Cycling Routes in Thuringia
Discover the diversity of the Weimarer Land on two wheels
Discover the scenic and cultural diversity of the Weimarer Land on well-developed and clearly signposted cycling routes. These routes offer a rich experience for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Whether cycling past historic sites, following the traces of poets, thinkers, and artists, or enjoying relaxed rides through open landscapes, every tour offers a distinctive experience in one of Thuringia’s most diverse cycling regions.
Cycle Routes and Long-Distance Trails
Experience the Weimarer Land on well-developed long-distance cycling routes leading through river valleys, historic towns, and varied cultural landscapes. Between Weimar, Apolda, and Bad Sulza, these routes combine nature, cultural heritage, and regional cuisine and are ideal for multi-day cycling tours.
Feininger-Radweg
Cycling route following the works and places of artist Lyonel Feininger
Follow in the footsteps of Lyonel Feininger (German-American artist) through the Weimarer Land. The route starts in Weimar and leads via Niedergrunstedt, Gelmeroda, Possendorf, and Vollersroda to Mellingen. Along the way, cyclists discover village churches painted by Feininger, including the illuminated church in Gelmeroda, as well as the Feininger Tower (viewpoint and memorial) in Mellingen. In 23 locations, colourful information panels provide insights into his artworks. Ideal for cyclists interested in art and cultural history.
27,8 km
123 km
Ilmtal-Radweg
Long-distance cycling route along the Ilm River
Experience the Ilmtal-Radweg from Allznah (village in the Thuringian Forest) to the confluence of the Ilm and the Saale near Großheringen. The route follows the River Ilm through towns such as Kranichfeld and Bad Berka, passing through the cultural city of Weimar. Along the way, castles, palaces, gardens, and parks line the route. Family-friendly rest areas, playgrounds, and farm shops invite cyclists to take a break. The route is clearly signposted, largely asphalted, and has received multiple awards from the ADFC (German Cyclists’ Association). It is ideal for relaxed cycling tours that combine nature, culture, and regional cuisine.
Laura-Radweg
Cycling route along a former narrow-gauge railway line
The Laura Cycling Route connects Weimar with Schallenburg near Sömmerda, following the former track of the Laura narrow-gauge railway (historic railway line). The route passes through Weimar-Schöndorf, Wohlsborn, Sachsenhausen, Daasdorf, Buttelstedt, and Vippachedelhausen. The section through the Alperstedter Ried (moorland nature reserve) is particularly well suited for nature observation and birdwatching.
47 km
32 km
Napoleon-Radweg 1806
Historical cycling route tracing events of the year 1806
Discover the Ilm Valley (river landscape) from Kromsdorf to Oßmannstedt on a charming circular route. Highlights include Wieland Park (historic park) with its obelisk and the Wieland Museum, the cultural site in Ulrichshalben, and the historic watermill in Denstedt. Passing the Tiefurt Palace Park (historic landscape park), the route combines nature, culture, and family-friendly rest areas, making it a perfect cycling excursion in the Weimarer Land.
Saaleradweg
Long-distance cycling route along the Saale River
The popular Saale Cycling Route runs through the Weimarer Land from Jena via Rudolstadt to the state border in the direction of Naumburg. Along the Saale (river), cyclists encounter historic towns such as Jena, the Dornburg Palaces (historic castle ensemble) near Bad Kösen, vineyards, parks, and reservoirs. The route is well signposted, largely asphalted, family-friendly, and ideal for both day trips and multi-day tours. Nature, culture, and regional cuisine can be perfectly combined along this route.
403,8 km
225,6 km
Radfernweg Thüringer Städtekette
Long-distance route connecting Thuringia’s historic cities
The long-distance Thuringian Cities Cycle Route connects Altenburg, Gera, Jena, Weimar, Erfurt, Gotha, and Eisenach over a distance of 225 km. In the Weimarer Land, the route runs together with the Ilmtal Cycling Route and the Feininger Cycling Route through Weimar. Cyclists pass highlights such as the Bauhaus Museum, as well as sites associated with Goethe and Schiller (German writers). Historic town centres, castles, and palaces including the Drei Gleichen, Schloss Friedenstein (historic palace) in Gotha, and the Wartburg (UNESCO World Heritage Site) in Eisenach line the way.
Circular Cycling Routes
The circular cycling routes in the Weimarer Land offer varied day tours through villages, forests, and open landscapes. Cultural attractions, scenic viewpoints, and welcoming rest areas make each loop a relaxed and enjoyable cycling experience. They are ideal for families, leisure cyclists, and anyone wishing to explore the Weimarer Land flexibly and at their own pace.
14,1 km
Klassik-Runde Weimarer Land
Circular cycling tour highlighting classical culture and heritage
Discover the Ilm landscape from Kromsdorf to Oßmannstedt on a charming circular route. Visit Wieland Park with its obelisk and museum, explore the cultural site in Ulrichshalben, and enjoy a break at the historic watermill in Denstedt. Passing the Tiefurt Palace Park, the route combines nature, culture, and family-friendly rest areas, making it an ideal cycling excursion.
Kleine Ettersbergrunde
Short circular cycling tour around the Ettersberg near Weimar
Discover this circular route across the Ettersberg (wooded hill north of Weimar) and the surrounding villages. Starting at Schloss Ettersburg (historic palace), the tour leads through the shaded Ettersburg Forest to the obelisk. Panoramic views open up over Schöndorf, Wohlsborn, and Großobringen with the Church of St Peter and Paul. Optional detours to the mill at the Heichelheim Reservoir and the Kloßmuseum (dumpling museum) add local flavour to the tour.
22,4 km
31,6 km
Große Ettersbergrunde
Extended circular cycling tour around the Ettersberg
Explore a longer circular route around the Ettersberg near Weimar. Starting at Schloss Ettersburg, the tour leads through Hottelstedt, Ottstedt, and Niederzimmern, passing the Hopfgarten Reservoir. In Weimar, a detour to the market square and historic buildings is well worth it. The route then climbs back up the Ettersberg via the Blutstraße (historic road) before returning to the starting point on gravel forest paths. Nature, villages, and culture make this loop particularly appealing.
Genießertour Weimarer Land
Leisurely cycling tour focusing on regional cuisine and landscapes
Explore a hilly circular cycling tour starting in Bad Berka (spa town in Thuringia) and leading through the cultural landscape of the Weimarer Land (region around Weimar). Visit the circular village of Tiefengruben (traditional rural village), enjoy panoramic views from Schloss Tonndorf (historic castle with café), and discover the Freilichtmuseum Hohenfelden (open-air museum). The route continues via Kranichfeld (small town with castle), Tannroda (village in the Ilm Valley), and the Henriettenhof München (regional farm estate) before returning to the starting point. Authentic culinary experiences, regional products, and the relaxed atmosphere of Thuringia make this tour especially enjoyable.
31,6 km
24,3 km
Wein-Acht
Figure-eight cycling tour through the Saale–Unstrut wine region
Experience a circular figure-eight cycling tour through the Thuringian wine-growing region of Saale-Unstrut, one of Germany’s northernmost wine regions, starting in Bad Sulza. Passing the Emsenteiche (a group of small ponds), the route leads to Schloss Auerstedt (Auerstedt Castle) and continues over rolling ridges to Eberstedt, home to the floating hut village at the historic Ölmühle (oil mill). Following the rivers Ilm and Saale, the tour reaches Weingut Zahn in Kaatschen (a traditional local winery) before returning via the Rehehäuser Berg and the Sonnenberg to the Thüringer Weingut Bad Sulza, a well-known winery in the region. Wine culture, scenic landscapes, and panoramic views come together to create a truly special cycling experience.
Kneipp-Golf-Tour
Family-friendly cycling tour combining Kneipp wellness and golf
Discover forest landscapes, water experiences, and golfing highlights on this family-friendly circular cycling tour in the Weimarer Land, starting in Bad Berka (spa town in Thuringia). Along the route, refreshing Kneipp facilities (water therapy sites), varied forest trails, the GolfResort Weimarer Land, and scenic rest areas create a relaxed and engaging experience. Regular stops invite families to explore and take breaks, ensuring that both younger and older cycling enthusiasts can enjoy the natural scenery and cultural atmosphere of the region at an easy pace.
19,2 km
30,9 km
Apoldatour – Napoleon
Historical circular cycling tour linked to Napoleonic history
This historically significant circular cycling tour starts in Apolda and leads across the plateau northwest of Jena through the Weimarer Land. Along the route, memorial stones and information panels commemorate the events of 1806 (Napoleonic era). Cyclists pass the historic Bockwindmühle Krippendorf (traditional post mill), the Museum 1806 (history museum), the village of Vierzehnheiligen, and the memorial tower on the Sperlingsberg (hill with viewpoint). Natural paths, orchards, wide fields near Cospeda, and the Wasserburg Kapellendorf (moated castle) combine history, landscape, and regional charm into a distinctive cycling experience.
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