Gravel biking in the Zugspitz region
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Between the rugged and majestic mountain ranges of the Bavarian Zugspitz region offers the perfect gravel bike conditionsWhether hidden paths, challenging trails that meander towards the summit or relaxed tours through gentle valleys and idyllic villages - there are plenty of exciting routes for gravel bikers in the Zugspitz region.
Diversity in biking
So why is gravel biking so special here, at the foot of the Zugspitze? Firstly, because of the variety of terrain. From steep climbs to fast descents, from narrow paths to wide trails - the Zugspitz region offers a wealth of terrain options that make the hearts of gravel bikers beat faster. Secondly, there is accommodation for every taste and every budget - from holiday apartments on a farm to star hotels. Bikers can also look forward to the best food after sport. Regionality is a top priority in all places, because the region's farmers and producers supply top-quality products with the shortest delivery routes. Cultural highlights, including the Ettal Monastery, the home of the expressionist Gabriele Münter and Linderhof Castle, can also be easily reached from the bike saddle.
And finally, there is the incomparable beauty of the Zugspitz region itself. The majestic mountains, the clear lakes, the lush forests - they all form the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable gravel bike experience. In the midst of this natural splendor, you feel alive, free and are constantly encouraged to achieve top performances when you see the mountain peaks.
Gravel bikes are designed to ride efficiently on both paved roads and unpaved terrain, such as gravel and forest paths. The roots of gravel biking go back a long way, to a time when bicycles were the main means of transport and adventure seekers would head out onto unpaved roads to explore the unknown. Today, gravel biking is a tribute to these pioneers and a reminder that the spirit of discovery is alive in all of us. And there is plenty to discover in the multifaceted Zugspitz region. So hop on the saddle and into the adventure. Book the right accommodation in advance and nothing will stand in the way of your gravel bike holiday.
Consciously mindful on the way in every season
Starting with the arrival by public transport, through respect for protected and sanctuary areas for plants and animals, to avoiding feeding places for wild animals and keeping dogs on a leash, the Zugspitz region encourages through meaningful signage, brochures and numerous activities, to experience the natural landscape around the Zugspitze carefully and mindfully.
Hikes along wild mountain streams, climbing on rugged rocks or mountain tours to one of the numerous peaks in the Zuspitz region - a diverse 1.200-kilometer-long, well-marked network of trails stretches around Germany's highest mountain. The hikes lead through partly untouched nature, past grazing cows, along crystal-clear streams. From spring to autumn, you can look over the shoulders of mountain farmers as they work hard on the mountainside. It is not uncommon to see a deer scurrying between the trees and countless plants and herbs line the path. In order to preserve this pristine landscape, protect the wildlife and not make the farmers' work more difficult, the region relies on the responsibility and mindfulness of its visitors - true to the motto "careful, environmentally friendly and passionate about the mountains".
"The nature and agriculture of our region are of inestimable value to us, and we are very aware of this. Treating them with care should therefore be a matter of course, because nature and agriculture are the basis for recreation and high-quality food - it can only be the logical consequence to protect both like a treasure and to communicate and remind people of this in a variety of ways," explains Philipp Holz, tourism manager of the Zugspitz region.
Respectful treatment of agriculture and nature ensures top-quality products on the plate
The lush, green meadows not only provide food for the livestock, but also form the basis for the high-quality food that is produced in the Zugspitz region in a resource-saving manner. Thanks to the numerous family farms, guests in the region can enjoy a variety of high-quality, regional top products - these end up in the cooking pots of hotel and restaurant kitchens without long delivery routes, and guests can look forward to specialties made from regional ingredients.
To ensure that it stays that way, guests are also asked to do their part: Out of respect for nature, people and animals, signs on the hiking trails in the Zugspitz region encourage people to avoid shortcuts and to stay on designated paths. The principles of "those who work have priority", "keep dogs on a leash" and "take dog poop back down to the valley" are also being implemented as part of the "Consciously mindful along the way“ prioritized.
Getting to the Zugspitz region by public transport and parking
Using public transport not only helps protect the environment, it also means less stress and traffic jams, more time in nature and more safety - a convenient and careful mobility that protects nature, people and animals. At weekends there are direct ICE connections between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and cities such as Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt or Nuremberg. In addition, the regional train from Munich runs hourly to the Bavarian Alpine region. For example, a Flixbus stops in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Mittenwald and with the spa and guest card you can travel by bus for free in the Zugspitz region. Otherwise, you should only park in designated parking spaces and never on meadows or on the side of the road. You can find more information about this here..
More exciting articles about the Zugspitz region:
EXPERIENTIVE WINTER IN THE ZUGSPITZ REGION
AUTUMN HIKING IN THE ZUGSPITZ REGION
SEVEN DAYS, SEVEN PEAKS
© Photos: Zugspitz Region GmbH, Julian Rohn, Wolfgang Ehn
Cecile Meier
Cécile is a freelance author and sustainability strategist. She enjoys traveling to the fullest: getting to know different cultures, listening to other languages and discovering new things either by the sea or in a (big) city always fascinates her. The stories and intentions of the Good Travel hosts are particularly important to her.
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