A vacation at home—that's exactly how the rainy Whitsun weekend felt for us. With our gravel bikes and an extra layer or two in our luggage, we took a short trip to Oberammergau. Most people probably know the place from the world-famous Passion Play or Linderhof Palace. I've mostly explored the region on foot or by climbing—but it's also turning out to be a true gravel bike gem: an insider tip for anyone who loves gravel roads and country lanes—whether you're a gravel beginner or a climber. Thanks to good rail connections, the area is also ideal for a public transport trip from Munich.
1. Wieskirche Loop: Beginner-friendly gravel bike tour with UNESCO highlight
Immediately after our arrival – and a highly recommended coffee at the Theatercafé – we hopped on our gravel bikes for a short afternoon ride. Perfect for this: the Wieskirche loop from Bad Bayersoien via Wildsteig to the famous WieskircheDue to the weather, we'll be cutting our start a bit short in Altenau, just outside Oberammergau. The first few kilometers alternate between paved bike paths and gentle gravel roads. Even under cloudy skies and the "threatening" rain radar, impressive mountain panoramas all the way to the Allgäu Alps accompany us. The obligatory stop on this tour is the Wieskirche (Church of St. Wies) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and absolutely worth seeing both inside and out. There are also numerous small, charming churches and chapels to see in the surrounding area.
The return route is almost entirely downhill back to the starting point. (Summer tip: Near Bad Bayersoien or Schwaigsee, another 10km further on, a dip in the cold water is a good option given the current temperatures.)
2. About the Ettal Mandl: Panoramic gravel with Alpine views
We set off early in the morning from our B&B Mammhofer, hoping to stay dry today. Shortly after leaving the village, a cycle path takes us briefly along the Ammer River to Ettal – a relaxing start to the day with magnificent views of the Laber River, the Notkarspitze, and the imposing Ettal Abbey. At the Ettal Saddle, we descend along the main road. There is a forest path, but those less experienced on bikes are better off staying on the main road all the way to Oberau. (We tried this two years ago with our gravel bikes, and it's definitely not recommended. A sign has recently been put up indicating that this is a push section.) After the train station in Oberau, we cross the Loisach River and follow it along stunning gravel sections with views of the Ettaler Mandl and the Estergebirge Mountains. Via Eschenlohe and the picturesque Murnauer Moos, we reach Grafenaschau – one of the most scenic sections of the tour. A small climb takes us to Bad Kohlgrub, where a visit to the Café Wohlig It's a must. After a warm apple pie and a delicious cappuccino, we roll leisurely back to Oberammergau via Unterammergau.
3. Plansee circuit: One of the most beautiful gravel bike tours in Upper Bavaria with Grenzgang
This tour is probably familiar to many gravel enthusiasts—and rightly so. It's also been on my personal bucket list for a long time. It's a scenic dream that every gravel lover should experience at least once.
We start in Oberammergau, cross the Ammer River, and leave the village behind us. The cycle path climbs gently through the beautiful Graswang Valley to the magnificent Linderhof Palace. A detour to the palace is definitely worth it – not only for its magnificent architecture, but also for the shady park. (Tip: A combination ticket for the palace tour and the Venus Grotto is cheaper – if you want to avoid waiting, it's best to book online in advance.)
After the castle, the road climbs in short switchbacks to approximately 1.100 meters. Once at the top, there's a short descent to the Ammerwald Alm—perfect for a short break—until Lake Plansee appears: crystal-clear and turquoise. The hilly gravel section north of the main road is worth the effort. (Summer tip: Once you have crossed the Seespitz Bridge, after a short gravel section along the shore, there are a series of small swimming spots – perfect for a break and a quick cool-down in the water. The route then takes us back to the eastern shore on the main road before another varied gravel section begins. The landscape becomes wilder and the forest road takes us through the quiet Neidernachtal valley to Griesen. From here we follow the cycle path towards Grainau and Garmisch. At the hiking car park near the Ochsenhütte, the last but tough climb begins: A forest road leads us up to Rotmoos – the highest point of the tour at 1.210 metres. Here we once again enjoy the fantastic views in all directions before we return via familiar paths to Linderhof and finally to Oberammergau – where the region’s best spaghetti ice cream can be found in the Ice Cream Parlor Paradiso awaits us. The good, honest Italian coffee also deserves a mention.
The Plansee Loop is definitely a tour with everything a cyclist's heart desires: nature, elevation gain, refreshment – and a touch of culture.
Conclusion: Gravel biking in the Ammergau Alps – nature, altitude, culture and so much more!
Whether you're a beginner or an ambitious climber, the Ammergau Alps Nature Park offers fantastic gravel bike tours with mountain panoramas, cultural experiences, and numerous swimming opportunities. Easy accessibility by public transport from Munich makes the region ideal for weekend trips or spontaneous day trips on a gravel bike. However, there's much more to experience around Oberammergau than just beautiful gravel bike routes. Wonderful hiking trails await throughout the nature park—such as the short but rewarding climb up Oberammergau's local mountain. Kofel or one of my favorite tours, the scenic tour to the Ammergau HochplatteClimbing enthusiasts will also get their money’s worth: There are numerous climbing spots and even a Beginner's via ferrata at Ettaler MandlCulturally, the impressive Lüftlmalerei (paintings), the Passion Play Theatre, several museums, and a multitude of churches and chapels make this place unique. If you need a culinary tip, you should try the incredibly good Neapolitan pizzas at Sardegna or the Mexican finger food at El Puente Don’t miss it and if you prefer authentic Bavarian food, then head to s'Wirtshaus OgauIn short: those who stay longer experience more – sporting, cultural, and scenic!
WHO IS ALLTIMELAURA?
My name is Laura, and I grew up in Upper Bavaria, on the edge of the Bavarian foothills of the Alps. My family instilled my passion for the mountains from birth, even though I was able to rediscover it after puberty. There was never a shortage of mountain stories at home: My father and great-grandfather were both enthusiastic mountaineers and ski tourers. From snacks to dinner, it was always about summits and tours. They were always looking for alpine adventures, and I feel very similarly: whether in hiking boots, on a mountain or gravel bike, in climbing shoes, or on skis... I love almost every form of movement in the mountains and in nature, and I would like to share this passion in my blog posts.