1
Jump to content
(Link opens in a new tab)
Jump to footer
(Link opens in a new tab)
Book now
To the online version
Two cyclists on a riverside cycle path, Arbon in the background

Lake Constance – Lago Maggiore

On unknown paths across the Alps

8 Days / 7 Nights
Medium
Two cyclists on a riverside cycle path, Arbon in the background

Do you have questions about this tour?

The essentials at a glance

This cycling tour connects Lake Constance with Lago Maggiore through Switzerland's diverse landscapes. The route follows the Rhine Valley through Liechtenstein and Heidi's homeland, passing Chur, the oldest town north of the Alps. Cyclists traverse the spectacular Rhine Gorge and cross the Lukmanier Pass into Ticino (optional bus shortcut available). The journey covers approximately 45-70 km daily over 8 days with medium difficulty, featuring flat lakeside paths, steady climbs, and traffic-free side roads.

Half of Europe is looking for the way towards south over the Gotthard Pass, while the old trade route over the Lukmanier has almost been forgotten. Swiss precision and quietness await you on the shores of Lake Constance, that will lead you towards the Austrian Border. From here you cycle on the Rhine route through the vineyards and past the impressive Rhine Gorge towards the Romansch-speaking part of Switzerland. A short break at the monastery of Disentis gives you strength for the drive into the rocky landscape of the Lukmanier pass that is your gateway to the southern part of Switzerland.

itinerary at a glance

You start by cycling along Lake Constance and through the Rhine Valley, where you pass through the Principality of Liechtenstein and the home of Heidi. The Lukmanier Pass takes you into Ticino, where you are greeted by the sparkling Lake Maggiore near Locarno.
Day
01

Arrival in Constance

You follow the railway line past the lively lakeside town of Romanshorn to Arbon. A charming old town and a large castle are among the landmarks of this small town on Lake Constance. Continue along the lakeshore to today's accommodation in the Rorschach area.

You will pass the idyllic mouth of the Rhine with its wide reed beds. St.Galler Rheintal is an area often cosseted by the warm wind called “Föhn”. Much land has been won by the correction of the Alpenrhein waters in the Rhine-Valley. You spend the night in Buchs – an important border station and the gate to the principality of Liechtenstein.

The „Bündner Herrschaft“, Grisons fertile garden and winery lies on a mound of slate detritus. This is also the home of Heidi, Peter and Alpöhi from the world famous childrens tale. Chur is the oldest town north of the alp and entices with numerous restaurants.

The Rhine Gorge – Switzerlands Grand Canyon is an impressive first part of this tour. Afterwards you reach “Surselva”, Grisons largest Romansch-speaking region. Today’s tour leads you to the monastery of Disentis.

Through the gorge „Höllenschlucht“ and Val Medel up to the rugged pass head of Lukmanier, boundary between the cantons Ticino and Grisons. In the sunny Valle di Blenio the route descends through centuries-old cultivated landscape, scented flower-filled meadows and terraced walls towards Biasca.

The castles and the city wall of Bellinzona lure from afar while you head towards the plain of Magadino with its small villages. You pass the Delta of Ticino and roll on a nice promenade towards Lago Maggiore. After arrival in Locarno individual departure.

Day
08

Departure or extension

itinerary at a glance

You start by cycling along Lake Constance and through the Rhine Valley, where you pass through the Principality of Liechtenstein and the home of Heidi. The Lukmanier Pass takes you into Ticino, where you are greeted by the sparkling Lake Maggiore near Locarno.
Day
01

Arrival in Kreuzlingen

You follow the railway line past the lively lakeside town of Romanshorn to Arbon. A charming old town and a large castle are among the landmarks of this small town on Lake Constance. Continue along the lakeshore to today's accommodation in the Rorschach area.

You will pass the idyllic mouth of the Rhine with its wide reed beds. St.Galler Rheintal is an area often cosseted by the warm wind called “Föhn”. Much land has been won by the correction of the Alpenrhein waters in the Rhine-Valley. You spend the night in Buchs – an important border station and the gate to the principality of Liechtenstein.

The „Bündner Herrschaft“, Grisons fertile garden and winery lies on a mound of slate detritus. This is also the home of Heidi, Peter and Alpöhi from the world famous childrens tale. Chur is the oldest town north of the alp and entices with numerous restaurants.

The Rhine Gorge – Switzerlands Grand Canyon is an impressive first part of this tour. Afterwards you reach “Surselva”, Grisons largest Romansch-speaking region. Today’s tour leads you to the monastery of Disentis.

Through the gorge „Höllenschlucht“ and Val Medel up to the rugged pass head of Lukmanier, boundary between the cantons Ticino and Grisons. In the sunny Valle di Blenio the route descends through centuries-old cultivated landscape, scented flower-filled meadows and terraced walls towards Biasca.

The castles and the city wall of Bellinzona lure from afar while you head towards the plain of Magadino with its small villages. You pass the Delta of Ticino and roll on a nice promenade towards Lago Maggiore. After arrival in Locarno individual departure.

Day
08

Departure or extension

difficulty level

Medium

Flat and easy going on Lake Constance and in the Rhine valley. From Chur a steady ascend starts. Rough roads in the Rhine Gorge. The most challenging part is the leg over Lukmanierpass – you can shorten this by public transport. Some traffic around Bellinzona, apart from this calm side roads in Ticino.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Our Rental Bikes

The different types of rental bikes at a glance

Unisex Rental Bike - Symbol photo
Unisex bike

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Available gear options can be found in the price table

E-Bike rental bike - Symbol photo
Unisex Electro bike

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

services & information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in middle-class Hotels
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transport (1 luggage piece per person, max. 20 kg)
  • Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
  • 1 Ticino Ticket with numerous inclusive services and discounts (from day 6)
  • Service hotline

Optional

  • Printed route book, per room EUR 20
  • Bicycle helmet (available on request only, free of charge)

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Constance train station
  • Zurich airport
  • Good train connections between Bellinzona and Zurich to Constance

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Bus ride Disentis - Lukmanier Passhöhe incl. bike, costs approx. CHF 25 per person
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

services & information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in middle-class Hotels
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transport (1 luggage piece per person, max. 20 kg)
  • Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
  • 1 Ticino Ticket with numerous inclusive services and discounts (from day 6)
  • Service hotline

Optional

  • Printed route book, per room EUR 20

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Kreuzlingen train station
  • Zurich airport
  • Good train connections between Bellinzona and Zurich to Kreuzlingen

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Bus ride Disentis - Lukmanier Passhöhe incl. bike, costs approx. CHF 25 per person
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.
Tamara Pötzelsberger

"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"

Tamara Pötzelsberger
Travel Specialist
One call to vacation bliss
Monday - Thursday: 9.00 AM - 6.00 PM
Friday: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
Call now
(Link opens in a new tab)
One click to vacation bliss
 
I am looking forward to your message!
Contact form

5.0 out of 5 stars

Load more

other tours that might interest you

from
€1,549
Book now
Book
Book until 28.02.2027 and get your early bird bonus!
Get an early bird bonus now!
Until 28.02.2027
Travel search
/en/search

Secure your next active break early and choose between a 20 euro early booking discount or a branded saddle bag.

Where do you want to go?

Travel search
Secure discount
Town Hall Square Trieste
You now receive special conditions when you book a trip.