Highlights of a Bodensee Bike Holiday

The Bodensee, at the intersection of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, offers a unique opportunity for a bicycling holiday. Following the bike route around the Bodensee, also known as Lake Constance, exposes the biker to all three countries.

The 155 miles circumference consisting of mostly flat terrain is easily manageable for most riders, including families; those who find it too strenuous can ride partway, then board a ferry to return to their starting point. Biking the Bodensee involves using various paths including the unpaved, gravel route at water's edge; flat, paved off-road tracks; some minor road stretches with little to no traffic; and occasional streets though town.

These are some of the highlights of a biking trip around Lake Constance in the Bodensee:

Reichenau Island

Reichenau Island is as famous for its herb gardens as for its rich monastic history. An itinerant bishop founded the monastery there in 724. There are three well-preserved Romanesque churches on the island containing 10^th and 11^th century art. The island was accordingly declared a World Heritage site in 2000.

The gardens of Richenau produce 14,000 tons of vegetables annually. But Richenau is known for its abundant herbs, planted in the Walafrid pattern in the convent garden. A small vineyard also survives. The original vines planted in 818 once expanded to cover 200 hectares but today encompass only 20 hectares.

Mainau Island

Mainau is the flower island, a paradise for rose lovers with over 1,200 varieties and 20,000 blooms. Besides roses, the gardens feature trumpet flowers, orchids, tulips, hydrangeas, hibiscus, dahlias, pansies, daisies and many more. The dining ranges from white tablecloth to outdoor kiosks. While visitors are encouraged to bike to the island, biking on the island isn't permitted. There's a spacious bike lot with lockers available.

Stein am Rhein

Stein am Rhein is a delightful medieval town on the Swiss side of the lake. It boasts a castle, monastery and medieval houses with colorful wall frescoes. There are plenty of activities available in Stein am Rhein besides touring, including canoeing, horse and carriage rides, and riding a steam train. The town is also a popular place for shopping and dining.

Practical Details

* There are multiple ferries that navigate Lake Constance. When making reservations, be sure to mention any bicycles coming on board. Most ferries allow them but they may be restricted to certain hours and vessels.

* There are numerous towns with lodging for overnight stays if you're making the complete circuit. These towns are different in character and size from the tiny town of Radolphzell to the much larger university town Konstanz in Germany, to Stein am Rhein and Rorschach in Switzerland and Bregenz in Austria.