Alpine Crossing: Lake Constance to Lake Maggiore

Your journey will start in Kreuzlingen, a stunning town nestled on the shores of Lake Constance. It is home to Seeburg Park, the largest lakeside park in the region, renowned for its scenic walking trails and the historic Schloss Seeburg. Nearby, the Napoleon Museum at Arenenberg Castle provides insight into the life of Napoleon III, whose family once resided there.

On the first stage of your cycling adventure, you will follow the railway line past the lively lakeside town of Romanshorn to Arbon, a charming old town known for its impressive castle. You will continue along the lakeshore to Rorschach, another vibrant settlement on the Swiss shores of Lake Constance, renowned for its stunning harbor and scenic lakeside promenade.

You will pass the idyllic mouth of the Rhine River with its wide reed beds. The area is often cosseted by the warm wind called “Föhn.” Today’s destination is Buchs, located in the St. Gallen canton of Switzerland, known for its strategic position on the border with Liechtenstein, making it an important transit and trade hub.

Today, you will cycle south through the valley, following the Rhine River as you pass through Vaduz, Balzers, Landquart, and Haldenstein. Your journey will bring you to Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, renowned for its rich history, stunning alpine surroundings, and vibrant culture. Chur is also famously linked to Heidi, the beloved character from the world-famous children's tale. As a major tourism hub, the city offers a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants.

Today, you will experience the Rhine Gorge, also known as Switzerland’s Grand Canyon. This breathtaking section of the gorge, stretching between Reichenau and Ilanz, showcases some of the most spectacular landscapes in Graubünden. Your journey will conclude in Ilanz, the “first town on the Rhine,” renowned for its stunning natural surroundings and popularity as a destination for outdoor activities.

Leaving Ilanz, the tour continues further uphill, offering spectacular mountain scenery. The ascent will conclude in Disentis, a town steeped in history and spiritual heritage. It is home to a Benedictine monastery, founded in the 8th century, which remains an important cultural and religious landmark. You can take some time to relax and recharge before tackling tomorrow’s most challenging stage of the tour.

The road from Disentis will lead you through Val Medel up to Lukmanier Pass. On the north side of the pass, the road runs along the east shore of Lake Sontga Maria. The highest elevation reached by road is 1973 meters, in the 2-kilometer-long Lukmanier tunnel running along the lake. Beyond the pass, the route descends through a centuries-old cultivated landscape of Blenio Valley, covered with terraced vineyards, leading you to Biasca in the canton of Ticino. 

Your final cycling day will feature a more relaxed ride. Heading south to Bellinzona, the capital of Ticino, you will explore a city famous for its three UNESCO-listed medieval castles. Known for its Italian-influenced culture and lively markets, Bellinzona offers a unique Mediterranean charm. From there, you will pass the Ticino River Delta, gliding along a scenic promenade toward Lake Maggiore and the town of Locarno.

Before leaving Locarno, you can take time to discover its main sights, starting your day at Piazza Grande, the city’s vibrant heart, known for its charming cafés and lively atmosphere. You can also enjoy a boat trip on Lake Maggiore or visit Parco delle Camelie, a serene botanical garden. To end your adventure, you can unwind at Lido Locarno, where you can take a refreshing swim in the stunning alpine lake scenery.