Motorcycle Routes

Top Routes Around Munich​

Stelvio from Munich (return via Timmelsjoch)​

Start in Munich and head through Straßlach, stopping in the Lüdwigshohe to admire a view to the Alps. Continue through Königsdorf and to the Kochelsee and Walchsee (motorcycles are technically not permitted on the switchbacks in this area between 15:00 and 21:00). Then descend into the small Bavarian town of Wallgau before passing through Mittenwald. The Partnachklamm is a nice stop if you're up for a bit of hiking. Then you'll head through the Leutascher Valley and descend toward Innsbruck with a great view to the high Alps. Ride through Telfs and join the Inntall Autobahn for about 20-30km to Landeck. Here you'll need the Vignette for Austria. The route bypasses the long tunnel that normally goes to Fließ. You'll then go over the Reschenpass and descend to the Reschensee in Italy. The cafes hat face the Reschensee are a decent place for a break. The Haidepark is a great break stop south of Reschensee. Then go through the Stelviopass and land in Bormio. A great 2-day trip would be to follow the entire route up through Merano, passing over the Rombopass (Timmelsjoch), Sölden and the Ötztal, Kühtai, Achensee, and Tegernsee. Hotel Regina in Sölden is a nice overnight stop, as is The Vue Skybar for a cocktail (if it is open).

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Rossfeld Scenic Route​

Starting from Munich, this scenic route takes you through the Bavarian countryside to the famous Rossfeld Panoramic Road near Berchtesgaden. The route passes through charming towns like Reit im Winkl and offers spectacular views of the Berchtesgaden Alps. The highlight is the Rossfeld Panoramic Road (Roßfeldstraße), a toll road that provides breathtaking mountain vistas and access to hiking trails. The route includes stops at Königssee and Schönau am Königssee, making it perfect for combining scenic driving with sightseeing.

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Grand Swiss Moto Tour​

This epic 5-7 day motorcycle tour takes you from Munich through the heart of the Alps, covering some of Europe's most spectacular mountain passes and scenic routes. Starting in Munich, the route heads south through Austria to Ehrwald, then continues to the stunning Bernese Oberland village of Grindelwald for an overnight stay. From Grindelwald, take the scenic route through Kandersteg (including the famous car train tunnel) to reach Zermatt, home of the iconic Matterhorn. The journey then continues south through the Simplon Pass into Italy, reaching the beautiful Lake Garda region. The return route takes you through the dramatic Timmelsjoch (Rombo Pass) back into Austria, passing through picturesque Alpine valleys and traditional mountain villages before returning to Munich via Mittenwald. This route showcases the best of Alpine motorcycling with high mountain passes, pristine lakes, charming villages, and breathtaking mountain vistas throughout Switzerland, Austria, and northern Italy.

Day-by-Day Breakdown:

*Optional: Recommended to avoid Fernpass traffic

Total Distance: 1,850km (1,150 miles)

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Detours:

1. If Grimsel, Furka, and Sustenpass are closed (likely until July), then take a detour at Altdorf on the A2 in the direction of Luzern

Extensions:

1. Start in Ehrwald or further south instead of from Munich (so you can avoid traffic on the Fernpass)
2. Extra day in Grindelwald for Jungfraujoch
3. Extra day in Zermatt
4. Extra day in Gardasee
5. Return leg from Zermatt to Gardasee is long Italian Autobahn - possible overnight north of Bergamo for more interesting route

Motorcycle-Specific Improvements:

Route Optimizations:

1. Add Stelvio Pass - Replace direct Simplon route with detour via Stelvio Pass (Europe's most famous motorcycle pass)
2. Include Passo Gavia - Connect to Stelvio via this dramatic high-altitude pass
3. Add Klausen Pass - Alternative route through Switzerland's hidden gem
4. Replace Kandersteg tunnel - Use Lötschberg Pass road when open (more scenic than car train)

Timing & Safety:

1. Start early - Depart accommodations by 7:00 AM to avoid traffic and afternoon weather
2. Weather windows - High passes (Furka, Grimsel, Susten) typically open June-October
3. Fuel strategy - Tank up before major passes (limited stations at altitude)
4. Tire pressure - Check daily due to altitude and temperature changes

Enhanced Stops:

1. Gotthard Pass - Historic route with museum and views
2. Rhône Glacier - Accessible from Furka Pass
3. Maloja Pass - Stunning lake views and gentle curves
4. Val di Lei - Hidden reservoir with dramatic mountain backdrop

Avoid:

1. Traffic around Lake Como
2. Milan City
3. Italian Autobahn (use scenic alternatives)
4. Departing Gardasee during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM)
5. Weekend traffic on popular passes
6. Riding in fog/rain at altitude

GPX Files:

• Complete Tour
• Munich to Ehrwald
• Ehrwald to Grindelwald
• Grindelwald to Zermatt (via tunnel)
• Zermatt to Lake Garda
• Return to Munich

Kuhtai Loop from Munich​

Staring in Munich, this route goes through Walchensee and Mittenwald in Germany, then through Leutash in Austria before descending into the Inntal for some highway kilometers to Ötxtal for the first rest stop at Pole Position for MotorFreaks. After the stop, the route climbs sharply to the Kühtai winter sports resort in the Stubai Alps for a quick coffee stop. The route follows the Kühtai saddle before descending back down into the Inntal for some highway kilometers to Jenbach. From Jenbach, the route climbs to the next rest stop at Panoramarestuarant Kanzelkehre. After a quick coffee, the route turns north and passes by the Achensee toward Tegernsee, the last recommended rest stop. After Tegernsee, head back to the Autobahn for a fast return to Munich.

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