Hi !
My husband and i are interested in shorter bike rides around Lake Constance. Are rentals of bikes available? how are the bike paths? And places to stay? We are going to Switzerland the 1st of September 2024.
I have cycled friedrichshafen to Bregenz (Germany - austria) - quite a while ago - not familiar with Swiss routes but it was a beautiful ride on mostly well
maintained bike paths , passing little cafes and restaurants you can stop in along the way. And fun to take ferry back to your original destination if you plan it correctly.
If you google Bodensee biking I’m sure bike rental Companies will pop up as well as routes. (We didn’t rent).
I cycled clockwise around the Bodensee (Lake Constance) in 2006, and had an interesting and fun trip. I traveled by train from Paris, arriving in Lindau, which was my starting point. I had a great map ---Google Bodensee Radweg map. I may have ordered it from the German Amazon.
Bicycle rental was at or near the train station. Numerous hotels within couple minutes walk. Gasthof Inselgraben was my choice-- older, cozy, clean, good breakfast. Great location. Stayed first night and 4th night. Also stayed in hotels in Constance and Immenstaad. I picked the hotels by location, checking Google Maps.
The bike path (Radweg) was clearly marked.
I regret not taking the time to visit Insel Mainau, just north of Constance.
From Constance, I did a little side trip to Stein am Rhein. Took ferry across to Überlingen and continued back to Lindau, with overnight in Immenstaad and zeppelin museum visit in Friedrichshafen.
If you'd like more info, let me know. It was a fun trip. Presumably it will be a lot busier these days, but basically still good cycling.
Here is a website detailing the route:
https://www.cycling-lake-constance.com/facts-lake-constance-cycle-path
You can also find the route on Switzerland Mobility, broken down into stages. This site provides a map, written descriptions, and photos. All cycling routes are marked in blue, allowing you to explore and choose your preferred paths. Under 'more' you will see accommodation, places of interest, and bicycle and e-bike rentals.
https://schweizmobil.ch/en/cycling-in-switzerland/route-96/stage-5
I recommend downloading the app and enabling precise location access while using it. This feature has been very helpful for me on many occasions.
For more bike rental options, you can look here:
Thank you all..very helpful information!