Mittenwald-Ehrwald from Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Gravel biking in the Bavarian Alps
Munich needs no introduction, but the countryside around this amazing Bavarian city is also worth exploring. Whilst many people consider a city break to Munich, we believe that it’s time for cyclists to consider a cycling holiday in Bavaria and Munich, too. After all, it’s the gateway to the German mountains and the Alps, and borders with spectacular mountain scenery in Austria and Switzerland too.
This one-day gravel bike route takes you from the centre Garmisch and the Bavarian Alps,
Route Information
Stats 75 km 1,091 metres
Refreshments & Where to Stay
Garmisch is used to catering for tourists and cyclists, so there’s ample choices of biker friendly places to stay. We’ve placed a Booking.com link on this webpage, so click in and take a look. Best of all, if you do book via the link, you’ll be helping us to maintain this volunteer led website.
In terms of food, once again, this is Germany, and you’ll find everything that you need. On the ride however, take plenty of drinks and snacks, as this is a ride into the mountains and you’ll need lots of energy. However, at 52 km you’ll be pleased to reach the village of Ehrwald in the Tyrol, where you can find a good cafe to rest, eat and drink, before the final ride section back to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Character
The tracks and trails are all reasonable for experienced riders. Fitness is key though, and so don’t overstretch yourself. There are some steep hills on the ride, and one with an average of 4.7% for over 2.5 km, so make sure that you and your bike is equipped for the adventure.
Route
- Leave Garmisch-Partenkirchen on the E533 road. It’s an excellent road and will allow you to build up time. At Kranzbach, 11.4km leave the road onto the st2542 road, and stay on this until the picturesque village of Mittenwald (16 km
- Leave Mittenwald on Leutascher Strasse, and ride along this amazing single track road, over the border and into Austria, with limestone cliffs on one side and trees all around you, and the river close at hand (Leutascher Ache), and with epic views through the trees and into the alpine countryside.
- At 25 km, the hamlet of Lochlehn is reached and the scenery opens up. After 33 km, on reaching the village of Klamm, the route steepens sharply.
- At the road junction in Klamm, a series of road signs (near to the alpine map), point in a variety of directions. Keep the small white painted building on your right and the alpine map (in the wooden edged glass case) on your left, and climb the narrow road upwards into the tree lined mountains of the Tyrol, with the river, Leutascher Ache, to your left hand side.
- By the time you reach the mountain hamlet of Ehrwalder Alm at 46 km, you’ll be on good quality gravel and ready to rest. Stay focused though, as a mere 4 km away, there’s a lots of options to look after you. Thankfully, it’s downhill from here on in, and you’ll be able to make the most of the friendly gradients. It’s a steep downhill, until reaching the large village of Ehrwald.
- On reaching the small grassy centre plaza in Ehrwald itself, a road junction is reached. Turn right at this, onto Haupt Strasse, keeping the large ‘Ski for rent’ store to your left. Take time in Ehrwald to rest and replenish energy.
- Once you do set off again, you’ll soon be crossing the border and back into Bavaria. It’s a gentle ride back now to Garmisch.
Click below for GPX file & Accommodation
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