Passionate mountain bikers have two options in midsummer: Either they head for a touring area in the high mountains to do their laps in cooler temperatures, or they look for a sunny spot by the lake. And that doesn't mean the overcrowded quarry pond on your doorstep. Rather a crystal-clear, emerald-coloured jewel in which the summit you have just conquered is still reflected in the water.
Area tip 1: Garmisch
Looking at the rough map, the eye searches for a long time for a serious blue area. You have to zoom in a little to discover the many small bathing pearls hidden between the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountains on various levels. But you can still choose where you want to roll out your towel. Ferchensee, Geroldsee, Barmsee, Seebensee, Eibsee and Blindsee are not far away. The tours there are absolute classics that you have to have ridden once anyway. BIKE area guide: MTB tours in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Area tip 2: Tegernsee
There must be a reason why the people of Munich rush out to this lake every weekend. Fortunately, city dwellers like to sleep in, so if you set off early in the morning, you will reach the scenic idyll of Lake Tegernsee before the rush. And once you've turned off onto the first gravel road on your bike, you're on your own anyway. On particularly hot days, it's best to head for one of the many mountain pasture tours between Tegernsee and Schliersee. This will take you to two beautiful bathing waters. Or you can cycle along the still pristine Isar river up to the Sylvenstein reservoir. This is quite a sporty ride, but you will probably get stuck on one of the Isar's Canadian-looking gravel banks anyway. BIKE area guide: MTB tours on Lake Tegernsee
Area tip 3: Chiemsee
The "Bavarian Sea" stretches out in front of the bike area with probably the greatest entertainment value of the German Prealps. Here, the route really climbs up into the high mountains and the view of Lake Chiemsee from above is breathtaking. The Kampenwand tour with its downhill trails is a classic of the first hour. Beginners will perhaps feel most at home on the gentle hump of the Samerberg. Hochgern and Rauschberg offer the most exciting trails - and if you don't fancy the metres in altitude, simply take a detour to the bike park on the Samerberg. The trails there were once again thoroughly honed in spring (information: www.bikepark-samerberg.de). If the bathing spots at Lake Chiemsee are still too crowded after the tour, then head to nearby Lake Simssee! BIKE area guide: MTB tours in Chiemgau
Lakeland Italy: the three best destinations for swimming & biking
Lake Garda - still the top destination behind the Brenner Pass
The pizza! The ice cream! The cappuccino! Okay, the German areas can't compete with that. The mountains are also higher on Lake Garda and the weather is usually nicer. In fact, the bars are also cooler and you can still walk around in shorts in the evening. But! The quality of the bathing water in our lakes is much better. On the other hand, practically every tour on the lake has cult status, thanks to Moser-Guide 11+12. You can find tour suggestions here: The 10 best MTB tours on Lake Garda
Lago d'Idro - The miniature Lake Garda
The small mountain lake is located 20 kilometres northwest of Lake Garda. Anyone who settles here has no desire for a big hustle and bustle. But a great desire for winding roads. Grassy mountain flanks rise up around Lake Idro. They are criss-crossed by zigzagging trails with views of the lake. There is one tour where the trail builders were in no hurry to reach the valley: 136 tight hairpin bends at an altitude of 1000 metres! Once you've reached the lake, you're either desperate or you've learnt how to turn the rear wheel. BIKE area guide: MTB tours on Lake Idro
Lake Como - the new discovery
As if the clocks on Lake Garda had been turned back: Domaso, on the north-west shore of Lake Como, has so far mainly been home to windsurfers. But word is slowly spreading that the ancient connecting paths between the mountain villages are also ideal for mountain biking. Five of the absolute top tours that have been discovered on Italy's third largest lake can be downloaded for free at: MTB tours on Lake Como
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
