Munich – Merano

The Bavarian state capital offers visitors a wealth of attractions, from the sprawling English Garden and the historic Town Hall to the iconic Hofbräuhaus.

Hotel (example): Munich Marriott Hotel City West

You depart Munich via the Forstenrieder Park and cycle onward to Lake Starnberg. From Starnberg, you follow the lakeshore either to Ambach or further on to Bernried. The lake captivates with its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Hotel (example): Landhotel Huber am See

You start your ride cycling from Riegsee to Murnau. Along the way, you’ll pass the Murnauer Moos nature reserve, the largest moorland in Central Europe. Following the pristine natural landscape, you continue along the Loisach River to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Here, you have the option to take the Zugspitzbahn railway up to 2,962 meters (9,718 feet) — available as an optional excursion. The panoramic views over the Alps are truly spectacular.

Hotel (example): Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten

Today, you’ll follow a beautifully maintained cycle path all the way to the Isar River. Cycling through the sunny high valley, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramas of the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountain ranges as you make your way to Mittenwald. Take a break and explore this charming town, famous for its Lüftlmalerei—traditional fresco paintings. The route then spectacularly leads you through the Leutaschtal into Austria. Following the Leutascher Bach stream, you cycle through this picturesque valley until you reach your overnight stop.

Hotel (example): Hotel Bergfrieden

Today, you’ll arrive in the Inn Valley. Leaving Leutasch, you’ll follow a gently rolling country road before enjoying an eight-kilometer (about 5 miles) descent into Telfs. From there, you’ll cycle along the former towpath beside the Inn River to reach Stams, renowned for its beautiful baroque Cistercian abbey. Continuing through Haiming, it’s a short ride to Imst, often referred to as the “Merano of North Tyrol”.

Hotel (example): Hotel Hirschen

This stage leads you past the monastery of Zams to Landeck. From there, a bus transfer takes you up to Nauders, leaving just under 70 meters (about 230 feet) of climbing to reach the Reschen Pass. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a descent down to Lake Reschen before continuing along the cycle path to Mals, famous for its many towers, or to Burgeis at the foot of Marienberg Castle.

Hotel (example): Hotel zum Hirschen

Visit the fully preserved medieval city walls of Glurns. From there, cycle through the Montani ruins and continue down through Schlanders to Meran. Along the way, you’ll pass castles and palaces, including mountaineer Reinhold Messner’s Juval Castle, perched high above the route. Enjoy stunning views of the impressive Ortler massif and the Stelvio Pass as you ride. Since 2004, the Vinschgau railway between Mals and Meran has been back in operation, allowing you to cover parts of the route by train whenever you wish.

Hotel (example): Villa Laurus

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to add a few extra days? From Meran, you have the option to extend your cycling journey all the way to Lake Garda.