Picturesque landscapes in three countries – Lake Constance circular route
Hiking Collection by Marius
11
Tours
71:40 h
170 mi
7,075 ft
With Alpine peaks towering in the distance and glistening waters, Lake Constance has attracted nature lovers and peace seekers alike since time immemorial. The Lake Constance circular hiking trail is considered an incredibly beautiful route that’s popular beyond its borders. For many hiking enthusiasts, the circumnavigation of this lake is an absolute dream. Following the shore, the hike takes you through Germany, Austria and Switzerland on 11 stages. 274 kilometres (170 mi) of incredible adventure await.
The mild climate here is almost Mediterranean. You’ll stroll through quaint villages with lovely gardens and pass lively towns with countless sights, imposing riverside castles and churches with rich histories. World heritage sites also lie en route, like the famous pile dwellings.
The nature here is also spectacular. The route leads through narrow gorges with rushing streams, primaeval forests and across protected floodplain meadows where you can spot rare bird species.
The hike begins and ends in the beautiful town of Konstanz, which is easy to reach by car or public transport. From here, you head clockwise along the Bodanrück, passing Lake Überlingen, the Mainau flower island and Ludwigshafen. With the sun on your face and the mountains in view, you then move south along the Obersee. With a little luck, you’ll be able to see as far as the Zugspitze or even the snow-covered peak of Mont Blanc on a clear day. Before reaching the Rhine delta, you hike through historic towns such as Meersburg, Friedrichshafen, Lindau and Bregenz, passing countless castles, palaces and churches.
Breathtaking views define your hike on the Swiss side too. Not far from Thurgau’s vineyards, you pass through the towns of Rorschach, Arbon and Romanshorn to the River Enge, where the Rhine flows into the Untersee. Foodies can enjoy a wine tasting or hearty home cooking here. In Stein am Rhein, the route crosses the Rhine bridge back to the German side of the lake. From the shore of the Höri peninsula, you overlook the Untersee and the romantic island of Reichenau, which you can easily reach by ferry from Allensbach. You hike through the almost endless reed beds of the Wollmatinger Ried and return to Constance on the north side of the Untersee.
Be sure to take your time on your Lake Constance circumnavigation. There’s so much to discover along the way that it’s worth planning a rest day or two. This hike is not reserved for experienced hikers, it’s suitable for newbies too, as it’s relatively easy. The trails are at their most beautiful in spring, summer and autumn; pack according to the season. It’s a good idea to book accommodation in advance, especially in smaller towns. If you’re travelling with a tent, you’ll find campsites along the shore.
Walking around Lake Constance is an adventure full of impressive landscapes, fascinating culture and exciting history. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the lake’s beauty and discover the treasures along its shore.
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Last updated: February 27, 2023
Tours & Highlights
- Expert08:2819.3 mi2.3 mph1,350 ft1,325 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The first stage around Lake Constance takes you from Constance to Bodman on thirty demanding but beautiful and varied kilometers. Due to the manageable number of meters in altitude to be overcome, the tour is also no problem for long-distance hikers who are new to long-distance hiking. Get up early enough…
by Marius
- Expert07:3617.4 mi2.3 mph1,200 ft1,225 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
On the second stage you hike on the north side of Lake Überlingen from Bodman to Unteruhldingen. Without any notably tedious ascents or descents, it goes on for almost 28 kilometers around Lake Constance.
The first highlight of the day is the Bodenseeufer nature reserve, which you can reach north of Bodland…
by Marius
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- Expert06:5116.2 mi2.4 mph675 ft700 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The Bodensee circular hiking trail is one of the most beautiful routes in Germany and today's third stage impresses again with absolute sights. At around 25 kilometers, this stage not only offers untouched nature, but also towns and buildings worth seeing. Meersburg, considered by many to be the most…
by Marius
- Expert06:2615.8 mi2.5 mph150 ft150 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The fourth, approximately 25-kilometer stage around Lake Constance leads from the zeppelin city of Friedrichshafen to Lindau. The university town of Friedrichshafen is undoubtedly a place to spend a whole day. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the city is known for its diverse range of outdoor leisure…
by Marius
- Expert08:2120.6 mi2.5 mph100 ft75 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
On the fifth stage you hike through three countries - Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In addition, it will be the longest hiking section on your tour of Lake Constance at almost 33 kilometers.
You start in picturesque Lindau with a view of the mountains. If you want to linger a little longer in the…
by Marius
- Expert06:4815.9 mi2.3 mph875 ft850 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The sixth hiking stage extends over a length of about 26 kilometers and leads through three dreamy cities in Switzerland. There are numerous sights to see along the way. Here it goes again mostly along the shore of the majestic Lake Constance.
From Rheineck you start heading west. You hike through various…
by Marius
- Expert05:3013.4 mi2.4 mph225 ft200 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The seventh stage takes you almost 22 kilometers along the shore of the majestic Lake Constance. This section is particularly beautiful on hot summer days. It's worth taking a break from time to time on one of the many beaches during your hike and taking a dip in the cool, clear water.
On the way to Kreuzlingen…
by Marius
- Intermediate04:5911.6 mi2.3 mph675 ft675 ftIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The circumnavigation of the beautiful Untersee begins with the eighth stage. At almost 18 kilometers, the tour takes you from Kreuzlingen to medieval Steckborn.
Kreuzlingen is a vibrant city on the shore of Lake Constance. Before you leave, you should stroll through the historic old town again, have a…
by Marius
- Intermediate03:037.07 mi2.3 mph425 ft450 ftIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Compared to the previous days, the ninth stage is relatively short at just under twelve kilometers. So there is plenty of time to drift from Steckborn to Stein am Rhein and enjoy the numerous sights along the way.
A day full of beauty and breathtaking views awaits you. Along the way there are a variety…
by Marius
- Expert06:1615.0 mi2.4 mph450 ft475 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The tenth stage around Lake Constance takes you across the enchanting Höri peninsula and promises an unforgettable experience for hiking enthusiasts over a distance of around 24 kilometers. Today's hike takes you to quaint villages and wild nature.
The tour begins in the picturesque town of Stein am Rhein…
by Marius
- Expert07:2117.1 mi2.3 mph1,000 ft1,000 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
On the eleventh stage around Lake Constance, you return from Radolfzell to Konstanz. The last section of the tour around the lake is undoubtedly breathtaking and is one of the most beautiful stretches of the long-distance hike. With unforgettable views of the island world of Lake Constance, you will…
by Marius
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Collection Stats
- Tours11
- Distance170 mi
- Duration71:40 h
- Elevation7,075 ft
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