From Munich to Merano with charm

Bavaria’s capital is bursting with sights to explore. Wander from Stachus to Marienplatz and immerse yourself in the lively charm of the historic old town. When you need a moment of calm you can retreat to the serene oasis of the English Garden.

You start in Munich and cycle through Forstenrieder Park to Lake Starnberg. A beautiful bike path along the lakeshore takes you to Seeshaupt and then on through picturesque villages, past the Osterseen and Riegsee, all the way to Murnau on Lake Staffel.

This stage takes you through the Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve, the largest moorland in Central Europe. Following the pristine landscape, you cycle alongside the Loisach River. Before long, you’ll reach Garmisch-Partenkirchen with plenty of time to take an optional ride on the Zugspitze Railway up to 2,962 meters (9,718 feet). Get ready for breathtaking views over the Alps.

Today’s stage leads you to the Isar River, but first you’ll cycle through a sun-drenched high valley with breathtaking views of the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountain ranges. The charming town of Mittenwald beckons you to pause and discover its traditional Lüftlmalerei (painted frescoes). Continuing through the scenic Leutasch Valley, you’ll be treated to spectacular vistas as you cross into Austria. From there, follow the Leutascher Bach stream all the way to your overnight destination.

Today’s route takes you down into the Inn Valley. You’ll leave Leutasch via a gently rolling country road before enjoying an eight-kilometer (about 5 miles) descent to Telfs. Following the former towpath, you’ll cycle along the Inn River all the way to Stams, home to its impressive Baroque Cistercian monastery. From there, via Haiming, it’s a short ride to Imst, often called the “Merano of North Tyrol.”

Continuing along the Inn River, you’ll pass the monastery at Zams before arriving in Landeck. From there, a bus transfer will take you up to Nauders. You’ll have just under 70 meters (about 230 feet) of elevation remaining to reach the Reschen Pass. Afterward, enjoy the scenic descent to Lake Reschen, followed by the day’s final stretch along the bike path to St. Valentin.

The final stage is rich with cultural highlights, beginning with the remarkably well-preserved medieval city wall of Glurns. En route to Merano, you’ll pass historic mining ruins near Schlanders, along with several castles and palaces. A standout is Juval Castle, the residence of mountaineer Reinhold Messner, offering stunning views of the Ortler massif and Stelvio Pass. Since 2004, the Vinschgau Railway has been operating again between Mals and Merano, giving you the option to travel portions of the route by train at your convenience.

Now, wouldn’t it be great to add a few extra days? Take the opportunity to extend your journey all the way to Lake Garda.