Road bike tours: The most beautiful routes on Lake Tegernsee

The Tegernsee region is a top-class road cycling area because: From flat lakeside circuits to hardcore scrambles in the foothills of the Alps, there is simply everything that cyclists enjoy

Is this the right place?", many people will probably ask themselves when they visit Christian Grasmann for the first time. If you turn right into his yard, there are only tractors standing around. A bike shop? Not a trace far and wide. But if you drive around the hay barn, there it is: the cowshed, which the former professional cyclist converted into a racing bike showroom worth seeing last year. Who did all this?" I ask him. The 44-year-old thinks for a moment, then looks down at his hands and grins. "I think," he says, "that was them." Grasmann is referring to his hands.

What Christian is hinting at in the former cowshed at the Oberkammerloh estate, just a few minutes away from Lake Tegernsee, is that he doesn't talk for long. Christian is someone who gets stuck in and gets things done. True to the motto: Only the grass man is crasser. If something needs to be done, even if it's the complete refurbishment of a "Stoi" - as the Holzkirchen native calls his current racing bike business - then he does it. However, the term "racing bike shop" does not do Christian's shop justice. With the white BMW 318i inside and the white walls, you could be forgiven for thinking you were entering an Apple store in London - if there weren't a few high-tech racing bikes worth a few hundred MacBooks standing around. You get the impression that Grasmann has fulfilled a dream with this piece of jewellery in the "Stoi". Fresh pretzels and a delicious coffee are also available. Today, Christian has brought together his team, the "Pushbikers" team. He always makes the same promise to his team members and his customers: "No matter what bike you come on and how fit you are: we'll make you faster. Always faster."

Highlight tour: Through the Valepp

The strategy works: Moritz Augenstein from the Pushbikers became the 2025 Track World Champion, Daniel Federspiel won the Ötztal Cycle Marathon. If you win the popular Ötzi, Federspiel said afterwards, you are something like the "Mayor of Tyrol". The "Rookie of the Year" on a racing bike was Korbinian Kohler. The 56-year-old has been buying historic buildings around Lake Tegernsee for decades and transforming them into award-winning pieces of jewellery. In the past, he only worked, ate and slept, he says, day in, day out. "I still do that today, but compared to before, I cycle 120 kilometres to Murnau and back on my racing bike in the afternoon," says the man who employs more than 500 staff at his "Bachmair Weissach" and the "Wallberghaus". According to Kohler, who has already been honoured as "Hotelier of the Year", he tasted blood in 2019 when he ran a marathon in New York. That's when he met Christian Grasmann. Since then, he has been hooked on racing bike fever and endurance sports in general.

In October 2025, he completed the Ironman in Barcelona in 12:48 hours. Kohler was not entirely satisfied. But Grasmann takes the hotelier in his arms and says: "We'll get another hour out of it next year." Kohler laughs and looks expectantly at his racing bike, which Grasmann has upgraded a little over the past few days. Together with team members Sarah, Amelie and Jaro, the two of them actually wanted to ride the classic among the classics in the region today, the Valepp circuit around Lake Tegernsee: almost 75 kilometres, more than 1,100 metres in altitude. But then Kohler's phone rings: he is needed at one of his hotels. "So much for reaching my physical limits," he says with a laugh and cycles off. The others get ready for the start.

Tourism at racing pace

We set off through the Louisental valley, past the Gmund paper factory, to Rottach-Egern, in the direction of Wallberg to the Erzherzog-Johann-Klause. Nature shows itself from its most beautiful side. And the four of them are pushing hard. You can see from the racing cyclists that they are on their bikes almost every day. Amelie, who works in an international law firm recruiting new lawyers, rides at 270 watts just like Jaro. Jaro works in a bike shop all day, sits on his bike in the evening and races at the weekend. "That ruins my entire annual average," he says with a chuckle, because if there's a criterium on Sunday, he only has 60 kilometres on Strava. He almost always skips Saturday to clock up the kilometres, otherwise he would start with "lactate in my knuckles". So he is "missing" thousands of kilometres because he takes part in at least 30 criteriums a year.

The sponsors love what the "Pushbikers" do on national and international events on gravel tracks, road and track. The Berchtesgadener Land dairy, Kreissparkasse Miesbach-Tegernsee, Roeckl Sports, Maloja & Co. support the team.

Break at the Bräustüberl on Lake Tegernsee

We stop for a first short break at the Bräustüberl in Tegernsee. "Road cyclists love our place," enthuses Stephanie Gilgenrainer, who runs the pub. It's usually the case that racing cyclists are always on the go, she notes, just don't stay seated for too long. But the Bräustüberl is prepared for this. So if someone orders a snack and a (non-alcoholic) wheat beer, they can be sure that they can jet off again after 30 minutes. The landlady explains that everything here is optimised down to the last detail, just like a car production facility in Wolfsburg. There are 30 people in the kitchen, 90 waiters and waitresses constantly on the move and six men in the bar. "If someone orders a freshly tapped beer, they get a freshly tapped beer," says Gilgenrainer. Those taking a break from cycling in the afternoon can look forward to sweet treats: steamed dumplings with vanilla sauce or apple cakes, grandma's apple and curd cheese strudel or apricot pancakes.

According to Bräustüberl boss Peter Hubert, "Liberalitas Bavaria" is at home under the vaults. A Latin expression for Bavarian generosity, cosmopolitanism and tolerance, which is associated with "live and let live".

Up with the pulse

As we roll on, Christian Grasmann keeps the pulse racing. We cycle along the lake towards Rottach-Egern and then turn left towards the Sutten ski resort. Before that, however, we ride straight on for a few kilometres, watching the paragliders sail down from the Wallberg. Then you pass the toll booth, followed by five kilometres through the forest with gradients of up to 15 per cent. Christian, the former professional cyclist, once set a record here: 21 minutes for the route to the Moni-Alm. Today, however, everyone rides together on the sunny tarmac road.

At the top of the Moni-Alm, it's straight back down again, about five kilometres to the turn-off towards "Forsthaus Valepp". They want to have lunch there. Johannes Rabl is already waiting to welcome them.

"Manu also wanted to say hello, but he had to go to London after all," explains Rabl as he greets him. By Manu, he means Manuel Neuer, the former national team goalkeeper and FC Bayern keeper. Neuer has been an enthusiastic racing cyclist for many years and has already invested money in various cycling endeavours. He lives on Lake Tegernsee, right next door to the Hotel Leeberghof. The leaseholder of the hotel: Johannes Rabl, triathlete. He has also worked as a hotel manager in the Maldives. "There was only sand there, no roads," he explains. He continued his triathlon bike training anyway, on the ergometer. 18,000 kilometres on the roller. Rabl and Neuer are like a Tinder date: a "perfect match".

Together, the two cycling aficionados have taken over the Forsthaus Valepp and now want to turn it into "the unique meeting place for racing cyclists". The duo offer a "fiery currywurst" or "Wuidara burger" made from venison. "Venison is amazing," explains outdoor chef Markus Sämmer. Deer is the most sustainable, healthiest and lowest-fat meat of all. If you don't like that, you can also order a fitness salad bowl with smoked char from Lake Schliersee at the Forsthaus.

Everything is geared towards pedallers: the bike meeting point with air pump and tools, the fountain with UV-filtered mountain spring water. Anyone can fill up their water bottle at the fountain, even if they don't eat or drink anything at the forester's lodge. But you can also top up any stocks of bars you may have already used up there, also created by Manuel Neuer. The "Health Yeah" snacks are gluten-free, soya-free and free from lactose, industrial sugar, sweeteners and artificial flavourings. But they are organic, vegan and high in protein.

About the Spitzingsattel

The four push bikers pack a few granola shots into their jersey pockets, then it's onwards. Onwards through the Valepp, which was freezing cold that day. It warms up on the rest of the ride towards the Rotwand. The route is beautiful. First through the valley past the Albert Link Hut, then it lies at your feet: the Spitzingsee. The group pedals along the lake, up to the Spitzingsattel. The gang quickly pull on their jackets on the pass, then it's downhill. The "Fantastic 4" shoot down into the valley for five kilometres. At the bottom, the road turns right towards Bayrischzell and left towards Schliersee. You turn left, first past Markus Wasmeier's museum, then via Hausham towards Tegernsee.

In the evening, after the excursion, everyone stops off at the "Bussi Baby". Korbinian Kohler joins us again - he also owns this hotel. We all look at the menu - and are a little overwhelmed. It smells delicious, everything looks delicious. Fish and seafood, lots of fresh vegetables, all with an Asian flavour. Very tasty.

"Guys," says Christian, "today was especially nice with you." But tomorrow is already the next Community Ride, after all it's Thursday and on Thursdays it's back on the bikes, starting at the Pushbikers headquarters in the old cowshed. The pack chases through the Oberland on three new routes in the three groups "Easy", "Medium" and "Pro". The motto is the same in all three performance groups: "Be nice together." Or what you might call a "gmiatlich" with an average speed of up to 40 km/h in the Pro group. But one thing is certain: "This is the right place!"

Tour and travel information Tegernsee

Orientation

The town and the eponymous Tegernsee are located in the Upper Bavarian district of Miesbach. Neighbouring communities are Gmund in the north and Rottach-Egern in the south. Bad Wiessee is located on the western shore of Lake Tegernsee. In contrast to many other Upper Bavarian lakes, the shores of Lake Tegernsee are largely accessible to the public, although they are densely overgrown with reeds. To the south, the Wallberg, Tegernsee's local mountain and part of the Mangfallgebirge, rises to 1,722 metres. The nucleus of the village is a Benedictine monastery from the 8th century, which was bought by King Maximilian I Joseph in the 19th century and used as a castle. At the turn of the 20th century, Tegernsee developed into a health resort and summer retreat for the European aristocracy and subsequently attracted more and more artists. During the National Socialist era, a number of leading Nazi functionaries settled in the area.

Journey

By car: From Munich, take the A8 motorway to the Holzkirchen junction and continue on the B 318 to Gmund or Tegernsee.

E-mobility: The car sharing scheme at Lake Tegernsee is called "eSeeShare". A total of nine electric cars are available and offer the opportunity to travel without your own car and still be mobile on site in an environmentally friendly way. From 6.90 euros per hour incl. 20 kilometres.
www.tegernsee.com/esee-share

Best time to travel

March to October. The Tegernsee region offers moderate temperatures all year round. This means that it is less hot in summer than elsewhere and not so icy in winter - on average. Summers are relatively rainy, with May and June being the wettest months. The lake warms up to an average of 22 degrees in summer. Tegernsee, Rottach-Egern and Kreuth are also considered to be climatic health resorts, and the climate in the forest areas of the foothills of the Alps is particularly mild and unstimulating. In the mountains and high mountain regions, the pollen and dust-free air relieves the respiratory system.

The bike shop

Christian Grasmann's shop in Waakirchen forms the centrepiece of the Maloja Pushbikers cycling project. Members of the team and many other cyclists meet there for joint rides, events and coffee. A workshop and bike shop with the house brand Argon 18 round off the offer. From May to September, Grasmann organises rides on Thursdays, starting from its shop in Waakirchen or the Kreissparkasse in Holzkirchen. The rides are organised in three performance-oriented groups: Easy, Medium and Pro. Each group is accompanied by a guide, and the motto is the same for all of them: "Gmiatlich zusammensein". https://pushbikers.com/

Food, drink & accommodation

Bräustüberl

Traditional restaurant in Tegernsee, with a large beer garden and lake view, home-style cooking. Even during the reign of King Max I Joseph, locals met European aristocracy there, followed by summer holidaymakers and artists, the beautiful, the rich, the important, the completely normal - and "racing cyclists".https://braustuberl.de/

bussi baby Tegernsee

New lifestyle hotel in Bad Wiessee on Lake Tegernsee, just a five-minute walk from the shore. Fantastic spa area with infinity pool and lake view. Beautiful restaurant with a modern concept, inspired by Southeast Asia. https://bussibaby.com/

blyb

The newly opened hotel looks back on a long and eventful history, and the operators make no secret of it. During the National Socialist era, Reichsführer SS Heinrich Himmler bought the property and converted it into a residence for his wife and daughter. Since the end of the war, it has been owned and leased by the Free State of Bavaria. Carefully renovated and remodelled, it opened its doors as the "Blyb" hotel in spring 2023. Managing Director Florian Zibert is also planning events that honour the hotel's history. Very cosy, very personal. https://blyb.co/

Cycling events

Giro Bavarese

In its own words, "Bavaria's smoothest vintage road bike tour". On 18/19 July 2026, routes of 45, 65 or 100 kilometres await around Tegernsee, Spitzingsee and Schliersee; "local delicacies for legs, stomach and eyes" are served along the way. https://girobavarese.de

Wendelstein tour

Varied cycling marathon organised by the Au Ski Club between Tegernsee and Chiemsee with distances of 50, 120, 165 and 213 kilometres. The marathon covers more than 3,000 metres in altitude and runs along the western shore of Lake Tegernsee. Date: 22 August 2026 https://wendelsteinrundfahrt.de

Shades of speed

Bad Feilnbach is around 30 kilometres east of Tegernsee - the venue and starting point for the event, which was initiated by former professional Marcus Burghardt. Date: 24-26 July 2026
www.shades-of-speed.eu

Sea festivals

Many people at Lake Tegernsee enthuse that the lake festival season is the most beautiful time of the year. The festivals are popular with locals and visitors alike: The first is the Rottach-Egern lake festival (7 July 2026), followed by the lake festival of the town of Tegernsee (28 July 2026) and the lake festival in Bad Wiessee (14 August 2026). At sunset, many boats glide across the water and conjure up a unique atmosphere. Market and food stalls, lots of music and demonstrations enrich the programme.

Sport

In addition to a varied cycling area, Lake Tegernsee offers the sporty public a whole host of other attractions. For water sports enthusiasts anyway, but also for pedestrians in the form of 18 certified Nordic walking trails. More than 650 kilometres of marked hiking trails connect the lakeshore and the mountains of the Bavarian Alps. Winter sports enthusiasts will find 100 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, with several alpine ski areas in the region offering 300 kilometres of pistes. Germany's longest natural toboggan run leads down into the valley from the Wallberg.

Iodine sulphur bath

The Adrianus and Königin Wilhelmina healing springs in Wiessee are the strongest iodine-sulphur springs in Germany. The alkaline water stimulates the immune system. In the new iodine-sulphur bath in Bad Wiessee, this speciality finds its architectural counterpart, designed by the internationally award-winning architect Matteo Thun. There are many different treatments, from classic baths to spray mist eye baths and inhalations, as well as a Finnish sauna, bio sauna, steam bath and more.
https://www.jodschwefelbad.de/

Literature & Maps

Travel guide

The Tegernsee travel guide. Pleasure, history and stories, Sonja Still, Allitera-Verlag, 18,00 Euro

Map

Kompass cycle map 3337, Munich's south, Alpine foothills, scale 1:70,000, 9.95 euros

The GPS tracks to follow

Tour 1 Between Tegernsee and Schliersee | 73 km | 1,120 metres in altitude

We leave Waakirchen on narrow side roads and cycle around Gmund in a wide loop via Moosrain and Dürnbach. Along the Tegernsee, in Rottach-Egern in a south-easterly direction past the Wallberg and to the first highlight at the small Suttensee. After a short descent under the Schalmeiereck, head north into the Valepp, challenging uphill, past the Spitzingsee and over the Spitzingsattel (1,129 metres). A rapid descent to Neuhaus and along the banks of the Schliersee via Hausham and hidden side roads back to Waakirchen.

Tour 2 North Loop 97 km | 960 metres altitude

In Christian Grasmann's definition, this is a "flat tour", which is due to the fact that the route leaves the mountainous region of Lake Tegernsee and crosses the flat to hilly foothills. The northern west-east section already cuts through the territory of the after-work laps of the Munich racing bike scene. At Valley, the route crosses the Mangfall, which gives the southern mountain range its name, for the first time, then loops around the Seeham "motorway lake" and crosses the Mangfall once more before passing Gmund and returning to the starting point in Waakirchen.

Tour 3 Oberland classic 87 km | 1,090 metres altitude

A real "local tour" over small and tiny roads in the home territory of the Maloja Pushbikers. The All Saints' Chapel in Reichersdorf marks a well-known sight before an extended loop explores the Leitzach valley and then leads towards Irschenberg - a traffic jam on the A8 motorway, but a beautiful panoramic mountain for cyclists with views of the nearby Alps. Via the beautiful and quite tough climb near Niklasreuth to Wörnsmühl and via Agatharied back to Tegernsee or the starting point in Waakirchen.

Tour 4 To the Sylvensteinsee 109 km | 1,220 metres altitude

The Sylvensteinsee sparkles like a turquoise-coloured jewel in the mountains and magically attracts excursionists of all kinds on two and four wheels - which speaks in favour of not undertaking this tour on a weekend, because after the Isarauen and from Lenggries, the B13 towards the reservoir has no alternative in places. At the lake, the route turns eastwards, climbs over the moderate Achenpass and follows the Weißach to Rottach-Egern. On the southern edge of the town, the Wallbergstraße in the shadow of the Rosssteinwand is an optional detour. Along the Tegernsee back to the starting point.