Lake Constance Cycle Route

Bodensee-Radweg

A famous 260-km cycling path encircling Lake Constance, with the Thurgau section offering stunning lake views, charming villages, and well-maintained infrastructure. It's one of Europe's most popular bike routes and essential for active travelers.

Things to do

• Visit Arbon Castle — Explore this medieval lakeside castle with Renaissance features and views across Lake Constance, now housing a local history museum.
• Swim at Amriswil Beach — Take a refreshing dip in the lake at this popular sandy beach with facilities, ideal for breaking up your cycling journey.
• Explore Kreuzlingen Old Town — Wander the charming narrow streets of this border town featuring the baroque Kreuzlingen Monastery and lakeside promenades.
• Cycle through Gottlieben Village — Pedal through this picturesque half-timbered village famous for its wine production and picturesque harbor setting.
• Visit Romanshorn Harbor — Stop at this working port town to watch ferries cross the lake and enjoy the maritime atmosphere along the waterfront.
• Hike to Hofweier Viewpoint — Take a short detour from the cycle route to this elevated viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the entire Thurgau lakeside.

Food to try

• Felchen (Whitefish) — Fresh-caught lake whitefish, typically prepared simply grilled or smoked, is a signature local specialty throughout the Bodensee region.
• Bodensee Muscheln (Lake Mussels) — Freshwater mussels harvested from Lake Constance, often served in white wine sauce with crusty bread at lakeside restaurants.
• Apfelwein (Apple Wine) — A traditional slightly tangy and lightly alcoholic cider made from local apples, commonly served as a refreshing cyclist's drink.
• Thurgau Mostbröckli — Thinly sliced dried apple rings, a traditional regional snack perfect for carrying on your bike.
• Süssmost (Sweet Cider) — A non-alcoholic or lightly fermented fresh apple juice that's sweeter than apfelwein, beloved by local cyclists.
• Käsespätzle with Rösti — Soft egg noodles topped with melted cheese and crispy fried potato pancakes, providing hearty fuel for cycling.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the cycle route etiquette — Stay right on the path, signal clearly before passing, and greet fellow cyclists with a friendly nod—it's part of the social cycling culture here.
• Plan rest stops at village cafés — Swiss cycling culture emphasizes leisurely café breaks; most villages have small cafés where locals gather and cyclists are warmly welcomed.
• Check weather and seasonal closures — While the route is year-round, winter sections can be icy and some lakeside sections are occasionally closed; locals consult regional cycling apps regularly.
• Use the Bodensee-Radweg official signs — The route is clearly marked with distinctive white bike symbols on blue signs; trust these over GPS to stay on the proper path and experience the intended views.