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Aerial view of cyclists with red bicycle on white pebble beach beside crystal clear turquoise lake in Bavaria, surrounded by green forest.

Cycling along the Lakes of Munich

Isar Cycle Path and Bavarian Lakes

8 Days / 7 Nights
Moderate
Aerial view of cyclists with red bicycle on white pebble beach beside crystal clear turquoise lake in Bavaria, surrounded by green forest.

The essentials at a glance

Self-guided cycling tour through Bavaria's lake district from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and back. The moderate route covers approximately 337 km over 6 cycling days, following scenic paths along Lake Starnberg, Staffelsee, and Tegernsee. Highlights include cycling through Murnauer Moos nature reserve, optional Zugspitze railway trip to Germany's highest peak at 2,962 metres, and exploring traditional Bavarian towns like Bad Tölz and Mittenwald.

The countryside around Munich offers a wonderful combination of sparkling lakes, Alpine scenery and traditional Bavarian charm. The cycling is enjoyable and varied, taking you through picturesque villages and historic towns, past inviting beer gardens beneath shady trees and alongside peaceful lakeshores with small bathing jetties.

Your circular tour begins in lively Munich, where restaurants, shops, museums and impressive architecture create a vibrant atmosphere. Along the way, you stay in atmospheric destinations such as Bad Tölz, Lake Starnberg, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Wallgau, many of which are characterised by colourful Baroque buildings. Water is never far away, and the route introduces you to everything from the tranquil Barmsee to the much larger Tegernsee – with plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy the surroundings.

 

Highlights on this tour

  • Munich’s English garden
  • Lots of opportunities to swim in the lakes
  • Beatiful views of the Zugspitze
  • Bavarian tradition in Bad Tölz

The route

This is a relatively easy cycling holiday with manageable daily distances and plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings. The route includes a few short ascents, but you can simply walk your bike if they feel too demanding. Most stages follow picturesque cycle paths and peaceful country roads, often close to the lakeshores, while busier roads are used only for short sections. The surface is mainly asphalt, although some longer stretches take you along well-maintained gravel tracks and natural paths.

Itinerary

See the day-by-day itinerary below.

Bavaria’s lively capital welcomes you with an atmospheric old town and an impressive selection of attractions. Enjoy a walk through the spacious English Garden, admire the striking town hall at Marienplatz and round off the day with traditional Bavarian food at the famous Hofbräuhaus or in one of the city’s inviting beer gardens.

Hotel (example): Mariott City West

Leaving Munich behind, you cycle through the peaceful woodland of Forstenrieder Park towards Lake Starnberg. A scenic cycle path then follows the lakeshore to Seeshaupt, before the route continues through picturesque villages with plenty of traditional Bavarian character. Along the way, you pass the beautiful Osterseen lakes and Lake Riegsee before arriving in Murnau, close to Lake Staffel.

Hotel (example): Angerbräu

Today’s route takes you through Murnauer Moos, Central Europe’s largest continuous moorland area. Surrounded by unspoilt scenery, you follow the Loisach River towards Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The cycling stage is intentionally short, giving you time to take an optional trip on the Zugspitze Railway to an altitude of 2,962 metres. From Germany’s highest mountain, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views across the Alps.

Hotel (example): Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten

From Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you cycle via Klais to the idyllic Barmsee. Here, you can choose the direct route to Wallgau or extend the stage with a detour through Mittenwald and Scharnitz to the source of the Isar. The route to Scharnitz includes around 300 metres of ascent, followed by a gentle climb through dramatic gorges and green Alpine meadows.

On the return journey, you ride through a sunny high valley with magnificent views of the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountains. After passing Mittenwald, you continue to Wallgau, where traditional Bavarian culture remains an important part of village life.

Hotel (example): Gasthof Post

Cycling through the scenic Isarwinkel region, you follow the clear turquoise waters of the Isar to the impressive Sylvensteinsee reservoir. The journey then continues through beautiful countryside and via Lenggries to Bad Tölz. The town prospered thanks to its favourable position beside the Isar and along the historic salt-trading route between Reichenhall and the Allgäu. Ornately decorated façades on the old merchants’ houses still reflect this wealthy chapter of its history.

Hotel (example): Kolberbräu

Today’s circular ride takes you through the picturesque countryside surrounding Lake Tegernsee to the lakeside town of Gmund, where beautiful views across the water await. From here, you follow the peaceful Gaißbach Valley back to Bad Tölz. Afterwards, you can explore the town’s lively Marktstraße, whose colourful façades will be familiar to fans of the German crime series Der Bulle von Tölz.

Hotel (example): Kolberbräu

Following the Isar Cycle Path, you ride through Geretsried and Wolfratshausen before continuing towards Grünwald. A few gentle climbs await along the way, after which you return to Munich. Back in Bavaria’s lively capital, you can round off the journey by exploring more of the city’s famous attractions.

Hotel (example): Mariott City West

8

Departure or extension

Prices and dates

Prices per person in EUR

The price includes

ACCOMMODATION

  • 7 nights at 3- and 4-star hotels

 

FOOD & DRINKS

  • Breakfast every day
  • 1 traditional Bavarian white-sausage breakfast

 

CYCLING & EXPERIENCES

  • 6 days of cycling (approx. 337 km in total)
  • Welcome meeting
  • Standard bike hire (can be excluded for a discount)
  • Detailed descriptions of the carefully selected routes (route maps, route descriptions, information about relevant tourist attractions and important phone numbers – in English)
  • Access to the route in our GPS app, which also works offline (one access per person)
  • Option for GPX files for use in your own GPS

TRANSPORT

  • Luggage transport between the hotels

 

OTHER

GENERAL

  • Transport to/from Germany
  • Handling fee (€ 25)
  • Travel insurance

 

REQUIRED AND PAID LOCALLY

  • Any tourist taxes at the hotels 

OPTIONAL
The following can be selected in the booking form, when you book the tour.

  • Rental of electric bike (selected when booking the tour)

 

Use the button "Calculate price" on this page to see what the tour will cost with your wanted inclusions.

PARKING
It is possible to park at the first hotel or nearby. Parking cannot be reserved in advance and must be arranged directly with the hotel (expect a cost of approximately €10–20 per day).

Bikes

You can choose between these bikes on the tour.
Red unisex touring bicycle with 21-speed gearing, equipped with bright yellow panniers on front and rear, parked on grass.
Unisex 21-speed bike
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry.

Body size approx. 148cm - 190cm.

43cm
46cm
51cm
56cm
Red electric bicycle with yellow panniers parked on green grass. The e-bike has a front basket and rear pannier bag, both in bright yellow.
Unisex 8-speed E-bike
Hub gears with freewheel

High quality unisex e-bike with comfortable low entry.

Body size approx. 148cm - 195cm.

46cm "XS"
46cm
51cm
56cm
Red men's touring bicycle with 21 gears parked on grass. Features yellow panniers on rear rack and handlebar bag, black saddle and grips.
21-gear men's bike
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame.

Body size approx. 165cm - 205cm.

56-51 "sloping" cm
60cm
64cm
Dark gray touring bicycle with rear rack, front suspension, and multiple gears parked on vibrant green grass beside a paved path.
PLUS men's bike 27-gear
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike with diamond frame.

Body size approx. 155cm - 205cm.

46cm
50cm
51cm
55cm
60cm
63cm

Practical information

Here you can get answers to various questions about your trip
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The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.

On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.

 

Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill out any forms. Here’s how:

  1. Click on the "Calculate Price" button (you’ll find it in the "Dates and Prices" section) – this will take you to the first pages of the booking form
  2. Select your preferred date, number of people, room distribution, any extra nights, and any available add-ons you may want
  3. See the price


Get a quote
If you would like a flight included, or changes made to the trip, you can request a customized offer by clicking the "Get Quote" button at the top of the page. Remember to describe in detail what changes you would like.

The booking process
When you book the trip, we will begin booking hotels and arranging all the practical aspects of your tour. This process typically takes 5–8 working days, but in some cases it may take longer for certain bookings. If you arrange your own transportation, we recommend waiting until we have confirmed your booking before making any arrangements.

Dates
If you can select a date in the trip calendar (in the booking form), then this is a possible start date. We regularly update our trips with sold-out dates; these dates will then appear in red/grey and cannot be selected.

On all our cycling holidays it is possible bring your own bike but it also possible to rent a bike for the tour. The bikes you can rent are all perfectly suited for the tour and the local terrain and all bikes are perfectly maintained. If you want to rent a bike on your holiday, then you select this on the booking form.

Equipment included in the bike rental:

  • Saddle bag (water repellent)
  • Handlebar bag (water repellent)
  • Service-set with tools and extra bicycle tube
  • Combination lock

Please note that helmets are not included and you need to bring your own.

Roadside assistance
All bikes are equipped with puncture resistant tyres which means that it is virtually impossible to puncture. No rule without exceptions, so should you experience a punctured tyre then you can quickly fix it by using the tools in the service-set. If the damage is greater than a simply puncture then you simply call us and we make sure that your bike is fixed or you will be supplied with a new bike as quickly as possible.

Insurance is included
Insurance against theft and damages are included in the bike rental. Should you have any problems of this nature then all you have to do is to let us know and we will supply a new bike as quickly as possible. Naturally, careless or mischievous behavior is exempt from this.  

The flights to/from Munich are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.

Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.

It works like this:

  1. You book your chosen holiday with us
  2. We confirm your holiday (usually within 3-5 working days)
  3. You arrange your transportation

Get a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 48 working hours). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.

If you drive yourself

It is possible to park at the hotel or in a car park close to the hotel. The price is approximately 140 euros for a week's parking. It is not possible to book this in advance. This tour is particularly suitable for self-drive as you start and end at the same hotel.

On this tour you will be accommodated in 3-star and 4-star hotels with breakfast included.

In the itinerary you can see some examples of the hotels we use on this tour. Notice that the hotels are examples and you may end up staying in different hotels. It depends on availability when you book the tour.

On this tour breakfast is included every day. It is also possible to buy half board (7x dinner). The dinners consist 3-dish menus and is sometimes served on restaurants close to the hotel. See the bookingform to buy half board.

Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.

Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.

Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.

On this tour, you will receive the following documents:

Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.

One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.

Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags, specific local vouchers and if you have rented a bike, they will also be handed out at the first hotel. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.

This journey has a difficulty level of 2-3, which means that most days on the tour are grade 2 and a few are grade 3.

Grade 2
For cyclists who like hilly terrain and a bit longer distances. You cycle on good roads, which usually don’t have much traffic. The distance is between 35 – 60 km or 20 – 38 miles. If you are capable of riding a bike and you have a normal good health, you should not worry to join these trips.

Grade 3
Longer distances in hilly terrain, often with steep climbs. The distance is usually 65 – 80 km or 40 – 50 miles per day. Requires good shape and health. We highly recommend that you practice on some longer rides before you leave home.

See more about trip gradings for cylcing holidays 

After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.

We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.

Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.

Join the special ‘Bering Cycling Holidays’ group on Facebook. Here you'll be notified about new holidays, special offers and much more.

Link to the group

Note: you need to request membership, but everyone is approved.

When you book a trip with us, we plant a tree in Kenya.

Bering Travel partners with Growing Trees Network, which has been planting trees in Kenya since 2020 in collaboration with Seniorer uden Grænser (Seniors Without Borders). The trees are planted with small-scale local farmers in the Mount Kenya region, as well as at schools, where the fruit helps supplement students’ diets and is incorporated into their learning.

The trees are planted using the shamba method – a sustainable approach that combines reforestation with agricultural crops. This keeps the soil covered with vegetation throughout the year, helping to prevent nutrient loss and reduce erosion.

The contribution to tree planting comes directly from Bering Travel’s own earnings and is not added to the price of your trip.

This initiative is not intended as a carbon offset for travel, but as a way to make a positive contribution.

Read more

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