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Lake Constance by bike: Switzerland, Austria and Germany, a route through 3 countries and a single lake , which today in this post I explain day by day our family route.

Today we're starting by telling you about day 1, the first stage of our family bike trip around Lake Constance this summer. It was an almost 180 km adventure, cycling together and staying in campsites with our tent, which we all thoroughly enjoyed. Today we begin stage 1, day 1 of this new family adventure, which will take us from Austria to Switzerland, visiting one of the most beautiful Swiss villages on Lake Constance: Arbon.

A stage just before reaching the German side in Stage 2 of this Lake Constance cycling route where we will arrive in Constance.

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Stage 1 Lake Constance by bike: From Fußach, Austria, to Arbon, Switzerland (38 km)

Our first stage of this tourist cycle route took us from Austria to Switzerland around Lake Constance by bike, across a bridge over the Rhine River.

At first surrounded by fields, farms and equestrian centers , and then towards the end of today's stage next to Lake Constance itself through beautiful villages like Arbon.

Video route Lake Constance by bicycle with children, our Stage 1

Between fields from Austria to Switzerland

The beginning of today's stage was a delightful journey through green fields with some interesting stops along the way . At one of them, we found a fountain with a picnic table in front of a peculiar farm with bulls or cows of a breed we'd never seen before . The farm also had vending machines for its products, so we took the opportunity to buy some locally sourced treats to enjoy during our trip.

We continued our journey past Austrian horse farms and following the course of the Rhine River and its canals, temporarily moving away from the view of Lake Constance.

The next stop we made was when we crossed into Switzerland, shortly after crossing the covered wooden bridge that crosses the Rhine and forms the border between Austria and Switzerland.

At this stop, we had the opportunity to visit a birdwatching tower located next to a small wetland . It was exciting to spot different bird species and enjoy the beautiful views during this rest stop while we recharged with some fruit.

Arrival at Flughafen ST Gallen-Alternrhein airport and FFA Museum of luxury planes and cars

We continued cycling and came across St. Gallen-Alternrhein Airport , where we watched ultralights and small planes take off and land. Right after, we passed the FFA Museum, which houses an incredible collection of light aircraft and luxury cars. Although we would have loved to visit it, we decided to continue our journey and arrived in Roschach, one of the largest towns on Lake Constance in Switzerland, brimming with a summery atmosphere.

Roschach and Arbon, the most beautiful cities on Swiss Lake Constance

In Roschach we were able to enjoy the view of Lake Constance by bike again, which was next to us, surrounded by more populated areas and with beautiful restaurants on stilt houses on the water (the typical bronze age building of Lake Constance ).

Finally, we pass through the charming town of Arbon and arrive at our destination for today, Camping Seehorn, 1,5 kilometers north of Arbon.

This Lake Constance campsite has a camping area next to a lake beach that makes it a very pleasant place. Although I must admit that the beach was a bit muddy and it was not very pleasant to dive there touching with our feet, we took a bath.

Upon arrival, we were able to pitch our tent and enjoy a well-deserved rest after traveling 38 km under the hot sun on a hot day like today. We are in the middle of a Central European heat wave and temperatures exceed 30 degrees.

After a refreshing and muddy swim in the lake, we head to the beautiful town of Arbon for a leisurely visit. We had been told that it was one of the prettiest on the Swiss side of Lake Constance, and we were not disappointed! Cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, historic churches, a castle and vast parks welcomed us. We also enjoyed a nice walk by the lake and ended the day having dinner in a restaurant overlooking the lake. Although the prices were high, we had earned it after a full day of pedaling and heat!

What to do and what to see in Arbon, the most beautiful town on our route around Lake Constance by bike in Switzerland

We loved Arbon and it is sure that if you go you will fall in love with its streets and atmosphere. Here I detail a little more what you can see and do in Arbon, Switzerland during your tour of Lake Constance by bike.

Arbon Castle

The imposing Castle of Arbon is one of the main points of interest in the city. Built in the XNUMXth century, it offers a breathtaking view of the lake and its surroundings. In addition, the castle houses an interesting museum that will immerse you in local history.

Walk through the old town

 Arbon has a charming old town that invites you to take a quiet walk. Its cobbled streets, historic houses and small squares will transport you back in time.

arbon park

If you travel with children, Parque Arbon is a mandatory stop. This park has playgrounds for the little ones, trails for walking or picnicking, and large green areas to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Church of San Martín

This historic Gothic-style church is a landmark in Arbon. Its tower offers a magnificent view of the city and the lake.

Visit the Locher liqueur distillery

 If you are a lover of spirits, you cannot miss a visit to the Locher distillery. Here, you'll learn about traditional liqueur making and have the chance to try some of their delicious creations.

Windsurfing or kitesurfing

Thanks to the favorable wind conditions at Lake Constance, Arbon is a perfect place for windsurfing or kitesurfing. If you are a lover of water sports, do not hesitate to rent the necessary equipment and embark on an adventure.

Music festival and cultural events

Arbon is known for its vibrant cultural events and music festivals. If you get the chance, check the local events calendar to see if it coincides with your visit and enjoy a unique and entertaining event.

Weekly market

On Saturdays, the city comes alive with a colorful market. Here you will find fresh produce, flowers, local handicrafts and other curiosities that can be great for loading supplies for your tour of Lake Constance by bike.

To rest and prepare for stage 2 of our route around Lake Constance by bike

With full stomachs and the fatigue of the first day of cycling in our bones, we returned to the campsite, located about 2 km from Arbon along the cycle path. We settled down to rest and recharge for the next day. The heat wave was waiting for us again the following day, but we were excited about what the next stage would bring!

Continue this adventure with us and read the next stage of our family bike route around Lake Constance that we just did.

TO BE CONTINUED… keep reading about our route:

Stage 2: From Arbon, Switzerland, to Konstanz in Germany, 41 km in the middle of a heat wave

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