Whether on a classic bike, racing bike, gravel bike or e‑bike — cycling is and remains a trend sport in Germany. If you want to reach the next level, don’t plan a one-day stage this summer, but several days of continuous cycling. Multi-day cycle tours from Munich are particularly attractive — many beautiful routes start here, for example in the beautiful surrounding countryside or in the beautiful south. Ideal for cyclists to let off steam and discover new destinations.
A multi-day tour instead of a day tour?
If you want to cycle for several days instead of a classic day trip, you are faced with new questions: Which of the numerous routes is the right one for me? And how many kilometers per day are realistic? Where do I stay overnight and what do I do with my luggage? Do I have maps, GPS tracks or other aids to help me stay on the right track? And: How do I get back home after I have ridden several kilometers? With these challenges, it helps to plan well in advance and look around for experienced tour operators.
Planning your bike trip: tips for relaxing days in the saddle
A multi-day tour is not a high-performance sport — but a pleasure. Good preparation will help you to cycle carefree along the way:
- Route & stages: Experience shows: 50 — 60 km on a bike (without motor) per day are easily achievable. E‑bikers manage between 60 and 80 km per day. 900 — 1000 vertical meters per day are feasible for the classic cyclist, the e‑biker manages approx. 1000–1200 vertical meters. You should know the elevation profile of the day’s stages well in advance so that you can better manage your strength and plan breaks in between. Steeper sections can also be shortened with transfers.
- Light luggage — great freedom: the less you take with you, the more freely you cycle. Day luggage fits in a handlebar bag, saddle bag or rucksack. The weight of the rucksack should be between 7 and 9 kg. Traveling with luggage transfer is much more relaxed.
- The right equipment: A well-maintained trekking bike or e‑bike is the be-all and end-all. Nevertheless, a spare tube, tire levers and multitool should be in your luggage for the day. The saddle should also fit. Weatherproof clothing, sunscreen and importantly: don’t forget your buttocks cream.
- Accommodation & catering: Bike-friendly accommodation offers a safe place to park your bike. There are also facilities for charging your batteries. Last but not least, the enjoyment factor also counts when it comes to accommodation: good food, comfortable sleeping facilities and wellness offers make the trip all the more worthwhile.
These are our 4 most beautiful multi-day tours from Munich:
1st Munich Lakes Tour
Munich lake magic on the western edge of the Alps
This self-guided tour by Feuer und Eis is a real insider tip for anyone who wants to discover the Bavarian Alpine foothills with its countless facets in a relaxed way by bike. The region south of Munich delights with glistening lakes, rolling hills, rustic monasteries and a genuine Bavarian way of life — perfectly accessible via excellent cycle paths.
Highlight: A break at the turquoise-blue Sylvenstein reservoir — with a view of the mountains and the feeling of being in the middle of Canada.
Click here for the tour: Munich Lakes Tour — Lake magic on the western edge of the Alps
2. Munich — Lake Garda
Alpine landscapes and breathtaking nature
This tour is a dream come true for anyone who wants to cross the Alps — without stress and with pleasure. In nine days, you cycle along the glittering Lake Starnberg and the famous winter ski resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen into the beautiful Tyrolean countryside. From here, it’s not far to the beautiful spa town of Merano before arriving at Lake Garda.
Highlight: The moment when you see Lake Garda for the first time — and you know you’ve made it.
Click here for the tour: Munich — Lake Garda
3rd Munich — Venice with CHARME
Crossing the Alps in style
From Bavaria to Bella Italia — on this route you travel through three countries, cross the Alps and reach the Venice lagoon. The “charm version” of the tour offers selected hotels with a special flair — perfect for anyone with a taste for beauty.
Highlight: The sunset in Venice
Click here for the tour: Munich — Venice with CHARME
4. Munich — Merano with CHARME
Crossing the Alps with pleasure
This route is ideal for those who want to cross the Alps — but prefer to do so at their own pace and with a focus on nature and enjoyment. In eight days, you cycle from Munich via Garmisch, the Inn Valley and Nauders to Merano. Palm trees and a touch of South Tyrolean dolce vita await you there.
Highlight: With the mountain panoramas in mind — and then the first view of the palm trees of Merano.
Click here for the tour: Across the Alps from Munich to Merano
What are my personal highlights and recommendations?
- Weltenburg Monastery with Danube Gorge A boat trip from Kelheim to Weltenburg Monastery through the Danube Gorge is practically a must when you visit our region. The towering cliffs that line the banks on both sides and the biodiversity of the Weltenburger Enge nature reserve are sure to inspire you.
- Alpine trail The lower Alpine trail, also known as the Pfalzlbauernberg, is located in a unique landscape conservation area between Eilsbrunn and Schönhofen. It leads over a rocky landscape similar to that of the Alpine foothills.
- Juniper heaths in the Lauterach Valley The Lauterach Valley — Bavaria’s Tuscany — offers a wonderful scenic backdrop with a Mediterranean flair for hikers and nature lovers alike. As unique as the landscape is, so too is the flora and fauna.
- Land of 1,000 springs The course of the Weiße Laber stream meanders from Neumarkt to Dietfurt like a silvery, winding ribbon through a particularly charming valley landscape, in which small villages and sawmills are embedded. The remains of once clattering mill wheels line the path.
I wish you lots of fun on the Jurasteig long-distance hiking trail.
Your Uwe
Author and photographer: Uwe Stanke
Click here for the tour: Jurasteig