Cycling in Munich

Only have a day to get an impression? With its proximity to Munich and Alpine peaks in the distance, Lake Starnberg is the perfect destination and can be reached by metro or train from the city center. Then follow the bike path circling the lake - it is a distance of about 50 kilometers (30 miles). Don't miss out on the promenade in Starnberg, the idyllic palace of Empress Sissi in Possenhofen and the memorial cross for King Ludwig II, whose 1886 death in the lake is still shrouded in mystery.

The M-Wasserweg (M-waterway) is a themed bike trail to Lake Tegernsee. On its 68 kilometers (42 miles), it passes various significant stations connected to the drinking water supplies of Munich - and signs along the way explain the journey of the water into the city. The hilly route can be a bit of a challenge even without the optional detour to the top of nearby Taubenberg. For mountains, a stunning lake destination and a mostly traffic-free route, look no further than the M-Wasserweg to the South of Munich.

The route circles the surrounding area of the city, can be joined at any point and is easily reached by metro and train services from Munich. Dachau to Ismaning might be considered a castle tour, Ismaning to Haar takes you past two wonderful lakes ideal for swimming. The southern stretch from Neubiberg to Gauting is characterized by streams and the landscape park Hachinger Tal, and Germering to Olching follows in the footsteps of the Romans - there are museums and archaeological finds on the way - and takes you up Germannsberg for a wonderful view of the valley below. Each stretch is 25 - 38 kilometers (15 - 23 miles) long and offers plenty of opportunities to stop for a bite to eat or a dose of culture and history.

Munich lies about halfway between the source and the mouth of the River Isar, so the Isar Cycle Path can be followed for about 150 kilometers (90 miles) in either direction. As it runs along the river, it is mostly flat and passes pretty towns, historical castles, and idyllic nature reserves. Other attractions on the Isar cycle path include the towns of Landshut and Bad Tölz and the lakes Walchensee and Sylvensteinsee. At Deggendorf, the River Isar flows into the Danube, where you can connect to the long-distance cycle routes.

The Mangfall cycle path is a 60 kilometers (37 miles) long route out of Munich with incredible scenery. Get ready to be wowed at Dürrnhaar, where the most picturesque stretch takes you through the meadows and forests of Mangfall valley and finishes in Rosenheim, a charming old town. Along the Mangfall River the gravel roads are mostly flat and easy to ride - this really is a perfect day out for the whole family.