The best gravel bike routes in Bavaria: 6 routes for every level

Gravel biking is booming – and Bavaria is perfectly suited for it. 🚴‍♀️ Gravel paths along the Isar, forest roads through dense woods, alpine trails with panoramic views: Hardly any region in Germany offers so many fantastic gravel routes in such a small area.

Whether you've just bought your first gravel bike or already have thousands of kilometers on the odometer – you'll find the right route here. We've put together 6 routes, from relaxed-flat to alpine-challenging. Saddle up and go!

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Image credit: @sayumi_toyama

6 Gravel Bike Routes in Bavaria You Need to Know

1. Isartrail: Munich to Bad Tölz (50 km, easy)

Start: Munich (Flaucher) | Destination: Bad Tölz | Elevation gain: approx. 200 m | Surface: 70% gravel, 30% asphalt

The classic among Munich's gravel routes and the perfect introduction. You follow the Isar upstream – past gravel banks, through riparian forests, and along the turquoise-green river. The route is almost completely flat and technically uncomplicated. Once in Bad Tölz, reward yourself with ice cream or beer in the old town. The return journey is easy with the BOB train. Tip: Pack swimwear in summer – the Isar invites you to swim! Plan the route in advance on Komoot for the best navigation.

2. Ammersee Loop from Herrsching (45 km, easy)

Start/Finish: Herrsching am Ammersee | Elevation gain: approx. 150 m | Surface: 60% gravel, 20% forest path, 20% asphalt

A wonderful loop around one of Upper Bavaria's most beautiful lakes. The route sometimes runs directly along the shore, sometimes through gentle hilly landscapes with orchards and farms. The section between Dießen and Utting is particularly beautiful – here you have an unobstructed view of the lake and the Alps in the background. Along the way, there are several beer gardens for a pleasant break. Also great for family tours.

3. Lake Constance Gravel: Lindau to Bregenz (35 km, easy to medium)

Start: Lindau | Destination: Bregenz (AT) | Elevation gain: approx. 300 m | Surface: 50% gravel, 30% forest path, 20% asphalt

This route takes you from Bavarian Lindau across the border to Bregenz in Austria – with Lake Constance as your constant companion. The first part is flat and relaxed along the shore. From the Austrian border, it gets hillier, with some challenging climbs through vineyards and forests. The highlight: the view from the Pfänder of the entire Lake Constance. The return journey is a comfortable 20-minute train ride. Those who like to travel sustainably will love the train option.

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Image credit: @petepontone

4. Allgäu Gravel: Füssen to Reutte (55 km, medium)

Start: Füssen | Destination: Reutte (AT) | Elevation gain: approx. 600 m | Surface: 60% gravel/forest path, 25% trail, 15% asphalt

Now it's getting alpine! This route starts at the foot of the royal castles and leads over forest roads and alpine valleys to Reutte in Tyrol. The scenery is breathtaking – emerald green lakes, dramatic rock formations, and repeated views of the Allgäu Alps. Technically a bit more demanding due to isolated trail sections and steeper climbs. Good gravel tires (40mm+) are a must here. Take along: Enough water (little supply on the route) and a multi-tool for emergencies.

5. Tegernsee Valley: Loop from Kreuth (40 km, medium)

Start/Finish: Kreuth | Elevation gain: approx. 500 m | Surface: 55% gravel, 25% forest path, 20% asphalt

The Tegernsee Valley is a gravel paradise that surprisingly few have on their radar. From Kreuth, forest roads lead into the mountains – past alpine pastures, through valleys, and with views that make you stop. The route has some decent climbs, but rewards you with long, flowing descents on grippy gravel. At the end of the tour: a jump into Lake Tegernsee and a beer in the Bräustüberl. It doesn't get any better. Take along: Windbreaker for descents and sunscreen.

6. Zugspitz Arena Gravel: Loop from Garmisch (60 km, difficult)

Start/Finish: Garmisch-Partenkirchen | Elevation gain: approx. 1,000 m | Surface: 45% gravel, 30% forest path/trail, 25% asphalt

The king's route for experienced gravelers. This challenging loop leads around the Wetterstein Mountains – with the Zugspitze constantly in view. Steep forest road climbs, technical trail sections, and long descents on loose gravel demand everything from you and your bike. In return, you get alpine scenery of the extra class: the Eibsee from above, the Reintal valley, the Partnach Gorge. Take along: Spare tube, pump, energy bars, at least 2 liters of water, and a big grin. You'll need it.

What You Should Take on Every Gravel Tour

• Helmet (mandatory!)
• Repair kit (tube, tire levers, multi-tool, mini pump)
• Enough water and snacks (bars, bananas, gels)
• Navigation (Komoot on your phone or GPS computer)
• Rain jacket – Bavarian weather is unpredictable
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Your phone in a robust sustainable phone case – falls happen

Speaking of enjoying nature: If you dream of the sea between tours, read our article about surfing in Medewi on Bali – that's where our Oceanmata team is based and removes plastic from the ocean daily.

Because whether on a gravel bike in Bavaria or during a beach cleanup in Bali – nature deserves our respect. Oceanmata founder Dominik Karl, a former Airbus engineer from Augsburg, has made this his life's concept: With his 11-member team and over 165,000 Ocean Heroes, Oceanmata has already removed more than 300,000 kg of ocean plastic from the sea. For every product, 1 kg of plastic is recovered – because plastic is not waste, but a valuable raw material.