5 MTB routes around the Zugspitze to swimming lakes

Are you an eager mountain biker who wants to ride during the sweaty summer months, but can’t deal with soaring temperatures even in the shade? Then this Collection is for you.


We have selected the most beautiful mountain bike tours in the Zugspitz area for you, which will take you to lakes that are perfect for a refreshing swim. Here, you will of course find all-time favourites lakes such as the Eibsee, Blindsee and Plansee, as well as more hidden highlights such as Ferchensee near Mittenwald which you can perfectly combine for more mountain biking fun.

The routes are great during spring and autumn, not just in the summer – as nature awakes from winter sleep and is painted by autumn's colors. It’s up to you whether you dare to jump into the not so warm mountain lakes at these times of year, but it’s definitely possible!

Each route is a relatively challenging ride: some follow mostly single trails whilst others cover large distances and high elevation. You should come with your strong legs – you’ll need them on most of the routes. At the end of each ride, you’ll have earned a dip in the lake!

Mountain bikers who enjoy great views will especially enjoy the Plansee route or the Panorama route to Lake Ferchensee. Here, you will ride through stunning landscape with less focus on single trails. Enduro enthusiasts should check out the Blindsee trail and the Eibsee round to the Hochthörlen hut – you will find lots of downhill fun on trails (S1-S3). Just read the route descriptions carefully to find out if the route is suitable for you.

In order to fully enjoy the lake rides in this Collection, you should bring a well-maintained mountain bike with good suspension. For the single trail routes, we recommend using a cross-country or enduro bike, whilst the long tours are easier to master on a light hardtail. Make sure you don't forget to pack your swimsuits, towel, sun cream, enough water (at least 3 litres) and a few snacks. Although the routes pass huts and restaurants at regular intervals, you can run out of strength during the tough passes faster than you might think, especially in summer.

You can reach all of the routes via public transport. From Munich, there are hourly regional trains to Garmisch-Partenkirchen where you can then take the regional train to Lermoos and Untergrainau – or extend your ride by cycling from Garmisch to the starting point.