Five Reasons to Hop on Your Bike

Our Top Bike Tours in Thuringia

Whether leisurely along the river, nostalgically on a former railway line or across the mountains – Thuringia is best explored by bike or e-bike. These tours combine nature, culture and cycling pleasure.

Slow & Easy Along the River

Ilm-Valley Cycling Route

Thuringia shows off all its beauty along these 123 kilometres. This cycle route runs along the Ilm from the Thuringian Forest to the Saale-Unstrut wine-growing region. Between forests, rivers and vineyards, there are many good reasons to take a break: to enjoy the view of the Thuringian Forest, stroll through the cultural city of Weimar or cool your feet in the Ilm. At the end of this four-star ADFC-rated cycle route, you can treat yourself to a good glass of wine at one of the Saale-Unstrut wineries.

ilmtal-radweg.de

A grand Parade of Castles and Palaces

Saale Cycle Path

The Saale Cycle Path follows the river from its source in the Fichtelgebirge mountains to the mouth of the Elbe. It could just as easily be called the Castle and Palace Route, given the number of historic buildings perched on the sunny hills along the Saale. The route, which has been awarded three stars by the ADFC, covers 409 kilometres and nine stages, passing the Dornburg Palaces and Gardens, Leuchtenburg Castle and Heidecksburg Palace in Rudolstadt. It is also worth stopping in the old town, where Schiller and Goethe met for the first time. It marked the beginning of a wonderful friendship. Newly inspired, the route continues south.

saaleradweg.de

Luther, Schiller and the Game of Skat

The Towns of Thuringia Cycle Route

Here, you don't have to choose between a city break and an outdoor adventure. The 190-kilometre-long The Towns of Thuringia Cycle Route offers both: artistic treasures, culinary delights, hustle and bustle, and intense outdoor experiences. From Eisenach to Altenburg, the three-star-rated route connects seven cultural cities. You can follow in Luther's footsteps in Eisenach, marvel at the dimensions of Erfurt Cathedral, encounter Goethe and Schiller in Weimar and explore the origins of the card game Skat in Altenburg.

thueringer-städtekette.de

Always following the Track

Kanonenbahn Cycle Route

During the imperial era, military trains rolled along this route – hence the name Kanonenbahn (cannon railway). Today, one of Thuringia's most atmospheric cycle routes runs peacefully along here. The 33-kilometre route runs along the disused railway line through the Südeichsfeld, over old bridges, through tunnels and along old railway embankments. Sections of overgrown tracks still line the route, and the cycling route crosses the former inner-German border. Highlights include the ride through the Küllstedter Tunnel, at 1.5 kilometres the longest bicycle tunnel in Germany, and the impressive viaduct at Lengenfeld unterm Stein.

naturpark-ehw.de/radwege

The Peak of Enjoyment

Rennsteig Bike Route

This route winds up and down across the green heart of Thuringia. The Rennsteig Bike Route runs along the ridge of the Thuringian Forest and the Thuringian Slate Mountains, along forest and gravel paths. In addition to the unspoilt nature in the biosphere reserve, there is plenty to experience on the 195-kilometre-long cycle route. For example, Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, the mini-a-thür miniature park in Ruhla and glassblowing in Neuhaus. The route is also quite challenging: there is a total of 2,578 metres of elevation gain before you reach the finish line in Blankenstein. But with an e-bike, it's all very enjoyable, of course.