The Swiss Lakes Route - Self guided - 8 days - Classic

Day 1 Constance

You start your round trip in Constance, the largest city on the lake of the same name. The Council of Constance was held here 600 years ago, the only council north of the Alps to elect a pope. The Rhine leaves Lake Constance behind here and marks kilometer 0 on its way to the North Sea. Just a few minutes’ walk from the medieval center is the Swiss town of Kreuzlingen with its lively harbor. Use the time to visit the island of Mainau, stroll through the old town of Constance or visit the aquariums in the Sea Life Center and the Archaeological Museum.

Day 2 Constance – Schaffhausen 50 km

Your bike tour takes you out of Konstanz, off through picturesque Swiss fishing villages. Along the waterside, the path takes you to Stein am Rhein with its beautiful fresco-decorated, medieval houses. Switching several times between Germany and Switzerland you reach the canton’s capital, Schaffhausen. The town whose citizens competed in building numerous gables on their houses, is overlooked by Munot fort.

Day 3 Schaffhausen – Zürich ca.55 km + Train ride or 70 km

The first highlight of your trip are the Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe, which you will approach by boat. The valley of the Glatt will lead you on to Zurich. Modernity and tradition unite in this fascinating cosmopolitan Swiss city. Why not visit the well-preserved old town and make sure that you experience the cultural life of the city.

At Zurich-Kloten Airport, you can shorten the round trip by taking the S-Bahn (not included in the price) from Rümlang station. The city of Zurich combines tradition and modernity and the well-preserved old town with its numerous cafés and bars invites you to linger.

Day 4 Zürich – Lachen ca. 45 km

Today you will cycle along the northern banks of Lake Zurich, which is also known locally as the Gold Coast, until you come to Rapperswil with its old castle. From there you cross over to the other side of the lake on a dam. From there it won’t be long until you reach the small town of Lachen. Here you can visit the Baroque Church Heilig Kreuz, enjoy the flair of the harbour or just enjoy a swim in the Lake.

Day 5 Lachen – Vaduz 60 km + Boat trip

Today you will cycle along the Linth Canal, the man-made canal between Lake Zurich and Walensee, and come to the pretty town of Weesen. Here you will board a boat which will take you to the other end of the lake to Walenstadt. The Lake is 150 m deep and towered over by the 1800 m high Churfirsten Mountains – it’s perfect for swimming. Walenstadt is famous for its carnival traditions.

After a few kilometres you reach the Alpenrhein valley and you soon arrive in the Principality of Liechtenstein, where you spend the night.

Day 6 Vaduz – St Gallen ca. 60 km + train trip

Many impressive castles line this valley. The medieval town of Feldkirch, in Austria, is at the end of the Ill valley. Schattenburg castle looms over the town. It holds a significant historic collection of weapons and is one of the best preserved castle estates in Central Europe.

Then you cross the Rhine and then go by train from Altstätten up to the Appenzellerland. Alpine pasture and cows are your constant companions on the hilly route to St. Gallen, the town known for its linen and embroidery. Particularly worth a visit is the baroque collegiate church from the 18th century and its library. The entire St. Gallen collegiate complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

Day 7  St. Gallen – Constance ca. 45 km

Enjoy the downhill stretch to Lake Constance and your arrival near Arbon. Next, cycle along the lake through cultivated little Swiss villages and orchards, back to Constance. Take a break wherever you want in any of the many cafes along the lakeside or jump into the water to be refreshed! Finally, there should still be time for a visit to Rosgartenmuseum or a relaxed wander through the old quarter of Constance.

Day 8 Departure or extension

After breakfast it is already time to leave, or you may wish to extend your stay.