From the Black Forest to Lake Constance by Bike:
Lands of History and Legends
- From 949 € / pers.
- 7 days / 6 nights
- From May to mid-October
- Departures : every day
- Level : rather easy to moderate
- Electric bicycle available
- Luggage transfer included
Highlights
- the discovery of two extraordinary regions: the Black Forest & Lake Constance
- landscapes of prodigious variety
- picturesque historical cities and villages
- the Rhine Falls, most impressive falls of Europe
- an itinerary almost entirely on bike paths or quiet roads
- a route taking you through the main sights of Lake Constance
Highlights:
- the discovery of two extraordinary regions: the Black Forest & Lake Constance
- landscapes of prodigious variety
- picturesque historical cities and villages
- the Rhine Falls, most impressive falls of Europe
- an itinerary almost entirely on bike paths or quiet roads
- a route taking you through the main sights of Lake Constance
From 949 € / pers.
- 7 days / 6 nights
- From May to mid-October
- Departures : every day
- Level : rather easy to moderate
- Electric bicycle available
- Luggage transfer included
YOUR ITINERARY
The Black Forest already conjures, by name alone, a land of legends — wild, untamed and authentic, haunted by all manner of mischievous, mythical creatures… With its dense forests, green meadows, pristine lakes, charming flower-filled villages and traditional wooden farmhouses with oversized roofs, it more than lives up to the powerful imagery it awakens in us.
After a possible visit to Freiburg along the way, you head up into the heights of the Black Forest massif to Hinterzarten, the starting point of your cycling journey. From here, a largely downhill route awaits you! The first two days do include a few short climbs, but these are always generously rewarded with sublime mountain lakes, graceful alpine pastures and breathtaking panoramas stretching across vast sections of the Alpine arc.
You then embark on a long descent through the Murg Valley until the Rhine abruptly halts your momentum, obliging you to follow its course unless you fancy climbing back up again. Fortunately, this is no hardship at all, as the Rhine Valley is dotted with delightful and irresistibly romantic towns such as Laufenburg, Waldshut, Schaffhausen and Stein am Rhein. These will take you alternately along the Swiss and German banks of the river, winding through orchards and vineyards. One major obstacle does lie ahead, however: the thundering Rhine Falls!
You then approach the famous Lake Constance. With its almost Mediterranean atmosphere, it stands in stark contrast to everything the Black Forest has revealed so far. You have arrived in the epicurean heart of the German-speaking world, where each of the three bordering countries claims its share of this inland sea. The second-largest lake in Western Europe after Lake Geneva, it enjoys a mild, sunny microclimate. This climate soon reveals the southern lifestyle that defines the region: ostentatious architecture, exuberant Rococo churches, lush vegetation, sun-drenched vineyards and wine cellars, countless white sails dotting the lake, and frequent invitations to swim along the way. All of this unfolds against the snowy peaks of the Alps in the background… lovers of the dolce vita may well be tempted to settle here for good!
The result is a cycling itinerary of exceptional variety, taking you through two of Germany’s most beautiful regions — both perfectly suited to cycling. It also offers a wonderful approach route towards the Alps, which you may glimpse in the distance from the very first days if the sky is clear, before finding yourself almost at their foot on the shores of Lake Constance, often nicknamed the Riviera of the Alps!
Gute Reise!
💡 This trip is also available with shorter stages, in 6 days of cycling instead of 5. If you are traveling with family or prefer a more relaxed pace, we recommend opting for this family-friendly version with stages not exceeding 40 km.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Hinterzarten
On your way to Hinterzarten, whether by train or by car, we recommend stopping in Freiburg if you have the time — it’s a lovely city to spend a few hours exploring. The capital of the Black Forest has a very distinctive character: deeply rooted in the past with its medieval old town (beautifully rebuilt after after the war) and its magnificent Gothic cathedral, Freiburg is also a forward-thinking city when it comes to environmental policy.
At the end of the day, continue on to Hinterzarten (from Freiburg: approx. 33 minutes by train, 30–40 minutes by car), located at an altitude of 850 m, where you will spend the night. You are already in the heart of the Black Forest!
Day 2: Hinterzarten – Sankt Blasien
45 km |
+800 m |
⏱︎ 3h31
The first kilometres, between Hinterzarten and Titisee, take you through beautiful alpine meadows. In Titisee, you follow a path that runs alongside the highly photogenic lake of the same name, nestled deep within dense fir forests. You then continue along a gently climbing track through woodland and summer pastures to reach the secluded Lake Feldsee, surrounded by steep, forested slopes.
You then cross a small pass at 1,231 m before descending gently on the other side. Next comes Lake Schluchsee, revealing itself in all its wild beauty! A lovely track runs along the lakeshore, offering plenty of opportunities for a refreshing swim.
You finally reach the spa town of Sankt Blasien, famous for its gigantic basilica, which seems almost absurdly large for such a small town. This marks the end of a magnificent first day, spent largely on high-quality gravel tracks.
🚲 Sporty option (54 km | Elevation gain: 1,040 m | ⏱︎ 4h16)
From the 1,231 m pass, the most motivated riders can tackle the ascent of Mount Feldberg, which at 1,493 m is the highest peak in Germany outside the Alps (and on a clear day, you’ll enjoy excellent views of them!). As this is an out-and-back detour, the remainder of the route is identical.
Day 3: Sankt Blasien – Waldshut
60 km |
+530 m |
⏱︎ 4h02
The route plunges into the idyllic Albtal (Alb Valley), taking you through small hamlets seemingly frozen in time. You then climb back up onto the plateau, where wide open meadows offer sweeping views, sometimes stretching all the way to the Alps.
The path then descends into a wooded valley where the Murg flows — a small river that gradually leads you, along a former coach road, down to the cheerful Rhine Valley. Along the way, you can climb to the ruins of Wieladingen Fortress, rising above the treetops and offering commanding views of the surroundings.
Following the Rhine, you soon reach the charming bi-national town of Laufenburg, which — since Napoleon decreed the Rhine to be a border — has been split between Germany and Switzerland! From here, you continue along the Rhine Valley for a few more kilometres before reaching Waldshut, your overnight stop, whose old main street is flanked by two imposing watchtowers emblematic of the region.
☕ Relaxed option (28 km | Elevation gain: 170 m | ⏱︎ 1h42)
Those choosing the relaxed option turn directly towards Waldshut after the Albtal, giving their legs a welcome break. Rest assured, however — the view on the Alps will be as spectacular !
Day 4: Waldshut – Rhine Falls – Schaffhausen
58 km |
+450 m |
⏱︎ 4h06
Throughout the day, you weave from one bank of the river to the other, discovering the many hidden gems of the Rhine Valley. After just a few kilometres, you cross into Switzerland, where the riverbanks reveal in turn the ruins of a Roman fortress, World War II bunkers, a charming wetland area and impressive wooden saltworks. After Bad Zurzach, you return to the northern bank and ride through a bucolic landscape. Upon reaching the Rheinau peninsula via a typical covered wooden bridge, don’t miss the cloister church, whose interior is one of the country’s most sumptuous Baroque masterpieces!
You then reach the highlight of the day: the dramatic Rhine Falls! With a flow of around 600 m³ per second and a width of 150 metres, they are nothing less than the largest waterfalls in Europe. Walkways allow you to get impressively close to the roaring waters.
By the end of the day, you arrive in Schaffhausen, which, with its beautifully preserved historic centre, fresco-adorned façades and its 16th-century Munot fortress, looks as though it has stepped straight out of a fairy tale.
Day 5: Schaffhausen – Constance
55 km |
+330 m |
⏱︎ 3h28
After crossing the German–Swiss border several more times (often without even noticing) and passing through delightful villages such as Büsingen and Diessenhofen, you arrive in the small town of Stein am Rhein. With its fully painted façades, half-timbered houses and grand gateway, it too seems lifted straight from a novel.
Beyond Stein, the Rhine gradually widens until it begins to resemble a sea — you have reached the legendary Lake Constance! You initially follow its southern shore, passing through vineyards and fishing villages that have become increasingly dependent on tourism rather than fishing in recent times.
You then board a pleasant boat crossing to the monastic island of Reichenau, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its churches containing wooden roof structures and magnificent Carolingian-era frescoes.
You return to the mainland via a narrow strip of reclaimed land and arrive in the lively university city of Constance. Once a city of great importance — and even briefly the capital of Christianity — it played a key role during the period when rival popes in Rome and Avignon were locked in bitter disputes. The city retains a vast historic centre filled with beautiful buildings, a real feast for the eyes.
Day 6: Loop ride around the lake from Constance
31 km |
+190 m |
⏱︎ 2h09
A memorable final day by the lakeside awaits you. Just a few kilometres after leaving Constance, you already board a ferry to cross to the northern shore and dock at Meersburg, a small lakeside town whose old centre and two castles overlooking the water make it a perfect postcard scene.
Further on, in Unteruhldingen, an open-air museum reconstructs, with remarkable accuracy and full scale, a prehistoric pile-dwelling village — well worth a visit. You then reach the beautiful Birnau Church, which dominates the lake from its hilltop but reveals its full splendour only once inside, with a lavish Rococo interior.
You continue on to Überlingen, a charming medieval town on the lakeshore, before taking another ferry back to the opposite bank. A few kilometres before Constance, you arrive at the entrance to Mainau Botanical Island, a true floral gem whose flowerbeds form a striking patchwork of colours — Germany’s very own Giverny!
🚲 Sporty option (47 km | Elevation gain: 350 m | ⏱︎ 3h21)
Between Meersburg and Überlingen, instead of following the lakeshore, it is possible to detour inland to the Baroque Salem Abbey, which architecture and history enthusiasts may also wish to visit.
💡 If you are short on time to visit Mainau Garden Island, it is also possible to go there the following morning (allow around 20 minutes by bus or bike from Constance).
Day 7: End of the trip
End of your Germanic odyssey after breakfast. Return transfer to Hinterzarten at 10:00 for those who have chosen this option.
💡 If you would like to extend your cycling trip, feel free to ask us about an extension around the lake. Allow two additional days in that case. Please note that during peak tourist season, accommodation in the lakeside villages can be quite expensive.
ACCOMMODATION
Whatever comfort category you choose, we favour authentic, human-scale accommodation that conveys comfort, friendliness and well-being. We also make sure they are well located: easily accessible by bike and, whenever possible, close to amenities and points of interest.
AVAILABLE COMFORT CATEGORIES
2–3★ Hotels
Simple yet welcoming accommodation, selected for its hospitality and convenient location.
Carefully selected 3★ hotels
A hand-picked selection of addresses combining modern comfort with authenticity.
Photos are provided for illustrative purposes only and represent the type of accommodation in each category.
Always included:
- Breakfast
- Private bathroom
- Secure bike storage
- Restaurant(s) within walking distance
- Convenient location
CHOOSING YOUR BIKE
Whether you opt for a rental bike or bring your own, it is essential to have a bike that is suited both to the route and to your personal needs.
RENTAL BIKES
We offer good-quality trekking bikes and/or electric bikes, fully equipped with all essential accessories. Equipment for children is also available. However, we do not recommend this trip for children under the age of 12, as some stages exceed 50 km.
Trekking bikes (hybrid bikes)
Versatile GUDEREIT 15 bikes with 24 to 27 gears depending on the model, making them ideal for tackling climbs without excessive effort.
Electric bikes (e-bikes)
Bikes from the German brand VÉLO DE VILLE, equipped with a Performance Line PX motor and a 545 Wh battery. You can expect a range of at least 80 kilometres, with a high level of riding comfort.
Photos shown for information purposes only. Bikes subject to availability.
Included accessories:
- Smartphone holder (1 per bike)
- Waterproof rear pannier (1 per bike)
- Lock
- Repair kit
- Helmet(s) on request
IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN BIKE
Before departure, carefully check the condition of your bike: brakes, tyres, cassette, derailleur, chain…
You may be far from assistance in the event of a mechanical issue!
Which bikes are suitable?
- Trekking bike (hybrid bike)
- Mountain bike
- Gravel bike
- E-bike with good battery range
- Road bike
- City bike
💡 The route includes many sections of well-maintained compact gravel. While mountain bike tyres are not required, we recommend avoiding tyres that are too narrow or too slick.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Our trips prioritise discovery and relaxation over physical effort.
We therefore aim to balance the length of each stage with the terrain, the type of paths and the points of interest, so that every day remains well paced, enjoyable and open to the unexpected.
On certain days, a sporty or a relaxed variant is available, which you can decide to follow on the day itself. These variants do not skip any must-see highlights.
STAGE LENGTH:
STANDARD ℹ️
➡️ Overall average of 40 to 60 km per day
➡️ Around 3 to 4 hours of cycling per day – max. 5 hours
➡️ A pace suitable for most riders, combining the pleasure of cycling with discoveries along the way
TERRAIN:
MODERATE ℹ️
➡️ Overall average elevation gain: between +200 and +600 m/day
➡️ Terrain is mostly gentle and accessible, though some sections are more rolling and may include a few steeper climbs.
Long, steady ascents—often on greenways—can also occur.
Although the route already starts at altitude, a few climbs are to be expected during the first two days. Less experienced cyclists may wish to opt for an electric bike.
⚡ To fully enjoy the route—even when it climbs a little—you can opt for an electric bike.
💡 This trip is also available with shorter stages, in 6 days of cycling instead of 5. If you are traveling with family or prefer a more relaxed pace, we recommend opting for this family-friendly version with stages not exceeding 40 km.
TYPE OF SURFACES:
The route alternates between compact gravel cycle paths (always in good condition) and small country roads with very light or no traffic.
More than 70% of the route is paved.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
⏱️ DURATION
7 days and 6 nights, including arrival and departure days. 5 days of cycling.
📅 POSSIBLE START DATES
Daily departures from May to mid-October
🗺️ TYPE OF ROUTE
Point-to-point.
📍 START AND END POINTS
Start of the trip: Hinterzarten
End of the trip: Constance
🌦️ WHEN TO GO?
The season is generally favourable from May to October.
Due to the relatively high altitude at the beginning of the route, snow may not have fully melted on some sections in April, which is why we only offer departures from May onwards.
In summer, water temperatures are also ideal for swimming—whether in the Black Forest lakes, the Rhine or Lake Constance!
🍽️ MEALS
Breakfasts are included.
Lunches and dinners are at your own discretion.
During the day, you can eat at local restaurants (you’ll find recommendations in our roadbook) or prepare a picnic using supplies from local shops.
For dinner, you will always find several restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation—unless your hotel already has its own restaurant!
🧳 LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to the next by one of our partners. You only carry what you need for the day during the cycling stages. A pannier is provided with rental bikes.
If you prefer to carry your luggage yourself in panniers, a discount applies.
🚩 GETTING THERE
BY TRAIN
Hinterzarten can be reached by regional train from Freiburg (Germany) in approximately 33 minutes.
Freiburg itself is served by a direct TGV line from Paris-Est (3h01), Strasbourg (1h10), Mulhouse (47 min) and Basel (27 min).
💡 If you book a train to Freiburg, make sure to enter “Freiburg im Breisgau”, otherwise booking platforms may confuse it with Fribourg in Switzerland (which is also called Freiburg in German)!
More information on train timetables
BY CAR
You can leave your car in one of the two public car parks in the village of Hinterzarten. Allow €15–20 per week. Parking is unsupervised, but the village is very quiet.
🔁 RETURNING TO THE START POINT
Allow around 2 hours by train to return to Hinterzarten from Constance, with a change in Donaueschingen.
For an additional fee, a private transfer can also be arranged (more comfortable if you are travelling with your own bikes).
💡 If you are travelling with your own bikes, they can be taken on the trains between Constance and Hinterzarten without dismantling. We nevertheless recommend booking bike spaces in advance, especially at weekends, as capacity is limited.
📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
To help you make the most of your adventure, we provide several practical and easy-to-use resources:
A roadbook (A5 booklet) written by us, including:
- Practical information
- Route descriptions
- All necessary tourist information
- Restaurant recommendations
- Places to stock up on supplies
- Swimming spots
- Cultural information and anecdotes
- A list of bike repair shops along the route
A printed map of the route
Our navigation app (with your GPS tracks)
- User-friendly app (a short tutorial will be sent if needed)
- Satellite navigation (works in flight mode)
- Custom tracks between each accommodation
- Voice guidance
📞 INDEPENDENCE AND ASSISTANCE
You travel independently (unguided), with telephone assistance available 7 days a week in case of any issue.
🛡️ INSURANCE
To ensure reimbursement in the event of trip cancellation or issues during your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer Cancellation) or assistance insurance (CAP Explorer Assistance). Learn more about insurance options.
🎒 EQUIPMENT TO BRING
A helmet, lock, repair kit, phone holder and waterproof rear pannier form the basic equipment. If you have rented a bike, these are included (helmets on request only).
For added comfort, we also recommend bringing the following specific accessories:
Waterproof overtrousers
Lightweight, waterproof, windproof and easy to put on, they protect against rain, splashes and mud. Some models include gaiters that also cover shoes.
External battery (power bank)
Useful for recharging your phone during lunch breaks: navigation consumes a lot of power, even in flight mode.
Recommended unless your phone battery is very efficient.
Allow €10–20.
Padded cycling shorts or gel saddle cover
Padded shorts improve comfort by absorbing shocks and reducing friction on longer rides. Alternatively, opt for a padded saddle cover.
Water bottle
More practical and sustainable than disposable bottles. Some models keep drinks cool for several hours thanks to insulated double walls.
Buff / neck warmer / beanie
Outside of summer, mornings can be cool—you’ll be glad to have brought one along!
2026 PRICES
Prices are calculated on the basis of two people sharing a double or twin room. All prices are per person and subject to availability of the selected room type.| Package | Standard Category | Comfort Category | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | High season | Low season | High season | |||
| Double / twin room | €949 | €1,019 | €1,099 | €1,179 | ||
| Single room supplement | + €360 | + €360 | + €360 | + €360 | ||
|
Child discounts (sharing the room with two full-paying adults) |
0–3 years: −80% | 12–17 years: −30% | |||||
| Group discount | 6–11 people: −10% | 12+ people: −15% | |||||
|
Extra nights (optional) |
Standard Category | Comfort Category | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | High season | Low season | High season | ||
| Constance | Double / twin room | €110 | €120 | €160 | €175 |
| Single room | €210 | €225 | €255 | €275 | |
💡 SEASONS
- Low season: May 1 – June 30 & September 1 – October 10
- High season: July 1 – August 31
|
BIKE RENTAL – equipment and delivery included – |
|
|---|---|
| E-bike | €295 |
| Trekking bike | €245 |
THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES
- Hotel accommodation in the selected comfort category
- Breakfast at each accommodation
- Luggage transfer between accommodations
- A detailed roadbook (A5 booklet + PDF), created by us during our scouting trip
- GPS tracks via our navigation app
- A printed route map
- Luggage tags
- Telephone assistance 7 days a week
- Tourist taxes
- Booking fees
OPTIONS
- Bike rental
- Single room supplement
- Private transfer between Constance and Hinterzarten
- Additional night(s) in Constance
- Optional insurance: cancellation and/or assistance
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Travel to Hinterzarten and return from Constance
- Lunches and dinners
- Entrance fees to tourist sites and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under “THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES”
SPECIAL CASES
- If you carry your own luggage, a discount applies (see booking form). An additional pannier is provided if you rent a bike.
- Solo travelers: a logistical supplement applies in addition to the single room supplement.
REVIEWS
Sarah and Renaud, 57 and 62 years old
“We absolutely loved our itinerary through southern Germany and Switzerland — and we often had it almost to ourselves, even in August. Bike rental, hotel bookings and luggage transfers all went perfectly. We highly recommend it!” August 2025
André, 71 years old
“This was the second time I’ve taken a cycling holiday with Cyclodyssées. This time I chose ‘From the Black Forest to Lake Constance’ in Germany and Switzerland. A companion joined me, and Joseph also arranged an extension with a few extra days cycling around the entire Lake Constance. Once again, it was an enriching and lively experience. The cycle paths offered beautiful landscapes and the opportunity to visit memorable sites such as the island of Mainau near Constance, with its remarkable variety of trees, shrubs and flowers. The comfort-category hotels provided excellent food and accommodation in well-located neighborhoods. Once again, I truly appreciated Cyclodyssées’ flexible and helpful approach!” August 2023
Bénédicte and Alexandre, 63 and 58 years old
“As a first experience, our Black Forest cycling trip was absolutely fantastic. We were worried about the heatwave, but our e-bikes (rented locally) carried us effortlessly over hills and valleys — with a refreshing breeze as a bonus! The route, far from traffic and tourists, allowed us to discover truly magical places. Thanks to the well-documented roadbook and the ‘nice lady’ from the Komoot app, we never got lost 😁 The generous hotel breakfasts gave us all the energy we needed for the day. Long live cycling holidays!” August 2022
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