Cycling the Bavarian Lakes, Landsberg to Bad Tolz
Day 1, Sunday: Transfer to Landsberg, romantic town with rich history
Landsberg is a typical Bavarian town situated on the river Lech. Folks love it for its well-preserved historic buildings, riverside beer gardens and tranquil atmosphere.
People travelling the country have passed through this place ever since the Middle Ages. You will have the chance to explore its alleys and lanes and the beer gardens today.
NB: Our shuttle service from Munich's airports and main train station runs all day long.
Day 2, Monday: Across rural Bavaria to Lake Ammersee
We will leave the town on our bicycles through the Bayertor gate. The gate has formed part of the town wall since 1425. You may have been here on your own yesterday, overlooking the area from its lookout.
Fields and little villages mark our way in the morning. If the weather is in our favour, we will even be able to see the Bavarian Alps in the distance. A prepared picnic around mid-day will keep us energetic. Recharged, we get to Lake Ammersee. The views across are just wonderful. We will stop several times as we cycle along the lake and arrive at our hotel at last.
(20 miles/32 km, picnic incl.)
Day 3, Tuesday: Oberammergau, gate to the Bavarian Alps
A local train gets us past a busy road to the next village. Here we mount our bicycles and again cycle through picturesque rural Bavaria. On our way we come upon the Dominican convent of Polling. Have a look inside the minster and admire its stucco work from the 17th century. The cycling then ends in Murnau. From here it is a 35-minute train journey to Oberammergau.
You will find your luggage in your room and Oberammergau waiting to be discovered. Feel free to spend the time before dinner strolling around the village with its frescoed houses and wood carving shops. We will stay here for two nights.
(25 miles/40 km, two short uphill sections to cycle, picnic incl.)
Day 4, Wednesday: Seeing the Alps with king's eyes
Today we cycle to Linderhof Palace. We stop halfway to take a gondola ride to the top of Laber mountain (approx. 5,400ft alt.). From here we enjoy magnificent views both into the Alps and over the Bavarian lowlands.
Back on the cycle path, we follow the Linder rivulet upstream until we reach Linderhof Palace. It is one of King Ludwig’s fairy-tale castles. We will take a guided tour of the palace. Afterwards you have time to discover the palace’s spacious park and its charming edifices at your leisure. Don’t miss the Moorish Kiosk and the Terrace Garden. Later we meet up again and cycle back to Oberammergau.
(20 miles/32 km, partly uphill but manageable, picnic incl.)
Day 5, Thursday: Visiting the famous passion play theatre
Oberammergau wouldn’t be Oberammergau without the Passion Plays. Villagers perform the holy story every ten years, welcoming more than half a million spectators each time. We will have a look behind the stage and discover a tradition that stretches back more than 380 years.
Impressed by all the dedication this demands, you remember your own dedication to cycling. A fairly easy ride through Murnau Marsh gets us to Kochel am See in the afternoon. (20 miles/32 km, lunch on your own today)
Day 6, Friday: Another delightful side of Bavaria
Today we cycle along Lake Walchensee, one of Bavaria’s largest waters in the Alps. Remember to get a picture of yourself and the turquoise-coloured lake against the backdrop of the mountains.
Leaving the lake behind, we make our way into the Isar Valley. It is a mostly downhill course. As yet another treat, a café awaits us with a good variety of fresh cakes in the afternoon. Yummy!
Our final destination is Bad Tolz. The town has been famous for the Leonhardifahrt, an annual procession to the top of Kalvarienberg hill. Though the parade with horse-drawn carts takes place in November, a walk up the hill is worth it whatever the time of year. Climb it for the view back into the mountains or to find the Holy Cross Church, housing the Holy Staircase. Only people praying while on their knees are allowed to take the middle part of the tripartite staircase. Either way, a meal at a typical Bavarian inn concludes this day.
(28 miles/45 km, dropping 500 ft today, picnic incl.)
Day 7, Saturday: Shuttle service to Munich
A week of cycling spectacular countryside and visiting marvellous places is over. We are convinced that you enjoyed every minute and hope to see you again soon.
Our shuttle service will take you to Munich today. You may instead choose to extend your stay in Bad Tolz. It offers various options for you to unwind as well as to further explore the region. Direct trains to Munich run regularly and are most convenient to see the little places along the way.
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