Bicycling in Munich

A bike is hands-down the best way to experience this flat, pedal-friendly city. There are loads of bike lanes and paths that wind through its parks and along the Isar River. The rental shop will give you maps and tips, or you can get a map at any city tourist office.

Weather permitting, here is a route to try: Go through Isartor to the river and head north to the Englischer Garten. Ride around the park and have lunch at a beer garden. Exit the park and go across Leopoldstrasse into Schwabing, making your way back down toward the museum quarter via the adorable Elisabethmarkt. Check out one or two of the galleries then head back to town passing Königsplatz.

You can also take your bike on the S-bahns (except during rush hours from 6 AM to 9 AM and from 4 PM to 6 PM), which take you out to the many lakes and attractions outside town. Bicycles on public transportation cost either one strip on a multiple ticket or EUR 2.50 for a day ticket, EUR 0.90 for a single ticket.

Tours

Mike's Bike Tours (089/2554-3988. www.mikesbiketours.com) is the oldest bike tour operation in Munich. Mike's tours last 3½ hours, with a 45-minute break at a beer garden, and cover approximately four miles. Tours start daily at the Altes Rathaus at the end of Marienplatz at 11:30 and 4 (Apr. 15-Aug. 31) and at 12:30 (Mar. 1-Apr. 15 and Sept. 1-Nov. 10). There are tours at 12:30 on Saturday in November and February if weather permits. The cost is EUR 24, including the bike. No reservations required. Bus Bavaria (part of Mike's Bikes) also offers a more active day trip to Neuschwanstein castle. You travel to the area via coach in high season (EUR 49), via train in the shoulder season (EUR 39).

Rentals

Mike's Bike Tours (Bräuhausstr. 10, City Center. 089/2554-3988. www.mikesbiketours.com) also rents bikes, Mike's is around the corner from the rear entrance of the Hofbräuhaus, Day rental is EUR 12 for the first day, EUR 9 for subsequent days. Return time is 8 PM May-August, earlier in other seasons.

Based at the central station, Radius Bike Rental (Opposite platform 32, Hauptbahnhof. 089/596-113) rents bikes. A 3-gear bike costs EUR 15 per day. A 21-gear bike costs EUR 18. Hourly rates are EUR 3 and EUR 4, respectively.