Highlights of Lake Constance by Bike

Experience Overview

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.
Profile
— 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)
At a Glance
— 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)
Trip For You
Cycling ConditionsClassification: Self-GuidedAverage daily distance: 33.8km (21.4miles)No. of days cycling: 5Terrain and route: The suggested cycle routes are along broad and flat cycle paths, which are car-free and well sign-posted.Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency telephone number. In an emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. A supplement (payable in advance) applies for sole occupancy of a room.
Eating Drinking
Look out for local specialities like kretzer (perch) and zander (pike-perch) on the menu, accompanied by fine local wines. The emphasis in this region is very much on local produce, and what appears on your plate will be whatever is in season; broccoli, asparagus, spinach and mushrooms are all grown in local market gardens, and desserts are often fruit based using locally grown apples, plums raspberries and strawberries.
Joining Instructions
Alternative Air TravelAlternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these on your behalf (£30 admin fee per person).
Transfer Details
Air-rail prices include our standard flights and onward rail.British Airways Heathrow to Zurich 09:25/12:20 then rail Zurich Airport to Bregenz via St Gallen and St Margrethen 14:21/16:10 then taxi to hotel (payable locally.) Return: Taxi to station (payable locally) then rail Bregenz to Zurich Airport 10:06/11:41 and British Airways Zurich to Heathrow 15:45/16:40. Business/club/first class seats are available on request.
Weather Information
Lake Constance has a big influence on the local climate due to its size, resulting in a moderate maritime climate. Summers are pleasant and winters cool, but not bitterly cold. The average summer temperature is 25 C, perfect for cycling.

Highlights