Trip code: C07LC 4.9 (26 reviews)
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Flights
available
10.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
Bordered by the majestic Alpine peaks of Germany, Switzerland and Austria, the turquoise shoreline and pebbly beaches of Lake Constance are shared between three countries. As Central Europe's third largest lake, cycling around the lake is special in that you visit all three countries in a week.
Hosting a huge 270km lakeside cycling path, it's a beautifully flat journey from one country to the next, where you'll take in the sights and scents of cherry orchards, wildflower fields and daisy-strewn meadows.
Cross the mighty Rhine Delta that straddles the border between Austria and Switzerland and encounter wonderful wildlife, including kingfishers hidden in the reeds. Take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters during stop-offs, visit half-timbered frescoed towns for lunch (kretzer (perch) and zander (pike-perch) are Konstanz specialities), and then admire the myriad of Baroque churches and Gothic cathedrals.
Brimming with historical and cultural highlights, jump off your bike to visit fairytale Meersburg boasting twin castles, steep streets and vine-covered hillsides. Get a true taste of Germany when cycling through the Bavarian vineyards - local Muller-Thurgau wines come from Riesling and Silvaner grapes for which Lake Constance is famous. For chocolate-lovers, mediaeval Stein am Rhein boasts an array of lovely chocolate shops, and you can visit the 11th century monastery while you're there.
During the week you'll stay in an old coaching inn, a riverside hotel that used to be a 15th century customs warehouse, and a luxury lakeside mansion - including two nights in Konstanz and two nights in Bregenz.
After arriving at your hotel, a historic coaching inn, in the centre of Bregenz, you can explore the ancient cobbled streets of the old town before dinner.
You stay at Hotel Weisses Kreuz.
Shops
Bank
Mastercard
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Safe
The Hotel Weisses Kreuz is an old coaching inn, and it's central location makes it perfect for exploring Bregenz; it is only a couple of blocks from the lakeside and about a 5-minute walk from Bregenz station. Bregenz is on the eastern shore of Lake Constance, close to the 'four-border corner' with Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
The building has been impressively modernised in the last few years - bedrooms are spacious and light with dark carpets, light wooden furniture and big windows onto the street at the front or onto courtyard and the old town at the back.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Today you'll cycle west along Lake Constance's southern shore before crossing the mighty Rhine delta that straddles the border between Austria and Switzerland. It's an area of great natural beauty and a refuge for wildlife - be sure to keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers in the reeds. Your final stretch takes you around the lake to historic Arbon where you'll find pretty half-timbered houses and a 16th century castle.
You stay at Hotel Seegarten.
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The 42 room Hotel Seegarten is on the outskirts of Arbon set amid large gardens and fields. It is a short 5 minute cycle to the marina and the centre of the village, and very close to the Arbon Strandbad - the waterfront swimming area that serves the village.
The rooms have been furnished in a simple but modern style, with neutral colours and each of the modern rooms are equipped with direct dial telephones and televisions.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
There are two routes today - if opting for the shorter route you can take the train to Guettingen this morning. Otherwise, you'll pedal clockwise around the lake and pass waterfront villages affording lots of panoramic sun terraces for coffee stops and lunch. In the afternoon, you coast effortlessly between sleepy harbours before arriving in medieval Stein am Rhein.
You stay at Hotel Rheinfels.
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Historically, this family-run hotel dates back to the 15th century and was originally a customs warehouse for goods such as salt being transported up and down the Rhine River. It was also a guild house. The hotel is located right on the River Rhine at the north end of the bridge in Stein am Rhein.
There are 16 spacious and light rooms with ensuite bathrooms with bathtub and/or shower, WC, hairdryer, minibar, TV, radio alarm clock, free Wi-Fi within the hotel, direct dial telephone, safe and a unique view of the Rhine. The restaurant offers traditional cuisine using fresh seasonal ingredients. There is a terrace with fabulous views over the river. The restaurant is closed on Wednesdays (excluding during July & August). The hotel also has a boat for trips up the river and onto the lake - the MS St Georg, that seats up to 60 passengers.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
After freewheeling east this morning, you'll soon cross the border to enter Germany. In the Hornstaad Nature Reserve you may spot cormorant and red-crested pochard. Cycling along the Gnadensee you'll soon reach the UNESCO Heritage Site of Klosterinsel Reichenau, the first populated area on Lake Constance and home to an impressive 8th century Benedictine abbey. It's then on to the unofficial regional capital, Konstanz.
You stay at Hotel Halm.
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The Hotel Halm in Konstanz is a grand central hotel separated from the waterfront by the railway station, so you can shorten the cycling on this day, as the train will drop you at the front door!
It is an impressive historic building with views from many of the rooms out over the lake, and it is located right in the heart of the town, which is why dinner has been left up to you in Konstanz - the town is full of restaurants and cafes squirreled away down cobbled streets as well as along the waterfront by the harbour, so it is a pleasant place to stroll around before and after a meal out.
The interior is impressive - there is a grand reception area and bar, and a rather incongruous Moroccan style dining room with very high ceilings which is rather unusual, but very lovely nonetheless.
Bedrooms upstairs are light and modern, and the breakfast here is a feast fit for a king!
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Today you can spend the day exploring the narrow streets of Konstanz: visit the Altstadt, Munster and the lively centre crammed with quirky shops and museums. Alternatively, you can hop on a boat (payable locally) to visit Mainau Island's palace and landscaped rose gardens. If you take your bike, you can pedal back at leisure along traffic-free lakeside cycle paths.
You stay at Hotel Halm.
BankMastercardHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarSafe
The Hotel Halm in Konstanz is a grand central hotel separated from the waterfront by the railway station, so you can shorten the cycling on this day, as the train will drop you at the front door!
It is an impressive historic building with views from many of the rooms out over the lake, and it is located right in the heart of the town, which is why dinner has been left up to you in Konstanz - the town is full of restaurants and cafes squirreled away down cobbled streets as well as along the waterfront by the harbour, so it is a pleasant place to stroll around before and after a meal out.
The interior is impressive - there is a grand reception area and bar, and a rather incongruous Moroccan style dining room with very high ceilings which is rather unusual, but very lovely nonetheless.
Bedrooms upstairs are light and modern, and the breakfast here is a feast fit for a king!
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Pedal through oak forest this morning to catch the 15-minute ferry ride (included) to fairytale Meersburg - built on a steep vineyard right by the lake, it boasts twin castles and many museums. It's a perfect place to stop for lunch! Then, pedalling south, it's a gentle cycle into Friedrichshafen.
You stay at Hotel Buchhorner Hof.
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The Hotel Buchhornerhof is located overlooking the waterfront, on the road leading into the town centre - ideally situated for a stroll. It is a traditional building with a turret on the corner, and lots of attractive window boxes filled with flowers. Inside it retains a traditional charm, with wood panelled walls, stuffed animals on the walls, stained glass windows and snug corners with leather sofas where you can relax with a drink from the attractive horseshoe shaped bar.
The bedrooms here are light and modern and equipped with all the mod cons you would expect in a 4 star hotel.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Today you head to lovely Lindau, a stunning island village surrounded by cobalt blue waters with long-distance views of razor-edged peaks across the lake. En route you cycle past the pretty village of Langenargen and through peaceful vineyards and cherry orchards. After lunching in an idyllic setting near the lake, a final push alongside the lake takes you back down to Bregenz. Time permitting, you could take the cable car up Pfander mountain (1,064m), for a fantastic vista of your entire route, giving you a real sense of achievement!
You stay at Hotel Weisses Kreuz.
ShopsBankMastercardHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarSafe
The Hotel Weisses Kreuz is an old coaching inn, and it's central location makes it perfect for exploring Bregenz; it is only a couple of blocks from the lakeside and about a 5-minute walk from Bregenz station. Bregenz is on the eastern shore of Lake Constance, close to the 'four-border corner' with Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
The building has been impressively modernised in the last few years - bedrooms are spacious and light with dark carpets, light wooden furniture and big windows onto the street at the front or onto courtyard and the old town at the back.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Please note that cycling helmets are compulsory in Austria for all customers under 12yrs. As we are unable to provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.
Please see our Planning you holiday page for full details.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £335.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
Twin-bedded rooms in Austrian resorts are normally one large base with two mattresses/duvets. These are also known as 'Austrian Twins' and are regarded as two beds. Separate twin beds are rare and cannot be guaranteed as available.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Zurich airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Flights
available
10.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
