Munich – Venice

From Prosecco to wheat beer by bike or vice versa

Delightful cycling along the most enjoyable route across the Alps

The Munich – Venice long-distance cycle route connects Germany’s southernmost metropolis with Italy’s pearl of the lagoon on the Adriatic Sea. It is the most enjoyable way to cross the Alps with spectacular landscapes and culinary highlights, leading through 3 climate zones and 5 adventure worlds. The 560 km route can be followed in both directions with approximately the same difference in altitude. In fact, some would say you have only truly experienced the Munich – Venice cycle route when you have completed it both ways around.

Cycling through five different adventure worlds

The “element water“ is your constant companion throughout the first of the characteristic adventure worlds, beginning with the Bavarian metropolis of Munich and its city beaches on the Isar. Both variations of the route west and east of the Isar lead you to picturesque Lake Tegernsee, Sylvenstein Reservoir and the “Tirolean Sea”, Lake Achensee. The route continues along Lake Achensee, right past the eastern shore. Nature Park Karwendel and its 350 springs await.

There are plenty of gems to be found in the “treasure chest of Tirol”, from experiencing Tirolean mining tradition to numerous cultural and natural treasures. The route leads from Jenbach im Inntal via Schwaz, Hall-Wattens and Innsbruck up into the Tirolean Wipptal. Not to be missed: a journey on the steam train to Zillertal, a visit to Swarovski Crystal Worlds and Hall Mint Museum or an excursion to Wolfsklamm Gorge.

Alpine and Mediterranean lifestyle merge in the next adventure world. When taking the Brenner Pass to South Tirol, you can immediately feel the charm of the Mediterranean South in the towns of Sterzing or Brixen. The route continues through the lush Puster Valley where the alpine landscape between the main ridge of the Alps and the Dolomites can be experienced across the main axis and seven side valleys.

This section lends itself for stop-offs to enjoy South Tirolean specialities and cultural visits: Reinhold Messner has dedicated two museums to the topic of mountains in Bruneck and on Kronplatz.

Next up, the “UNESCO World Natural Heritage Dolomites“, where the Drei Zinnen in particular will make you want to take a break and absorb your surroundings. You can go by bike via Cortina d’Ampezzo to Pieve di Cadore, Lago di Santa Croce and Belluno. Here you can enjoy the World Natural Heritage in Belluno National Park or refresh yourself in Lago di Santa Croce.

On the last, flat stage – “gardens of Venice & art cities” – that leads through the Venetian Plain, you can immerse yourself in the flair of the world-famous lagoon city and, if you like, in the sea near Jesolo. Places like Vittorio Veneto, Conegliano and Treviso invite you to stop on the way there. The historical “Gardens of Veneto” with villas from the 16th and 17th centuries are sure to enchant. As one of the Italian “Art Cities in Europe”, Venice enjoys a unique reputation as a cultural institution, also because of the Biennale that has been taking place there since 1895.