Self-Guided Lake Constance to Konigssee Classic Alpine Bike Tour

This classic cycling journey takes you along the northern edge of the Alps, linking Lake Constance with the dramatic beauty of Königssee over nine memorable days. Starting in Lindau, you ride through the rolling hills of the Allgäu, past quiet villages, alpine meadows, and sparkling lakes. Along the way, highlights come thick and fast, from postcard views of the Alps and the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle to the UNESCO listed Wieskirche and the historic monastery at Benediktbeuern.

The route continues through picture perfect Upper Bavaria, skirting Tegernsee, Schliersee, and Chiemsee, where there is time to explore the islands by boat and admire another royal palace. With luggage transfer included and comfortable hotels each night, you can focus on the ride itself.

The journey ends in Berchtesgaden National Park, with the emerald waters of Königssee providing a fitting finale to this scenic and rewarding alpine adventure.

Tour Type

Self-Guided

Lodging

casual hotels

Start

Lindau

Finish

Berchtesgaden

Level

moderate to challenging

Avg. Daily Distance

67 km / 42 mi

Cycling Days

7

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 12

Fly-In

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Fly-Out

Salzburg Airport (SZG)

Highlights

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Fairytale Castles and Royal History

Our journey reveals Neuschwanstein Castle, King Ludwig II's fairytale creation. Then, Herrenchiemsee Palace on Chiemsee reflects Bavaria's regal heritage.

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Classic Bavarian Landscapes

Cycling through Allgäu and Upper Bavaria offers rolling meadows, alpine farms, forest trails, and traditional villages. The scenery is wonderfully unspoiled and distinctly Bavarian.

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A Grand Alpine Finale at Königssee

The journey ends in Berchtesgaden National Park at Königssee, where emerald green water and steep mountain walls deliver a truly memorable and fitting finish.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Lindau

Your journey begins with an individual arrival in Lindau, beautifully located on Lake Constance. After checking in to your hotel, you have time to unwind and explore the historic island old town, known for its medieval streets, harbor promenade, and alpine lake views. This first day is intentionally unstructured, allowing you to recover from travel and prepare for the cycling days ahead.

Bike fitting and travel document review can be done at your own pace.

Meals:
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Day 2: Oberstaufen

Leaving Lake Constance behind, you begin cycling through gently changing landscapes as the terrain slowly rises into the Allgäu region. The route follows river valleys and countryside lanes, passing farms, forests, and small Bavarian villages such as Hergenweiler, Maria-Thann, and Röthenbach.

This first riding day introduces the character of the tour with steady climbs, wide open views, and a peaceful rural atmosphere. By afternoon, you reach Oberstaufen, a well-known alpine spa town surrounded by rolling hills and mountain scenery.

Elevation: +630 m / -230 m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 53 km / 33 mi
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Day 3: Füssen

Today is a long and rewarding cycling day through the heart of the Allgäu. You ride past the Großer and Kleiner Alpsee, continue through Immenstadt and Sonthofen, and enjoy expansive views as the mountains draw closer. A gradual climb leads to Memersch at 1,000 meters, the highest point of the entire route.

From here, sweeping alpine panoramas stretch toward the Zugspitze and the Tannheim Mountains. A scenic descent then carries you toward Füssen or Nesselwang, nestled at the edge of the Bavarian Alps.

Elevation: +740m / -750 m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 81 km / 50 mi
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Day 4: Blaues Land

This stage is filled with iconic Bavarian sights. Shortly after leaving Füssen, you pass Hohenschwangau and the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, dramatically set against alpine backdrops. The route continues along Forggensee and Bannwaldsee, through a landscape rich in lakes and mountain views.

You then reach the Wieskirche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its Rococo architecture. The day concludes in the Blaues Land region, known for its open moorlands and artistic heritage.

Elevation: +620m / -750m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 72 km / 45 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Angerbräu
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Day 5: Bad Tölz

A shorter and more relaxed cycling day allows you to fully enjoy the scenery. You follow the Loisach River through wide valleys and alpine meadows, passing Kochel am See beneath the imposing Herzogstand massif. Highlights include Benediktbeuern, home to a historic Benedictine monastery with over twelve centuries of history.

Gentle terrain and expansive views accompany you into Bad Tölz, a traditional Bavarian spa town on the River Isar with colorful facades and a lively town center.

Elevation: +310m / -320m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 46 km / 29 mi
Accommodation: Posthotel Kolberbräu
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Day 6: Rosenheim

Today’s ride takes you deep into Upper Bavaria’s lake district. Rolling countryside leads you to Tegernsee, followed by Schliersee, both surrounded by forested hills and alpine peaks. You continue around the Wendelstein massif, enjoying changing perspectives of mountains, valleys, and farmland. Long descents and scenic stretches create a sense of journey as you move northward into the Mangfall Valley.

The day ends in the Rosenheim region, where alpine landscapes begin to soften into open plains.

Elevation: +840m / -1030m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 80 km / 50 mi
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Day 7: Siegsdorf

Today’s ride unfolds as an easy and scenic day in the saddle. We begin by rolling gently downhill through the Moos, cruising toward Neubeuern and Altenmarkt am Inn. After Altenmarkt, the route gradually gains height as we pedal through Rohrdorf, before briefly skirting the A8 on our way to Frasdorf. From here, it’s a short and enjoyable ride into Aschau im Chiemgau.

The day continues with a relaxed descent to Bernau, beautifully positioned at the foot of the Kampenwand (1,668 m) and at the southwestern edge of Lake Chiemsee. With no major climbs ahead, we cycle comfortably between the mountain silhouettes of Hochfelln (1,664 m) and Hochgern (1,633 m), following quiet roads through open moorland landscapes near the lake. Passing through Grassau, we reach the village of Bergen, before finishing the day with one final, short climb on the way to Siegsdorf.

Elevation: +460m / -320m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 60 km / 37 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Alte Post
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Day 8: Berchtesgaden

The final cycling day leads into increasingly dramatic alpine scenery. You ride via Traunstein and Bad Reichenhall, following river valleys and foothills as the mountains rise higher around you. Entering the Berchtesgaden Alps, the landscape becomes more rugged and impressive. Narrow valleys framed by steep mountain walls guide you toward the national park.

The journey culminates near Königssee, whose emerald waters and towering cliffs provide a spectacular and fitting finale.

Elevation: +630m / -710m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 80 km / 50 mi
Accommodation: Hotel AlpinaRos
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Day 9: Departure

After breakfast at your hotel, your cycling journey officially comes to an end. Depending on your travel plans, you may depart directly or choose to spend additional time exploring the Berchtesgaden area. If time allows, a final visit to Königssee offers a peaceful and memorable farewell, with its emerald waters and steep alpine cliffs.

Berchtesgaden also provides opportunities to explore local villages, enjoy mountain scenery, or relax before onward travel. Transfers and train connections are available toward Salzburg Airport or other onward destinations.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.



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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

Bike Image

Conway Cairon C 3.0 tief Gr.M or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Bike Image

Conway Cairon C 3.0 Herren Gr.M or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Arrival & Departure Details

ARRIVAL

Your tour begins in Lindau on Lake Constance. The most convenient airport for arrival is Zurich Airport (ZRH). From Zurich Airport, Lindau is easily reached by train in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, usually with one simple change, or by rental car in about 2 hours. Train connections are frequent and reliable, making this a smooth and efficient arrival option.

DEPARTURE

Your tour ends in the Berchtesgaden. The most convenient airport for departure is Salzburg Airport (SZG), located around 25 km away. From Berchtesgaden, Salzburg Airport can be reached by taxi, private transfer, or regional train connections. Travel time is typically under one hour, making this a short and comfortable transfer after the final cycling day.

We recommend booking flights from Salzburg for maximum convenience at the end of the tour.

Weather

The best weather for cycling this route is late spring to early autumn, when alpine roads are clear and temperatures are comfortable. June to September offers the most reliable conditions, with daytime temperatures between 18–25°C (64–77°F), long daylight hours, and open mountain passes. May and October are cooler at 12–18°C (54–64°F) and can be very scenic, though occasional rain or chilly mornings are possible.

Early spring and late autumn are less suitable due to cold weather, shorter days, and a higher chance of rain, fog, or snow at higher elevations. Winter months are considered off season for cycling.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Offseason

April

Mixed

May

Good

June

Best

July

Best

August

Best

September

Best

October

Good

November

Offseason

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.

For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

The setup experience varies by destination:

  • In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.


  • In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.


All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.

During the Tour

You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.

What to Expect

The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:

  • You start with the correct frame size

  • You can fine-tune your comfort easily

  • You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route


It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.

We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.

Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.

To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.

A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.

We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.

Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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