Munich to Lake Garda over 11 days 

Arrival in Munich

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

Munich – Lake Starnberg approx. 45-60 km

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.

Lake Starnberg – Garmisch-Partenkirchen approx. 65 km

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.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Mittenwald – Leutasch approx. 40 km

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.

Leutasch – Imst approx. 50 km

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”.

Imst – San Valentino/Burgusio/Malles approx. 40-50 km + bus transfer

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.

San Valentino/Burgusio/Malles – Merano approx. 60-70 km

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.

Merano – Ora approx. 55 km

You cycle through Lana and past countless orchards and vineyards along the South Tyrolean Wine Route, passing numerous fortified castles, palaces, and ruins such as Hocheppan with its remarkable frescoes, before reaching Lake Kaltern. Overnight stays are in the cozy wine village of Auer.

Ora – Trento approx. 45 km

You follow the beautifully developed cycle path along the Adige River to Salurn, where the German-speaking South Tyrol comes to an end. The famous vineyards of Trentino lie just off the dike paths, which lead all the way to Trento, with its impressive old town featuring a cathedral and the Buonconsiglio Castle.

Trento – Torbole/ Riva approx. 50 km

You continue along the cycle path following the Adige River, passing through the historic Tyrolean border town of Rovereto, all the way to Mori. From here, the route heads west toward Lake Garda. In Mori, be sure to stop at Gelateria Bologna to try their renowned pistachio ice cream or a freshly pressed fruit juice. After a short climb over the small Passo San Giovanni (about 150 meters / 490 feet), you’ll enjoy a descent down to the lake, arriving at either Torbole or Riva.

Departure