Bodensee-Radweg

The 12th century Hohenklingen Castle towers above medieval Stein am Rhein. It has luckily been spared any destruction during wars. The view down to Stein am Rhein is stunning. Cycling through a nature conservation area, you cross the border at Öhningen. The villas are magnificent, but you only glimpse the lake now and again. Unless you visit Öhningen lido before continuing this stage. This takes on a leisurely character: Cycling by a pond and croaking frogs, you pass through enchanting Kattenhorn with its small castle, chapel and witch’s cottage towards Wangen. The pile dwellings at Öhningen-Wangen were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in summer 2011. There are said to be between 30,000 and 50,000 piles in the bay east of Wangen.

The Fischerhaus Museum, which showcases a selection of Neolithic findings, is a real feast for the eyes. There are impressive timber-framed houses to admire across Höri, the Lake Constance peninsula between Stein am Rhein and Radolfzell. Potatoes, berries and cherries tempt you to stop at the extra large farm shops. The Otto Dix Haus museum is located in a slightly elevated position. He was an artist, while the other guy was a world-famous writer. We’re referring here to Hermann Hesse. They both once lived in the town of Gaienhofen by Lake Constance. A visit to the Hesse Museum is a must for fans at least.

The gentle stretch between Stein am Rhein and Radolfzell is delightful. From Lower Lake Constance, you reach the Zellersee, passing campsites and bathing spots, to the pile dwellings at Hornstaad. An information board states that many rare animals and plants that have long disappeared in other areas live in the Hornspitze nature conservation area. The shores of Lake Constance range from the shallow water zone through reedbeds, marshy meadows, litter meadows and alluvial forest to wet hay meadows. Numerous ducks, Whooper swans and Bewick’s swans overwinter in the sheltered shallow water zone.

If you haven’t already taken advantage of any of the many places to swim, you can make up for this at Moos lido. You can enjoy the stunning view of the lake and hills from the restaurant terrace. Strawberries also grow extremely well in the mossy lakeside meadows. Cycling along a row of sturdy sycamore trees, you reach Radolfzell station. Even if a train is already there, you shouldn’t miss out on visiting the old carnival town. Radolfzell Cathedral on the market square is enormous, and the current late Gothic building is called the “Cathedral of Our Lady” in reference to Mary, mother of Jesus.