From our guests Brigitta and Alfred
Brigitta and Alfred cycled around the Obersee, the largest part of Lake Constance, in three days in October 2023. Read their report to find out how they experienced their short vacation.
We wanted to see if the trip was feasible for us older people (71 years old). And it was! It was a wonderful vacation for both of us. My friend always drove ahead, had a map and cell phone with Google Maps in his pocket, so that I, being less experienced, could simply follow behind.
Day 1: Arrival in Constance
We arrived by train in Constance in the afternoon and took a cab straight to the Hotel Harbr, a highly recommended hotel with a modern design and equipped with everything you need when traveling. The location is also good. It's just a few minutes' walk across the pedestrian bridge to the old town. After an extensive exploratory walk, we enjoyed a hearty dinner in the Bürgerstuben.
Day 2: Constance - Lindau
After a hearty breakfast and dropping off our luggage at the hotel, we took the bus and walked to Radweg-Reisen, which we found after some searching. We were warmly welcomed there. The bikes were ready and carefully explained to us.
We set off in thick fog in the direction of Konstanz-Staad and then took the ferry to Meersburg. There we found the cycle path straight away and cycled quietly through beautiful vineyards in increasingly good weather towards Friedrichshafen, where we treated ourselves to a snack right by the lake. Bypassing Friedrichshafen was a little difficult and we had to look for the signposts a few times.
In Langenargen we visited the suspension bridge, which was the model for the George Washington Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge. The route through other villages was not always clearly signposted either, but we eventually ended up at the Hotel Lindauer Hof in Lindau. A simple but good and clean hotel by the harbor. We were able to store our bikes in a lockable cellar and charge the batteries in our room. Our luggage had also arrived safely. Unfortunately, the restaurant was closed, as were other places recommended to us by the concierge. However, we found a good Italian restaurant in the romantic old town.
Day 3: Lindau - Arbon
Wonderful breakfast buffet including Prosecco in a conservatory with a view of the lake. The weather was so good that we made our first stop shortly after Lindau and enjoyed the fantastic view. We continued through Bregenz towards the Swiss border. Unfortunately, there were lots of roadworks and detours, and it took us a while to get back on the right route towards Rorschach. The drive along the busy road was sometimes unpleasant. Unfortunately, we couldn't find an open restaurant along the way for a coffee stop. The many lidos were also closed.
In Arbon we found the Hotel Frohsinn and our luggage was waiting for us here too. Unfortunately, the hotel doesn't have an elevator, so we had to lug our suitcases, rucksacks, and panniers and their contents up the stairs. The hotel is very modestly furnished. Shower in the bathtub, not everything is spotlessly clean. After a walk through the almost deserted streets and an apéritif at a small bar, we headed back to the hotel. In contrast to the hotel facilities, there is the hotel's very harmonious and fine Braukeller restaurant. The food and service were excellent. Highly recommended.
Day 4: Arbon - Constance
Although only two rooms were occupied in the hotel, there was a small but delicious breakfast buffet. From here, the excellently signposted cycle path led us through orchards, always close to the lake with wonderful views.
We made a stop to visit the impressive monastery church in Münsterlingen. Unfortunately, we couldn't find a place to stop for coffee here either, so we cycled to Kreuzlingen and had lunch there shortly before our destination. We continued along the lakeside promenade to the Hotel Harbr in Constance. We were able to return the bikes directly at the hotel, which was very convenient. Once again, the room was reserved and the luggage was ready. Dinner at the rustic Brauhaus Albrecht in the old town.
Day 5: Constance Departure
Now came the rain - we were very lucky with the weather for our bike tour.
Conclusion:
+ Excellent organization of the trip
+ Detailed and well-structured documentation
+ Very good and comfortable e-bikes, equipped with everything you need
+ Friendly and precise explanation of the bikes
+ Trip is easy to do even for inexperienced cyclists
+ Hotels were booked
+ Luggage transportation worked perfectly
- Radweg Reisen is not easy to find
- Without Google Maps, we would not have found the right route a few times, as it was poorly signposted or not signposted at all - also due to many roadworks
We wanted to see if the trip was feasible for us older people (71 years old). And it was! It was a wonderful vacation for both of us.
