Experience the clean air of the fabulous Bavarian Lakes as you pedal along the cycle paths and turquoise waters of the River Isar. Marvel at the majestic mountain ranges, and stroll through flowery, ornate old towns.
Enjoy unspoiled nature and Bavarian culture and traditions which are still alive and well. This area of Germany is truly enchanting!
Overall, this is a rather easy tour with just a few short climbs along the way.
For an overview of this area you can read Simon's blog here after his short cycle trip in Bavaria during Summer 2018.
https://www.freewheelholidays.co.uk/exploring-the-bavarian-lakes
Day 1: Arrival at Ambach/Bernried on Lake Starnberg
Today, you can enjoy a walk or even a refreshing swim at Lake Starnberg before you commence with your cycle tour.
Day 2: Ambach/Bernried – Murnau on Lake Staffelsee approx. 30 km
You will start by cycling to the southern shores of Lake Starnberg until Seeshaupt. The cycle paths are marvellous, and will take you through traditional Bavarian villages, past the Osterseen lakes and Lake Riegsee until you reach Murnau on Lake Staffelsee.
Day 3: Murnau – Garmisch Partenkirchen approx. 40 km
Today's tour begins with a ride through the nature reserve‚ Murnauer Moos’ (biggest moor area in Central Europe). You will then continue, through unspoilt nature, following the river Loisach to Garmisch Partenkirchen. This stage is deliberately short, meaning you have time for a ride up on the ‚Zugspitzbahn’-railway to a height of 2962 metres. From up here you will have an incredible view over the Alps.
Day 4: Garmisch Partenkirchen – Mittenwald – Wallgau approx. 45 km
Today begins with a train ride to Scharnitz that will bring you up over 300 metres in altitude. From there you continue sby bicycle, slightly uphill through wild-romantic gorges and lush alpine pastures to the source of the river Isar. Heading back through the sunny high-altitude valley you will be met with marvellous panoramic views onto the Karwendel and the Wetterstein mountain ranges via Mittenwald to Wallgau – a village rich with Bavarian tradition.
Day 5: Wallgau – Bad Tölz approx. 50 km
You will begin the day cycling past the ‚Isarwinkel’, following the crystal clear, turquoise-blue water to the impressive lake Sylvensteinsee. You will then head, via Lenggries, through incredible scenery to Bad Tölz. This village is situated at the intersection point of two trading routes, the river Isar and the old salt route from Reichenhall into the Allgäu region. It quickly developed, to become a booming handling spot. The ornate houses stand in testimony to this area's glorious past.
Day 6: Bad Tölz – Lake Tegernsee – Bad Tölz approx. 45 km
You will pedal through the charming scenery around Lake Tegernsee until you reach Gmund on Lake Tegernsee, where you will be met with a fabulous lake panorama. You will then return, along the Gaißbach valley, to Bad Tölz. Follow the traces of the well-known TV-series ‚Der Bulle von Tölz’ along the high road of Bad Tölz.
Day 7: Bad Tölz – Ambach/Bernried approx. 30 km
On your final ride, you can enjoy another casual stage, via soft rolling hills and through lush meadows back to the starting point of this round trip. If you have not done it already, we recommend a swim in the crystal clear waters of Lake Starnberg as a final highlight of this tour.
Day 8: Departure or extension
Difficulty: Medium
You cycle to and from the bakery, but only when the sun is shining. Cycling has to be fun and is not a method of fitness in your eyes. Nevertheless, gentle hills or longer sections on gravel tracks don’t pose any problems for you. You pedal along enjoying the lovely views in the countryside as you go.
You will cycle on beautiful bike paths and some minor roads. The route is mostly paved and some longer passages are on forest tracks, which are in good condition.
Overall and easy tour.
Total distance cycled: 240 km
Start of the cycling holiday: Ambach
There are just a few short ascents which can also be mastered by pushing the bike up.
The route is mainly asphalted but with some longer segments are on well-maintained dirt roads.
Route Map (For guidance only):
Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
Route Overview (For guidance only):
Route |
Distance |
Comments |
Munich - Ammersee |
45 km + Schiffahrt |
Throughout flat routing. |
Ammersee – Starnberger See |
40 km |
Throughout flat routing. |
Round trip Starnberger See |
40 km |
Throughout flat routing. |
Starnberger See - Kochelsee |
55 km |
Throughout flat routing. |
Kochelsee – Bad Tölz |
30 km |
Throughout flat routing. |
Bad Tölz – Munich |
65 km |
Hilly route with a greater increase of about 1 km. |
We recommend flying to Munich airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.
Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.
By train:
From Munich central station (Hauptbahnhof) take the S-Bahn
S7 to Wolfratshausen, from there continue either by public bus
No. 373 towards Seeshaupt to Münsing / Holzhausen or take a taxi (approx. €20 per ride)
By plane:
From Franz Josef Strauss airport take the S1/S8 (airport line) towards Hauptbahnhof train station and then follow the by train directions.
We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.
Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.
You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.
Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
The Bavarian Lakes cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
Not Included
About the Rental Bikes
This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes. Quality Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres are among the components that will ensure you have an enjoyable cycle tour.
You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation while. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.
Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)
Rental Bike PLUS
E - Bike (Colour may vary)
Accessories
If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided. Please ensure you bring any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.
All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.
You can rent a men's bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.
Gearing information available on request.
Frame Sizing
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "sloping" cm. Helmets are not provided, and you will need to bring your own to use.
We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday!
Bike Hire Insurance
This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel, and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.
Electric Bike Hire
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging, and assistance up to 25 km/h. They have a range of around 120 km for each full charge.
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on 0161 703 8161 for more information.
We will confirm the exact hotels prior to arrival.
You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.
You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
Season | Date | Prices per person | Arrival Day |
Season 1 | 09.04. – 15.04. | 01.10. – 08.10 | £775 | Daily |
Season 2 | 16.04. – 13.05. | 10.09. – 30.09 | £840 | Daily |
Season 3 | 14.05. – 09.09 | £875 | Daily |
Single Room Supplement: | All | £180 |
Bike Type | Price |
Rental Bike: | £85 |
Rental Bike PLUS: | £135 |
Electric Bike Upgrade: | £190 |
Location | Price DBL/BB | Single Supplement Price SGL/BB |
Ambach/Bernried | £95 | £130 |
Date From | Date To | Price |
09 April 2022 | 08 October 2022 | £0 |