Tours

Most of the larger tourist centers have city tours with English-speaking guides. The Bodensee is a great destination for bike travelers, with hundreds of miles of well-signposted paths that keep riders safe from cars. You can go on your own or enjoy the comfort of a customized tour with accommodations and baggage transport (and a rental bike, if need be). Wine-tasting tours are available in Überlingen, Konstanz, and Meersburg. Call the local tourist offices for information. Zeppelin tours operated by the DZR (Deutsche Zeppelin Reederei) are not cheap (sightseeing trips cost €210–€785), but they do offer a special experience and a reminder of the grand old days of flight. The zeppelins depart from the airport in Friedrichshafen.

Deutsche Zeppelin Reederei. Perfect for aviation enthusiasts, and those looking for a unique way to experience the Bodensee: glide silently above it in a Zeppelin. Messestr. 132, Friedrichshafen, Baden-Württemberg, 88046. 07541/59000; www.zeppelinflug.de. From €210.

Radweg-Reisen GmbH. This cycle-hire company's most popular tour circumnavigates the Bodensee in a relaxed eight days, with hotel accommodation and breakfast included. Fritz-Arnold-Str. 16a, Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg, 78467. 07531/819–930; www.radweg-reisen.com. From €479.

Velotours Touristik GmbH. Velotours offers a variety of cycle-tour options around the Bodensee. Their Eastern Bodensee route begins and ends in Konstanz, taking in highlights in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, including a ferry "shortcut" from Konstanz to Meersburg. Bücklestr. 13, Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg, 78467. 07531/98280; www.velotours.de. From €475.