Bavaria – Lakes, Roads & Strength Training
A region where alpine lakes, quiet cycling routes, and accessible fitness centers meet endurance travel.
🏊 Open Water Swimming
Bavaria’s lakes offer calm conditions, clear visibility, and defined entry points — ideal for early sessions.
In particular, there are three amazing lakes that every swimmer should visit.
Lake Kochelsee
Surrounded by mountains, offers 5.9 km² of sheer beauty and is perfect and safe for swimming, especially at the Anlegestelle Franz Marc Museum.
Lake Walchensee
One of the largest alpine lakes. With a depth of 189.5 metres and an area of 16.4 km², it provides crystal-clear water perfect for all-level swimmers. For the safest swim possible, park next to the Badewiese - there are benches to chill, free parking space, and a safe entrance to the water.
Lake Eibsee
My personal choice — and a Hall of Fame #TriathlonTripsRating. Eibsee stands out as one of the most beautiful lakes in the Bavarian Alps, sitting directly below the Zugspitze with remarkably clear, green-tinted water. Travel Hack: Arrive early. Parking at Eibsee costs only €3.50 until 9 AM; after 9 AM, it jumps to €9 for the first four hours, then increases further.
Short swimming moments from Bavaria are shared on Instagram →
🏃Running trails
The Bavarian Alps in Germany are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 83 hiking trails in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen area alone, offering seemingly endless options for hikers or trail runners.
🚴Cyling
Many cycling paths run alongside the main roads, ensuring a safe environment.
How to get there:
Short cycling moments from Bavaria are shared on Instagram →
🤸🏋️Fitness centers
Should inclement weather arise, shift indoors to Isarena Sportpark UG, located on the south side of the town of Mittenwald, and enjoy a top-notch facility for calisthenics, crossfit, tennis, weight-lifting, and cardio workout. A day pass costs 15 euros, yet a week pass costs 28 euros, making it worthwhile.
🛌 Accommodation tip
Garmisch-Partenkirchen uniquely combines American and German influences, thanks to a United States military installation in the center of town, making it an accessible recreational area for English speakers. The town provides many hotels and Airbnb options. A great value option in Garmisch is the Gästehaus Buchwieser GbR, a family-oriented inn that felt reminiscent of the "Gilmore Girls" style.
Another option, perhaps a little cheaper, is staying in Farchant, a smaller town nearby. I stayed at the Hotel Föhrenhof, beautiful place, yet it doesn’t serve breakfast.