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Day 1: Exploring Mainau and its blossoms
After a delightful breakfast, we embark on our first cycle tour. A warm, sunny day awaits us. We cycle along a beautiful lakeside path from Konstanz, passing through forests and lanes, and quickly arrive at the island of Mainau.
We park our bikes and explore the island on foot. Right at the entrance, we are greeted by an art display of flowers. We can't help but marvel and take pictures: animals crafted from flowers, herb gardens, a waterfall adorned with stunning flower arrangements, turrets with flowerbeds, towering trees, palm trees, cacti, and the impressive castle. I can't stop praising the island's beauty.
Day 2: Relaxing in a sea of flowers
Given the high temperatures, we buy a refreshing beer and find a lovely spot to relax amidst the flowers. As Astrid Lindgren wisely said, "And then you also have to have time to just sit there and look in front of you." The relaxation does us good.
On our way back, we visit the Butterfly House, another must-see attraction on the island. We admire gorgeous butterflies, some even landing on our clothes and heads. After a wonderful time on the island, we cycle back to the hotel, eagerly anticipating a refreshing shower. In the evening, we take a stroll along Konstanz's promenade and savour fresh fish from Lake Constance at an excellent restaurant.
Day 3: Visiting the Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen
We start early today, as we have planned a more extended cycling tour in the morning. One of the advantages of the Lake Constance tour is the availability of ferries that we can use. The necessary vouchers for the ferry rides are provided in the information brochure.
Our first stop is the ferry ride from Konstanz to Meersburg, where we begin cycling. We pedal along Lake Constance, enjoying beautiful paths that wind through vineyards and towns like Hagnau and Immenstaad, until we reach Friedrichshafen. We catch glimpses of a zeppelin flying over Lake Constance along the way. In Friedrichshafen, we make sure to visit the Zeppelin Museum to get a peek inside a blimp. After a quick snack and a short walk along the promenade, offering a view of Friedrichshafen's Moleturm, we get back on our bikes. We cycle past lush orchards and colourful allotment gardens, encountering picturesque spots for photos, inviting beer gardens to replenish our energy, and dreamy places to linger.
Lost in the multitude of impressions, we lose track of time. Unfortunately, we realized in Lindau that we missed the fast ferry and had to embark on a three-hour boat trip at 6 pm. However, it turns out to be a pleasant surprise, as we are treated to spectacular views during the extended crossing.
On the ship's upper deck, with a gentle breeze, a beer, and an Aperol spritz in hand, we marvel at the Lindau lighthouse, Pulverturm, the beautiful docking places, and the mesmerising sunset. This change of plans adds the perfect finishing touch to our cycling day.
Day 4: Palaeolithic Dwellings - Life in the Stone Age
Anyone who searches for Lake Constance online is likely to come across pictures of the lake dwellings. On this cycle tour, we could gain insight into the lives of people from that era. Once again, we set off early in the morning to avoid the scorching heat, which is expected to reach up to 34 degrees Celsius. The initial part of the journey is familiar to us. We make our way to Wallhausen, where we are the only ones waiting for the ferry crossing to Überlingen, thanks to our early start.
Upon arriving in Unteruhldingen, we visit the Lake Dwelling Museum, which impresses us with its cultural-historical portrayal of the changes in the Lake Constance region. In this case, pictures speak louder than words. With temperatures soaring, we spontaneously decide to find a pleasant spot by the lake to cool off. The water is fantastic, and it proves to be a wise choice. We conclude the evening with an enjoyable meal and a glass of wine, marking our last day in Konstanz.
Day 5: Rhine Falls boat trip and Stein am Rhein
Our final day has arrived, the day of our journey back home. My husband and I return the bikes to the local office in the morning and retrieve our car.
To ensure we don't miss the famous Rhine Falls, we decide to drive there while we're still in the area. We park slightly above the falls and walk down the path, which offers a magnificent view. Once we reach the bottom, we witness the mighty masses of water cascading down, adjacent to the Swiss town of Stein am Rhein.
Small boats depart at regular intervals to navigate below the waterfall, and we decide to purchase tickets. It promises to be an exhilarating ride. Just as my father swaps places with me so that I can capture better photos, the boatman takes us incredibly close to the raging water. As intended, a powerful spray of water splashes into the boat, drenching me and my fellow passengers. The resulting photos and videos are spectacular!
The trip lasts approximately 20 minutes and leaves everyone thrilled, providing a truly memorable experience.
