Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
loads of route maps and descriptions. For more detailed route descriptions German readers
can consult
www.schwarzwald-bike.de
,
www.blackforest-tourism.com
and
www.bayernbike.de
.
The
Galli Verlag
(
www.galli-verlag.de
)
publishes a variety of bike
guides sold in bookshops and by the publisher.
Maps & Resources
For basic route maps, order or download the free
Bayernnetz für Radler
(Bavarian Cyc-
ling Network) from
www.bayerninfo.de
.
For on-the-road navigating, the best maps are
those published by the national cycling organization
Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad
Club
(
www.adfc.de
)
. They indicate inclines, track conditions and the location of repair
shops. GPS users should find the UTM grid coordinates useful.
ADFC also publishes a useful online directory called Bett & Bike (
Click here
)
that
lists thousands of bicycle-friendly accommodations. Bookstores carry the printed version.
Water Sports
There's no sea for miles but southern Germany's lakes and rivers offer plenty of water-
based action. The water quality is high, especially in the glacier-fed Alpine lakes, but the
swimming season is relatively short (June to September) since water temperatures rarely
climb above 21°C. Steady breezes, deep water and good visibility attract windsurfers and
divers to the dazzlingly turquoise, mountain-backed Walchensee in Tölzer Land (
Click
here
)
. Starnberger See (
Click here
), Lake Constance (
Click here
)
, the fjordlike
Schluchsee (
Click here
)
and Chiemsee (
Click here
)
offer great windsurfing, sailing and
boating in lovely surroundings.
Kayaking and canoeing are great fun and easy to get the hang of. One of the most popu-
lar areas to absorb the slow, soothing rhythm of waterways is the Altmühltal Nature Park (
Click here
)
, where the mellow Altmühl River meanders past steep cliffs, willow-fringed
banks and little beaches.
