Gravel Transalp - options and recommendations

[FreeZ_]

Hi!

I am writing in English as my German skills are quite limited.

I am planning a Gravel Transalp trip for late June. I will be flying into Munich and my final destination is Lake Garda. I’ll be traveling solo and staying in guesthouses or hotels along the way.

I have been researching different options, and the Albrecht Gravel Route is currently my top choice. In this scenario, I would take a bus from the airport to Garmisch-Partenkirchen to start the ride. I have also considered cycling directly from Munich Airport, but the route from there seems a bit unclear.

Since I am traveling alone, I want to avoid major risks regarding route choices. I’ll be riding a gravel bike with approximately 55mm tires, so the terrain shouldn’t be an issue. I really enjoy beautiful scenery and great gravel roads. I can handle reasonable climbs, but extreme, steep ascents on consecutive days might be a bit of a challenge for me.

Based on this, what would you recommend?

Thank you for your help!

 

[keinTrinkwasser]

I have also considered cycling directly from Munich Airport, but the route from there seems a bit unclear.

My advice: don't miss Munich City.
Take one of numerous railway possibilities to the northern surroundings of Munich and enjoy a ride through the park, the heart of the city and the route along Isar river southwards to tune in.
Something like this example: https://bkrtr.de/Kczbp

 

[Hofbiker]

Hey @FreeZ_!


Personally, I'd recommend taking the train instead of the bus — mainly for the extra space (especially useful with a bike).

The Albrecht Route will serve you really well! From my experience doing multiple Transalp crossings over the years, you tend to meet like-minded cyclists quite quickly along the way — so don't worry about the solo aspect too much, it's unlikely you'll feel lonely for long!

Have a nice tripp

 

[FreeZ_]

Thanks for the answers!

To avoid adding extra travel days, it would obviously be ideal to reach Garmisch by train; that way, I could start the trip directly on the actual route.

I also considered an option where I would follow the Munich–Venice route at first and then switch over to the Transalp route near Brenner. This might be technically possible, but would I be missing out on some great sections at the beginning of the trip? In this variation, I would get to experience cycling through Munich as well as the Isar Radweg.

 

[McNulty]

If you want to spend one additional day (if the weather is fine) and want to do a cross country BEST OF BAVARIA my recommenation is Isarradweg, go up to Starnberger See (Western side). Then again West to Bad Tölz, Isarradweg again, Jachenau, Walchensee, depending on remaining Power) via Walgau, Garmisch. That should be around 120km (? Maybe less) and is doable with Gravel in one day.

As said: you won't get more of Bavaria in one day anywhere else. Only missing piece is Neuschwanstein.
And after Garmisch - besides the Zugspitz-View - in my opinion it gets more boring

 

[McNulty]

First link Munich Murnau: Most direct scenic route.
Sorry for the downloal link, Suunto crappy Portal


https://api.sports-tracker.com/apis...lWZzGyh6YMfl?brand=SUUNTOAPP&format=gpx-route

Second link Bad Tölz Eschenlohe
https://api.sports-tracker.com/apis...4Qb1QmM_9k_cjpeUTlgjwSFnq_A==?brand=SUUNTOAPP

From murnau / eschenlohe to garmisch you can just follow the radweg sign.

For the connection Starnberger See - Bad Tölz you will find something nice in the Internet

 

[McNulty]

Another topic: If you consider taking the train - if it is a sunny weekend take an early one and try to be a little bit earlier at the Munich Train station - do not try to enter the train at a later station (e.g. Pasing).
Depends obviously on the weather ;-)

S-Bahn from the airport during rush-hour could be tricky and is not allowed with bike during certain (rush-hour)-hours. But is also a nice ride going from the Airport to the Isar and follow the Isar-Radweg

Download the "Deutsche Bahn App / DB-App" - it is quite easy to book tickets for you and your bike.

 

[FreeZ_]

The plans are finally locked in, and the departure is on June 21st!

Leaving from Munich Airport on June 21st and finishing the following Thursday in Bergamo. The idea is to follow the TransAlp gravel and Munich–Milan gravel routes.

Hopefully, I'll find some riding company along the way, as the days are going to be long and tough.

The rough plan:

• Day 1: MUC – Imst
• Day 2: Imst – Tschierv
• Day 3: Tschierv – Morbegno
• Day 4: Morbegno – BGY

Would love to hear any experiences, tips, or observations about the plan — does it sound realistic and doable?

 

[FreeZ_]

Here is my plan on the map. 17 days until departure, I really hope the weather is on my side and I avoid heavy rain. The bike is also ready to go! I will be doing the trip on a 3T Extrema Italia equipped with 2.25" Schwalbe Rick XC tires. I’ve prepared with both front and rear lights; although there shouldn't be many tunnels on the route, if a storm hits, I might have to take an easier route along the main roads.