Isar Cycle Path

The alpine opening and the finest stage. From Scharnitz beneath the ruined Porta Claudia the path rolls over the border to Mittenwald, the violin-making town under the steep Karwendel walls. Beyond it begins the heart of the upper Isar: between Wallgau and the Sylvensteinsee the river runs free over broad gravel banks as one of the last wild rivers of Germany, turquoise and untamed. Over gravel forest roads the path crosses the lonely valley at Vorderriss to the turquoise Sylvenstein reservoir and down to Lenggries. A gravelly, scenically magnificent day - trekking or gravel bike recommended.

Ascent

486 m

Descent

893 m

Duration

approx. 5-6 h

Surface

mostly gravel, some asphalt

Out of the mountains into the alpine foothills. The path soon reaches Bad Tölz with its painted, cobbled market street and its old spa tradition. On through the gentle hills of the Tölz foothills the stage reaches Wolfratshausen at the meeting of the Isar and the Loisach - to this day the raft trips down to Munich set off here, a living remnant of the centuries-old Isar log rafting. Easier rolling than the opening, with more asphalt.

Ascent

463 m

Descent

465 m

Duration

approx. 3-4 h

Surface

asphalt and firm tracks

Through the Isar water-meadows into the city. On largely traffic-free riverside paths the route follows the river north past Schäftlarn Abbey and through the wooded Isar slopes at Grünwald. In Munich the Isar runs as a restored city river right through the centre: between 2000 and 2011 the Isar-Plan widened the once-canalized bed again, with gravel banks and bathing bays. Past the Deutsches Museum on its island in the Isar and the Eisbach surf wave in the English Garden, the stage ends in the heart of Munich.

Ascent

440 m

Descent

363 m

Duration

approx. 2.5-3 h

Surface

firm gravel paths and asphalt

Out of the city, following the river north through the wide Isar meadows at Garching. The way turns quiet and flat, the traffic falls behind. The goal is Freising, one of the oldest cities in Bavaria: above the Isar plain rises the cathedral hill with St. Mary's Cathedral and its crypt decorated in baroque by the Asam brothers, and on the neighbouring hill the Weihenstephan state brewery, which traces its brewing rights to 1040 and is regarded as the oldest brewery in the world.

Ascent

0 m

Descent

170 m

Duration

approx. 3 h

Surface

firm gravel paths and asphalt

The broad, calm lower Isar. By way of old Moosburg an der Isar the path runs through flat, water-rich country to Landshut, once the seat of the Dukes of Lower Bavaria. Above the old town stands Burg Trausnitz, founded in 1204; every four years the Landshuter Hochzeit turns the town into a medieval festival recalling the lavish wedding of 1475. A relaxed river stage through the Lower Bavarian hill country.

Ascent

151 m

Descent

189 m

Duration

approx. 3-3.5 h

Surface

firm gravel paths and asphalt

Flat and easy-going through the Isar valley. The path glides across the wide gravel plain of Lower Bavaria to Dingolfing - known today for one of the largest BMW plants, and before that an old ducal town with a castle and town gate. A short, easy stage, ideal for families too; the river stays a constant companion.

Ascent

78 m

Descent

136 m

Duration

approx. 2.5 h

Surface

firm gravel paths and asphalt

The long, flat finish to the Danube. By way of Landau an der Isar and the rail junction of Plattling the path rolls across the Lower Bavarian plain towards Deggendorf, gateway to the Bavarian Forest. Just before the end the Isar joins the Danube after some 290 kilometres - the actual Isarmündung confluence, with its floodplain nature reserve, lies as a short detour near Plattling, where the Danube Cycle Path takes over. The Isar Cycle Path ends in Deggendorf, with an easy train back.

Ascent

100 m

Descent

151 m

Duration

approx. 4 h

Surface

firm gravel paths and asphalt