Cycle Transalp: Munich – Lake Garda

Bavaria's capital offers visitors a rich selection of attractions – from the expansive Englischer Garten and the historic town hall to the iconic Hofbräuhaus. Here there's plenty of time to enjoy the city's lively atmosphere before the cycling journey begins. Be sure to have dinner in Altstadt with a frothy stop beer.

You leave Munich through Forstenrieder Park and continue towards Lake Starnberg. From Starnberg you follow the lake's shoreline either to Ambach, Bernried or Murnau, depending on the hotel. The lake impresses with its crystal-clear water and fantastic views over the surrounding mountains.

The day begins with rural surroundings from Riegsee to Murnau. Along the way you pass Murnauer Moos, the largest bog area in Central Europe. Through the pristine landscape you continue along the Loisach river to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Here you get the opportunity to take the Zugspitzbahn up to 2,962 meters – an optional add-on. The view over the Alps from the top is spectacular. Now the traverse really begins!

Today you follow a beautifully constructed cycle path all the way to the Isar river. As you cycle through the sunny highland plateau, you're treated to magnificent panoramic views over the Karwendel and Wetterstein massifs on your way to Mittenwald. Here you can take a break and discover the town's famous Lüftlmalerei – traditional facade paintings. The route then continues impressively through the Leutasch valley into Austria. Along Leutascher Bach you cycle through the beautiful valley until you reach the evening's accommodation.

Today you reach the Inn valley. From Leutasch you follow a gently rolling country road before an eight-kilometer downhill stretch takes you to Telfs with the wind in your hair. From there you cycle along the former towpath by the Inn river to Stams, known for its beautiful baroque monastery. Via Haiming it's then a short distance to Imst, often called "North Tyrol's Merano".

Today's stage takes you past the monastery in Zams to Landeck. From here there's a bus transfer up to Nauders, which means you avoid the steep climb to Resia Pass that forms the border with Italy. Once there, only just under 70 meters of ascent remains before you reach the pass. Then a lovely downhill stretch awaits to Lake Resia, with the bell tower sticking up from the water - the only remnant of the village that was here before the dam was built. You continue on the cycle path to Mals – known for its many towers – or to Burgeis at the foot of Marienberg monastery.

Start the day with a visit to Glurns, whose medieval city wall is completely preserved. From here you cycle past the Montani ruins and continue through Schlanders down towards Merano. Along the way you pass castles and fortresses, including alpinist Reinhold Messner's castle Juval, which towers high above the cycle path. The view over the Ortler massif and Stelvio Pass is impressive. Since 2004, the Vinschgau railway between Mals and Merano has been in use again, which means you can choose to take the train for parts of the route if you wish.

You cycle through Lana and pass countless fruit orchards and vineyards along the South Tyrolean wine route, past a series of fortified castles, palaces and ruins – for example Hocheppan, known for its remarkable frescoes. The day ends in the pleasant wine village of Auer (Ora in Italian).

Follow the beautifully developed cycle path along the Adige to Salurn, where the German-speaking part of South Tyrol ends. The famous vineyards of Trentino spread out right next to the cycle path, which continues all the way into Trento. The city's historic center attracts with its cathedral and the impressive Buonconsiglio castle.

You continue along the Adige river past the historic border town of Rovereto to Mori. From here the route turns west towards Lake Garda. Make sure to stop at Gelateria Bologna in Mori and try their famous pistachio ice cream or a freshly pressed juice. After a short climb over Passo San Giovanni, a lovely downhill awaits down to the lake, where you arrive at Torbole or Riva del Garda, depending on the hotel. You have now crossed the Alps by bicycle and can reward yourself with a smooth gelato and a cool dip in the lake between majestic mountain walls and embracing Italian atmosphere.

After breakfast the journey ends – or you stay a few more days at Lake Garda to enjoy more cycling, hiking or rest.