Meersburg gives the day a proper Lake Constance start: steep lanes, vines and open water. The route then follows the Überlinger See towards Unteruhldingen and Überlingen, with Birnau and orchards close to the road. After Stockach, the land opens up and later turns rougher. In the Hegau, volcanic hills sit on the horizon before the ride bends into the Black Forest near Blumberg and Bonndorf. After roughly 100 kilometres and plenty of climbing, the final ramps lead up to Schluchsee: forest, cooler air and dark water.