From Ulm to Oberstdorf – ride Germany’s Iller Cycle Path in 3 days

‘The Iller, Isar, Lech and Inn rivers flow towards the Danube’ – I recently verified one of these claims by cycling from the mouth of the Iller River to its source 🚴♀️ And what can I say...: It's true! 🙌

The Iller Cycle Path leads 150 kilometres (93 mi) between the mouth of the Danube near Ulm and the source of the Iller near Oberstdorf in the Allgäu Mountains. I’ve divided the route into three stages, each of which is beautiful in its own way and has its own character.

The starting point in Ulm is a highlight in itself and I recommend setting aside some time to visit. On the first stage, the bike path leads almost continuously along smooth gravel directly beside the river, passing through the natural beauty of the Bavarian-Swabian region. There are also a few charming villages for you to discover en route. Cycling hardly gets more relaxed than this. 🚲🧘♀️

On the second day, I made a small detour to Memmingen with its beautiful and well-preserved old town. Memmingen is the gateway to the Allgäu Mountains. Shortly afterwards, the bike route leaves the river, framed by steep banks, and leads through the green, hilly landscapes that characterise the Allgäu, and also point to the fact that you have a few climbs to contend with. 💚🐮

The third stage to Oberstdorf is probably my favourite thanks to the beautiful views of the Allgäu Alps that gradually open up here. The bike path directly follows the course of the river again, which is wilder at higher elevation. 🏔🤠

Shortly before Oberstdorf, you reach the river’s source where the three headwater streams – Trettach, Stillach and Breitach – flow together and form the Iller. Standing there with the knowledge of the path the water takes from here (at least as far as the Danube 😉) was a super cool feeling. For that reason alone, it's worth cycling the whole route!

More info about the route can be found at: illerradweg.de.
The original route can be found here: komoot.de/collection/896.