Bavaria

Part of Germany

Bavaria (Bayern), the largest state of Germany, is a fantastic destination for cyclists and gravel riders. Although the capital Munich is best known for its Oktoberfest celebrations, the rest of the region offers many options for cyclists. It offers a diverse landscape of rolling hills, dense forests, beautiful lakes, and the opportunity to sample the Alps. In Bavaria, you can find routes for every type of cyclist. From the fairytale castles of the Romantic Road to the mythical climbs in the Berchtesgaden region, cycling in Bavaria is an unforgettable experience.

The good cycling infrastructure, combined with relatively quiet roads gives Bavaria a slight edge. Germany also has a strong cycling culture, Munich is a good example of this, and this makes Bavaria one of the best cycling regions in Germany. Whether you are looking for a long route along the lakes, an challenging climb through the Bavarian Alps, or even a gravel adventure through the forests, Bavaria has it all.

Why cycle in Bavaria?

• Excellent roads – Well-maintained asphalt and car-free roads in rural areas.
• Various terrains – From rolling hills and vineyards to steep Alpine climbs.
• Perfect for both beginners and experienced cyclists – Quiet long routes, challenging climbs and rough gravel roads.
• Impressive nature – Bavarian Alps, Berchtesgaden (despite its history from the 1930s and 1940s, this is a beautiful region), the Bodensee (or Lake Constance), and the Chiemsee.
• Strong cycling culture – Germany has a rich cycling history and excellent cycling infrastructure.
• Well-accessible – Munich and Nuremberg are perfect starting points, with fast train connections (direct train from the Netherlands), an airport and of course only 8 hours away from the Netherlands.

Best cycling areas in Bavaria

1. Berchtesgadener Land: The Bavarian Alps

The Berchtesgaden Land is undoubtedly the most spectacular cycling region in Bavaria. This mountainous area, bordering Austria, offers steep climbs, picturesque valleys and impressive views of the Watzmann (2,713 m), the second-highest mountain in Germany.

Highlights for cyclists

• Rossfeld Panoramastrasse – One of the most beautiful climbs in Germany with hairpin bends and views over the Alps.
• Kehlsteinstrasse (Eagle’s Nest) – A steep 7 km climb with slopes of up to 16%, a real challenge.
• Königssee Rundtour – A beautiful route around the famous mountain lake.

Highlights for gravel riders

• Jenner Gravel Trails – Technical trails with views over the Berchtesgaden National Park.
• Gravel route to Oberau – A rugged route through forests and mountain landscapes.
• Saalach Trail – A long gravel route along the river, perfect for longer rides.

Berchtesgaden is perfect for cyclists who love steep climbs, rugged nature and breathtaking views.

2. Chiemgau and the Bavarian Lakes: Glacial Landscapes and Alpine Background

The Chiemgau region is a paradise for cyclists who seek a mix of flat roads, rolling hills, and Alpine panoramas. The lakes, such as the Chiemsee, make this region particularly picturesque and ideal for long rides.

• Chiemsee Circuit (60 km) – A beautiful route along the water with a mix of hilly and flat roads.
• Kampenwand Climb – A steep climb to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Bavaria.
• Schönau and Ruhpolding Routes – Long routes through the rolling landscapes of the Chiemgau.

• Gravel routes around the Chiemsee – Perfect for those who want to explore quiet, unpaved trails.
• Achental Gravel Trails – Wide paths through forests and along rivers.
• Simssee Gravelround – A relaxed route with views of the Bavarian Alps.

The Chiemgau region is perfect for cyclists who want to enjoy long rides, picturesque landscapes and the proximity of the Alps.

3. Romantic Strasse and Franken: Castles and Vineyards

For those who want to combine cycling with culture and history, the Romantic Strasse is a great choice. This historic route runs past medieval towns, vineyards, and castles.

• Würzburg – Rothenburg ob der Tauber Route – An iconic route through castles and vineyards.
• Dinkelsbühl – Augsburg – Quiet, rural roads with minimal elevation differences.
• Hoher Berg (Franken) – A challenging climb in the region with beautiful views.

• Taubertal Gravel Route – Along the Tauber River, through vineyards and forests.
• Frankenwald Trails – A mix of wide gravel roads and technical singletracks.
• Steigerwald Gravel Route – Along castles and nature areas.

The Romantic Strasse is perfect for those who want a mix of beautiful roads, culture and history.

4. Munich and Southern Bavaria: City bike fun and access to the mountains

Munich is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, but also a great base for cycling trips. From here, you can reach the Alps in just an hour or explore the quiet roads of Upper Bavaria.

• Munich – Tegernsee (50 km) – A popular route from the city to the beautiful Tegernsee.
• Sylvensteinsee Route – A mix of hills and fast descents.
• The Zugspitze Round – A long ride around Germany’s highest mountain.

• Isar Gravelroute – A car-free gravel route along the river Isar, perfect for long rides.
• Gravel in the Ammersee region – Unpaved roads along the lake.
• Oberammergau Gravel Trails – A mix of wide gravel roads and challenging singletracks.

Munich is ideal for cyclists who want to combine the city with nature, with direct access to both the Alps and the Bavarian lakes.

Cycling around Munich: seven routes

Munich is a surprisingly good base for a bike weekend. Within an hour you can be at the Tegernsee, the Schliersee or in the Mangfall valley, where the foothills of the Alps begin, by taking the S-Bahn or regional train. The roads are quiet, the asphalt is good and the mountains are visible all day long from the horizon.

We combined seven routes: from a flat round of Tegernsee of 21 kilometers to a hilly 72-kilometer ride through the Warngauer hills, plus a long journey from Munich to Augsburg through the Lechtal, returning by train.

Tips for Munich

• By train to the start. Your bike can be taken on the S-Bahn and regional trains with a bicycle ticket. On school days, this is not allowed during the morning and afternoon rush hours, so plan your departure around that time.
• Tram rails. In the city, tram tracks are the biggest danger: always cross them as diagonally as possible.
• Season. From April to October. In spring and autumn, the lakes can be chilly; bring a windbreaker.

Cycling and thermal baths: the Rottal

Would you prefer to take it easy? In the Rottal in Lower Bavaria, you drive over gently rolling hills between the farm villages, and in Bad Birnbach you dive into the thermal baths of the Rottal Terme after the ride. Bavaria calls that combination itself Bikes & Bubbles.

The routes around Munich come from OutdoorMunich.

Popular cycling destinations in Bavaria (BAYERN)

The Berchtesgaden region, on the border with Austria, is one of the most beautiful cycling regions in Germany. Here you will find tough Alpine climbs, beautiful lakes and the typical Bavarian villages. The most famous routes lead past the Königssee lake and the spectacular Rossfeld Panoramastrasse.

Best cycling routes

• Rossfeld Panoramastrasse (15 km, 9% average) – One of the toughest, but most beautiful climbs in Germany.
• Kehlsteinstrasse (7 km, up to 16% slopes) – Steep and historic, it leads to the Adelaarsnest, where Nazi leaders met during the Second World War.
• Tour of Königssee (60 km) – A mix of hills and flat stretches with a beautiful view of the lake.

Best gravel routes

• Jenner Gravel Trails – Challenging gravel trails around the Jenner mountain.
• Saalach Trail – Along the Saalach River, ideal for long gravel rides.
• Oberau Gravel Loop – A rugged gravel route through forests and mountain landscapes.

Bike hotel tip

Hotel Rehlegg – This luxury bike hotel offers secure bike storage, a spa and direct access to the most beautiful Alpine routes. Perfect for a sporty holiday.

The Chiemgau region lies between Munich and the Alps and offers a perfect mix of hilly landscapes, wide cycling paths, and peaceful lake routes. The region is ideal for both long-distance training sessions and challenging climbs.

• Chiemsee Tour (60 km, flat to slightly hilly) – A relaxed ride along the picturesque lake.
• Kampenwand Climb (7 km, 8% average) – A tough climb with Alpine panorama.
• Schönau – Ruhpolding Route (80 km, varied terrain) – A versatile ride through open fields and forests.

• Chiemsee Gravel Trail – Wide unpaved paths along the lake.
• Achental Gravel Route – A route with gravel and forest paths along the Achental valley.
• Simssee Gravelround – Gravel roads with a mix of open fields and forests.

Beautiful climbs

• Kampenwand (Aschau im Chiemgau) – 7 km, 8% average, 560 m elevation differenceSudelfeldpass – 12 km, 5% average, 600 m elevation differenceHochries (Samerberg) – 9 km, 7% average, 630 m elevation differenceRottauer Tal – 5 km, 6% average, 400 m elevation difference

Yachthotel Chiemsee – A bike-friendly hotel right on the lake, a wellness center and a bike storage room.

Overview

The Bavarian Forest (Bayerischer Wald) is Germany’s largest contiguous forest area and the ultimate destination for gravel riders and mountain bikers. The region offers an enormous network of forest trails, steep climbs, and rugged nature.

• Tour of the Greater Arber (130 km, 1,500 meters of elevation gain) – A long, challenging route around the highest mountain in the Bavarian Forest.
• Regensburg – Bayerwald Route (100 km, hilly terrain) – A picturesque route through forests and along rivers.
• Danube Route (120 km, flat to slightly hilly) – A peaceful, long route along the Danube.

• National Park Gravel Trails – Wide gravel paths and singletracks through the national park.
• Three Countries Round – A cross-border gravel route between Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic.
• Bayerwaldsteig Gravel Route – A long gravel route through the Bavarian Forest.

Climbs

• Großer Arber – 18 km, 6% average, 1,050 m elevation differenceDreisesselberg – 12 km, 7% average, 850 m elevation differenceFalkenstein – 10 km, 8% average, 750 m elevation difference

Zum Kramerwirt – A bike-friendly hotel with access to the most beautiful gravel routes, a wellness center and bike storage.

For those who love historical routes, castles, and vineyards, the Romantic Strasse is a top destination. The routes pass by medieval towns, quiet rural roads, and rolling landscapes.

• Würzburg – Rothenburg ob der Tauber Route (90 km, hilly) – An iconic route through castles and vineyards.
• Dinkelsbühl – Augsburg (120 km, flat to hilly) – A peaceful route through traditional villages.
• Hoher Berg (Franken, 80 km, hilly) – A challenging route with multiple climbs.

• Taubertal Gravel Route – A peaceful gravel route through vineyards and forests.
• Frankenwald Trails – A mix of wide gravel roads and technical singletracks.
• Steigerwald Gravel Route – Gravel paths along castles and nature areas.

• Hoher Berg (Frankenwald) – 10 km, 4-6% average, 400 m elevation difference
• Steigerwald Höhenstrasse – 15 km, 5% average, 550 m elevation difference

🏨 Hotel Burg Colmberg – A unique castle hotel with direct access to the Romantic Strasse and a bike-friendly environment.

Munich is a great base for city trips and long tours to the Alps. Within an hour by bike you are in the mountains, along the Isar river or at one of the beautiful lakes.

• Munich – Tegernsee (50 km, flat to slightly hilly) – A popular route to a beautiful lake.
• Sylvensteinsee Route (70 km, hilly) – A mix of climbing and fast descents.
• The Zugspitze Rundreise (120 km, challenging) – A long ride around Germany’s highest mountain. The Zugspitze is well known for skiing

• Isar Gravelroute – A long, car-free gravel route along the Isar river.
• Ammersee Gravel Trails – Beautiful unpaved roads along the lake.
• Oberammergau Gravel Routes – Singletracks and gravel trails through the Bavarian forests.

• Tegernsee – Wallberg – 9 km, 8% average, 750 m elevation difference
• Sylvensteinsee – 12 km, 6% average, 600 m elevation difference
• Zugspitze Round Trip – 120 km, multiple climbs

Hotel Herzl – is an excellent choice for cyclists and gravel riders who want to use Munich as a base. This bike-friendly hotel is located in a quiet, green area, ideal for relaxation after a long day on the saddle. You can rent a bike or safely store your own bike. It is located in Forstern just outside Munich.

Why choose cycling in Bavaria over the French Alps, the Dolomites or the Pyrenees?

Bavaria is a perfect cycling holiday destination offering a unique combination of challenging climbs, peaceful cycling routes and varied landscapes. Unlike the French Alps, Dolomites or Pyrenees, where it is often crowded with tourists and professional cyclists, in Bavaria you can enjoy quiet roads, less traffic and pristine nature.

More variety in cycling routes – Bavaria offers not only heavy Alpine climbs like the Rossfeld Panoramastrasse and Kehlsteinstrasse, but also rolling routes along lakes like the Chiemsee and gravel paths through the Bavarian Forest. This makes the region attractive for both climbers, endurance riders and gravel riders.

Good accessibility and cyclist-friendly conditions – Bavaria is very easy to reach, and certainly closer to home compared to the Dolomites. With Munich as a central hub, you can reach the most beautiful cycling routes in no time. Additionally, the roads in Bavaria are often better maintained and quieter than in the Pyrenees, where the asphalt is sometimes of lower quality.

Comfortable accommodations and bike-friendly hotels – Bavaria has an excellent cycling infrastructure with hotels specially designed for cyclists and gravel riders. The Bett+Bike range is also great! In the hotels and guest houses you’ll find secure bike storage, good food, and often also wellness facilities. That’s a big plus

Unspoiled nature and culture – Where the French Alps and Dolomites often attract mass tourism, Bavaria offers an authentic, peaceful cycling environment. The combination of Alpine panoramas, forests, castles and lakes makes cycling in Bavaria a unique experience.

Milder weather conditions – Compared to the Pyrenees and the Dolomites, Bavaria has a milder and more stable climate, making it an ideal destination both in spring and summer. There are no unexpected snowfalls like in the High Alps or rain like in the Dolomites.

For cyclists who enjoy variety, quiet roads and a cycling-friendly environment, Bavaria is a good choice compared to the more crowded regions in the French Alps, the Dolomites or the Pyrenees. The downside is that you can’t tick off your bucket list here. Everything has its price.

When are you leaving?

Events in Bavaria

How do you get there?

• Flying: Fly to Munich · Nuremberg. Bring your own bike; then book a place for your bike box in time.
• By train: Easy to do. Convenient stations: Munich · Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
• By car: From Utrecht you are in about 8 hours Bavaria.