Lake Constance to Strasbourg by Bike

Located on the banks of Lake Constance (Bodensee in German), the compact university town of Constance is an ideal starting point for your trip. On arrival make your way to the joining hotel where you will receive your travel documents. In the afternoon or tomorrow morning, you can collect your rental bike (on request the bike/s can be delivered to the hotel however in this case there is no individual bike fitting). Dependent on your arrival time, you can visit Mainau island or stroll through the old town of Constance. The aquariums in the Sea Life Centre and the Archaeological Museum are also recommended. Depending on availability you may start in Kreuzlingen, which is just across the Swiss border from Constance.

Following the shores 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. +430m, -440m

After breakfast, it's a short cycle ride to the Rhine Falls, one of Europe's biggest waterfalls. Here you can take a boat ride up to the mighty roar of the water (included*). The Rhine continues to accompanies you on your way to Waldshut-Tiengen, as you pass by Rheinau monastery and the little town of Kaiserstuhl. *Operating times of the boat trip to the Rock (subject to change): April and October: 11.00 - 17.00, May and September: 10.00 - 18.00, June-August: 09.30 - 18.30 - and approx every 10-15 minutes within these hours. +480m, -550m

The cycle route takes you further on downstream, via Laufenburg to Bad Säckingen, where you'll find Europe's longest wooden, roofed bridge. Have a stop here - there are two very special museums you can visit: the Müllmuseum (garbage museum) and a museum about the famous "Trumpeter from Bad Säckingen". Following the northern bank of the Rhine, you cycle on to Rheinfelden. To shorten the route you can board a train here (not included). Should you decide to continue by bike, a visit to the Roman fort Augusta Raurica is worthwhile. to Basel: +210m, -260m

As you leave Basel, you will appreciate its location at the border of three countries. During the route along the Rhine you will see in the distance the Istein Klotz which is a rocky outcrop with a ruined castle and church built into its rugged face. At the edge of the Black Forest, you cycle through small spa towns, which all draw on the healing waters of the area. Overnight in either Badenweller or Müllheim. +610m, -450m

A change of pace today as cycle through the vineyards of the Markgräflerland with the Black Forest on your right and the Vosges Mountains to your left. Freiburg is Germany‘ s warmest and most southern city. It has its own particular charm - look out for the small water-filled rills along most streets and alleyways. From the Schlossberg (castle), you have a great view over the town and the surrounding area. +210m, -340m

On the sixth stage of your cycle tour, it's an easy ride as you cycle into the volcanic hills of the Kaiserstuhl. The town of Breisach is already clearly visible from afar. Vogtsburg in the Kaiserstuhl is the largest wine-growing community in Baden-Württemberg. You will spend the night in Breisach, Vogelgrun or Vogtsburg. +40m, -120m