Medieval fortresses, villages, draw bridge castles, island towns, museums of Napoleon and Zeppelin, Europe’s largest waterfall and the castle which inspired Walt Disney: these are only a few of the highlights you’ll explore on this ride completely around one of Europe’s most important lakes bordering three countries. This is an ideal family tour through traditional Switzerland and Germany.
This is a very special region to me, since I was born here and have spent most of my life here (other than my early childhood in the Heidiland.) Therefore, I’d naturally feel that there is no company with a more intimate knowledge about this area than ours has.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
This tour begins at around 12.30 when we pick you up in Zurich at either the airport, your hotel or the designated train location site (in front of track 11.) We then transfer you via company van to Stein am Rhein, a completely walled medieval town with artistically frescoed houses and one of the most picturesque villages anywhere on the Rhein river. After giving you a chance to settle in and dress into your bike attire we will proceed with a bike fitting and brief discussion of safety rules and route. We then embark on a short 2-hour loop along what is considered the most pristine section of water on the entire Rhein River anywhere in Europe. We inspect a medieval wooden bridge that has become a local landmark as well as a river crossing from Switzerland into Germany. Along this route we enjoy a rural jaunt past fields of sunflowers and wheat, then to a spot where you can take your first dip in the crystal clear river before we return to town for a visit of the overlooking castle fortress. From there we watch the sunset and over a complimentary drink we discuss the sights we plan to cycle to in the coming days.
Hotel: Your hotel is part of the colorful, geranium decorated rows of medieval houses along the Rhein river and located at an ideal spot to watch the boats come in.
(D)
Day 2:
We rise early (maybe) to take in our first full day of cycling. Even though the riding is always flat, this entire ride around the lake is abundant in attractions and they start today.
After a couple of miles we cross the Swiss border into Germany. Our first stop is the lakeside village of Hemmenhofen, where the German painter Otto Dix as well as the writer Herman Hesse lived. We visit both of their homes in the picturesque town square, which now house small museums. After riding through forest, cherry orchards and wheat fields along the Untersee (the lower, smaller lake that stretches between Stein am Rhein and Konstanz) we pass through many peaceful, quiet tiny German fishing villages. Thanks to a short climb, we enjoy what has to be called a fantastic view over the lakes, villages, mountains and the island we are going to ride. Just past a village that dates back to the year 724 we arrive at the island town of Reichenau. As we ride past the vegetable fields & vineyards we come across important churches dating back to the 8th century that house ancient artifacts that are considered extremely important to the region.
A poplar tree-lined bike path leads us to the largest nature reserve on the lake. Here we can observe the many species of water birds and plants. On our way into the university town of Constance we save the best visit for last--the Flower Island of Mainau. This island, completely covered in a variety of flowers, exist due to a microclimate whereby mild weather patterns allow even palm trees and other subtropical plants to grow. The Princes of Baden realized long ago the potential to turn their island retreat into a lush garden. Their castle is still part of the island and houses an abundance of different orchids, roses and much more. We spend the night in Konstanz (even though the lake is officially named the Bodensee, many refer to it as Lake Constance (English spelling) because this is the Lake’s largest and most important town.) This is also the liveliest and most active towns and a good night for you to have free from each other and/or go out
Hotel: 3*** town house in the old center of Constance (no cars), nice people and good rooms, hearty breakfast.
(B) (D)
Day 3:
If we weren’t able to see the island of Mainau on Day 2 we visit it early on Day 3, then proceed around the north side of the lower lake. From this point, a clear day is a dramatic sight with the long line of Alps in the distance behind the lake.
This is the only semi-hilly day of cycling (and it’s easy) as we pass through some of the typically German lakeside towns, forests and fields. Our attractions include wine tasting and a view of prehistoric lakeside dwellings. We also pass through what is considered a baroque jewel, the chapel of Birnau. This pilgrimage church was built in 1750, representing all the elements of baroque style; the principle of Illusionism and the emancipation of decoration. This is the most significant highlight of baroque in the region.
Before arriving in Meersburg we set up a picnic lunch featuring the regional delicacies. We then continue our ride to the sight of some original prehistoric lakeside dwellings. Once we arrive at the 2-castle town of Meersburg the first thing you notice is the baroque, pink castle overlooking this colorful medieval town. Then the sight of a drawbridge to an ancient fortress makes one realize that there is much to explore in this tiny town. The legends say that the Romans that lived here did not, unlike the other surrounding villages, deny Jesus food and lodging but welcomed him. As a way of saying thank you Jesus gave the Romans grapevines. The other villages immediately reconsidered their actions, said sorry and of course received some vines too – just the same their wine is supposed to be sour and the wine from Meersburg is outstanding. A wine tasting is scheduled later that evening.
Hotel: upper scale 3*** hotel at the lakeshore & medieval part of town. The hotel has existed for 400 years and the building is a protected heritage sight. It features a palm & rose garden with space to relax and swim. The rooms are bright and pleasant, decorated in cozy German style.
(B) (L)
Day 4:
Today is another ride on flat terrain and about 36 miles of vineyards. At the widest point on the lake (Friedrichshafen) we visit the Zeppelin museum and home of the world famous Zeppelin that caused such a stir before WWI. A new Zeppelin model is currently being built. (Lunch)
Perfect panoramic picture stops and beaches lead to the tiny harbor of an island town that features the Monfort Castle. This castle was built by the order of the Kingdom Wuertemberg in a pseudo – Moorish style in the middle of the 19th century. After a tour we continue to the eastern most point on the lake and stay two nights on a tiny picturesque island town, where we command a magnificent view of the Alps. This island town was often referred to as the “Venice of Swabia” because it was composed of several small islands connected with bridges. Only in the last century have the gaps been filled. Now the town is composed of colorful impressive houses and shops from the bourgeois, an extremely colorful Rathaus, narrow alleyways and a lively lake promenade. In the middle of the 14th century a 150 year long period of wealth came to this island town. The trade route to Italy brought them salt, metal work, a variety of cloth and corn from the many different German towns along the lake. Then via the nearby waterways the goods were transported to the Rhein and up to Chur from where Mule trails lead over the Alp passes to Italy.
Hotel: small, family-run Gasthaus in the heart of the island’s medieval district. Comfortable rooms, breakfast buffet & a sunny roof terrace with lake-views. It is a newly renovated four-story historic building. They have their own beer garden…
(B) (D)
Day 5:
A day off from the bikes takes us on an excursion through Bavaria to an isolated community that features one of Europe’s most famous castles. This castle is so impressive that even though Mad King Ludwig built three of them, and was planning a fourth, this is the only one people want to see when they visit. It so impressed Walt Disney that he felt it was the ideal location for Sleeping Beauty. After an interesting tour of the interior we have plenty of time to walk to the other castles or hike amongst this beautiful setting. The night is spent on at the island again—great swimming and shopping.
(B) (D)
Day 6:
On this day we do an easy ride through 3 borders-Germany, Austria and into Switzerland. The terrain is flat and we coast past many lakeside towns. Along our ride we stop & have the option of taking a cable car up to the Pfaender, a 3200-foot hill for a special view of the lake & the Swiss and the Austrian Alps.
We cycle an unpaved bicycle lane through a nature reserve located along the Rhein Delta. The countless creeks, canals and backwaters nest over 500 species of birds. We lunch around 9km before our destination and with enough time to visit a mountain village town that reeks of Swiss traditions, is famous for its cheese, woodwork and maybe even more famous for being the last place in the country to give women the vote. The wooden houses here are painted with rural scenes in a naïve style and the small doors give the town a quaint doll-like look.
Hotel: 3***Converted 18th century castle with outstanding views & food.
(B) (D)
Day 7:
On this day we complete the loop around the lake with enough time to visit the Napoleon museum castle, which was once the residence of his stepdaughter and family. Lunch is at a fantastic bakery/café in a quaint fishing village along the lake. We then ride back along the scenic portion of the Rhein River that we pedaled on our first day & then end it all at where this enormous lake’s waters have created Europe’s largest waterfalls, Rheinfall. We stay in a picturesque medieval town famous for its alcoves and the next morning have an optional city tour. It is Cornelia’s hometown (your tour designer.)
Hotel: An upper scale 3*** hotel with very romantic interior and tastefully decorated rooms. This is a small private castle set in a park & overlooks the rooftops of this medieval town.
(B) (D)
Day 8:
After breakfast, you have the option of a guided tour of your guide’s hometown as stated above before transferring back to Zurich.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
We will match up single travlers who wish to pay double ocupancy rate whenever possible. This tour can be conducted on a private basis anytime from June to Sept. for groups of 4 or more at the same rate.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Switzerland
Austria
Germany
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
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