The Lake Constance-Rhine Family Route

The perfect blend of nature, fun, and family time: On the Lake Constance-Rhine Family Route, cycling becomes a holiday adventure. Along 187 kilometers, you'll find not only safe paths, but also swimming bays, playgrounds, barbecue areas, and exciting stops for all ages.

187 kilometers in 6 stages

The Lake Constance-Rhine Family Route follows the banks of the Rhine and Lake Constance between Bad Ragaz and Schaffhausen. It's safe to cycle and mostly flat. The family route is also suitable for less experienced cyclists. And if you get a little winded, you'll regularly come across stops on the train that accompanies the route.

To the route

A stage start full of highlights

Right from the start, anyone who's crazy about the children's book heroes Heidi and Peter will get their money's worth: Heidi Village, Heidi House, Heidi Trail, Heidi Playground, and even the Johanna Spyri Museum await little explorers. If you still have some time, the four-kilometer walk along the Tamina River to the Old Pfäfers Bath is worthwhile. Not far from there is the entrance to the mystical Tamina Gorge and its 36-degree thermal spring. Thanks to well-developed paths and tunnels, the gorge is safe to walk through.

“It’s especially fun to spend the night in the straw along the way.”

Breather in Werdenberg

In the medieval town of Werdenberg, picturesquely situated on a small lake, the majestic castle is worth a visit. Here, the little ones are guided through the museum by the characters Oi, Idda, and Mr. Edison. There might even be a special children's program going on. Afterwards, a detour to the Crystal Cave in the Kobelwald forest is worthwhile. However, the fascinating cave atmosphere, with its crystals, stalactites, and rushing water, is worth a climb.

Where the Rhine kisses the lake

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland combines a total of eight different routes. The highlights of Swiss public transport can be experienced all year round on around 1,280 kilometers. Travelers can start at any point along the route - there is no defined direction or duration. The stage from Zurich through Thurgau to St. Gallen is 133 km long and can be completed in three hours without stops.

"Stepping onto the water for a short distance is a great experience, and not just for the little ones."

Along the lake

As you continue via Romanshorn to Kreuzlingen, you'll never be short of time for a dip in the cool water. There are numerous outdoor pools along the entire route, so—equipped with armbands and a rim—you can splash around to your heart's content. After a good 30km, you reach Kreuzlingen, the stage destination. A visit to Seeburg Park promises something for everyone: a romantic castle, an observation tower offering breathtaking views of the lake, and a small animal park will make your heart race.

Family break at Untersee

On the Untersee, the short climb to Arenenberg is worthwhile. Not only to discover Napoleon's past, but also for the magnificent gardens and the beautiful view. Stein am Rhein follows soon after. Enjoy a cool ice cream on the shore, dangle your legs, and the little ones will surely soon discover the Liliput Railway, a small train ride.

Unlimited water fun

The final stretch to Schaffhausen runs along the northern bank of the Rhine, alternating several times between Germany and Switzerland. Those in the know cross the medieval wooden bridge to Diessenhofen and float along in the water at the Rheinbad (Rhine Baths). The highlight at the end of the route: the Rhine Falls, an impressive natural spectacle and Europe's largest waterfall, where up to 600 cubic meters of water per second plunge 23 meters into the depths.