Lake Constance, a picturesque lake in the heart of Europe surrounded by Germany, Austria, Switzerland and The Principality of Liechtenstein, has launched a new digital map bringing together 17 multi-ability bike routes around the four-country region.

Offering a wealth of trails to explore, the region's pedal-powered routes enable cyclists of all abilities to explore the varied landscapes; from mountain tracks high in the Alps, to trails that hug the lake itself, and more leisurely paths with stops along the way to take in the many cultural highlights of all four countries.

The 17 tours are made up of two easy and 14 intermediate routes with one more challenging route. The digital map has been specially designed with ease in mind; a scannable QR code enables cyclists to access information from their mobile phones whilst in the saddle. Each of the 17 routes is clearly labelled on the map with distance, cycling duration, altitude, signage guidance and difficulty level to allow for stress-free planning.

The newly-mapped popular routes are an addition to the 300 other cycling trails already enjoyed in the region; from leisurely day trips, to challenging multi-stage tours, and all with sightseeing hotspots along the way. Highlights include catching a glimpse of the Prince's fairytale castle high on the cliffside in Liechtenstein, taking a dip in the lake itself with its drinkable water quality, visiting one of the many unspoilt national parks in the region, soaring into the skies to get the best view of the lake from the Pfänder cable car, and sampling the specialities from the endless vineyards, cheese rooms, award-winning breweries and Swiss chocolate factory. Moving between each of the countries on two wheels is seamless, with no heavy borders. The majority of marked routes are entirely removed from main roads, which means cyclists barely notice as they pedal into a totally new country.

The longest of the cycle routes is the 'Lake Constance Bike Route', known locally as the 'Bodensee-Radweg' – a 170-mile path traditionally cycled clockwise, that guides cyclists around the entire lake, cycling through three of the four countries on a broad, flat, car-free route. The trail takes in the changing architecture and scenery of Germany, Austria and Switzerland along the way, as 'Guten Tag!' turns into 'Grüezi!'

It's easy to turn exploring the new routes into a holiday; as accommodation ranges from budget-friendly hostels to spa hotels and every option in between, paired with multiple points from which to hire reliable bikes around the lake. Many of the routes are also supported by companies who will even transport luggage directly to cyclists' hotel, so that they can concentrate on the sights, sounds and smells of Lake Constance.

The newly-launched Lake Constance Bike Tour Map can now be downloaded or ordered from the website lake-constance.com and will also be available from Tourist Offices around the lake from spring 2019.

Cycle hire starts from around 15 EUR per day. Visit http://www.kultur-raedle.de/ for more information.  

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

The new Lake Constance Bike Tour Map can be downloaded from the website: http://lake-constance.com/en and ordered via a brochure delivery service: http://lake-constance.com/en/service/brochures

Cycling around Lake Constance:

For more information on the logistics of cycling around the region including public transport, recommended accommodation and bike hire, visit:

http://www.lake-constance.com/en/what-to-experience/blue-green-leisure-area/cycling

For media enquiries please contact:

Laura Smith, Account Director | Carley Lee, Account Executive

lakeconstance@lemongrassmarketing.com

T: (0)1865 237 990 W: www.lemongrassmarketing.com/ | Follow us on Social: @PR_Lemongrass

About Lake Constance:

The heart of Europe, one lake, four countries. The Lake Constance region, lovingly called 'Bodensee' by local residents, borders Germany, Austria, Switzerland and is just a short hop from the Principality of Liechtenstein. This international region benefits from magnificent views of the Alps, boasts lakeside resorts and historic harbour towns. Visitors can choose to drive or cycle along rolling hills, past apple orchards and vineyards, visit Baroque churches and castles or take a dip in Europe's third largest freshwater lake.

For more information about Lake Constance please visit: www.lake-constance.com  

Value for money:

Bodensee Card PLUS WINTER 3-Day Pass: £34 per adult (discounted from £53), £17 for children up to 16, free for children under 6 with an adult holiday pass (valid until 13th April)

Book here: http://lake-constance.com/en/what-to-experience/lake-constance-highlights/bcp-winter

Bodensee Card PLUS SUMMER 3-Day Pass: £74 per adult, £36 for children up to 16, free for children under 6 with an adult holiday pass (valid from 14th April). 7-day pass also available. Includes over 160 attractions as well as boat cruises.

Book here: http://lake-constance.com/en/what-to-experience/lake-constance-highlights/bcp-summer

Getting there: Fly direct from London to Bodensee Airport Friedrichshafen from £58 return per person with EasyJet or British Airways.

*NEW* From December to March EasyJet is introducing additional flights from London to Friedrichshafen on Wednesdays, in addition to flights available on Saturdays and Sundays.

For more information: https://www.bodensee-airport.eu/en/