Garden Cycle Tour on Lake Constance – discovering dream gardens
Medium
Occupancy
no info available
Parking
no info available
Public transport
Show stops
Tour details
Best time of year
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
Specifics of the tour
Scenic / Botanical highlights / Cultural highlihts / Fauna highlights
Path condition
Description
Author's recommendation
Directions
Small Tour: Constance – Mainau Island – Reichenau Island – Constance
Follow the Lake Constance Cycle Path to “Mainau”, the island of flowers. Here you can expect a year-round flower program matching to the season. The splendid park ensures lots of fun and action for smaller guests as well: a giant playground, a petting zoo or a pony riding area light up every child’s heart. Back on Lake Constance Cycle Path follow the way through the nature reserve area Wollmatinger Ried to the UNESCO world heritage site Reichenau Island. In the 9th century here a monk was writing the so called “Hortulus”, the first real garden advisor. The old herb garden can be visited still today. In the evening the trip goes back to Constance.
Medium Tour: Constance – Meersburg – Salem – Überlingen – Constance
Taking the Constance-Meersburg ferry is a perfect way to reach the German shore in a relaxed manner, smelling the lovely lake breeze. In New Castle in Meersburg a baroque pleasure garden from the 18th century invites you to take a rest. Afterwards continue cycling on the Baths Cycle Path to Salem Monastery and Palace. The small inhabitants living on Affenberg Salem (literally translated: monkey mountain) provide entertainment for both adults and children. In Überlingen a 4 km Garden Culture Path connects the town’s most beautiful green spots. The highlight of this small loop is the municipal park. Going back to Constance you need to take the ferry in Meersburg again, capturing the last rays of sun.
Big Tour: Constance – Arenenberg – Ittingen charterhouse – Altnau – Constance
Starting from Constance take the Cycle Path along the waterside to Arenenberg. The castle Arenenberg in grand style is a true gem. Walking on three different floors through small picturesque rooms you can feel the real Napoleonic flair. From this exposed position you’ll have a spectacular view above Höri Island and Reichenau Island, the volcanic cones Hegau and the Swiss Lake Ridge. Follow the cycle path to Ittingen: in the former charterhouse the greatest rose variety of Switzerland can be found here. If you want you can get some local goods such as milk products or beers in the Prior Store. The Cycle Path now takes you back to the lake shore until Altnau. Everything worth knowing about fruit growing can be learned on the 9km-long Altnauer Obstlehrpfad (fruit educational trail). Find out more about Gala, Elstar and Jonagold enjoying a gorgeous view above the lake. At the end of the day you’ll end up back in Constance.
Overnight stay
For the small and medium tour we recommend an overnight stay in Constance. Both tours can be accomplished within one day. The tour on the Swiss shore is better done in two days. Spending the night along the course could be quite pleasant, e.g. in Ittingen. Especially during high season it is advisable to book in advance.
Shorten the course
Of course you can modify the tours however you like. On the Swiss shore e.g. you can abbreviate the tour between Ittingen and Altnau. There are trains running every 30 minutes from Frauenfeld to Constance.
Equipment
Safety information
More information
Get further information here:
Internationale Bodensee Tourismus GmbH
Hafenstraße 6
78462 Konstanz
or at www.bodensee.eu/en