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Munich & the Bavarian Lakes
Cycling through the Bavaria region in southern Germany passes majestic mountains, emerald-green lakes, and historic villages rich in Bavarian tradition. This bike tour of the region begins and ends in Munich, the region's capital, with such sights as the Marienplatz Square, Frauenkirche Cathedral, and Rathaus-Glockenspiel Clock. From Munich, you cycle through the diverse landscape of Bavaria, known as "the green roof of Germany."
Cycle past famous Bavarian lakes with excellent water quality, marvel at the majestic mountain ranges, and stroll through flowery, ornate old towns. The towns along this tour are colorful and baroque. Enjoy unspoiled nature and Bavarian tradition. Bavaria gives vitality; Bavaria is enchanting!!
Highlights
- Munich, the captial of Bavaria
- Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve
- Zugspitz, the highest mountain in Germany
- Sylvenstein Lake
- Wallgau, a village rich in Bavarian tradition
- Ride on historical trade routes
Learn More
Learn more about self-guided tours or see more bike tours in Germany.
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CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Beer in Munch! CC:Russell C' data-type='image'>CC0 - Oktoberfest in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. CC:holzijue' data-type='image'>CC-BY-2.0 - Bad Tölz, Bavaria, Germany. Flickr:Kimmo Räisänen' data-type='image'>CC-BY-2.0 - Bad Tölz, Bavaria, Germany. Daniel Cruz Valle@Flickr' data-type='image'>CC-BY-2.0 - Bad Tölz, Bavaria, Germany. Wolfgang Manousek@Flickr' data-type='image'>CC0 - German beer! CC:Ich' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Wallgau, Bavaria, Germany. CC:GraceKelly' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Schloß Nymphenburg in Münich, Bavaria, Germany. CC:Pixelteufel' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Castles in Bavaria, Germany. CC:Ermell' data-type='image'>CC0 - Tegernsee, Bavaria, Germany. CC:Rudolph Buch' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Kirche in Wallgau, Bavaria, Germany. CC:GraceKelly' data-type='image'>CC-BY-ND-2.0 - Bad Tölz, Bavaria, Germany. Flick:Max Schrader' data-type='image'>CC-BY-2.0 - Bad Tölz, Bavaria, Germany. Daniel Cruz Valle@Flickr' data-type='image'>CC-BY-ND-2.0 - Bad Tölz, Bavaria, Germany. Harald Henkel@Flickr' data-type='image'>CC-BY-2.0 - Bad Tölz, Bavaria, Germany. Flickr:Kimmo Räisänen' data-type='image'>CC-BY-2.0 - Riesling German wines! Aironik@Flickr' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Rathaus on Marienplatz - view from Peterskirche in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. CC:Diliff' data-type='image'>
Traveler photos
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Daily program
Day 1: Munich
Welcome briefing and bike fitting. Take the evening to explore the many attractions of Munich, Bavaria's capital city.
Overnight in MunichDay 2: Munich – Murnau am Staffelsee (41 mi/65 km)
From Munich, you cycle through the Forstenrieder Park to Lake Starnberg. Cycling on a path directly on the shores of the lake, you travel to Seeshaupt. Highlights of the day include beautiful Bavarian villages, Lake Osterseen and Lake Riegsee. The final stop of the day is Murnau am Staffelsee.
Overnight in Murnau am StaffelseeDay 3: Murnau am Staffelsee – Garmisch Partenkirchen (24 mi/40 km)
The day's tour begins in the breathtaking landscape of Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve (the largest swamp area of Central Europe). Passing through the reserve, the route follows the Loisach River to Garmisch Partenkirchen. Today's stage is intentionally brief so you can take the Zugspitzbahn cable car to the Zugspitz, the highest mountain in Germany. Standing 9700 ft/2962 m high, you will have a wonderful view of the surrounding Alps.
Overnight in Garmisch PartenkirchenDay 4: Garmisch Partenkirchen – Wallgau (12-43 mi/20-70 km)
Today you cycle from Garmisch-Partenkirchen via Klais to the beautiful Barmsee. Afterwards you have the option to continue directly to your hotel in Wallgau or taking a detour via Mittenwald and Scharnitz to the source of the Isar. On the way to Scharnitz you will cover a total of 300 meters in altitude, from there continue slightly uphill through wild and romantic gorges and lush alpine meadows to the source of the Isar. Afterwards, you will cycle back through a sunny valley where you will have a marvellous panoramic view of the mountains of Karwendel and Wettersteingebirge, passing Mittenwald and finally arriving in Wallgau – a place where the Bavarian tradition is still a part of everyday life.
Overnight in WallgauDay 5: Wallgau – Bad Tölz (31 mi/50 km)
Past the Isarwinkel region, you'll cycle along crystal clear turquoise water to the impressive Sylvenstein Lake. Cycle through Lenggries on the way to Bad Tölz. Bad Tölz, a town at the intersection of two trading routes (the Isar River and the old salt route from Reichenhall to Allgäu), quickly developed into a thriving trading post. Richly ornamented middle-class houses are evidence of the town's golden age.
Overnight in Bad TölzDay 6: Bad Tölz – Tegernsee – Bad Tölz (27 mi/45 km)
Today you cycle through the charming landscape of Lake Tegern to Gmund am Tegernsee. Along the Gaißbach Valley, you return to Bad Tölz. The Tölzer Market Street invites you to stroll in the footsteps of the famous television series "Der Bulle von Tölz" (The Cop from Tölz).
Overnight in Bad TölzDay 7: Bad Tölz – Munich (38 mi/60 km)
The Isar cycle path takes you through Geretsried and Wolfratshausen on the way to Grünwald. After are a few short climbs, the reward at the end of the day's ride is Munich. Explore countless shops and attractions in Munich.
Overnight in MunichDay 8: Munich
Today marks the end of your tour. You can either arrange for a taxi to the train station or airport, or extend your stay.Surface and terrain
The route follows wonderful cycle paths and small side roads with a few, short distances on main roads. The paths are primarily asphalt, though some longer passages are on good forest paths. While there are a few short climbs, they can be handled by pushing the bike.
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
The accommodations are mostly 3-star hotels (4-star in Munich).
NYX Hotel München, Munich
www.leonardo-hotels.comHotel Angerbrau, Murnau
www.angerbraeu.deHotel Vier Jahreszeiten, Garmish Partenkirchen
www.vierjahreszeiten.ccHotel Post, Wallgau
www.posthotel-wallgau.comKolberbräu, Bad Tolz
www.kolberbraeu.deLocal hotel taxes are not included in the tour price. These taxes typically range from €1-5 per person/night and must be paid at hotel reception upon checkout.
Want to visit other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
How to get there
Tour Start and End
Nearest airport and train station: Munich (MUC), GermanyTips on getting to and from your tour
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Dates
Daily: Apr 13-Sep 7, 2024.
Season 1: Apr 13, 2024 - Apr 19, 2024
Season 2: Apr 20, 2024 - May 10, 2024
Season 3: May 11, 2024 - Sep 7, 2024
Prices
Tour package
Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Per person, double occupancy €1099 €1179 €1239 Single use room (1 person/1 room) €1458 €1538 €1598 Bike Rentals
Standard touring bike, 21-speed unisex frame €99 Standard touring bike, 21-speed men's frame €99 Standard touring bike, 27-speed, upgrade €169 Electrically-assisted bike €259 Additional Options
Optional dinner package €219 Extra Nights, Munich*
Per person, double occupancy €99 Single room (1 person/1 room) €174 *pricing valid through Sept 7th, pricing for extra nights after this date is on request.
Discounts
Child, ages 0-5 sharing a room with 2 full paying adults (on base package price) 100% Child, ages 6-11 sharing a room with 2 full paying adults (on base package price) 50% Child, ages 12-14 sharing a room with 2 full paying adults (on base package price) 25% Third person, ages 15 and older sharing a room with 2 full paying adults (on base package price) 10% Included services
- 7 nights accommodation in selected hotel category
- Breakfast buffet
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- Detailed travel material (1 set per room; route and overview maps, route description, places of interest, important telephone numbers, and signposting along the route)
- 7-day Service Hotline available in case of problems or questions
- Personal welcome briefing
- 1 veal sausage breakfast
- App navigation and GPS data
Local hotel taxes are not included in the tour price. These taxes typically range from €1-5 per person/night and must be paid at hotel reception upon checkout.
Bike rentals
The bikes available for rent on this tour are:
- Standard touring bike, 21/24-speed, unisex
- Standard touring bike, 21-speed, men's frames, crossbar (upon request only)
- Standard touring bike, 27-speed, upgrade
- Electrically assisted bike, Pedelec, unisex*
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Equipment included with the bike rentals:
- Saddle bag (water repellent), rear
- Handlebar bag (water repellent), with clear cover on top for map viewing
- Tools
- Pump
- Repair kit (with extra bicycle tube)
- Combination lock
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and the necessary equipment to change the pedals.Helmets:
Helmets are not included with the bike rentals. We recommend, for safety and hygiene reasons, that you bring your own helmet.Specifications on standard touring bikes
- Modern, high-resistant aluminum frame
- V-brakes
- Aluminium-rims
- Reliable tires, which ensure high duration
- Shimano Alivio derailleur on 21-speed
- Selle Royal Saddles
*Posture for 21-speed standard bikes will be upright for comfort
Upgraded components on 27-speed standard bikes
- Hydraulic Magura HS 11 brakes
- Shimano Deore XT derailleur on 27-speed
- High-quality Suntour suspension fork
*Posture for 27-speed upgraded standard bikes will be upright and forward
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Route Map
Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.
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Reviews
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★★★★★ DOROTHY STEIMKE 4 months ago
Lakes tour
Accommodations were good. GPS used way too much battery ran out of battery after 2 to 3 hours. Odometer on my bike was not set correctly. Wife’s E bike odometer correct. Scenery and lakes were stunning.
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★★★★★ Russell Fillmore 5 months ago
Each view better than the previous
I toured solo but with the provided itinerary. It was such a comfort knowing my fresh clothes and a soft bed were awaiting my arrival at each stop. Every town was wonderful. I spent a bit longer in Garmisch, just because I loved it so. I’m a 58 year old healthy guy, but didn’t train at all for this trip. Next time, I would opt for an eBike. Extra cost but I think I could have had more energy and time to explore more.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Amir Zomer November 8, 2022
Excellent ride with stunning views
The trip was wonderful –
Stunning views along the way with lakes, mountains, forests and colorful villages.
We upgraded the bike and were very pleased with their quality and comfort.
The hotels were adequate for that kind of trip.Downside (The reason I gave it only 4 stars):
- The hotels were not always close to the end of the daily route.
Some days it was 2-3 Km away and in the worst case it was 20Km away!!
Just imagine thinking you’re done with your daily route after planning the riding times and then you have to ride additional 20 Km.
- The maps that we were given were not aligned to our trip – we used the App.
- The App can be improved – a sound should be added to alert when you’re off the route.
We sometimes found ourselves out of the route without noticing it because we can’t have our eyes on the screen all the time.- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2022
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Barak Dunayer August 4, 2022
Excellent trip
It was a wonderful trip and a great way to experience the region. The trails were beautiful and the accommodations were quite charming. On a couple of occasions, the maps didn’t correspond exactly to the locations and in need of updating - meaning, the trail began or ended not exactly at the hotel. But overall, we had a wonderful experience and highly recommend this.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May-June 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Fidd August 23, 2019
Bavaria is a very scenic area and riding through it on a bike was a sure way to appreciate its' beauty. Most of the ride was on bike paths/trails or country roads. The towns we stayed in were very quaint and interesting. I would definitely consider doing another ride like this.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 3-10
- How many tours have you completed?
- first
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ fudledudle September 16, 2018
Munich lakes tour
The Hotels were all very good and it was very easy to follow the route due to the Stickers placed on traffic sign posts, could have used an extra day in the Garmisch Partenkirchen area.
- What was the date of your tour?
- sept 1/18
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ kimardenmiller July 22, 2018
Best kind of vaction
You won't find a better way to se Bavaria. Unforgettable.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 7/20/18
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ JDMM July 11, 2018
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 27-July 3, 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 19
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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