Cycling Rossfeld Panorama Strasse
Bavarian Mountain Pass with Epic Views
Bavaria is one of those well-known but hidden spots for European cycling. We get too wrapped up with the more popular grand tour passes in the Alps, and don’t look wide enough to see the epic beauty of these majestic roads, weaving their way through the mountains.
This ride starts from the beautiful lakeside of Konigssee, allowing you to stay for a few days and do several activities or rides, before heading to the climb, then descending to the town of Berchtesgaden for refreshments. Thankfully, this old mountain town has many worthwhile reasons to visit, despite the unfortunate links within 20th Century history.
There’s then an optional second loop to finish of the day, before returning to the lake for a cool drink and swim.
Route Information
Stats 67 km 1, 800 metres
Refreshments & Where to Stay
If you’re staying nearby at Salzburg, then there’s lots of options foryou; and, you can then drive to Konigssee and park up by the lakeside, then head off riding. Alternatively, Konigssee itself has numerous accommodation options. Take a look by clicking the link HERE
Refreshments are easy to find along the way, and at the start point. Do however take fluids and snacks with you, too.
Character
This route starts off with a challenging climb, before the gradients get easier and more flowing. Along the way, the views of the mountains are breathtaking and definitely rewarding.
Route
1. Nestled in Bavaria’s Berchtesgaden National Park, Konigssee is a breathtaking alpine lake, with the nearby tourist town of Berchtesgaden amply suited for you. This ride starts at the car parking area and tourist point at the northern end of the Lake. A short ride towards Berchtesgaden takes you after 6km to the renowned Bavarian road climb of Rossfeld Panoramastrasse.
2. The climb itself is filled with hairpins and switchnacks that help to break up the toil. It goes on for approximately 12km, with an average gradient of 8.3%. The steepest section is at 19%, but is thankfully short lived.
3. Once summitted, the road descends the hairpins, all the way to the town of Berchtesgaden, where refreshments can be taken, prior to the second loop – a more relaxed ride.
4. Head north out of Berchtesgaden, on Berchtesgaden Strasse, signed towards Bischofswiesen, with a gentle climb.
5. After the 39km point, the cycle path leads off right – at Bischofsweisen, before then turning left and crossing over the route 20 on a road named ‘Loipler Strasse’.
6. At the 40km point, a short but steep climb tests you for a while, before the scenic roads wind their magical way like ribbons around the forested scenery. After 48 km the quiet and narrow roads rejoin a busier road -the highway 305, which takes you back to Berchtesgaden.
7. It’s then simply a case of riding back down to the lake at Konigssee.
Click below for GPX file & accommodation
Download GPX
Accommodation in Salzburg
