Cycling adventure for the whole family

Cycling holidays lift everyone’s spirits – even the kids! Especially if the route incorporates adventures, swimming beaches, BBQs and play areas to delight young and old alike – which the Bodensee-Rhein Family Route certainly does.

187 kilometres in 6 stages

The Bodensee-Rhein Family Route follows the shores of the Rhine and Lake Constance (“Bodensee”) from Bad Ragaz to Schaffhausen. It is a well-built path and mostly level – even the less experienced young cyclists can give it a go. And if anyone should happen to run out of puff, well, the route runs alongside the railway, so there are plenty of train stations where you can break the journey.

Right at the start of the route, there’s something particularly special for fans of Heidi and her pal Peter: young explorers will be delighted by Heididorf (Heidi Village), Heidihaus (Heidi House), Heidipfad (Heidi Path), the Heidi playground and the Johanna Spyri museum. If you still have a little time left, the four kilometre walk along the Tamina to Alte Bad Pfäfer is well worth the effort. Not far from there, you can find the entrance to the mystical Tamina gorge and the thermal springs – a guaranteed 36 degrees! There are well-constructed paths and a tunnel to provide safe access into the gorge.

«Great fun to spend a night in the straw.»

Catch your breath in Werdenberg

The mediaeval town of Werdenberg is a picturesque setting on a small lake – and its castle is always worth a visit. Your children will be shown around the castle museum by cartoon figures Oi, Idda and Mr Edison. There’s also a special children’s programme coming soon. After visiting the castle, it’s worth a quick detour to the Kristallhöhle crystal cave in Kobelwald – but be warned: before you can enjoy the fascinating cave atmosphere of crystals, stalactites and running water, you have to earn the experience with a climb.

The Family Route hugs the lake as the Alter Rhein flows into Lake Constance. Then comes a special highlight between Rorschach and Arbon: The Kellen leisure centre in Goldach, not far off the route, has the biggest play area in eastern Switzerland. There are ten “islands” here, each with its own equipment for climbing, swinging, sliding and jumping.

«Crossing the water for a little while is great fun – and not just for the kids!»

Along the shore

Carrying on past Romanshorn to Kreuzlingen, you can never go wrong with a quick dip! There are a number of bathing areas all along the route, so the family can splash to your heart's content (complete with water wings and rubber ring if required). At Güttingen, get back to simple pleasures with a break at the Sunnehüsli and a slice of delicious apple cake. Adults can enjoy a little peace too – there’s a generous play area, plus a petting zoo.

From Lower Lake Constance, the short climb to Arenenberg is well worth it – and not just to follow in the footsteps of Napoleon: the colourful gardens and glorious views alone reward the effort. Not long after Arenenberg comes Stein am Rhein: sit on the bank with a cooling ice cream, dangle your feet in the water – and wait for the kids to discover the Lilliput train: a miniature railway that they can ride on.

The final stretch to Schaffhausen follows the northern bank of the Rhine, switching back and forth between Germany and Switzerland. Those in on the secret can cross the mediaeval wooden bridge to Diessenhofen, and take time out floating in the Rheinbad baths... before the final highlight of the route: The Rheinfall, an imposing natural spectacle and Europe's biggest waterfall – up to 600 cubic metres of water crash down the 23 metres every second.