Introduction

There is a distinct shift in energy on the third morning of a major grand tour. The initial excitement of crossing the Channel and settling onto continental tarmac gives way to a smooth, relaxed touring rhythm. Wake-up routines become second nature: panniers snap closed with practiced ease, dry bags are strapped down effortlessly, and the daily morning briefing takes on the warm, familiar tone of good friends preparing for another day of incredible riding. On Day 3 of our Twisties & The Tuscan Sun expedition, our journey took a dramatic step forward as we transitioned out of the deep evergreen shadows of the Black Forest and made our descent towards the open, sun-drenched plains of Bavaria.

Ahead of us lay 210 miles of pristine German B-roads, sweeping through historic market towns and leading us directly into the majestic Bavarian Alps. For any motorcycling enthusiast, Bavaria represents the ultimate riding gateway. The landscape evolves dynamically from rolling agrarian hills into steep pine-clad mountain passes, with pristine alpine lakes glistening under the summer sky. As tour leader, watching the group’s excitement build as we pushed south toward the towering wall of the Alps is one of the most rewarding parts of the entire trip.

Today’s Route

Our third day on the road was crafted to highlight the transition from Baden-Württemberg into southern Bavaria. Setting off from our lakeside overnight stop in the Black Forest, we pressed east across the undulating Schwäbische Alb region towards the historic trading city of Memmingen. Our mid-morning destination was Marktplatz 6, nestled right in the vibrant heart of the city’s historic old town.

From Memmingen, our route carved south-east through the rolling foothills known locally as the Voralpenland. Avoiding straight trunk roads, we linked together flowing regional routes that twisted through lush dairy pastures, past traditional timber-framed farmhouses, and alongside crystal-clear rivers. As the afternoon unfolded, the flat horizon was broken by the sharp, snow-dusted ridges of the Wetterstein range, guiding us straight into Germany’s alpine capital: Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

The Ride

The morning ride began under crisp, clear skies as cold mountain air rose off the forest canopy. Rolling out onto the tarmac, the bikes settled into an effortless pace. The smooth departmental roads of southern Germany are a absolute joy to ride—flawless surface quality, perfectly banked corners, and clear visibility through every apex. By mid-morning, after a glorious run across the Swabian countryside, we crossed the regional boundary into Bavaria and pulled into the bustling town center at 6 Marktplatz, Memmingen, right around 11:36 AM.

Memmingen’s Marktplatz is a masterpiece of historic Swabian-Bavarian architecture, surrounded by colorful gabled townhouses, elaborate guild halls, and outdoor cafes. Parking our line of touring machines along the edge of the cobblestone square, we took a well-earned break to soak in the atmosphere, grab fresh coffees, and enjoy some authentic German pastries. The morning sun was beating down gloriously, illuminating the bright facades of the square and filling the air with the rich aroma of roasted coffee and roasted nuts.

Re-energized by our pause at Marktplatz, we re-mounted and pointed our front wheels south toward the Alps. This afternoon section was pure riding bliss. The roads through the Voralpenland dance through gentles twists and turns, climbing crests that reveal expanding vistas of green fields backed by the dramatic, jagged wall of the Northern Limestone Alps. Every mile brought us closer to the mountain range that would define the middle leg of our tour.

As we skirted past alpine lakes and through quiet Bavarian hamlets decorated with colorful Lüftlmalerei wall murals, the temperature dropped slightly into that refreshing alpine zone. By 3:35 PM, we rounded a final sweeping bend on the B2 and entered Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The sight that greeted us was simply breathtaking—the massive, sheer rock face of the Zugspitze (Germany’s highest summit at 2,962 meters) loomed directly over the town, its peak piercing the cloudless sky.

Rider Experiences

The atmosphere among the riders as we turned off our ignitions in Garmisch-Partenkirchen was one of pure euphoria. The transition from flat country riding to high alpine drama always delivers an emotional high. Steve, riding a BMW R1250GS, pulled off his helmet with a massive grin and remarked, ‘You see mountains on postcards, but rolling into Garmisch on two wheels with that giant mountain wall towering directly over your fairing—it takes your breath away!’

Another rider, Mark on his Triumph Tiger 1200, highlighted the quality of the morning route through Memmingen: ‘Stopping at Marktplatz felt like stepping into a fairytale town. The mix of great riding roads and authentic cultural stops is what makes Wild Roads tours so special. Today was smooth, scenic, and packed with incredible sights.’ The group’s cohesion was stronger than ever, with riders sharing lines, comparing bike setups, and eagerly discussing the alpine passes that lay ahead.

Hotel & Evening

After securing our motorcycles in the hotel’s private courtyard, we checked into our traditional Bavarian lodge in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The hotel perfectly encapsulated alpine warmth—carved wooden balconies overflowing with red geraniums, cozy wood-paneled interiors, and views of the surrounding peaks from every window. After refreshing shower breaks, we gathered in a traditional beer garden nestled beneath towering chestnut trees.

Dinner was a feast of authentic Bavarian culinary comfort: sizzling Weisswurst sausages, tender Schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle), house-baked salted pretzels, and crystal-clear steins of ice-cold local wheat beer (Hefeweizen). As twilight settled over Garmisch, the mountain peaks turned a soft pinkish-gold in the alpenglow, providing a spectacular backdrop to an evening filled with laughter, storytelling, and tour camaraderie.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow on Day 4, our tour takes us across the international border into Austria as we conquer the famous B182 route through the Tyrol region. From there, we push south across the alpine divide towards Italy, where the sharp, pale dolomite peaks of South Tyrol await us. Our destination is the magnificent Eggentaler Hof, nestled in the Val d’Ega—our home for the next few nights of high-mountain carving in the heart of the Italian Dolomites!

Ride This Tour Yourself

Ready to experience the ultimate European motorcycle journey? Our flagship Twisties & The Tuscan Sun tour is a 15-day masterclass in European motorcycling, combining the finest twisty passes across Germany, Austria, Italy, and France with hand-picked boutique hotel accommodation and expert guide support. Whether you’re an experienced alpine rider or embarking on your first big continental tour, our fully guided packages ensure you focus entirely on the ride while we handle every detail.

Visit our official tour page to check upcoming departure dates, detailed itineraries, and booking information: Explore Twisties & The Tuscan Sun Tour Details.

FAQ

What makes the ride into Garmisch-Partenkirchen special for motorcyclists?

Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers one of the most dramatic approaches in the European Alps. Riding south from the rolling Bavarian foothills, the flat terrain abruptly gives way to the massive Wetterstein mountain range and the 2,962-meter summit of the Zugspitze. The surrounding roads feature smooth tarmac, sweeping curves, and panoramic alpine views, making it an ideal gateway into high mountain touring.

Do I need an international driving permit or mountain riding vignette for this route?

Riding within Germany requires a valid full UK or EU motorcycle license and standard vehicle insurance. When crossing into neighboring Austria (which occurs on Day 4), motorcycles traveling on autobahns require a vignette toll sticker or digital vignette, though many secondary scenic routes can be enjoyed toll-free.

What was the highlight stop on Day 3?

Day 3 featured two fantastic highlights: our mid-morning coffee break at 6 Marktplatz in historic Memmingen, famous for its colorful guild architecture and vibrant market atmosphere, and our afternoon arrival in Garmisch-Partenkirchen under the towering shadow of the Bavarian Alps.

How challenging is the terrain on Day 3?

Day 3 is rated as moderate difficulty. It transitions smoothly from rolling provincial B-roads in Baden-Württemberg and southern Bavaria into gentle alpine valleys. It serves as a perfect warmup day for riders before tackling higher elevation alpine passes on subsequent tour days.

How far in advance should I book a guided motorcycle tour in Bavaria?

Due to high demand for alpine summer riding (June through September), we recommend reserving your place on the Twisties & Tuscan Sun tour at least 6 to 9 months in advance. Early booking guarantees your preferred room allocations and bike setup arrangements.

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