The best traffic-free bike rides around Natural Park Mallertshofer Holz

There are over 130 no-traffic gravel bike trails in and around Natural Park Mallertshofer Holz. These routes offer a variety of experiences, with 71 being easy, 42 moderate, and 23 more challenging, ensuring options for all skill levels.

The park offers a diverse gravel biking experience, transitioning between closed and open pine forests, heath meadows, and expansive open gravel areas. You'll encounter a mix of surfaces, from paved sections to loose gravel and root trails, characteristic of its former military training ground history. This varied terrain is perfect for gravel bikes.

Yes, many of the trails are suitable for families. The park's accessible paths and generally moderate elevation gains make it ideal for various fitness levels. For an easy, shorter option, consider the Isar Rapids – Isar Floodplains loop from Garching-Hochbrück, which is 16.6 km long with minimal elevation.

Yes, Natural Park Mallertshofer Holz is generally dog-friendly. Many trails are suitable for cycling with dogs, but always ensure your dog is under control, especially in areas with grazing sheep or sensitive wildlife. Please respect local regulations regarding leashes and waste disposal.

While gravel biking, you can discover several points of interest. Don't miss the historic Mallertshofen Chapel, the only remaining structure of a medieval village. The park also features unique natural landscapes like the Heath Trail, offering steppe-like views, dry grasslands, and vibrant heath meadows. You might also spot the Stamp station "Bavaria - Explorer".

Parking is available at various entry points around the Natural Park Mallertshofer Holz. Specific parking areas are often designated near popular trailheads. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival for the most current parking information.

Yes, the park is accessible by public transport, particularly from nearby towns like Garching, Unterschleißheim, and Eching. These areas often have S-Bahn or U-Bahn connections, and local buses can bring you closer to the park's entrances, making it convenient for gravel bikers without a car.

Spring and autumn are generally the best seasons for gravel biking in Natural Park Mallertshofer Holz. The weather is milder, and the natural landscapes, from blooming heath meadows to colorful forests, are particularly beautiful. Summer can also be pleasant, but be mindful of warmer temperatures, especially in open gravel areas. Winter riding is possible, but trails might be muddy or icy.

Many of the gravel bike routes in the park are designed as loops, minimizing traffic exposure. For a moderate circular route, consider the Fröttmaninger Berg and Isar River Loop, which covers 28.6 km and offers scenic views while keeping you away from busy roads.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.57 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique steppe-like environment, the quiet and varied terrain that makes for excellent gravel riding, and the feeling of being far from the city despite its proximity to Munich. The mix of forest, heath, and open gravel areas is frequently highlighted as a major draw.

For those seeking a longer challenge, the park and its surroundings offer more extensive routes. The Isar Rapids – Olympic Regatta Course Munich loop from Eching is a moderate 57.3 km ride that provides a good distance and varied terrain, keeping you on dedicated paths and away from heavy traffic for much of the journey.