake Constance
Where I stayed during our cycling tour around the lake, or you can use booking.com.
Hotel-Pension Gretel, Konstanz – has a bicycle storage area and is walkable to the waterfront
Hotel Zum Lieben Augustin, Meersburg – right on the main street, has an impressive buffet breakfast. Bike storage was a little difficult, as in a shed a block away, but it worked.
Lindau – we didn’t stay overnight, but if doing the trip a second time, we most likely would
Pension Sonne, Bregenz – right in the center
Kesswil – we stayed in a B&B, so use VRBO or booking.com to locate something
Gasthaus Schiff, Moos – a popular restaurant for dinner, so make a reservation on arrival; impressive bicycle storage area. Located right on the bike route.
Additional Resources for your Bodensee Ride
Highlights of Lake Constance by Bike – from Exodus Tours
Bikeline Radweg – this is what I used. Although in German, the maps are so detailed that it is a delight to work with them.
Lake Constance Cycle Path – this book was published in December 2023, but the reviewers do not seem to find it too useful, although it is in English. Promises a lot of information to assist cyclists. Paper or Kindle editions.
Bodensee cycling map – if you want a paper map to complement your GPS
Trip.com – for train reservations to get to the area
Travel Insurance – coverage while cycling in Europe
Bike Rentals and more
We took our own bikes, but if you need to rent, consider these options:
Euro Bikes – a variety of rental bicycles, including electric bikes
Radweg-Reisen GmbH offers a luggage transfer service clockwise around the lake.
FAQs: Lake Constance Cycle Path
Can you cycle around Lake Constance?
Yes, there is a signed cycling route around Lake Constance (Bodensee) consisting of paved bicycle paths and quiet streets. You go through 3 countries – Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
How long does it take to cycle around Lake Constance?
It takes 5 to 7 days to cycle the 263 km around Lake Constance, depending on your daily distances. It is the third-largest lake in Central Europe.
What is the best time to cycle around Lake Constance?
During the summer months, this is a popular tourist destination so it is best to cycle from mid-April to June or September/October, although on weekends and holidays, it can be crowded with local cyclists. Reichenau Island frequently gets a lot of bus tours. The region has a mild climate.
Which countries does the Lake Constance cycle route go through?
A great thing about this route is that you get to see 3 different countries – Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Can I use a road bike on the Lake Constance Cycle Route?
Yes, as you are riding on paved bicycle paths or quiet streets
How difficult is the Lake Constance bicycle route?
While there is a major hill on the north shore, leaving Konstanz and also after leaving the Reichenau causeway (you are on a bike path in both situations), the remainder of the route is very flat
Which direction do you cycle around Lake Constance?
Almost all cyclists ride around Lake Constance in a clockwise direction.
Where does the Lake Constance Cycle Path start and end?
In the town of Konstanz in Germany.
Looking for more information on European Bike Touring?
If you are looking for more information on bike touring opportunities in the Lake Constance area, consider reading some of our other posts:
- The Rhine Valley Bike Route joins this route at Konstanz
- In Lindau, the Bodensee to Königssee cycling route starts and heads toward Salzburg
- Starting just north of Lake Constance is the Neckar River bike route on its way to the Rhine
- The Romantic Road Cycle Touring Route is also located nearby
- Obtaining European Bicycle-Friendly Accommodation will help with your planning
- Some of the other European bike routes
Wrap-Up: Cycling Around Lake Constance
For a good quality guidebook book consider the Bikeline Bodensee-Radweg, which is what I used. Although printed in German, I love the detailed maps, which are useful in any language. Or you can just order the Bodensee cycling map to save weight.
Expect lots of company on this route from both day cyclists and those bicycle touring. The Lake Constance cycling route is suitable for any level of cyclist and offers great lake views, apple orchards, vineyards, castles, cable car rides up the Alps, and medieval towns, making for a great bicycle touring journey.
