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Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Lake Constance

Self-Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

8 days

Prices from

£1,155 P.P.

E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE

This holiday is well-suited to both normal bikes and pedal assist e-bikes and you can choose to hire either when you book your holiday with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities.

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Explore Lake Constance on this self-guided cycling holiday through Austria, Germany and Switzerland. A cycling classic taking in three countries in the heart of Europe - each of which add their own special mark to this idyllic region.
Lake Constance enjoys a mild climate and plenty of sunshine making it a great summer cycling destination. You'll be following the sandy shores of the lake and winding through the many vineyards and orchards that stretch down to the water's edge. 
This is a great trip for those looking to ride at a leisurely pace. The cycling follows mostly traffic free, flat cyclepaths around the edge of the lake making it perfect for those looking for a relaxed holiday with time to take in the various highlights of the region.
Your journey showcases the highlights of this wonderful region; the world famous stage in Bregenz, the quaint fishing villages on the Swiss shores of the lake and the larger historic towns of Constance and Friedrichshafen, all of which contribute towards making this a cycling holiday not to be missed.
If you're interested in doing this Lake Constance cycling holiday with children, then check out the family version of this holiday, where you may find the information more relevant to your needs.
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Holiday Highlights

  • Exploring the idyllic town of Constance, and visiting the Imperia statue
  • Strolling around lovely Meersburg
  • Cycling to historic Friedrichshafen to see its remarkable castle
  • Visiting Bregenz and its world famous stage
  • Enjoying a leisurely picnic on the banks of Lake Constance
  • Experiencing the thunderous waters of the Rhine Falls, the largest water fall in Europe

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We had the best holiday! Having never really cycled before, we were so proud to manage 210 miles in 6 days and to really enjoy exploring a new area. This is a great way to spend a week, seeing beautiful sights, eating delicious food and getting fit as well.

Henrietta, Surrey

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival into Constance
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After arriving in Constance, today offers the chance to explore the unofficial capital of the region after which the lake was named. The town is cut in half by the Rhine as it enters the lake near the Mediterranean style harbour, overlooked by the striking Imperia statue based on a story by Balzac. The aquarium in the Sea Life Centre, the Archaeological Museum and a walk through the labyrinthine network of alleyways of Niederburg (the old town) are also recommended.

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Day 2
Constance to Ludwigshafen / Überlingen
22 - 31 Miles / 35 - 50 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 190 Metres Approx.

Today you’ll start your journey heading out of Constance. You’ll initially be riding along the ‘Gnadensee’ to the former imperial town of Radolfzell. Situated on the lake, Radolfzell is home to a selection of restaurants, a lovely beer garden and harbour area, and of course, lots of cyclepaths!

From here you’ll ride across the Bodanrück hills (some small inclines), arriving at the

so-called Überlinger See, part of Lake Constance. Here you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the lake. Time to relax and enjoy a stroll along Überlingen‘s pretty promenade.

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Day 3
Ludwigshafen / Überlingen to Kressbronn
31 - 37 Miles / 50 - 60 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 152 Metres Approx.

Your journey today will take you along the Obersee. Firstly you’ll make a pit-stop at the pilgrimage church of Birnau. Situated amidst vineyards, the forecourt of the splendidly decorated baroque church offers a wonderful view over the lake. A visit to the museum in Unteruhldingen is also worth a visit!

You’ll then make your way through Meersburg where you’ll find Germany’s oldest inhabited castle. Onwards you’ll go to the old town of Lindau, located on an island. Here you can enjoy the view of the Alps from the picturesue harbour, and explore some of the town’s landmarks: the Bavarian Lion and the 33-meter-high lighthouse.

(Your overnight tonight could be either in Kressbronn, Nonnenhorn or Lindau).

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Day 4
Kressbronn to Arbon
19 - 31 Miles / 30 - 55 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 76 Metres Approx.

If you didn’t get chance yesterday, spend some time this morning exploring the Bavarian city of Lindau – take some time to visit the city centre on the island before heading off for the rest of your day. Soon after leaving Lindau you’ll reach the Austrian border and Bregenz, where you should visit the world famous lake stage. Strolling, boating and swimming are popular activities here, and riding round Bregenz’s cobblestone streets is a pleasant way to explore.

Just a stone’s throw from Bregenz, you’ll cross the Bregenzer Ach river – Welcome to Switzerland!

(Your overnight tonight could be either in Hochst, Horn or Arbon)

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Day 5
Arbon to Constance
19 - 34 Miles / 30 - 55 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 100 Metres Approx.

Today your tour takes you through Romanshorn, which is home to Switzerland’s largest harbour on Lake Constance. The lakeside promenade is perfect for pleasant strolls, with sights worth seeing such as the old church and a small museum near the harbour devoted to local history. You’ll then continue on along the banks of Lake Constance back to Constance. During the evening why not take a wander through the old town or enjoy an ice cream down at the harbour.

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Day 6
Constance to Schaffhausen
31 Miles / 50 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 315 Metres Approx.

Your ride today will take you through picturesque Swiss fishing villages along the South shore of the Untersee. You’ll be riding via Stein am Rhein, with its well-preserved medieval centre and array of richly decorated houses towards today’s destination, Schaffhausen. Located on the Upper Rhine between the Black Forest and Lake Constance, Schaffhausen is watched over by the imposing Munot fortress (a circular fort built in the 16th century).

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Day 7
Schaffhausen to Constance (via the Rhine Falls)
28 Miles / 45 Kms (Plus Boat Trip)
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 300 Metres Approx.

Today you’ll be cycling to the Rhine Falls, the largest European waterfalls. After visiting these majestic falls, you’ll then be riding along the opposite side of the Rhine, back to Stein am Rhein and along the Höri to Gaienhofen. You’ll then travel by boat to Reichenau Island. After spending some time exploring, you’ll then make your way back to Constance for your final overnight stay.

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Day 8
Departure from Constance
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  • Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast it’s time to head home or if you would like more time in the region let us know and we can help arrange additional nights.

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The Cycling

Terrain

The majority of the route is along well surfaced cycle paths. The paths run partially along the lakeshore and partially along lake-shore roads. Sporadically, there are short sections that will see you riding over some rougher ground (cobbles, forest/farm tracks and hard packed gravel/dirt roads) You’ll share the road with traffic in some sections, especially going to and from your hotels, and in and out of the bigger towns and cities.

A relatively laid-back route, with some hilly sections around the lower lake, perfect for hybrid (or e-bikes if you’re looking to take it even easier) – not suitable for road bikes. For more information about riding an electric bike on our holidays please click here

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Leisure Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 1-2 : Easy/Gentle

Aspects of both our grade 1 and 2 holidays

Suitable for those looking for a relaxed ride

Occasional ups and downs

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

Holidays that are graded as a 1-2, will have aspects of both our grade 1 and grade 2 holidays. These tours are still suitable for those looking for an accessible cycling holiday with manageable daily distances, along predominately flat terrain, however there will be some days / sections where we’d expect you to be up for a slightly cheeky challenge. It might be that the distances are a little longer on some days or that the terrain is slightly more undulating, but the rides are still relaxed and manageable for someone whose generally fit and healthy.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

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My husband and I have gone on many organised bike trips offered by a variety of outfitters. Of all of these, which included trips to France, Spain, Canada and the U.S., the Skedaddle trip around Lake Constance was by far the best.

Kateri, USA

Dates & Prices

Daily departures available. The season prices below are per person and are applicable for all start dates between and inclusive of the stated dates.

2024 From 14 Apr – 03 Oct

Season 1 – £1155 14 Apr – 25 Apr / 30 Sep – 03 Oct

Season 2 – £1255 26 Apr – 03 May / 15 Sep – 29 Sep

Season 3 – £1425 04 May – 16 May / 20 May – 23 May / 02 Jun – 28 Jun / 25 Aug – 14 Sep

Season 4 – £1495 17 May – 19 May / 24 May – 01 Jun / 29 Jun – 24 Aug

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a £200 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
Return Date
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Duration
8 days
Price
£1,155.00
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Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms) in 3 and 4* hotels

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) Local representative

D) Detailed route notes and maps

E) Luggage transfers

F) Entrance to Rosgarten museum in Constance (incl. 1 coffee)

G) Boat trip from Gaienhofen-Reichenau incl. bike

H) Boat trip to the Rhinefall rocks

I) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike rental (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Single room (available if required)

E) Travel insurance

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills etc)

H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route (if not stated)

I) City or visitor‘s tax where applicable

J) Travel to first hotel on arrival day

K) Travel from final hotel on departure day

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The Essentials

Travel Options

For this tour we ask that you make your own way to your hotel in Constance on arrival and onwards from Constance at the end of the trip.

The most convenient airport for this trip is Zurich airport (ZRH). From the UK the most convenient flights are with easyJet and British Airways from London Heathrow (LHR)and Gatwick (LGW) to Zurich (ZRH) from where you can catch a train to Constance and then walk or get a taxi to the hotel.

If it is more convenient to drive to the start of the trip then it is usually possible to park your car securely. Please contact us to discuss this option further.

Please check with Skedaddle before booking any flights so that we can ensure they fit in with the holiday schedule.

Accommodation

Accommodation (shared twin or double en suite rooms) will usually be in a mixture 3 and 4* hotels and guesthouses.

Please note that a twin bedded rooms may often be a typical Austrian Twin, which comprises two mattresses and two sets of bedding in the same large bed frame, when it won’t be possible to separate the mattresses. If you require two fully separate beds, please state this at the time of booking as being a condition of the booking; if you don’t state this then twin rooms may be Austrian Twins, as above.

Bike Hire

If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own we have bikes available to rent. These bikes are typically hybrid bikes with semi slick tyres. If you do decide to rent we will provide all necessary spares for the trip.

For this particular trip we usually provide unisex bikes; either 8 gear internally geared hubs with back pedal function or 27 gear dérailleur. We have various frame sizes available. For body heights of 175cm and above we will usually provide a male frame (with high cross bar).

Rental bikes come equipped with a comfortable saddle, a pannier rack, a pannier, a Saddle bag with card compartment, an odometer, a bike lock and pump. One repair kit with spare inner tube) also provided, one per booking.

We also have e-bikes available on request.

You will need to bring your own helmets.

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News, Reviews & Stories

E-bikes - everything you need to know

There’s no doubt that e-bikes are popular. We caught up with our expert to answer some of your burning questions!

Customer Story: Lake Constance

Read Lynn's story about our guides and cycling in the heart of Europe.

Reviews

14

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