Continuing with our celebration of the bicentenary of the bicycle we take a closer look at a cycling tour that is predominantly set in southwest Germany, the same region that the inventor Karl Drais was from. The Lake Constance & The Danube cycling tour involves bike rides on two of Europe's top cycle paths with stunning backdrops from start to finish.

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In a nutshell

Where?

Begin with a day in Constance, the largest of the lakeside towns which gave the lake its name, where a day is spent exploring the thriving university town. The lakeside town is the unofficial capital of the region and is home to some impressive medieval architecture and one of the most picturesque harbours in all of Europe. The cycling begins on day 2 as you cycle lakeside on a route that crosses between Switzerland and Germany before arriving in Stein am Rhein which is sure to delight with its fresco-adorned medieval architecture. The night is spent in the town of Schaffhausen, said by many to be the prettiest town in Switzerland. From Schaffhausen it is a short ride to Europe's largest waterfall, the Rhine Falls. There are plenty of swim spots along the Höri Peninsula en-route to the 400-year-old Hotel Krone in Radolfzell. [caption id="attachment_22120" align="aligncenter" width="900"] The Danube valley is full of colourful pastures.[/caption] Cycling away from Lake Constance there are a few ascents as you head towards the Swabian Alps, before reaching the green and peaceful Danube Valley and the flat Danube cycle path. The cycle from Mühlheim to Sigmaringen brings the most stunning landscape of the trip as you wind your way along the valley floor, between towering chalk cliffs topped with castles and ruins. Having passed through Heiligenberg and Salem you arrive at Meersburg from where you take the ferry back across the lake to Constance, bringing your cycling adventure to an end. [caption id="attachment_22118" align="aligncenter" width="900"] On the banks of the Danube at Sigmaringen[/caption]

Distance?

315 km spread over 6 days of cycling. The maximum daily distance is 75 km (can be shortened with a train ride) and the minimum is 35 km which gives an average daily distance of 52.5 km. Grade? Easy to moderate. The majority of the cycling is on level paths but there are a few hilly sections, particularly on the day between Radolfzell and Mühlheim.

Why Cycle here?

• Enjoy cycling two of Europe's best cycling landscapes: the beautifully calm Lake Constance and the rural and wild Danube.
• Wander the streets of Constance, a town that has many traces of past centuries especially in the Niederburg district and around the picturesque harbour.
• Take in views of the Swiss Alps whilst spending time in some of Germany's most delightful medieval villages.

[caption id="attachment_22121" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Spectacular views of the Alps makes the cycling much easier.[/caption]

Planning and preparation?

Getting to/from Constance

By Air Zurich is the closest large airport and direct flights from the UK are available with Easyjet, British Airways or Swiss. Constance is an easy approx. 1hr direct train journey from Zurich Airport (see www.bahn.co.uk). Alternatively, you can fly into Friedrichshafen and take a 40 mins ferry across the lake. By Train The train stations in the airports are well sign-posted. It is an approx. 1hr train journey from Zurich Airport to Constance (Konstanz). We offer a booking service for tickets from German rail (Deutsche Bahn) in the UK before you leave. More information can be found at bahn.com or contact us to arrange tickets. By Car Take the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais (approx. 35 minutes) and then drive to Constance (approx. 8 hours).

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For further information or if you have any questions about the Lake Constance and The Danube cycling tour contact a member of the team on info@macsadventure.com.