Lake Constance to Lucerne
Germany, Switzerland Bike Tours
Cycling the Rhine Falls, Swiss Lakes, and an Alpine backdrop
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7 days
- Prices from€1023 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Discover Lake Constance, Lake Zurich, and Lake Lucerne on this fantastic bike tour in Switzerland and Germany. With the Alps as your backdrop, you'll switch between these two countries several times.
The Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen, the Einsiedeln Monastery, and the mountain panorama of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau are just a few highlights that you'll experience.
You'll also have the opportunity to explore the cities of Zurich and Lucerne, known for having the oldest roofed wooden bridge.
Highlights
- Lake Constance
- Thun Lake
- Rhine Falls
- Einsiedeln Monastery
- Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau
- The cities of Zurich and Lucerne
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Itinerary
Day 1: Individual arrival in Constance
Day 2: Constance - Stein am Rhein - Schaffhausen, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Schaffhausen - Rhine Falls - Zurich, 35 mi. (55 km) + optional train ride
Day 4: Zurich - Einsiedeln, 22 mi. (35 km) + train ride
Day 5: Einsiedeln - Lucerne, 47 mi. (75 km)
Day 6: Lucerne - Weggis - Beckenried - Lucerne, 31 mi. (50 km) + boat trip
Day 7: Individual departure or extension of stayAll distances are approximate. Due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the route, you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.
Day 1: Individual arrival in Constance
Your tour begins in the city of Constance, the largest city around the lake. Take the opportunity to visit the island of Mainau, wander through Constance’s old town, visit the aquariums in the Sea Life Center, or go to the Archaeological Museum.Sample Hotels:
ABC Hotel
Apartment Hotel
Ibis KonstanzDay 2: Constance - Stein am Rhein - Schaffhausen, 31 mi. (50 km)
Following the side of Lake Constance, you pedal to Stein am Rhein with its frescoed, medieval houses. Switching several times between Germany and Switzerland you reach the canton's capital, Schaffhausen. The town, whose citizens competed with each other in building gables on their houses, is overlooked by Munot fort.Sample Hotels:
Hotel Park Villa
Hotel KronenhofDay 3: Schaffhausen - Rhine Falls - Zurich, 35 mi. (55 km) + optional train ride
After breakfast, it's a short cycle ride to the Rhine Falls, one of Europe's biggest waterfalls. You can get a boat right up close to the mighty roar of the water. Next, you follow Glatt Valley, which takes you to Zurich, Switzerland's fascinating and very cosmopolitan city. It unites tradition with modernity and its unspoiled historic quarter is very inviting, thanks to the many cafes and bars here.Sample Hotels:
Sorell Hotel RexDay 4: Zurich - Pfäffikon - Einsiedeln, 22 mi. (35 km) + train ride
You cycle along the northern bank of Lake Zurich along the so-called golden coast to Rapperswil. Take a break here and go up to the old castle. From there, you have lovely views of Lake Zurich and the countryside. From Rapperswil, you cross the lake across a dam and then take the train from Pfäffikon to Einsiedeln.Sample Hotels:
Hotel St. GeorgeDay 5: Einsiedeln - Lucerne, 47 mi. (75 km)
After breakfast, set out on the bike as today includes the route's crowning glory. On the ride to Lake Zug, you have to cross a range of hills. In Küssnacht, you can follow the traces of Wilhelm Tell. He is supposed to have shot the bailiff, Hermann Gessler, here in the "Hohle Gasse" lane.Sample Hotels:
Des Alpes Luzern
Ibis Styles LuzernDay 6: Luzern - Weggis - Beckenried - Lucerne, 31 mi. (50 km) + boat trip
Take a stroll again across Lucerne's landmark, Kapellbrücke, or Chapel Bridge. It is Europe's oldest roofed, wooden bridge. From the pretty little town of Weggis, which Mark Twain called, "The most charming place", you will cross the lake by boat to Beckenried. Enjoy the view of the famous mountain Rigi before you cycle back to Lucerne, passing the Alpnach Lake.Sample Hotels:
Des Alpes Luzern
Ibis Styles LuzernDay 7: Individual departure or extension of stay
All distances listed above are approximate and the itinerary is subject to change due to weather or unforeseen events.
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Map
Hotels & Bikes
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels during your tour. Twin rooms are generally not available but have double beds with two separate mattresses. In each day’s detailed itinerary you will find the name of the preferred hotel(s). We strongly advise that you research the hotels listed and are satisfied with the accommodations. If the preferred hotels listed are not available, you will be informed and can make a decision accordingly, to proceed with the booking or cancel your reservation. However, if the hotel(s) listed are available, the tour will be confirmed and subject to the terms and conditions of the booking.
Bicycles
Men’s and women’s hybrid bike
Men's and women's hybrid bikes featuring:
- 8-speed internal gear hub and back-pedal brakes
- 27-speed derailleur gears and caliper brakes
- Unisex bikes with deep step-through frames for all sizes
- Men's bikes from a body height of 1.75 m
- Anti-puncture Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires
- Hub dynamo
- Luggage rack
- Comfortable saddle
Electric bicycle
For those who would like to have the support of a motor when they're out and about, these stable and reliable e-bikes are recommended. The e-bike features a deep step-through frame and an upright sitting position. The electric support can be added as you need it to assist with longer stretches or hilly sections. The Marathon Plus tires, from Schwalbe, ensure for a safe ride even when your cycling down mountains or riding at high speeds.
Children’s bikes and accessories
For young cyclists
- Children's and teenager's bikes from 20" to 26" frame height
- Children's trailers for up to two children: capacity up to approx. 45 kg
- Trailgators: capacity up to approx. 28 kg
- Child seat: capacity up to approx. 22 kg
- Recumbent seater Weehoo trailer: capacity up to approx. 30 kg for children between 2 and 7 years of age.
The children sit comfortably in the Weehoo, secured by a 3-point belt. They decide whether or not they want to pedal too. The Weehoo trailers are available for selected tours.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Overnight accommodations in 3-star level hotels
- Breakfast buffets
- 8/27 speed hybrid bicycle
- Bike protection
- Luggage transport (weight limit of max. 20 kg/piece)
- Entrance Rosgarten museum Constance, incl. a coffee
- Boat trip to the Rhine Falls rock
- Train ride Pfäffikon - Einsiedeln incl. bike
- Comprehensive travel information (1 set per room)
- 7-day service hotline
What’s Not Included
- Remaining meals
- Public transportation
- Travel Insurance
- City tax, if applicable (to be paid at each hotel) approximately €2 per night
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2023
Daily departures from April 30 until October 7, 2023
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Season A
April 30 to May 10 | September 24 to October 7$ 1671 £ 898 $ 1,496 € 1023 ₪ 4128 ¥ 155761 NZ$ 1836 NOK 12385 kr 12187 $ 1,116 Season B
May 11 to May 16 | June 11 to June 30 | September 10 to September 23$ 1835 £ 986 $ 1,642 € 1123 ₪ 4532 ¥ 170987 NZ$ 2016 NOK 13595 kr 13378 $ 1,225 Season C
May 17 to May 26 | June 1 to June 10 | August 20 to September 9$ 1998 £ 1074 $ 1,788 € 1223 ₪ 4935 ¥ 186213 NZ$ 2196 NOK 14806 kr 14569 $ 1,335 Season D
May 27 to May 31 | July 1 to August 19$ 2161 £ 1162 $ 1,934 € 1323 ₪ 5339 ¥ 201439 NZ$ 2375 NOK 16017 kr 15760 $ 1,444 Single supplement $ 407 £ 219 $ 364 € 249 ₪ 1005 ¥ 37912 NZ$ 447 NOK 3014 kr 2966 $ 272 Extra Options
Electric bicycle: $ 229 £ 123 $ 205 € 140 ₪ 565 ¥ 21316 NZ$ 251 NOK 1695 kr 1668 $ 153 Sporty bicycle (30-gear): $ 49 £ 26 $ 44 € 30 ₪ 121 ¥ 4568 NZ$ 54 NOK 363 kr 357 $ 33
Extra nights:
Zurich: $ 162 £ 87 $ 145 € 99 ₪ 399 ¥ 15074 NZ$ 178 NOK 1199 kr 1179 $ 108
Single room: $ 227 £ 122 $ 203 € 139 ₪ 561 ¥ 21164 NZ$ 250 NOK 1683 kr 1656 $ 152
Constance: $ 106 £ 57 $ 95 € 65 ₪ 262 ¥ 9897 NZ$ 117 NOK 787 kr 774 $ 71
Single room: $ 155 £ 83 $ 139 € 95 ₪ 383 ¥ 14465 NZ$ 171 NOK 1150 kr 1132 $ 104
Schaffhausen: $ 139 £ 75 $ 124 € 85 ₪ 343 ¥ 12942 NZ$ 153 NOK 1029 kr 1013 $ 93
Single room: $ 204 £ 110 $ 183 € 125 ₪ 504 ¥ 19032 NZ$ 224 NOK 1513 kr 1489 $ 136
Einsiedeln: $ 162 £ 87 $ 145 € 99 ₪ 399 ¥ 15074 NZ$ 178 NOK 1199 kr 1179 $ 108
Single room: $ 227 £ 122 $ 203 € 139 ₪ 561 ¥ 21164 NZ$ 250 NOK 1683 kr 1656 $ 152
Lucerne: $ 162 £ 87 $ 145 € 99 ₪ 399 ¥ 15074 NZ$ 178 NOK 1199 kr 1179 $ 108
Single room: $ 227 £ 122 $ 203 € 139 ₪ 561 ¥ 21164 NZ$ 250 NOK 1683 kr 1656 $ 152
Extra Info
Skill Level — Difficult
Mostly along dedicated cycle paths and sometimes on bike lanes. Between Einsiedeln and Lucerne, the route is quite hilly and includes a few sections along which you might prefer to push. A basic level of fitness is recommended.
Airport Info
Fly to Zurich
Local Travel
There is a direct train from Zurich Airport to Constance, the starting point of the tour. Total trip time is approx. 1 hour. The train from Interlaken back to Zurich takes around 1.5 hours with connections possible. Or, we can arrange return transfers (Saturdays only), must be reserved in advance!
Climate
Please check local conditions prior to arrival.
Day of Rest
You have the option in the self guided tour of choosing any day for a day of rest.
Remarks
E bike or 30-gear sport bike rental is possible
Important to know
Extra booking requirements during Covid
Applicable from November 8, 2021, until further notice, bookings will only be accepted from vaccinated or recovered guests. If you travel without a valid Covid certificate or proof of recovery from Covid, you do so at your own risk. Any trip interruption or cancellation due to insufficient documentation will be at the client's expense, regular cancellation fees apply.
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements, and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Radweg Reisen.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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