This 146-kilometre (92 mi) cycling adventure connects two dreamlike, world-famous cities with the Alps on their doorstep. From Munich in Germany, the route leads through a hilly and watery landscape to Salzburg, just over the border in Austria. Quaint villages, rolling fields, small chapels, towering churches, twinkling waters and traditional Bavarian inns alternate along the way. From the heights, you can enjoy magnificent views of the nearby Alpine peaks. Clear rivers, ponds and lakes are your constant companions and are perfect places to take long breaks.

In this Collection, I’ve divided the route into three stages. The starting point is at Munich's Ostbahnhof railway station. From there, the first day doesn’t require much climbing and takes you over Vaterstetten to Grafing with its colourful market square. The second stage takes you past many lakes and rivers and the impressive Seeon Monastery to Traunreut. The third day is hilly at first and then completely flat. From Traunreut, you descend to the glittering Lake Waginger and then pass Freilassing to reach Austria, where Salzburg welcomes you with its fortress visible from afar. Salzburg has excellent public transport links.

The first and third stages are relaxed. On the second, you’ll ascend 600 metres (2,000 ft) in over 60 kilometres (37 mi). However, there are plenty of places to stop, rest and swim along the route so take your time and allow yourself plenty of breaks.

You’ll find a good selection of accommodation in the stage destinations of Grafing and Traunreut. You have connections to the railway network in both towns if you want to cycle the stages as day Tours. I recommend planning an additional night in Munich and Salzburg, because there’s so much to see there. This multi-day adventure combines city feeling with country idyll and offers countless highlights between culture and nature.