Lech Cycle Route

A classic river ride from the Alps into Bavaria. Follow the Lech through Austria’s Tyrol and into Germany, rolling down the Lech Valley past Reutte and Füssen (castle country), then north via Landsberg am Lech and the Augsburg area, finishing by the Danube near Donauwörth.

It’s a long-distance route with a gentle overall downhill feel, but expect some punchy climbs in the upper valley. Surfaces are mixed: plenty of asphalt with long stretches of compact gravel and tracks, mostly on quiet back roads and riverside paths, with only short bits of busier road. Figure on roughly 2,000 m of climbing over the full route.

Great for touring, gravel, or e-bikes; 35–40 mm tires make the gravel easy. Break it into relaxed stages—there are lots of towns, bakeries, and train connections for flexible starts/finishes. Best from late spring to autumn; weekends can get lively around the lakes and tourist hotspots near Füssen.

Expect big Alpine views up top, turquoise river sections, shady forests, and photogenic old towns along the way. If you prefer all-tarmac, check the map and detours around the gravel sections.