Lake Constance and Rhine Falls by Bike

Difficulty level 2/5, easy to medium. About 310km/190mi in total. No technical difficulties, riding mainly on cycling paths and greenways, with occasional shared lanes. The elevation gain/loss daily is minimal. This trip is usually accessible to children 12 years old and up.

You only need to carry your essential items for the day (lunch/picnic, water & personal belongings). Your extra luggage is transported by hotels or by taxi to your following accommodations each day of this trip. Bag drop-off is planned daily by 9am at hotel reception, then delivery time to the next stage is approximately 6pm. Bags are limited to 1 piece per person and can be up to 20kg/44.1lbs maximum weight.

Possibility to register from 2 people; It is possible to register as a solo traveler, but there is an additional supplement fee for a single room (subject to availability).

Departure day at your convenience from April 14 to October 3, 2024.

The date of the departure determines the season and price.

8 Days / 7 Nights / 6 Days of Cycling

Start

On Day 1 in Constance at hotel check-in (~3pm)

Finish

On Day 8 in Constance after ride

This is a self-guided trip. We will provide guest(s) with a digital travel packet that includes access to our smartphone guidance app, the list of your accommodations, any vouchers and all the information you need to make your stay run smoothly before your trip by email. A printed travel packet with vouchers, luggage tags and the roadbook with maps of the itinerary can be provided for an additional charge. It will be handed to you at the first hotel included in this itinerary.

Accommodation

In double rooms with ensuite bathrooms in B&B. Single rooms are subject to availability and require a supplement fee.

This tour has the choice between two comfort categories:

Category A: Superior comfort in 3* & 4* hotels, very good level of comfort, some with wellness area and swimming pool. Category B: Classic comfort in 3* hotels and inns, good level of comfort with ensuite toilets and showers.

The difference between the two is that in category A, you will usually be accommodated in the main towns that border the lake. In category B, accommodation is more likely to be in smaller towns. Depending on the availability of the accommodation and the category of comfort chosen, the city where you are staying some nights varies. See the itinerary section for daily details.

Please Note: Accommodation photos are non-contractual. Accommodation may be subject to change. Subject to availability, we can book other hotels of equivalent comfort and standard.

Room Types

In Germany and Austria, they are generally unfamiliar with “double beds” (a single large mattress) and rarely with 2 twin beds. Generally, there is a single bed base and two 90cm/35.4in wide mattresses; Everyone has their own individual duvet/blanket. 3 person rooms are usually with a small extra bed or sofa bed (recommended if the third person in the room is a child). In the case of 3 adults, for reasons of comfort, we advise you to book 1 double room and 1 single room.

Hotel Classification

In Europe, more and more hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses are refusing to take part in the star-rating system, even establishments which were classified a year or two ago are now choosing not to take part. This doesn’t mean that they are of a lesser quality, in fact far from it. If we indicate that an accommodation is ‘3-star or equivalent to’ this means that the establishment may have chosen not to receive an official classification, but we believe the level of comfort provided is equal to that of a traditional 3-star establishment.

Meals

Breakfast included (7). Dinners and lunches are not included. Half board is not offered on this tour as an option. Lunches are at your own expense. Along the way, you will easily find options for lunch during rides and each evening has multiple dining options to choose from. Please note that in this region it is customary to dine earlier then you may be used to. Please be mindful of local service hours.

Extend Your Trip

It is possible to add nights before, during or after your tour (on request).

Bike rental

Please let us know your size when you register.

You will pick up your rental bikes at our partner’s office (next to their fenced-in car park), between 9am and 7pm (on your arrival Day 1 or in the morning of Day 2 if arriving after 7pm). On request, we can organize bikes to be delivered to your hotel, but in this case, you will not have the personalized adjustment of the bike made by qualified staff. Bike drop-off is at the same location or at your hotel.

Rental bikes are very good quality German bicycles from Velo de Ville (or equivalent), comfortable, equipped with Schwalbe Marathon Plus types, which will ensure that you can ride your bike without any breakdowns.

Rental bike damage coverage can be organized for you (see details in options, supplements & discounts in trip price section). Trip Insurance | Grand Angle

Rental bikes are equipped with a luggage rack, pannier/saddlebag, handlebar bag with map holder, odometer, lock, pump and repair kit.

Unisex Hybrid Bike/VTC:

Standard bike with crossbar, for people from 1.45 to 1.90m/4.7 to 6.2ft.

• 8 speeds, wide saddle, with back brake + 2 classic brakes on the handlebars. Please contact us if you want this model.
• 27 speeds, without back braking, with freewheel: this is the model we reserve for you from the outset, as some riders are not used to back braking.

Men’s Bikes:

Bike with horizontal bar, from 1.75m/5.7ft.

• 8 speeds with back brake + 2 classic brakes on the handlebars. Please contact us if you want this model.
• 27 speeds without back braking, with freewheel: this is the model we reserve for you from the outset, as some riders are not used to back braking.

E-Bike:

Electric (assisted) bicycle: ideal if your small group has different physical levels or you just want to take it easier physically on this trip. 8 speeds, with back-braking. Age minimum: 16

• Unisex for people from 1.45m/4.7ft.

• Men’s for people from 1.8m/5.9ft.

Children’s Bikes: (on request) Up to 1.60m/5.2ft; 20-, 24- or 26-inch frames available

Weehoo: (on request) For children from 2 to 7 years, up to 30kg/66lbs (with pedals).

Child Trailer: (on request) Small trailer to pull 1 or even 2 children (max. 45kg/99lbs).

Child Seat: (on request, Free with bike rental), 22kg maximum

Tandem Bike: (on request, limited availability)

Electric Cargo Bike: (on request, limited availability) 2 children’s places

Personal Bike:

If you wish to bring your own bike(s), it is possible, but you have to check train ticket availability for your bike during transfers. We decline all responsibility in case of theft or damage, etc.

By Plane

Zürich airport - Passengers & Visitors – Flughafen Zuerich (flughafen-zuerich.ch) Train from the airport in Constance: about 1 hour, departures are scheduled hourly. Information: https://int.bahn.de/en

Friedrichshafen or Stuttgart airports are other options with train connections to Constance.

By Train

Travel to Constance train station. Information: https://int.bahn.de/en or https://www.sbb.ch/en

By Car

Possibility to park your car in the fenced-in parking lot of our partner’s office in Constance, unguarded (arrival before 7 p.m.) for €45 (2023 prices, subject to increase in 2024). Parking must be booked at the time of tour registration. Free parking is often available in the adjacent streets. Paid public car parks (Fischmarkt, Dammgasse, Lago, Altstadt, Benediktinerplatz) and hotels cost around €25 per day.

Please Note: The above information is indicative and subject to change. Please check before your travels.

Swimming

Several of our trips are suitable for swimming, either during a stage or at the end of the day. It would be a shame not to take advantage of it. We want to highlight that you are the ultimate decision-maker regarding whether to swim. As such, these swims are entirely your responsibility and undertaken at your own risk.

Responsible tourism

Travelife Partner

Since 2025, Grand Angle has been recognized as a Travelife Partner, an international label that certifies our responsible practices regarding the environment, ethics, and sustainable management, both within our company, with our partners, and in the organization of our trips.

This label, the second level of a rigorous international certification, attests to our concrete actions in favor of responsible tourism. We are actively working toward the next level, Travelife Certified, in line with our sustainable development policy.

It is the client’s responsibility to arrive prepared with the items listed below to help insure a safe and enjoyable trip.

CLOTHING CHECKLIST:

The following items are required for this trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

• Cycling Shoes – sport shoes that are comfortable for cycling in.
• Socks – one pair for every day or two days of the trip. Sport specific padded socks, no cotton please!
• Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
• Cycling Gloves – padded gloves used specifically for cycling.
• Cycling Shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
• Cycling Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings
• Windbreaker Layer – a lightweight wind resistant jacket or pullover
• Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
• Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, lightweight fleece jacket (Note: this item may not be needed in summer months)
• Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear.
• Casual Clothing & Footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.

Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking/cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use.

GEAR CHECKLIST:

• Saddlebag – If choosing to use a rental bike or your own on this trip, 2 saddlebags are included with trip price.
• Personal Luggage – small duffel bag, suitcase or backpack – for extra items and casual clothes
• Cycling Helmet – (Note: not mandatory for this trip but highly recommended) comfortable fitting, with rain cover. Not included with the rental
• Hydration System – 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system (if planning to wear a backpack during cycling) and an additional water bottle
• Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Note: always test headlamp before trips and travel/pack without batteries in device)
• Picnic/Lunch Kit – knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
• Phone & Charger – local sim card or international plan may be needed. Consider bringing a small power bank to use to recharge devices during trip activities.
• Map or Phone Holder – Not included with the rental
• Waterproof Travel Case or Pouch – used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen, & Lip Balm
• First Aid Kit – see first aid kit suggestions below
• Personal Toilet Paper Kit – most public restrooms outside of lodging will have toilet paper available, but it is good to be prepared with a personal toilet paper kit to potentially use during portions of this tour. Along the trail, there may be the need to use natural settings for toilets (i.e. digging catholes, etc.) when there are no public toilets available. Kits should include toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer & sealable plastic bag(s) for carrying out used paper/wipes.
• Toiletries
• Contact Lenses & Glasses – if wearing contact lenses, please also bring back-up pair of glasses and contacts.
• Prescription Medication – with emergency back-up supply
• Money – It is good to have some local currency, often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use.

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

• Backpack – a small sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover. Taking a backpack is useful as it makes it easy to carry your belongings when you go on a short walking trip along the way. If your bike has a rack system this bag can be easily attached or even packed within a saddlebag.
• 2-3 Face Masks; 1-2 Over-the-counter Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests (Note: recommended but optional)
• Travel Power Adapter – Electric power voltage in Germany and Austria is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are E type
• Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc.)
• Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs
• Bug Repellent
• Quick Drying Towel or Bandana(s)

FIRST AID KIT SUGGESTIONS:

After years of experience planning adventure travel around the world, we’ve learned that anything can happen, and every traveler should carry a basic personal first aid kit. We want to ensure our guests are well-prepared and make smart informed travel decisions. In many of the places we operate trips, it may be challenging to find certain medications and/or first aid supplies, and sometimes common items you desire may not be available in the destination you are travelling. That’s why it’s good to be prepared and carry a small supply of first aid supplies, any prescription medication, and/or over-the-counter medications you may require during your travels.

First Aid Kit Suggestions

We recommend discussing your travel plans, vaccination requirements, and any medication usage with your primary healthcare provider before embarking on our trips. This helps ensure you have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Here is a basic list of what we think makes a good personal travel first aid kit:

• Medications – Brands of your choice, all medications should be either prescribed directly by your doctor or discussed with a doctor prior to use.
• Electrolyte Replacement/Drink Mix – brand of choice
• Creams – Antibiotic ointment, Anti-Itch: Hydrocortisone, Arnica
• Eye Problems: Dry/Itchy – Eye drops
• Feminine Hygiene – Tampons
• Wound Care – a various pack of bandages, antiseptic swabs
• Blister Care – blister kit made up of items of your choice
• Sun Protection – sunscreen, SPF lip balm
• Various Items – Athletic tape/"KT Tape", Nail clippers, Tweezers, Small bottle of hand sanitizer, Sewing kit (clothing/button repairs), Disposable surgical gloves (1-2 pairs)

PACKING FOR TRAVEL:

It is recommended that you prepare your items in the following manner for your travels to this trip.

“Carry-on Bag(s)”: - This is the bag you will bring with you on the plane. We recommend all your pertinent information be in this bag (passport, travel documents, etc.) as well as your most important gear items (footwear, jacket, prescription medication, etc.) in case any checked luggage items becomes lost or delayed.

“Checked Bag(s)”: - This bag will be checked and contain the rest of your personal items (clothing and gear, etc.).

Important Note: Again, it is recommended to either wear or pack in your “Carry-on Bag” the main gear items you need for this trip vs. putting them in your checked “Travel Bag” (in case luggage is delayed). Lost or delayed luggage has become more and more common in major airports for international travel since the global pandemic.

LUGGAGE MANAGEMENT DURING TRIP:

During this trip, the packing system needs to be in 2 bags.

Extra Luggage - “Checked Bag(s)” & “Carry-on Bag(s)”: This bag will contain all the items you want to bring along on the trip. It will be transferred by vehicle to your lodging, and you will have access to it at the end of each day of activity at hotels, but not throughout the day. Extra luggage is allowed on this trip beyond the 1 bag requirement. However, maximum weight per bag is 20kg/45lbs.

Saddlebags/bike bag (Provided): All guests will receive 2 bike saddle bags to use during their trip, which they will be responsible for carrying during trip activities. Items in this bag should include anything you may need throughout the day during the trip. (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.)

Germany, Switzerland, Austria

Capitals: Berlin, Berne, Vienna

Documents

Travelers from the European Union, including children, need a valid identity card or passport. Check with the authorities in your home country for the conditions of entering this destination.

Health

Do not forget your card and/or policy details for your health insurance and/or travel insurance.

Phone Country Codes:

Germany: +49, Austria: +43, Switzerland: +41

European Emergency Services: 112

Tourism Office in Germany Visit https://www.germany.travel/en/home.html

Tourism Office in Austria Visit https://www.austria.info/en-gb/

Tourism Office in Switzerland Visit https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/

Eastern European Time. Eastern European Time (EET) is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). In the summer: Eastern European Summer Time (EEST)

German in Germany and Austrian in Austria. At least some English is spoken in most areas.

Swiss Franc in Switzerland: CHF

Euro in Germany and Austria: €