Munich to Merano – Mountains, Monasteries & Mediterranean Charm

Arrive in Bavaria’s lively capital, full of green spaces and classic beer halls. Take time to explore the English Garden, the Marienplatz, and the famous Hofbräuhaus before your cycling journey begins.

Cycle out of Munich through Forstenrieder Park, heading south to the tranquil waters of Lake Starnberg. Follow the shoreline to Seeshaupt, then continue past Lake Osterseen and Lake Riegsee through peaceful countryside to reach Murnau am Staffelsee, framed by mountain views.

Ride through the Murnauer Moos, the largest moorland in Central Europe. Follow the River Loisach to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where a short stage leaves time for a ride up the Zugspitze (2,962 m) via cog railway for incredible alpine panoramas.

Cycle along a well-developed path toward the Isar River, passing into the Karwendel mountains with stunning views. Stop in Mittenwald, known for its colourful frescoes and violin-making heritage. Continue into Austria via the lush Leutasch Valley, following the sparkling Leutasch stream to your overnight stay.

Climb gently from Leutasch into the Inn Valley, with an 8 km (5 mi) descent into Telfs. Follow the River Inn on former towpaths to Stams, home to a grand Baroque monastery, and continue through alpine landscapes to Imst, also called the "North Tyrolean Merano".

Follow the River Inn past Zams to Landeck, then take a comfortable bus transfer up to Nauders. From there, cycle just under 100 vertical metres (330 ft) to the Resia Pass, the Alpine watershed. Then it's a rewarding downhill glide past Lake Resia into Italy’s South Tyrol, finishing in peaceful San Valentino.

Enjoy a long and beautiful descent through the Venosta Valley. Visit Glurns, with its intact medieval walls, pass the Montani ruins, and continue through the orchard-lined path via Silandro to Merano, famed for its thermal baths, palm trees, and Tyrolean-Italian flair. Castles, such as Juval Castle (home of Reinhold Messner), and views of the Ortler massif frame the route. The Venosta Railway offers an easy option to shorten the ride.