Current as of: October 10, 2024 - 09:48

Lake Constance, Austria

Highlights of Lake Constance by Bike Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
  • Destination: Austria, Germany, Switzerland
  • Programmes: Cycling
  • Activity Level:

    1 out of 7 - Easy

  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 15+
  • Trip Code: C07LC

Trip Overview

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.

At a Glance

  • 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation
  • Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
  • E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)

Highlights

  • Flat and flexible cycling along beautiful lakeside paths, wildflower fields, vineyards and cherry orchards
  • Historical and cultural: Baroque churches, Gothic cathedrals, fairytale palaces, romantic castles
  • Postcard-pretty villages, half-timbered, frescoed towns, cafe-lined waterfronts and stunning mountain views
  • Wonderful flora and fauna en route, including kingfishers, cormorants and red-crested pochards.

Is This Trip for You?

Cycling Conditions
Classification
: SelfGuided
Average daily distance: 33.8km (21.4miles)
No. of days cycling: 5
Terrain 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

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.

Adult min age: 15

Itinerary

Highlights of Lake Constance by Bike

Land Only

  • Start City: Bregenz
  • End City: Bregenz

Flight Inclusive

  • Start City: London
  • End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Bregenz

After arriving at your hotel, a historic coaching inn, in the centre of Bregenz where you can explore the ancient cobbled streets of the old town.

Day 2
Bregenz to Arbon

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.

Distance covered: 15mi (24km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Arbon to Stein am Rhein

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. 

Distance covered: 26mi (42km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
Stein am Rhein to Konstanz

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. 

Distance covered: 28mi (45km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
At Konstanz

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. 

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Konstanz to Friedrichshafen

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. 

Distance covered: 16mi (25km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
Friedrichshafen to Bregenz

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! 

Distance covered: 21mi (33km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
Leave Bregenz

The tour ends in Bregenz after breakfast.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotels

Highlights of Lake Constance by Bike

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.

Single supplement from £ 335

Food & Drink

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.

Weather & Seasonality

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.

Weather Charts

Konstanz

Highlights of Lake Constance by Bike

Joining Instructions

Alternative Air Travel
Alternative 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).

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Bregenz
Location end: Bregenz

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.

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Helmets are compulsory in Austria for all customers under 12 years, you must bring one as they are not provided locally.

Warm top and leggings for the early spring and autumn departures

Swimming costume

Windproof and waterproof layer

Comfortable shoes and clothes for the days off the bike if you want to explore the towns.

Self-Guided Hire Bikes

We use hybrid bikes. All bikes are supplied with:

  • 2 rear panniers
  • 1 bike lock per 2 people
  • 1 puncture repair kit per 2 people, which includes puncture repair spray and a pump

If you are booked as a group, but intend to cycle seperately please let us know in advance if you wish to have additional map holders or repair kits.

Seat and handlebar heights will have been set up in advance from the heights you have given us on booking. However, when you receive your bike there will be the opportunity to test and adjust. Our representative will be on hand to assist you and can fit pedals and your saddle if you wish to bring these with you.

Please note helmets are not provided, please take your own on this trip.

Bike Repairs
As you are riding unaccompanied, it is wise to know at least how to repair an inner tube before setting off on your bike! The bikes are serviced before being rented out so there should be no problems but there are emergency numbers provided in the Route Notes for more complex problems.

If you prefer the familiarity of your own bike, you may, of course, bring it along. Please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the holiday, as specified above. You will be responsible for any extra baggage charges, please speak to your sales representative for individual airline fees. Please note, this does not apply to trips within the UK, for which local bike hire is not included.

You will also be responsible for assembling and disassembling your bike as well as bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. It is also your responsibility to ensure your bike is roadworthy and suitable for the type of cycling undertaken. If in doubt, the model of local bike hire available should act as a guide and details of terrain, ascent and descent are available both in the itinerary and in the ‘Is this trip for you?’ sections. Our cycling team only carry the relevant spares for the hire fleet. Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure they have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home contents or a specialist insurance policy. If Exodus is confident we have taken all reasonable care to ensure the safety of your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or theft, you will need to claim under your own insurance policy.

Extra bike accessories

You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind.

Recommended Cycling Clothing

Padded cycling shorts (with loose ‘over-shorts’ where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances. Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum bag (fanny pack) or small close-fitting daysack.

Exodus Policy on Cycling Helmets

Wearing a helmet is mandatory for anyone taking part in any guided Exodus cycling holiday. Group members must bring their own helmets, as they are not available for hire, even if they are hiring a bike from Exodus.

For self-guided cycling holidays wearing a helmet is highly recommended. Customers who choose to ignore our advice do so entirely at their own risk and on the understanding that it may affect the validity of their travel insurance. It should also be noted that in some countries, wearing a helmet is a legal requirement.

Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake.

Local Bike Details

A quality local hire bike is included in the overall price of our cycling holidays. At the time of booking we will take your height in order to reserve equipment. There may on occasions be insufficient bikes available in the correct size; we will endeavour to find suitable alternative equipment but this cannot be guaranteed. We will tell you before you book whether suitably sized bikes are available.

Conditions 

1. The equipment remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, hire out or part possession with the equipment.
2. You must not misuse the equipment and must return it in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear excepted). The supplier is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the equipment during the period of hire.
3. You must ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use. In the event of the equipment being lost or stolen, you may be liable for the replacement value of the equipment
4. You must not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and should immediately notify the Supplier in the event of breakdown or loss.

Reading List

The Lonely Planet Guide to Austria
The Lonely Planet Guide to Germany
The Lonely Planet Guide to Switzerland
Journey around Lake Constance – Michael Kuhler

Practical Information

Visa

Austria

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Austria. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through. Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

 

Germany

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Germany. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Switzerland

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Switzerland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/switzerland
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/switzerland
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/switzerland/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Switzerland.html

Vaccinations and Health

Austria

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Germany

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies (bat lyssavirus) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Switzerland

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Austria's time zone: Europe/Vienna (UTC +02:00)

Germany's time zone: Europe/Berlin (UTC +02:00)

Switzerland's time zone: Europe/Zurich (UTC +02:00)

Electricity

Austria's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Germany's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Switzerland's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and J (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Highlights of Lake Constance by Bike

Money

Austria's currency: Euros (EUR)

Germany's currency: Euro (EUR)

Switzerland's currency: Swiss francs (CHF), but euros (EUR) are widely accepted

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can’t get to a bank at the start of the trip.

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.