From the Black Forest to Lake Constance by Bike:
Lands of History and Legends

The Black Forest, just by its name, already evokes a land of legends, which has remained untamed and authentic, haunted by various creatures with Machiavellian features... With its impenetrable forests, its green meadows, its immaculate lakes, its pretty flowery villages and its typical wooden farmhouses with oversized roofs, it will not fail to live up to the imaginations it awakens in us.

After having eventually visited the old town of Freibourg on the way, your first night will be in Hinterzarten, located at a height of 850 m. As it is the starting point of the bike trip and that lake Constance 450 m lower, expect numerous downhills during this trip ! The first two days, however, have a few small climbs on the programme, but those will always largely be rewarded by the sublime high-altitude lakes, the graceful mountain pastures or the sumptuous panoramas embracing a vast part of the Alpine arc that they allow to reach.

You then begin a long descent through the Murg valley until the Rhine stops you, forcing you to follow its course if you don't want to go all the way back up. Fortunately, it should be a pleasure since the Rhine Valley is full of exhilarating and deliciously romantic towns such as Laufenburg, Waldshut, Schaffhausen and Stein am Rhein. These will take you alternately on the Swiss or German side of the river, in the middle of orchards or vineyards. You then will arrive at a major obstacle: the frenzied Rhine Falls, the largest in Europe!

At some point, you reach the famous Lake Constance. With its almost Mediterranean atmosphere, it is the antithesis of everything the Black Forest has been able to reveal to you previously. Here you are indeed in the epicurean heart of the German-speaking lands, with three countries bordering this real inland sea. Second largest lake in Western Europe after Lake Geneva, it enjoys a mild and sunny microclimate. A climate which will soon reveal to you a southern art of living, whether through its ostentatious architecture, its exuberant rococo churches, its luxuriant vegetation, its UV-yellowed vines and its wine cellars, its myriad of white sails that adorn the lake or quite simply its many invitations to swim that you will see along the way! All this, with the snow-capped peaks of the Alps as a backdrop… lovers of dolce vita might stay there forever!

This results is an exceptionally varied cycling route, that will take you through two of the most beautiful regions in Germany! It is also a beautiful itinerary to admire the Alps, which you will already see in the distance from the first days if the sky is clear, before finding yourself almost at the foot of them at Lake Constance, nicknamed the Riviera of the Alps!

Gute Reise !

Day 1: Optional visit of Freiburg before arrival in Hinterzarten

On your way to Hinterzarten, whether by train or by car, we recommend a stopover in Freiburg, or even an overnight stay if you have an extra day. The capital of the Black Forest has a personality of its own: both anchored in the past with its medieval center (superbly rebuilt after being almost completely destroyed by the Allied bombings of 44) and its splendid Gothic cathedral, the city is also an avant-garde ecological city. Freiburg is for example a pioneer in soft mobility, but not only.
During your walk in the old center, you will notice the famous Bächle, these gutters which supply the city with fresh water, and have done so since the Middle Ages! If you have time, a walk up the Schlossberg will reward you with a breathtaking view of the city… and bring you to a perfect place to have a beer on a terrace.

At the end of the day, head for Hinterzarten (from Freiburg, 33 min by train, 30-40 min by car), 850 m above sea level, where you'll spend the night. You're already in the heart of the Black Forest!

Day 2: Hinterzarten - Sankt Blasien (31/45/54 km (19/28/34 mi) - Elevation gain: 480/800/1040 m (1575/2625/3410 ft))

The first few kilometers, between Hinterzarten and Titisee, take you through pretty alpine meadows.!
At Titisee you take a track that runs along the photogenic lake, nestled deep in dense fir forests. It is then by a track climbing gently through forests and summer pastures that you reach the well-hidden Lake Feldsee, surrounded by vertiginous wooded hills. You then cross a small pass at 1231 m (4039 ft), from which the more athletic can take a detour to climb to the summit of Feldberg, which, at 1493 m (4898 ft), is the highest peak in the country outside the Alps (in good weather, you will also enjoy an excellent view of them!). It is then the turn of Lake Schluchsee to reveal itself to you, in all its wild beauty! A beautiful track runs along the lake, giving you plenty of opportunities to swim. You finally reach the spa town of Sankt-Blasien, famous for its gigantic basilica, which seems completely disproportionate for such a small town. It is here that this magnificent first day ends, spent largely on gravel tracks in excellent condition.

Note: those opting for the relaxed variant take the train between Titisee and Altglashütten (near Lake Schluchsee) and avoid having to cross the small pass.

Day 3: Sankt Blasien - Waldshut (28/60 km (17/37 mi) - Elevation gain: 170/530 m (560/1740 ft))

The route rushes into the idyllic Albtal (Alb valley), which will take you through small hamlets frozen in time. You then go back up to the plateau, where the vast open meadows provide you with many panoramas, sometimes as far as the Alps.
Then the path sinks into a wooded valley, at the bottom of which flows the Murg, a small stream that gradually takes you, along an old stagecoach line, to the pleasant Rhine valley. Along the way, you have the opportunity to look over the treetops and dominate the whole surroundings, by climbing on top of the ruins of the Wieladingen fort.
Along the Rhine you then cross the charming binational town of Laufenburg, which, since Napoleon decreed that the Rhine would be a border, extends into both Germany and Switzerland! From there, you follow the Rhine valley for a few more kilometers before reaching Waldshut, your stopover town, whose old central alley is surrounded on either side by two imposing gate towers, emblematic of the region.

Note: those who opt for the relaxed variant will branch off immediately towards Waldshut after the Albtal, thus saving their calves. But don't worry, this route gets just as many panoramic views of the Alps!

Day 4: Waldshut - Schaffhausen (47/58 km (29/36 mi) - Elevation gain: 400/450 m (1310/1475 ft))

You slalom throughout the day from one bank to the other to discover the many hidden treasures that the Rhine valley contains. After a few kilometres, you are already crossing the Swiss border whose banks will make you discover successively the ruins of a Roman fortress, bunkers dating from the 2nd World War, a pretty marshy area and impressive wooden saltern. After Bad Zurzach, you reach the north shore again and it is now through a very rural landscape that you cycle. After reaching the peninsula of Rheinau by a typical small and covered wooden bridge, do not miss to enter the church of the cloister, whose interior constitutes a Baroque masterpiece among the most sumptuous in the country!
You then arrive at the highlight of the day: the roaring Rhine Falls! With a flow rate of approximately 600 m³/sec (21189 ft³/sec). and a width of 150 meters (492 ft), they are the largest falls in Europe! Walkways allow you to get closer to the monster.
At the end of the day, you arrive in Schaffhausen, which, with its admirably preserved historical centre, its facades adorned with grandiose frescoes, and its 16th century Munot fortress, seems to come straight out of a fairy tale.

Day 5: Schaffhausen - Constance (39/55 km (24/34 mi) - Elevation gain: 200/330 m (655/1085 ft))

After crossing the German-Swiss border several more times (mostly unnoticed) and passing through some charming villages such as Büsingen or Diessenhofen, you arrive at the town of Stein am Rhein. With its entirely painted facades, its half-timbered houses and its large porch tower, it too seems to come straight out of a novel. Past Stein, the Rhine begins to widen until it gradually takes on the appearance of a lake more than a river: you have reached the mythical Lake Constance! It is by its southern bank that you approach it to begin with, crossing vineyards and fishermen's villages, which have become however more dependent on tourism than on fishing with time.
You then embark for a pleasant boat trip that will take you to the monastic island of Reichenau, which, with its churches containing wooden frameworks and magnificent mural frescoes dating from the Carolingian era, was listed as UNESCO heritage. You finally reach the mainland by a narrow strip of land reclaimed from the lake, and arrive at the lively university town of Constance, which was once a high-ranking city and even briefly the capital of Christianity, imposing itself as a provisional solution at a time when the popes of Rome and Avignon were bogged down in fratricidal quarrels. It retains a vast historic center with beautiful residences, a feast for the eyes.

Day 6: Loop around Lake Constance (31/47 km (19/29 mi) - Elevation gain: 190/350 m (623/1148 ft))

A memorable last day at the lake awaits you today. A few kilometers after leaving Constance, you will embark on a ferry to reach the north shore and moor at Meersburg, a small lakeside town which, with its old center and its two castles overlooking the lake, is a real postcard.
Further on, in Unteruhldingen, an open-air museum reconstructing in a very successful and life-size way a village on stilts dating from prehistoric times is worth a visit. On the way to Überlingen, a detour to the baroque castle of Salem will delight architecture lovers. You then reach the beautiful Birnau Church which dominates the lake from its mound, but which only reveals all its opulence once you have entered the front door, letting you discover its abundant rococo decor!
You then continue to Überlingen, a cute little medieval town on the edge of the lake, before taking a ferry back to the opposite shore. A few kilometers before Constance, you'll see the entrance to the botanical island of Mainau, which is a small garden island and a model of excellent environmental practices, and whose flowerbeds form a striking patchwork of colours. The Keukenhof of Germany, no doubt about it!

NB: if you are short of time to visit the garden island of Mainau, it is also possible to get there the next morning (count 20 min by bus/bike from Constance)

Day 7 : end of the tour

End of the tour after breakfast. Return transfer to Hinterzarten at 10 a.m. for those who have taken this option. Possibility of extending the stay in Constance for those who want to prolong the pleasure.

1. Duration: 7 days and 6 nights, including the day of arrival and departure. 5 days of cycling.


2. Minimum age: 12 years old


3. Seasonality: between May and October 10th (departure day).
   
   If in the spring the temperatures begin to be pleasant from the month of April, the relative altitude of the start of the route means that the snow may not have completely melted on certain sections before the end of the month. May and June, on the other hand, are excellent months.
   
   In summer, the weather is generally very pleasant, both in terms of temperatures and sunshine, and the water temperature is suitable for swimming, whether in the Black Forest lakes, in the Rhine or in Lake Constance! In July and August, however, the shores of Lake Constance can be quite crowded.
   
   The region often also benefits from a beautiful Indian summer, with mild temperatures until October and a level of sunshine almost as good as in summer. Between mid-September and early October, it is also the harvest period. In October, the trees dress in their most shimmering colors.
   
   In late autumn and in winter, it is quite fresher, even downright cold, making cycling less suitable, and snow can cover certain sections located at higher altitudes. Many accommodations also have their annual closure at this time.
   
   Note: the weather is subject to strong variations from one year to another. The information described above are only averages.


4. Possible departure days: every day
   


5. Arrival and return:
   
   
   • Start of the tour: Hinterzarten
   
   
   • End of the tour: Constance
   
   In order to promote train travel, all of our routes are easily accessible by train.
   
   Train
   Hinterzarten is easily reachable by train from Freiburg-im-Breisgau (about 33 min. with a regional train, departures every 30 min.).
   
   To get to Freiburg, many ICE (high-speed trains) get there without any stopover : Köln (Cologne), Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Basel or Zürich.
   
   ATTENTION: When making your reservation, be sure to encode “Freiburg-im-Breisgau”, otherwise the reservation platform could confuse it with the city of Freiburg in Switzerland !
   
   
   Car
   Hinterzarten can be reached in one day from anywhere in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands or Belgium. Motorways are free of charge in Germany, but be aware that during the summer, many parts of these motorways are under maintenance, leading to occasional traffic jams.
   
   
   
   Plane
   The closest airport is the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. From there, it is possible to reach Freiburg Central Station by bus in about 55 min. Bus departures every 1 to 2 hours with companies Flixbus/Freiburger Reisedienst. From Freiburg, you can take a regional train to get to Hinterzarten (33 min., departures every 30 min.).
   
   


6. Getting back to the departure point :
   
   Allow between about 2 hours by train to return to Hinterzarten from Constance, with a connection in Donaueschingen. For an additional charge, you can also benefit from a private transfer (if you are with your own bikes, this will be more comfortable).


7. Parking :
   
   Our roadbook will inform you about car parks in Hinterzarten where you can leave your car during your bike trip.


8. Supervision:
   
   Self-guided, with telephone assistance in case of mechanical issues. To navigate, you will have a detailed roadbook, as well as GPS tracks of the route via an easy-to-use navigation app. As the navigation is satellite-based, no internet connection is required.


9. Type of route:
   
   Itinerant (linear)


10. Level: rather easy to moderate (depending on the routes you choose)
    
    Some days, there are alternative routes to the normal route. Thus, you can tailor your ride's duration to suit your mood or the day's weather conditions. No matter which route you opt for, you won't miss out on any of the biggest touristic highlights of the tour.
    
    
    • Elevation changes: even if the tour begins on the heights of the massif to not have to climb it, some hills are to be expected the first two days (only one hill if you opt for the relaxed variants). It is also possible to opt for an electric bike.
    
    
    • Length of the stages: approximately 30-60 km (ca. 20-40 mi) per day depending on the variants chosen, leaving you time to make many stops along the way.
    
    
    • Terrain: over 70% paved roads. The rest of the time, you're mainly riding on compact gravel tracks and forest paths. These tracks don't require MTB tire nor suspensions (they're never technical) but riding will nevertheless be more comfortable if your tires are not too thin (road bikes are not suitable). .
    
    All details are summarized in the table below.
    
    

    Table 1: Distances and height differences

    BLACK FOREST - LAKE CONTANCE
    Stage	Variant	Distance (km)	Elevation gain (m)	Drop (m)	Estimated time
    Day 1	Arrival in Hinterzarten (after an optional night in Freibourg)
    Day 2 (stage 1) Hinterzarten - St Blasien	Relax	31	480	670	2h30
    	Normal	45	800	910	3h30
    	Sporty	54	1040	1150	4h16
    Day 3 (stage 2) St Blasien - Waldshut	Relax	28	170	620	1h42
    	Average	60	530	980	4h02
    Day 4 (stage 3) Waldshut - Schaffhausen	Relax	47	400	350	3h23
    	Average	58	450	390	4h06
    Day 5 (stage 4) Schaffhausen - Constance	Relax	39	200	180	2h48
    	Average	55	330	330	3h28
    Day 6 (stage 5) Loop from Constance	Average	31	190	190	2h09
    	Sporty	47	350	350	3h21
    Day 7	End of the tour

    
    
11. Accommodation:
    
    Two categories of accommodation are available on this route:
    
    Standard category: 2-3* hotels. In cities, these accommodations are sometimes a little outside the center, but by bike you will quickly be in the center.
    
    Comfort+ category: 3* hotels. In cities, the hotels are located in the historical center.
    
    Whichever option you choose, the accommodations have all the comforts you need for a good night's sleep! All rooms have an ensuite bathroom and all accommodations have some space to store your bicycles.


12. Meals:
    
    Breakfasts are included. Lunch and dinner are at your leisure. During the day, you can eat in the local restaurants (you will find daily suggestions in our roadbook) or have a picnic bought in the local food shops.
    
    Half board is not available on this trip but you will always have a few restaurants nearby your hotel (if the last doesn't have his own in-house restaurant).


13. Luggage transport:
    
    You only carry your day's belongings during the cycling stages. Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to another by us, you find them at the end of the day at your accommodation. It is also possible to carry your belongings with you in bicycle side bags, as long-distance cyclists do. In this case, you get a discount.


14. Travel Documents:
    
    A detailed roadbook (Dutch or English), a topographical map of the route and GPS tracks (via our navigation app) will be sent to you before your departure.
    
    The roadbook, which you'll also receive in hard copy, contains not only a description of the route, but also a wealth of tourist and cultural information, restaurant suggestions and places to buy food along the way.


15. Bicycles:
    
    We offer quality bikes for hire, fully equipped and adapted to the type of terrain.
    
    Equipment includes a smartphone holder, a waterproof pannier, a lock, a repair set and (on request) a helmet.
    
    An electric bike can be hired for this trip.
    
    If you wish to bring your own bike, remember to check all the parts of the bike beforehand (wear and tear of brakes, tyres, sprockets, chain, etc.) to ensure that it is in technical order for a ride of 250 km (ca. 150 miles). The bikes suitable for this trip are trekking bikes (hybrid bikes), mountain bikes, gravel bikes and e-bikes. Road bikes (tyres too thin for the gravel sections) and city bikes (insufficient number of gears) are not suitable.


16. Cancellation and assistance insurances:
    
    In order to guarantee reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay or in the event of problems (e.g. health, accident, theft, lost luggage, ...) during the trip, you can opt for a cancellation (CAP Explorer - premium cancellation) and/or assistance insurance (CAP Exporer - premium assistance). To learn more about our proposed insurances, click more info or ask us.

The price of the tour and the bike rentals is given in below tables:



The price includes:

• A detailed roadbook in English or Dutch, produced by us during our scouting trip (Paper booklet + PDF)
• The GPS tracks of the route via our navigation app
• A topographic map of the tour
• 6 nights in hotels (see “accommodation” in the “practical information” tab)
• 6 breakfasts
• The transport of your luggage between the accommodations
• Luggage tags
• Telephone assistance and guidance in the event of a mechanical problem
• Tourist taxes
• Registration fees

Possible options:

• The on-site rental of a bicycle without/with electric assistance
• The single room supplement
• The comfort+ supplement (see “accommodation” in the “practical information” tab)
• Additional nights in Freiburg and/or Konstanz
• The return transfer to the starting point (especially interesting for those who need to get their car, otherwise it is faster to return via Basel)
• Optional insurances: cancellation and/or assistance

The price does not include:

• The journey from your home to the meeting point, as well as the return.
• Lunch and evening meals
• Train journeys if you wish to lighten your stage on certain days (by taking the "relax" itinerary, which is possible on Stage 1, 3 & 4) - count 5 to 15 €/pers per journey (bike included)
• Your personal expenses
• Entrances to tourist sites
• Anything not listed in “the price includes”

Other:

• If you wish to transport your luggage yourself from one accommodation to another, you benefit in this case from a discount that depends on the group size (180 € for a group of 2). Additional bicycle side bags will then be provided to you.
• Children and large groups benefit from discounts (see above tables). The children discounts apply if there are at least 2 adults and that the family stays in family rooms (rooms with 3 or more beds) when available.
• A 'solo traveller' supplement of 190 € is counted for individuals doing this tour alone.

    André, 71 years old

"This is the second time I've embarked on a bicycle vacation tour with the Cyclodyssées agency. This time, I had chosen "From the Black Forest to Lake Constance" in Germany and Switzerland. For this trip, a companion had joined me. Additionally, an extension of a few extra days of cycling around the entire Lake Constance had been organized by Joseph. Once again, it was an informative and lively experience. The cycling paths for the various days of the itinerary provided a magnificent landscape and the opportunity to also visit memorable sites, such as the Mainau Island not far from Constance, with a rich variety of trees, bushes, and flowers. The hotels selected in the comfort category offered gastronomic and accommodation services in well-located areas of cities and villages. This year, I still appreciate the flexible and helpful collaboration with Cyclodyssées !"  August 2023

    Bénédicte and Alexandre, 63 and 58 years old

"As a first experience, our tour in the black forest was really great. We were afraid of the heat wave but our electric bikes (received on site) took us up and down with ease and gave us a refreshing breeze as a bonus! The itinerary, far from traffic and tourists, allowed us to discover some dreamy spots. Moreover, thanks to the well-documented roadbook and the "nice lady" of the Komoot app, we never got lost 😁 The copious breakfasts at the hotel gave us the energy for the whole day. Long live cycling holidays! :)"  August 2022