In our summer series ‘With Rik on a Journey’, Rik de Voogd takes us on his summer adventures through Europe. We have already posted about his meet-ups in Baden-Württemberg and in Hessen. Now we take you deeper into Germany, to the state of Bavaria. For many, it is best known for the Oktoberfest and the eponymous football club from Munich. For the more experienced cycling enthusiast, there are well-known places, such as the region around the Berchtesgaden National Park. Here you can, for example, drive in a complete standstill in the parking lot on the Rossfeld climb. Fans of events will also be familiar with the region, as for example the Rosenheim Road Marathon It's a nice one to pick up. Great tips for cycling in Germany. Anyway, enjoy!
Tips for cycling in Bavaria
After my previous stops, I drove on to Bavaria (Bayern). For me, this trip feels like ‘life’: making plans based on beautiful dreams and adjusting them as the (weather) conditions dictate. Why would you ask? The initial plan was to make two stops in Germany and then continue driving to Austria. The weather forecasts are throwing everything into disarray. The outlook for the next few days in Austria was very bad. Initially, I met my friend Ben in Nuremberg on the way back. We got out of there quickly. I headed straight for him and we went cycling when the weather allowed it.
Fürth
After leaving Heilbronn behind me, I drive in a straight line to Nuremberg, drop off my luggage at my hotel and jump on my bike to see Ben’s new home in Furth. He just moved there. From here we set off for a drive to explore the surroundings. Despite the threatening, dark skies, we think we can keep the weather dry. Perhaps it’s the stress over the weather that causes us to maintain a steady pace. It’s also getting darker and darker.
Beautiful region
I actually really like this region. One of the reasons is that it’s a lot less hilly. The climbs there are short but also very steep. You can drive north along the river Regnitz, which is nice. There’s also a kind of Amsterdam-Rhine Canal along it, which makes it a bit less so. The roads are there, just like in Hesse and Baden-Württemberg, It was beautiful and peaceful. I really didn't expect that.
In retrospect, we left 10 minutes late, because the last few kilometers are still wet. That shouldn't dampen the fun, and with a satisfied feeling I check in at my hotel again.
Easy spin
Because the bad weather seems to have descended from the Alps into Germany as well, the next day we set off for a short ride. This time the route goes east, but not too far. We take it slow, take a lot of photos, and the highlight of the day is a coffee stop at Coffee shop. Happy days.
Bavarian Forest
For our last ride together, Ben had the idea to go to the Bavarian Forest Let's go. This region is completely unknown to me and I don't really know what to expect from it. Eventually, we get in the car together and drive towards the border with Czech Republic. Outside the wet conditions, where we are not at all prepared for this, this is also another epic ride! The route we have chosen includes three climbs with more than 1,000 meters of elevation gain. There was not a single flat meter to be seen.
The views in this region are truly spectacular. This region, which partly also lies in the Czech Republic, contains so much beautiful nature. It is wooded and therefore very green! The reason why it is so green soon becomes clear to us, because above the first peak we are treated to rain and wet roads.
We descend from the Czech Republic to Germany in a state of confusion. It’s quite tricky (and cold) and it still takes a while before we warm up again and find dry roads. Our second climb, again in Germany, is also on wet roads, both the ascent and the descent.
Fortunately, the sun comes out for the last 30 kilometers. This creates beautiful images and views with great lighting. On the final climb of the day, towards Arber (the highest mountain in the region, also known as the King of the Bavarian Forest), I push everything I have left into it. It is absolutely the most beautiful climb of the day.
Ultimately, this series is about tips for cycling in Germany, with stops in Hessen, Baden-Württemberg and the last one in Bavaria was a great experience. Thanks also to everyone who went out with me. Next stop: Tuscany!
Useful tips and links
Do you also want to go on a cycling holiday to Germany? Start with ours Cycling in Germany page. We have also written quite a few articles about Germany:
- Discover the beauty of cycling in Germany: 10 breathtaking cycling routes
- Sauerland
- Eifel
- Berchtesgaden
- Saxon Switzerland
- Tecklenburg
- Harz
- Black Forest
Before you go shopping, check out our Basic packing list. Then you always have the right clothes and gear with you.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.