Lake Constance to Lake Maggiore
7 nights from 1784
4.6Traverse through Switzerland's stunning scenery between the German and Italian borders
On this bicycle tour from southern Lake Constance to the northern point of Lake Maggiore, you’ll enjoy astounding scenery, fantastic cycling, and Swiss culture.
Swiss precision and quietness await you on the shores of Lake constance as you head towards the Austrian border. From here, you will cycle on the Rhine route through vineyards and past the impressive Rhine Gorge.
After a short break at the monastery of Disentis, you will continue traveling south into the rocky landscape of the Lukmanier pass. A gateway to the southern part of Switzerland, the Lukmanier is an old, almost forgotten trade route. Continue south to your final destination of Lake Maggiore along the Italian border.
Did not disappoint
“What a great way to experience Switzerland! The overall experience was excellent and we enjoyed the variety of sceneries and hotels. We were definitely grateful to have had e-bikes.”
—Susanne & Nate Graham
A rewarding challenge
“We knew that the ride would be a challenge for us, especially the climbs, but with the efficiently working e-bike assistance, we were able to make it work and that was a reward in…” Full Review
“We knew that the ride would be a challenge for us, especially the climbs, but with the efficiently working e-bike assistance, we were able to make it work and that was a reward in itself. We have done multiple Europe tours through BikeTours and this was the first time that we followed an online map app. It worked very well. We were disappointed when we first arrived and realized that there would not be an orientation meeting with a live person. But, with the printed instructions and the app, it worked smoothly. A number of times during the tour we saw on our phone screen that we had made a wrong turn and were able to quickly correct the mistake and stay on track. The hotels were all first rate, with the exception of Buchs, where the hotel was undergoing extensive rehab work and we had to walk through construction zones to get to our room. Our only real complaint about the hotels was, with the exception of the Lugano hotel, they had no air conditioning. At least a fan would have helped us sleep better. But overall they were very nice and we were treated with fine hospitality. The scenery and the sites were amazing. It was a wonderful break from the sweltering California summer heat.” Less
—Jim and Linda LoBue
Exquisite Visual Treats
“A few easy days, then some more challenging climbs. Finally a long descent and a ride to Locarno on Lake Maggiore. Some rain and wind added to the adventure. Pros: Beautiful…” Full Review
“A few easy days, then some more challenging climbs. Finally a long descent and a ride to Locarno on Lake Maggiore. Some rain and wind added to the adventure.
Pros: Beautiful scenery. A few nice hotels. Reliable rental bikes. Memorable rides. Excellent luggage transfers.
Cons: Too much gravel and trail riding. While some hotels were very nice, many were sub-par, in our opinion. Bikes were heavy, slow and unresponsive—making the cycling harder and slower. Tour provider never met nor communicated with us directly—they just delivered written instructions and rental bikes to the first hotel. It seemed that they really were not so interested in our business.” Less
—Timothy Ricks
Daily Program
Day 1: Arrival to Constance/Kreuzlingen
Stroll over the German border and take a walk through the lively roads in the old town of Constance.
Day 2: Constance/Kreuzlingen–Rorschach/Surroundings
23 miles/37 km
Cycle along the railway and past the beautiful villages Romanshorn and Arbon until you reach the Rhine delta with a wealth of birdlife.
Day 3: Rorschach/Surroundings– Buchs SG
44 miles/70 km
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.
Day 4: Buchs SG–Chur
29 miles/47 km
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 children's tale. Chur is the oldest town north of the alp and entices with numerous restaurants.
Day 5: Chur–Disentis
43 miles/69 km
The Rhine Gorge– Switzerland's Grand Canyon– is an impressive part of this tour. Afterward, you reach “Surselva”, Grison's largest Romansch-speaking region. Today’s tour leads you to the monastery of Disentis.
Day 6: Disentis–Lukmanierpass–Biasca
36 miles/59 km
Cycle through the gorge "Höllenschlucht" and Val Medel, up to the rugged pass head of Lukmanier, the boundary between the cantons Ticino, and Grisons. In the sunny Valle di Blenio, the route descends through the centuries-old cultivated landscape, scented flower-filled meadows and terraced walls towards Biasca.
Day 7: Biasca–Locarno
29 miles/47 km
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 along a nice promenade towards Lago Maggiore.
Day 8: Departure or extra night
Departure after breakfast.
Hotels
The following hotels are provided only as samples and may vary based on availability.
You will be accommodated in select 3- and 4-star hotels
Constance: Hotel Halm
Rorschach: Hotel Mozart
Buchs: Buchserhof
Chur: Hotel Chur
Disentis: Hotel Alpsu
Biasca: al Giardinetto
Locarno: Home Hotel
Bikes
Standard touring bike
Touring Bike Country-Bike TdS
Specifications:
- Frame: Aluminium
- Derailleur gear: Shimano Alivio 3x9-Gang
- Brakes: V-Brake Shimano Alivio
- Wheel size: 26"
Frame sizes:
- S = 44 cm (body height 150 - 172 cm)
- M = 50 cm (body height 172 - 186 cm)
- M = 56 cm (body height 186 - 196 cm)
Electric bike
E-bike Flyer C-series
Specifications:
- Frame: Aluminium
- Gearshift:
- built 2021: Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub gears
- built 2022: Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub gears
- Brakes: Magura HS22 (hydraulisch) rim brakes
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour NEX, 63mm
- Motor: Panasonic 36V/250W mid-engine
- Battery: Panasonic Li-Ion-Mangan 15Ah/36V (540Wh)
- Operating distance: max. 100 km
- Wheel size: 28" (size XS: 26")
- Total weight: max. 149 kg
Frame sizes:
- XS = 41 cm (body height < 160 cm)
- S = 45 cm (body height 160 - 170 cm)
- M = 50 cm (body height 170 - 180 cm)
- L = 55 cm (body height > 180 cm)
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Accessories
All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge:
- Saddle bag (water-repellent), rear
- Tools
- Repair kit (with extra bicycle tube)
- Pump
- Lock
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
Helmets:
Helmets are available on this tour but must be reserved in advance. We recommend that you bring your own helmet or plan to purchase one upon arrival for safety and hygiene purposes.
Surface and terrain
The route is flat and easy-going near Lake Constance and in the Rhine valley. From Chur, begin a steady ascent. There are some rough roads in the Rhine Gorge. The most challenging part is the stage over the Lukmanier pass– which can be shortened by public transport.
There will be some traffic around Bellinzona, apart from this you will be cycling on paths and the calm side roads in Ticino.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest Airport: Zurich (ZRH)
Nearest train station: Kreuzlingen
Trains run frequently between Kreuzlingen and Zurich (airport and city). It's about 75 minutes between the airport and Kreuzlingen.
Tour end
Nearest airport and train station: Locarno, Switzerland
There are regular train connections from Zurich via Bellinzona to Locarno. From the train station you can reach the hotel by bus in only 15 minutes.
There is parking at the railway station of Kreuzlingen- approcimately CHF 7 per day.
Return travel by train via Bellinzona and Zurich to Kreuzlingen- approximately 4-4.5 hours duration.
Return travel by train via Bellinzona to Zurich airport, Approximately 3 hours duration.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Reviews
- ★★★★★ Susanne & Nate Graham
Did not disappoint
What a great way to experience Switzerland! The overall experience was excellent and we enjoyed the variety of sceneries and hotels. We were definitely grateful to have had e-bikes.
- ★★★★★ Jim and Linda LoBue
A rewarding challenge
We knew that the ride would be a challenge for us, especially the climbs, but with the efficiently working e-bike assistance, we were able to make it work and that was a reward in itself. We have done multiple Europe tours through BikeTours and this was the first time that we followed an online map app. It worked very well. We were disappointed when we first arrived and realized that there would not be an orientation meeting with a live person. But, with the printed instructions and the app, it worked smoothly. A number of times during the tour we saw on our phone screen that we had made a wrong turn and were able to quickly correct the mistake and stay on track. The hotels were all first rate, with the exception of Buchs, where the hotel was undergoing extensive rehab work and we had to walk through construction zones to get to our room. Our only real complaint about the hotels was, with the exception of the Lugano hotel, they had no air conditioning. At least a fan would have helped us sleep better. But overall they were very nice and we were treated with fine hospitality. The scenery and the sites were amazing. It was a wonderful break from the sweltering California summer heat.
- ★★★★★ Timothy Ricks
Exquisite Visual Treats
A few easy days, then some more challenging climbs. Finally a long descent and a ride to Locarno on Lake Maggiore. Some rain and wind added to the adventure.
Pros: Beautiful scenery. A few nice hotels. Reliable rental bikes. Memorable rides. Excellent luggage transfers.
Cons: Too much gravel and trail riding. While some hotels were very nice, many were sub-par, in our opinion. Bikes were heavy, slow and unresponsive—making the cycling harder and slower. Tour provider never met nor communicated with us directly—they just delivered written instructions and rental bikes to the first hotel. It seemed that they really were not so interested in our business.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 15+
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- ★★★★★ Timothy Ricks
Spectacular Scenery Along Lakes and Over the Alps
Easy riding through gorgeous countryside for the first few days, then some serious climbing in the mountains for a couple of days, a long descent and then beautiful Locarno on Lake Maggiore. More gravel road and trails than expected. Sturdy but slow and heavy bikes provided were up to the task—just made for more work. Hotels varied in quality. The hotel in Horn (Hotel Bad Horn) was very nice. Others—mostly just okay.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 16
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ (Nancy) Bart Hemmerich
Quaint Swiss Villages Among Majestic Alps
After having just completed the Romantic Roads Tour, this tour was a perfect contrast - more focus on geography including huge glacial lakes, wide river basins, steep hillside farms and villages, and jagged Alp peaks with snow fields. This was a more challenging tour with added factors like very high temperatures a few days and very strong headwinds. Some of the gravel sections, particularly between Chur and Disentis were very tough for touring bikes so we have already suggested a road option. Hotels, restaurants and overall route were outstanding.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6 organized tours, many self-supported
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
More About This Tour
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