Upper Bavarian Lakes and Passes Tour

Route details

Day tour through the Upper Bavarian Alpine foothills between Kochelsee, Walchensee, Sylvensteinspeicher and Tegernsee. The Route combines classic motorcycle routes with scenic highlights of the region.

The approximately 128-kilometre route starts in Grünwald south of Munich and initially leads along Country roads through the foothills of the Alps towards Kochel am See. The route initially runs on well-maintained main roads and then changes to more winding sections.

A central element of the Tour is the Kesselbergstrasse (B11), which connects Kochelsee with Walchensee. The Pass road overcomes a difference in altitude of around 200 meters over about 8 kilometers with a maximum gradient of eight percent. The northern ramp is significantly more winding and steeper than the southern ramp. The Pass summit is 858 meters above sea level. There is a continuous Speed limit of 60 km/h and a ban on overtaking. Motorcyclists are permanently banned from driving south from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily (April to October). At weekends and on public holidays, it is possible to drive outside these times. The police carry out regular checks.

From Walchensee, the Route continues through the Jachenau Valley to the Sylvenstein reservoir. This reservoir, built in 1957, is located in the Isarwinkel in the municipality of Lenggries. The route along the turquoise-colored lake offers views of the Karwendel mountains. The road surface is mostly good, but there may be cracks or patches in places.

The last section leads via Bad Tölz to Lake Tegernsee. The roads here are wider and less winding, but still scenic. Tegernsee itself is a classic excursion destination with its lakeside promenade and historic town center.

The Tour is suitable for riders with some experience. The main difficulty lies not in technically demanding passages, but in the sometimes high volume of traffic at weekends and in the high season. Excursion traffic is to be expected, especially on the Kesselberg, Walchensee and Tegernsee. During the week and in the morning hours, the route is much more relaxed.

The roads are mostly in good to very good condition. There are a few older sections of road surface. Petrol stations can be found in Kochel, Lenggries and at Tegernsee. The Route is well passable from around April to October, in spring and fall you have to expect Wet conditions and leaves.