A quintessential cycling destination, Lake Constance, known by various names like Swabian Sea and Dreiländersee, resides in an idyllic region adorned with castles and bountiful fruit orchards spread across different countries. Situated at the heart of Europe, amidst Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, this region attracts a multitude of cyclists annually.
This classic cycling tour around Lake Constance stands as one of our most sought-after excursions. It provides the perfect opportunity to leisurely explore the exquisite and diverse landscapes surrounding the lake. Families can relish a relaxed biking experience, discovering the enchanting and scenic highlights of Lake Constance.
Amidst this journey, cyclists can marvel at historic castles, pedal through lush fruit orchards, and soak in the unique beauty of this tri-country area. The route is designed to cater to all skill levels, ensuring an enjoyable and memorable experience for families exploring the stunning locales of Lake Constance.
Details about the bike tour around Lake Constance for Families
The cycling tour around Lake Constance has been specially crafted for families with children and enthusiasts of gourmet experiences. The emphasis is not on covering vast distances in a single day, but on leisurely discovering a highlight of the Bodensee region each day.
Throughout the stages of this family bike ride, well-developed paths along the coast are the norm, meandering through picturesque vineyards and orchards. The itinerary encompasses not only visits to prominent cities like Konstanz, Friedrichshafen, Lindau, and Bregenz but also includes must-see attractions such as the flower island of Mainau, the iconic stilt houses, and engaging Sea Life aquariums.
In order to ensure an enjoyable experience for younger cyclists, a day's admission to the Ravensburger Spieleland is included, catering specifically to their interests and entertainment. Additionally, long stretches are conveniently shortened by utilizing boat transportation, allowing families to enjoy the journey while managing the distances effectively.
This thoughtfully planned itinerary guarantees a blend of scenic exploration, cultural visits, and exciting activities, making the cycling tour around Lake Constance an ideal adventure for families and those seeking a mix of leisure and entertainment.
The highlights of the cycling holiday in Lake Constance at a glance
Ravensburger Speileland: Experience adventure, fun and action for the whole family with more than 70 attractions in eight themed worlds.
Zeppelin Museum, Friedrichshafen: The most extensive and important collection on the history and technology of zeppelin aviation. You can even take a ride on a real Zeppelin!
Bregenz Festival: From Lindau, you go to Bavaria towards Austria. In Bregenz, the capital of Vorarlberg, the annual festival takes place on the largest lake stage in the world.
Worth knowing about the Lake Constance for Families bike tour
You'll cover a distance of 160-190 kilometres during the eight-day cycling journey around Lake Constance. While some stages may feature hilly terrain, the cycling route, overall, maintains a predominantly flat profile. In essence, the cycle tour around the Swabian Sea is well-suited for families, offering a manageable route that combines varied distances and terrains, allowing cyclists to experience the beauty of the region while accommodating different skill levels and preferences.
Important: You do not need to be in a family group to book this tour. The route is ideal for those looking to book a cycling holiday for the first time or would prefer shorter distances each day.
You will start your family cycling tour on Lake Constance in Konstanz, the largest city on the lake. 600 years ago it was the scene of a church council and the only papal election north of the Alps. The Rhine flows here from Lake Constance, marking kilometre 0 on its way to the North Sea. The Swiss town of Kreuzlingen with a lively harbour is a ten-minute walk from the medieval old town.
Your first bike ride takes you just a short distance from Konstanz to the flower island of Mainau. Enjoy the day on the island. Whether the palm or butterfly house, the large adventure playground or the beautiful baroque palace - something is exciting for everyone to see here. Then take the ship from nearby Wallhausen to Überlingen. You pass the romantic baroque church of Birnau and quickly reach Uhldingen.
A trip to the past awaits you today on your family bike tour on Lake Constance in the Pfahlbaumuseum in Unteruhldingen. Things get exciting as you learn how people lived on the lake more than 6,000 years ago. After a short tour, you can pick up and try out tools from that time in the eventful museum. Back in the present, you cycle through medieval Meersburg to Friedrichshafen.
Children's eyes shine all day today because you visit the Ravensburger Spieleland. In the theme park on Lake Constance, the whole family will experience unforgettable moments together: go deep into the depths of alpine rafting, make your own favourite chocolate in the chocolate workshop and be inspired by fascinating 3D nature films or the laughter and non-fiction stories in the mouse cinema. The most beautiful play ideas from Ravensburger in XXL format and more than 70 attractions in eight themed worlds are waiting to be discovered.
After an exciting day, you can comfortably take the Spieleland bus (return approx. €10 per family, not included) back to Friedrichshafen. Sports enthusiasts also have the option of cycling the short but hilly route there and back.
Visit the Zeppelin Museum before starting the next leg of your family cycling tour on Lake Constance. Interesting exhibitions and sound and film recordings explain the pioneers of airship travel. Afterwards, you cycle through lush green orchards and charming towns such as Wasserburg and Nonnenhorn. Soon you reach the Bavarian town of Lindau, whose harbour is guarded by a 6m high lion. The winding old town is located on an island in Lake Constance and has a flair all its own!
It's going high today! The cable car takes you and the children to the top of the Pfänder in just a few minutes. Enjoy the breathtaking view over the lake and walk through the alpine wildlife park with numerous native animals. After returning to Bregenz by cable car, hop on your bikes and cross the Swiss border. You will quickly reach your next destination via the nature reserve in the Rhine delta.
The last stage of your family bike tour around Lake Constance mainly takes you along the shore of the lake. Along the way, there are always opportunities to take a dip in the lake or reward yourself with ice cream. When you arrive in Konstanz, be sure to visit the SeaLife Centre (included) Immerse yourself in the fascinating underwater world and discover sharks, turtles and even penguins.
After breakfast, your individual return home or an extension of your stay.
Route information
The cycling stages around Lake Constance vary, featuring primarily flat terrain on paved cycle paths that hug the lake's shores. While most of the route remains flat, some stages may include slightly hilly sections, with occasional short segments on unpaved paths. In the Friedrichshafen area, the cycle path aligns with the main road.
Overall, the route is designed to be family-friendly, offering a blend of smooth, paved paths near the lake and manageable hilly sections, as well as short unpaved stretches. Despite the brief main road passage in the Friedrichshafen area, the route is crafted to ensure a safe and enjoyable cycling experience suitable for the entire family.
7 nights accommodation as described, including breakfast
Up and down the Pfänder cable car
Boat trip Wallhausen–Überlingen including bicycle
Entrance flower island of Mainau
Entrance to the Pole Museum Unteruhldingen
Entrance to Ravensburger Spieleland
Entrance to the Rosgartenmuseum Konstanz including a cup of coffee
Entrance to the Sea-Life Centre Konstanz
Entrance to the Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen
Luggage transfer(s) max. 1 piece of luggage 20 kg per person
Travel folder 1x per room (German, English with route and overview maps, detailed route description, places of interest, important telephone numbers, suitcase labels)
GPS data available on request
Service Hotline
Not included
Tourist tax, if applicable, to be paid locally
Arrival information
Airport: Zurich airport
Train: Constance station
Parking: Fenced at the Radweg Reisen office, costs €45 per trip, to be paid on site, reservations not possible. Free parking on the public road
Parking garage: (Fischmarkt, Dammgasse, Lago, Old Town, Benediktinerplatz), costs about €10 to €20 per day
Hotel parking: Available at the hotels, costs are included in the travel documents