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 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 55 km + Train 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 where modernity and tradition unite in this superb cosmopolitan city. Do not hesitate to visit the old town to soak up the cultural life that reigns there.

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 45 km

Today you walk along the northern shore of Lake Zurich, also known locally as the Golden Coast. Once you arrive in Rapperswil and its old castle, you reach the other side of the lake by crossing a dam. Shortly after appears the small town of Lachen where you can visit the baroque church Heilig Kreuz, enjoy the charm of the port or simply enjoy a swim in the lake.

Day 5 Lachen – Vaduz 60 km + Boat trip

You walk along the Linth canal, between Zurich and Walensee and you arrive at the beautiful town of Weesen. Here you board a boat that takes you to the other end of the lake, Walenstadt. The lake, 150 meters deep, is overlooked by the Churfirsten mountains culminating at 1800m. It is perfect for a swim! Walenstadt is also famous for its carnival. After a few kilometers you reach the Rhine valley and arrive in the principality of Liechtenstein where you spend the night.

Day 6 Vaduz – St Gallen 60 km + train 

Many castles dominate this valley. The medieval town of Feldkirch, in Austria, is at the end of the valley. The castle Schattenburg overlooks the city, it contains an important historical collection of weapons and is one of the best preserved castles in Central Europe. You cross the Rhine and then head by train from Altstätten to the country of Appenzell. Alpine pastures and cows will be your travel companions on the steep road towards St. Gallen, a city
famous for its linen and embroidery. Do not overlook the 18th century baroque church and its library. The entire complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.

Day 7  St. Gallen – Constance 45 km

Enjoy the short descent to Lake Constance and your arrival near Arbon. Then, you pedal along the lake to Constance, passing small Swiss villages and orchards. You then have enough time to visit the Rosgarten museum.

Day 8 Departure or extension

After breakfast it is already time to leave, or then a desire to extend your stay.