Cross the Alps: From Lake Constance to Lake Maggiore by Bike
8 days / 7 nights / 6 cycling stages
Moderate to Challenging (2–3/3)
An adventure through the Alps!
Follow the ancient Lukmanier trade route, an almost forgotten path, and pedal from the precise landscapes of northern Switzerland to the sunny charm of Ticino in the south. Discover vineyards, breathtaking gorges like the “Swiss Grand Canyon,” and crystal-clear lakes on an unforgettable journey.
Start in Switzerland on the shores of Lake Constance and cycle along the Rhine through vineyards and the impressive Rhine Gorge (“Swiss Grand Canyon”). After a break at the Disentis Monastery, tackle the majestic Lukmanier Pass, the gateway to southern Switzerland. Your effort is rewarded with a descent through the sunny valleys of Ticino, arriving in the Mediterranean-like atmosphere of Locarno, on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
This route features flat and easy paths near Lake Constance and in the Rhine Valley. From Chur, a steady ascent begins, leading to the most challenging stage: crossing the Lukmanier Pass.
Day 1: Arrival in Constance
You’ll have time to enjoy this lively lakeside city before beginning your grand journey.
Day 2: Constance – Surroundings of Rorschach | 37 km +75 m / -75 m
A flat and easy stage following the shore of the beautiful Lake Constance. You’ll pass through the vibrant lakeside towns of Romanshorn and Arbon, known for its charming old town and impressive castle.
Day 3: Surroundings of Rorschach – Buchs SG | 70 km +290 m / -250 m
A longer stage taking you into the Rhine Valley of St. Gallen (St. Galler Rheintal), often caressed by the warm Föhn wind. The landscape opens up in river-reclaimed terrain as you approach Buchs, an important border station and gateway to the Principality of Liechtenstein.
Day 4: Buchs SG – Chur | 47 km +320 m / -200 m
Cycle through the area known as Bündner Herrschaft, the garden and vineyard of Graubünden, home to the world-famous Heidi. The stage leads to Chur, the oldest city north of the Alps, welcoming you with numerous restaurants and a rich historical atmosphere.
Day 5: Chur – Disentis | 69 km +1,040 m / -470 m
The Alpine adventure begins here! The first and most impressive part is the Rhine Gorge, known as the “Swiss Grand Canyon.” From Chur, the ascent becomes steady. Cycling through the Romansh region of Surselva, you’ll reach the important Disentis Monastery. A stage with significant elevation gain.
Day 6: Disentis – Biasca | 40–59 km +850 m / -1,690 m
The challenge of the Lukmanier Pass. The route crosses the Höllenschlucht Gorge and Val Medel, ascending to the Lukmanier mountain pass, the rocky boundary between Ticino and Graubünden. The great effort is rewarded with a long descent through the sunny Blenio Valley. (Tip: You can shorten the Lukmanier Pass ascent by taking an optional bus.)
Day 7: Biasca – Locarno | 47 km +145 m / -235 m
The Mediterranean air greets you as you head toward the Magadino Plain. The impressive castles and city walls of Bellinzona await. Finally, you’ll pass through the Ticino Delta and ride along a beautiful lakeside promenade to the holiday atmosphere of Lake Maggiore and the charming town of Locarno.
Day 8: End of the trip
Breakfast and departure via public transport from Locarno (option for extra nights).
Price includes
Optional Extras
Most of the hotels are mid-range and include breakfast. In Constanza, you will enjoy one night in a 4-star hotel.
All rooms have private bathrooms and are equipped to ensure a comfortable rest after each ride, as well as a safe place to store your bicycles.
Is it possible to rent a bike?
Yes, this trip can be done with either your bike or ours. You can choose it during the booking process, hybrid or electric mountain bikes are available.
Is the daily luggage transfer between accommodations included?
Yes, every day we will take your luggage to the next hotel. You only have to leave it at the reception desk, and we will take care of everything. Normally it will already be at the hotel when you arrive.
Is it possible to cancel?
We want to be as flexible as possible. Therefore, in case of unforeseen circumstances, we will do our best to change the dates of the trip free of charge so that you can travel within the same year, as long as you let us know at least 3 weeks in advance.
And if your plans change and you want to cancel the trip before the start date, the following handling fees will apply:
– With more than 30 days, the management fees will be 20% of the amount of the trip.
– between 30 and 15 days, the handling fee will be 50% of the amount of the trip.
– with less than 14 days, the amount to be paid will be 100% of the amount of the trip.
In order to have more flexibility, we recommend taking out travel, assistance, CR and cancellation insurance. Check with us the conditions. Please note that the price of the insurance is not refunded once contracted in case of cancellation or modification.
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