Lake Constance Self-Guided Cycling

You arrive at your hotel, a historic coaching inn, in the centre of Bregenz.
Explore the ancient cobbled streets of the old town before dinner on the
courtyard terrace.

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 Arbon where you'll find pretty half-timbered houses and a
16the century castle.

Two routes: 24km/15mi or 41km/25mi
*Comfortable hotel*

It's easy to spend a morning exploring Arbon's historic old town with its
well-preserved buildings. After lunch at one of the many lakeside
restaurants, hop on the bus for the 35 minute ride (10km) to historic St
Gallen, a bustling market town packed with 18th century merchants' houses and
open-air cafes. Visit the 8th century Benedictine abbey's fabulous UNESCO
library, then blow the cobwebs away by freewheeling back down to the
lakeside. There's lots of swimming possibilities before an easy waterfront
cycle back to the hotel.
*Comfortable hotel*

There's an option to take the train to Guettingen this morning and shorten
your route. Otherwise, pedal clockwise around the lake and pass numerous
waterfront villages affording lots of panoramic sun terraces for coffee stops
and lunch. In the afternoon, you coast effortlessly between sleepy harbours
before arriving at the riverside Hotel Chlosterhof where you spend the next
two nights.

Two routes: 42km/26mi or 59km/37mi
*Comfortable hotel*

It's easy to spend the day in mediaeval Stein am Rhein with its 11th century
monastery, beautiful frescoed square and lovely chocolate shops!
Alternatively, Schaffhausen, a lively German town full of street theatre in
the summer, is ideal for a day trip - it's great for shopping and has
riverside cycle paths to Schloss Laufen, a tiny castle perched precariously
above the tumbling Rheinfall waterfall, the biggest in Europe!
*Comfortable hotel*

Freewheeling east this morning, you'll soon cross the border to enter Germany
- look out for cormorant and red-crested pochard in the Hornstaad Nature
Reserve. 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
Konstanz, the unofficial regional capital. 
*Comfortable hotel*

Spend the day exploring the narrow streets of Konstanz: visit the Altstadt,
Munster and lively centre crammed with quirky shops and museums.
Alternatively 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.
*Comfortable hotel*

It's a short ride through oak forest to catch the 15 minute ferry ride
(included) to fairytale Meersburg with its twin castles, steep streets and
hillsides of vines. It's a perfect place for a lunch stop! Then, pedalling
south, it's a gentle cycle into Friedrichshafen. 
*Comfortable hotel*

There are superb wine tasting opportunities on your doorstep today - local
Muller-Thurgau wines come from Riesling and Silvaner grapes for which Lake
Constance is famous. Or visit Friedrichshafen's amazing Zeppelin Museum, full
of fascinating knick-knacks, including an original menu and wine list from
the Hindenburg.
*Comfortable hotel*

Cycle past the pretty village of Langenargen and through peaceful vineyards
and cherry orchards en route to lovely Lindau, a gorgeous island village
surrounded by cobalt blue waters with long distance views of razor-edged
peaks across the lake (there are lots of idyllic choices for lunch). Then,
keeping the lake at your side, a final push takes you back down to Bregenz.
Time permitting, perhaps take the cable car up Pfander mountain (1064m), for
a fantastic vista of your entire route and a real sense of achievement! 
*Comfortable hotel*

Leave Bregenz