Garmisch and the Romantic Castles

Day 1:

Arrival at Munich airport. Transfer by minibus or taxi to our base hotel in Lenggries.

Day 2:

Lenggries. We personally equip you with your bicycle ensuring a perfect fit for everyone. The rest of the day is yours to explore and enjoy Lenggries and the surrounding countryside. In winter Lenggries is an excellent ski resort; by summer it becomes a popular mountain walking centre. Situated on the Isar valley, majestic mountains rise up on all sides; they are easily accessible by foot and cable car, with many splendid walks to choose from. For those who wish to make an excursion by bicycle, there are plenty of paths and quiet lanes that wind their way along both sides of the valley. Just a few miles to the north is the picturesque spa town of Bad Tölz; the beautiful cobbled old town is well worth a visit. Munich is also easy to reach, just a short train ride away.

Day 3:

Lenggries to Kochel. Cycling out of Lenggries you branch away from the River Isar and follow a tributary, the Jachen. This wide lush green valley rises gently to one of Bavaria’s jewels, Lake Walchen. A short climb from the lakeside is rewarded by a long winding descent to Kochel, a town oozing with Bavarian charm. 20 miles (32.18 kilometers). 

Day 4:

Kochel. The town of Kochel lies on the shores of one of Bavaria’s most pleasant bathing lakes: the Kochelsee. To the north extends a flat moorland plain, crisscrossed by cycle tracks. On the eastern edge of the plain lies Benediktbeuern Monastery, originally founded in the 8th century. The remarkable architecture and lavish decorations, with a strong Italian influence, provide an attractive focus for a day out cycling. To the south, the Alps rear up steeply, offering an enormous variety of interesting day walks. The nearby Herzogstand and Jochberg mountains are easily climbed in a day and will reward you with spectacular views.

Day 5:

Kochel to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Your route today follows the River Loisach along its broad glaciated valley. Nearing Garmisch you will be treated to even more spectacular views of the towering Alps that form the backdrop for this popular resort. 22 miles (35.40 kilometers).

Day 6:

Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Lying in an open mountain basin, Garmisch sits beneath Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze. For those keen to be active there are a huge variety of walks, bike rides and enticing lakes in the area. Excellent shops, restaurants and cafés will encourage you to spend your day in the town, while panoramic views of the Alps may tempt you to take a cable car to the Zugspitze summit.

Day 7:

Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Neuschwanstein. Much of today is spent in Austria. Leaving Garmisch you head to the Austrian border post at Griesen, where a forest track will lead you to the Plan Lake, a narrow strip of crystal clear water, cradled by steep wooded slopes. From here you pedal through some magnificent Tyrolean scenery before crossing back into Germany at Neuschwanstein. 28 miles (45.06 kilometers).

Day 8:

Neuschwanstein. Just a few minutes’ walk from your hotel lies the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein. The most renowned of ‘Mad King Ludwig’s’ creations is set amongst towering peaks, making it one of Germany’s most striking images.

Day 9:

Neuschwanstein to Oberammergau. After a gentle morning meandering down the Lech valley you will head way off the beaten track, on roads reserved for the local farmers. A splendid highlight to this peaceful day is the ornate Wies Church, accepted as the finest example of Rococo art in Southern Germany. 24 miles (38.62 kilometers).

Day 10:

Oberammergau. A charming picture postcard village whose inhabitants present a Passion play every 10 years in thanks for being spared the ravages of the plague in 1634. The village is also home to Bavaria's wood-carving school and many shops display the fruits of their craft. A gentle excursion by bicycle leads to Linderhof castle; ‘Mad King Ludwig's’ mountain retreat. This small but ornamental palace is set in pretty gardens and a tour includes a trip underground where King Ludwig created a grotto and lake. Ettal Monastery lies on the return route where the magnificent church is lavishly decorated and, the monks produce a richly flavoured beer and several aromatic Schnapps.

Day 11:

Oberammergau to Bernried. The day begins with a gentle descent following the fast-flowing River Ammer downstream. As the valley broadens, a myriad of quiet lanes and tracks weave their way through beautiful rolling countryside to Bernried; a peaceful village nestling on the shores of Lake Starnberg. 28 miles (45.06 kilometers).

Day 12:

Bernried. Lake Starnberg is just 100 yards from your hotel, with excellent beaches and water-sports facilities nearby. The surrounding countryside; a mosaic of cornfields, wheatfields and pine forests, is knitted together with a maze of quiet lanes and tracks; ideal for a final adventure on the bike. We suggest a route to Andechs, a famous beer-brewing monastery. Alternatively, Munich is just a short train ride away, offering a wealth of interesting attractions.

Day 13:

Today we say "Auf Wiedersehen". We will transfer you direct from Bernried to Munich airport by train or minibus and look forward to having you back again next year.

9 DAY TOUR

Days 1 to 8: see 13 Day Tour
Day 9: Today we say "Auf Wiedersehen". Transfer direct from Neuschwanstein to Munich airport by train or minibus.