Lake Constance Cycle Loop: Flower Island, Monastery Island and Old Harbour Towns

This is where your journey begins. From Ulm Central Station you'll take the train with your bikes to Lake Constance, easing into the roughly ninety-minute journey.

Konstanz is the largest town on the lake, with a maze-like old town, the Gothic Münster and the revolving Imperia statue at the harbour. The waterfront is lovely for a stroll, and in spring the lakeside promenades are perfect for a first break.

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A traditional house right in the old town with cosy rooms and secure bike storage. Ideal for exploring the old town and harbour on foot.

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After breakfast, you'll cycle west along the Seerhein towards Reichenau.

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The Wollmatinger Ried is one of the most important nature reserves at Lake Constance, with reed beds and rich birdlife. From the cycle path you'll get lovely views over the wet meadows – worth a short stop for binoculars and a rest.

The monastery island of Reichenau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and impresses with three Romanesque churches and extensive vegetable fields. You'll roll comfortably across on the flat causeway and can admire the Münster St. Maria und Markus along with its old frescoes.

The flower island of Mainau is a sea of rhododendrons, tulips and blossoming avenues in May, plus there's a butterfly house and a large children's play area. The bridge takes you straight in by bike to the entrance, where you can leave your bikes at the car park.

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Today you'll head downstream along the Rhine towards Switzerland to the Rheinfall.

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The medieval town of Stein am Rhein charms with painted façades and a romantic town hall square. A good spot for a break on the way to the Rheinfall.

The Rheinfall is Europe's largest waterfall, thundering with tremendous force over the rocks. From the viewing platforms at Schloss Laufen and aboard the little boats, you can get right up close – a spectacular natural sight.

A cosy guesthouse on the Höri shore of the Untersee, serving hearty local food with secure bike storage. A peaceful spot for a restful evening after the long stage.

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From the Höri shore you'll cycle back to Konstanz to the ferry.

At the Staad ferry harbour, the car ferry to Meersburg departs, with bikes welcome aboard. The crossing over the Überlinger See offers lovely views back to Konstanz and across to the mountains.

Meersburg sits above the lake with Germany's oldest inhabited castle, delighting visitors with steep lanes, half-timbered houses and the Alte Burg to explore. From the upper town there are sweeping views over Lake Constance, while cafés down at the harbour invite you to pause.

A family-run inn above the old town serving Baden cuisine, with bike storage. Quietly located yet just a few minutes' walk from the old town.

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You'll cycle east along the northern shore towards the eastern end of Lake Constance.

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The Pfahlbaumuseum in Unteruhldingen displays reconstructed Stone Age and Bronze Age villages right above the water and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walkways lead you through the huts, immersing you in vivid scenes of life 6,000 years ago.

Lindau lies picturesquely on an island in Lake Constance, and the famous harbour entrance with its lion and lighthouse is the emblem of the region. The largely car-free old town invites you to stroll, with views of the Alpine chain on clear days.

A small, family-run garni hotel on Lindau's island, offering cycle-friendly service and quiet rooms. Centrally located, so you can easily reach the harbour and old town on foot.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

On the last day, the train takes you to the north-western shore for the natural highlight, the Marienschlucht.

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The Marienschlucht is a deeply cut, moss-green rocky gorge on the steep shore of the Überlinger See, and following extensive restoration it's open to walk through again. A trail leads over walkways and steps through the cool ravine with its waterfalls, a refreshing contrast to the flat cycle path.

Back in Konstanz, the cycle loop ends at the central station, from where you'll load your bikes onto the train to Ulm. Before that, there's time for one last look at the harbour.

Returning to your starting point: your Lake Constance cycle loop ends in Ulm.