Cycling tours in Bavaria: Eight very special cycle paths

Tired of crowded cycling routes that you have to share with hundreds of other cyclists? Then it's time to explore new paths – literally. We present eight special cycling routes in Bavaria . Some run along old railway lines, others tell of the salt trade, railway gold, or the "white gold" of the porcelain towns. They lead you through quiet hilly countryside, along the water, over old railway bridges, and to architectural masterpieces in the heart of nature.

The best part: They're not (yet) as well-known and therefore less traveled. Perfect for those who prefer unusual routes to familiar names. Sometimes relaxing, sometimes sporty—and always with an exciting story to discover along the way.

Where trains once rattled along the tracks, you can now enjoy a leisurely cycle ride from the Eastern Allgäu to Upper Bavaria. The Sachsenrieder Bähnle (Saxony-Ried Railway) follows the former railway line between Schongau and Kaufbeuren for approximately 34 kilometers – bringing its history to life.

At 24 stations with interactive information panels, you can access historical film footage and test your railway knowledge. So-called panoramic views along the cycle path give you an impression of what the railway line might have once looked like.

Panoramic views on the Sachsenrieder Bähnle cycle path give an impression of what it used to look like here.

Source: Pfaffenwinkel Tourism Association

The route begins in Schongau and leads via Altenstadt with its Romanesque Basilica of St. Michael, through small towns like Ingenried and Sachsenried, and across the Sachsenried Forest to Kaufbeuren. In some sections, the cycle path follows the old route, while in others, you cycle along hiking trails or quiet local roads.

Particularly charming: two historic railway bridges are still preserved, as are original signaling systems and kilometer markers that indicate the distance to Kaufbeuren station.

Tour overview: The Sachsenrieder Bähnle

Length: 34.1 kilometers

Region: Eastern Allgäu and Upper Bavaria (between Kaufbeuren and Schongau)

Difficulty: easy (mostly flat, family-friendly)

Details & GPX: bettundbike.de/urlaubstipps/abseitenradeln/sachsenrieder-baehnle

From the Ries Crater to the Danube Gorge – on the Altmühltal Geo-Cycle Trail, you'll not only get a good pedal stroke, but also embark on a journey through 150 million years of Earth's history. The 383-kilometer tour between Nördlingen and Kelheim offers plenty of flexibility with two main routes and four loops.

No matter which route you choose, an impressive variety of landscapes awaits you along the way: spectacular geotopes such as the Nördlinger Ries meteorite impact crater, bizarrely shaped Jurassic cliffs, fossil sites such as that of the famous "prehistoric bird" Archaeopteryx, and visitor quarries where you can "knock" fossils yourself.

The Altmühltal Geo-Cycle Trail offers spectacular views along the route.

Source: Altmühltal Nature Park

In addition to the geological highlights, you will also pass all sorts of historical places such as Eichstätt with the Willibaldsburg, which houses the Jura Museum, and Treuchtlingen with the historic Karlsgraben and the Altmühltherme.

On mostly paved paths, you'll sometimes take a leisurely route past small villages and rivers, sometimes a more strenuous one across the Jura plateau: the Georadweg requires a good level of fitness, but you'll be rewarded with magnificent views, fascinating knowledge, and the sheer power of nature.

Tour overview: Georadweg Altmühltal

Length: approximately 383 kilometers (two main routes, four circular tours)

Region: Bavaria, between Nördlingen and Kelheim

Difficulty: difficult (varies from flat to hilly, good fitness required)

Details & GPX: komoot.com/de-de/collection/2484982/georadweg-altmuehltal-mitten-hinin-in-die-erdgeschichte

The Regnitz Cycle Path winds through the countryside between Nuremberg and Bamberg. There are two variations of the cycle route to choose from: The Canal Route follows the perfectly straight course of the Main-Danube Canal and is lined with technical monuments such as old locks and water wheels.

If you prefer a more authentic experience, choose the valley route – this 85-kilometer trail winds through half-timbered villages, fields, and meadows along the Regnitz River. Both routes can be combined into a circular tour – ideal for a weekend in the saddle.

A short break by the water: The Regnitz cycle path offers many idyllic places for a break

Source: FrankenTourismus / Andreas Hub

The Regnitz Cycle Path also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine and culture. You can stock up on Franconian specialties in farm shops and vending machines along the route, take a refreshing break in the region's beer cellars, and visit the Levi Strauss Museum in Buttenheim, the inventor of jeans.

In the Tennenloher Forest, you can observe wild Przewalski's horses, the last remaining wild horses in Germany, and those taking the canal route can discover several works of art along the canal dam. The cycle path can also be wonderfully combined with a city trip – Nuremberg, Fürth, Erlangen, Forchheim, and Bamberg are all along the route.

Tour overview: Regnitz Cycle Route

Length: 85 kilometers (valley route), 75 kilometers (canal route), can be combined as a round trip

Region: Bavaria (between Nuremberg and Bamberg)

Difficulty: easy (mostly flat, family-friendly)

Details & GPX: regnitzradweg.de

The Bavaria–Bohemia Bridge Cycle Route is a journey that crosses borders. For 56 kilometers, the route follows old railway lines through the Fichtel Mountains to Asch in the Czech Republic – past marble quarries, disused train stations, and over more than a dozen listed railway bridges.

The moment you cross the German-Czech border is particularly special: where the Iron Curtain once ran, you now roll through a cross-border landscape full of nature, industrial culture, and warm hospitality.

The route starts near Lake Fichtelsee, where you can also swim at designated spots. Refreshed, the almost flat path continues through resort towns like Tröstau and the festival town of Wunsiedel to Höchstadt, from where you can see the striking Thierstein Castle ruins. From there, you cycle on to Selb, known as a center of porcelain art.

The cross-border route of the Bavaria-Bohemia Bridge Cycle Route starts at Lake Fichtelsee in Upper Franconia.

Source: IMAGO/imagebroker

The "Porzellanikon," the state museum, is a good place to stop: Here, you can experience how the "white gold" was made. The tour continues over the Wartberg mountain, across the border, past Nový Žďár, and on to Asch. Along the way, numerous inns and beer gardens offering Franconian-Bohemian specialties invite you to stop for a break.

Tour overview: Bridge Cycle Route Bavaria–Bohemia

Length: 56 kilometers

Region: Fichtelgebirge (Bavaria) to Asch (Czech Republic)

Difficulty: easy (mostly low gradient, well developed)

Details & GPX: fichtelgebirge.bayern/detail/id=5f15fb06312b0c5876933b95

A cycling tour that combines vast landscapes with modern architecture and quiet moments of contemplation: The 7 Chapels Cycle Route leads 153 kilometers through the Swabian Danube Valley and past seven wayside chapels.

The buildings along the path are not traditional churches, but artistic wooden structures designed by renowned architects – one reminiscent of a Roman temple, another of a Gothic cathedral. Each is unique and each stands in a special location: among meadows, at the edge of a forest, or with a sweeping view of the Donauried floodplain.

The modern wayside chapels along the 7-Chapels cycle path invite you to pause for a moment.

Source: Dillinger Land eV, Alwin Sing

With minimalist details, lighting effects, and quotes in glass walls, the buildings invite you to linger, look around, and enjoy the silence. If you'd like to learn more about the chapels and the landscape, you can take the "Bavarian Swabia Listening Tour" via the smartphone app of the same name—so ideally, you'll want to bring headphones with you.

The 7 Chapels Tour can easily be divided into several stages. It mostly runs on quiet roads, cycle paths, and forest trails, making it unsuitable for racing bikes. Kneipp facilities, swimming lakes, and historic towns like Wertingen and Gundelfingen provide relaxing breaks away from the chapels.

Tour overview: 7-Chapels Cycle Route

Length: 153 kilometers

Region: Swabian Danube Valley/Dillinger Land (Bavaria)

Difficulty: medium (mostly flat, hilly in places, not suitable for road bikes)

Details & GPX: bayerisch-schwaben.de/touren/die-sieben-kapellen-meisterwerke-moderner-architektur

The Missen High-Altitude Circuit isn't exactly a relaxed Sunday ride, but it's a real highlight for experienced cyclists. It climbs over 800 meters in elevation over a distance of approximately 31 kilometers, heading into the Allgäu foothills. You start in the tranquil village center of Missen, from where you cycle via Aigis to Geratsried.

Then it's time to grit your teeth, because from now on, the climb to the Thaler Höhe is a challenging one. The reward is a magnificent panorama with views of the Nagelfluh mountain range and the expansive Alpine foothills.

The Missener Höhenrunde rewards challenging climbs with panoramic views.

Source: Allgäu GmbH, Erika Dürr

If you still have energy left, add a little extra loop: Instead of cycling directly back to town via the Stixner Forest, you can extend the loop via Schlettermoos and the Kühberg ridge. This takes some energy, but the scenery is another highlight.

Important: The route is currently partially closed, but a diversion is signposted.

Tour overview: Missener Höhenrunde

Length: 30.8 kilometers

Region: Oberallgäu (Bavaria)

Difficulty: difficult (over 800 meters in altitude, physically demanding)

Details & GPX: allgaeu.de/touren/missener-hoehenrunde

The Franconian Water Cycle Route is ideal for anyone who enjoys a relaxing cycle ride along the water. This extensive circular route covers approximately 460 kilometers and encompasses the holiday regions of the Franconian Lake District, Romantic Franconia, and the Altmühl Valley Nature Park.

Lakes like the Altmühlsee are a constant companion on the Franconian Water Cycle Route.

Source: Jens Wegener

Alternatively, you can choose one of the shorter circular tours East (175 kilometers) or West (183 kilometers). Glittering lakes, gently flowing rivers, and towns full of romantic half-timbered houses: All three tours combine idyllic nature with Franconian hospitality – all on mostly flat terrain.

The starting point of this grand circular tour is the town of Roth in the Franconian Lake District. From there, the route continues through Bavaria in seven stages and three optional intermediate routes. Highlights along the way include Lake Brombach, the medieval town of Berching with its completely preserved city walls, Dinkelsbühl, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and the imposing Baroque Schillingsfürst Castle.

If you need a break along the way, Franconian specialties, swimming stops, and beer gardens are available at almost every stage.

Tour overview: Franconian Water Cycle Route

Length: approximately 460 kilometers (round trip in seven stages + three cross-connections)

Region: Franconian Lake District, Romantic Franconia, Altmühltal Nature Park

Difficulty: easy to medium (mostly flat, hilly in places)

Details & GPX: fraenkischer-wasserradweg.de

The Upper Bavaria Water Cycle Routes invite you to a cycling tour through the region's diversity – along rivers, lakes, and historical sites. Three themed routes totaling over 1,200 kilometers lead through the heart of Upper Bavaria.

The routes run in large loops around Munich, which serves as a central hub. Water is a constant companion on all stages – be it a river, a swimming lake, or a historic salt marsh.

The water cycle paths take you along Bavaria’s rivers and lakes.

Source: Tourism Upper Bavaria Munich

Each route revolves around regional characteristics: In the southeast, salt takes center stage as you cycle along the Salzach River to its source in Bad Reichenhall. On the Hops and Beer Loop, you explore the north, home to the world's oldest operating brewery, and on the Art Loop, you cycle toward Garmisch-Partenkirchen, past museums, a paper mill, and the Bavaria Film Studios.

All three routes are well-developed and offer not only water adventure points but also numerous beer gardens and swimming areas for a cool break.

Tour overview: Water cycling routes in Upper Bavaria

Length: approximately 1200 kilometers (three loops of 300 to 400 kilometers each)

Region: Upper Bavaria (around Munich)

Difficulty: easy to medium (varied, mostly river-side and flat)

Details & GPX: oberbayern.de/erleben/wasser-radlwege/

Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter .