Getting the kids out there enjoying the benefits of an active lifestyle from a young age sets them up for a healthy future, and it's great fun! Lake Constance is the perfect place for a family cycling adventure...

In a Nutshell

Views near Überlingen

A flat circuit of 170km through 3 countries (Austria, Switzerland and Germany) loops around Lake Constance ("Bodensee" in German). Opportunities for quality family time are in abundance; lakeside picnics, museum visits, Swiss chocolate shops, castles & history, and apfelkuchen for the kids (regional wines for the grown-ups). Perfection!

Distance: Up to 170km over 5 cycling days (during a 7 night trip).

Grading: Easy to Moderate.

Where?

Family cycling on flat and easy paths

This huge lake on the River Rhine is 63km long but only 14km wide. Interestingly, the lake is one of the only areas in Europe where no borders exist, as the three surrounding countries can't quite agree where the borders lie (through the middle of the lake, on the shore, or elsewhere).

Why Cycle Here?

Having drawn travellers to it's shores for rest and fun for many years, the entire lakeside region has a relaxed holiday vibe about it. With everything from beautiful beaches, to sprawling meadows, to views of the Alps, it really is a little "best of" central Europe in one package.

Apfelkuchen: It would be rude not to, right?

The "Bodensee-Radweg" is the cycle path which circles the lake, taking in the most popular sights. You can also cut sections shorter by using the many boat trip options. Lake Constance is one of Europe's top cycling destinations, so everything is extremely bike-friendly, navigation is a breeze, and the route is perfectly suited to a cycling holiday for all ages and all levels of experience. It's pretty unique to be able to breakfast in one country (Lindau, Germany), lunch in another (pedal through Austria), then relax and enjoy dinner in a third country (the Swiss region of Rorschach)! Kids will love the novelty, and it's a great story to tell friends! Watching the evening sun shimmer across the lake from a shore-side cafe is one of life's blissful moments.

Planning & Preparation

We suggest cycling between late April and early October. The winter season is very quiet at Lake Constance and many facilities are closed. Spring is an excellent time to avoid the crowds and see the Spring flowers, mid-summer can be very busy but the weather is usually lovely, and autumn/fall is quieter but usually offers clear air and views, plus the buzz of harvest season.

Views of Lindau

We suggest flying to Zurich airport, and getting the train to Constance/Konstanz (around 1 hour), www.bahn.co.uk has useful details on this transfer. Round up the family, and even better make it a multi-generation adventure by getting the Grandparents involved. Happy pedalling!

Our 7 night family friendly itinerary has bike hire options for all ages, including toddler trailers and baby seats, plus daily baggage transfer to make things easy. View all the Lake Constance Family Cycling itinerary details on our website.