The Route of the Luther Trail: A Historical Pilgrimage

The Luther Trail stretches through various regions of Thuringia, offering a wealth of scenic and cultural highlights. Starting in Erfurt places you at Martin Luther’s starting point, where the future theology professor began his studies. From there, the trail leads through picturesque towns like Niederzimmern, Weimar, and Apolda, each with its own stories to tell. Along the way, you will pass historical sites such as the Luther House in Weimar, which offers a unique insight into the reformer’s life. The route through the Weimarer Land ends near Jena, where Luther spent time as a student.

The Course of the Luther Trail:

In Thuringia, the trail is divided into a western and southern loop, as well as a northern and eastern route. It connects with the Luther Trail to Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Bavaria. In the Weimarer Land district, the Luther Trail runs along the so-called southern loop, including the city of Weimar, spanning a total length of approximately 40 km. The trail follows existing hiking and pilgrimage paths and is continuously signposted.

From Erfurt (Wallichen) direction:

• Niederzimmern
• Hopfgarten
• Nohra
• Ulla
• Weimar
• Umpferstedt
• Kapellendorf
• Oberndorf
• Herressen
• Apolda
• Schöten
• Hermstedt – towards Jena

Experience and Information along the Luther Trail

Along the Luther Trail, you will find not only historical landmarks but also a variety of informational opportunities to help you understand the significance of each site. Additional information boards provide interesting facts and background details about the individual stations on the trail. Additionally, there are regular guided tours and events that offer a deeper engagement with history.

Luther Trail: A Symbol of Thuringia’s Rich History

The Luther Trail in Thuringia is not just a hiking route but a journey through the state’s history. It symbolizes Thuringia’s close connection to the Reformation and Martin Luther. The numerous historical sites along the trail are reminders of a tumultuous past and invite visitors to experience this history firsthand. The trail connects not only places but also people, all contributing in their way to Thuringia’s rich culture.

Discover the Luther Trail

Whether you are traveling alone, with family, or in a group, the Luther Trail offers you a unique opportunity to explore the past and discover the diversity and beauty of Thuringia. Let its cultural significance inspire you.

Plan your journey individually and take advantage of the many offers along the trail. From guided tours and pilgrim hostels to thematic hikes, the Luther Trail is well-equipped to provide you with an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the warm hospitality of the Thuringians, the historic cities, and the idyllic nature. Whether you explore just a portion of the trail or the entire route, each section offers unique impressions and unforgettable moments. The Luther Trail is more than just a hiking path; it is a bridge between past and present, a place of learning and reflection, offering a profound experience of Thuringia’s history and culture.

The patron and ambassador of the Thuringian Luther Trail is the Prime Minister of the Free State of Thuringia, Bodo Ramelow.

The circular hiking trail that connects 

The circular hiking trail connects the Paulin Tower in Bad Berka with the Hainturm in the Belvederer Forst near Weimar and the Carolinenturm on the Kötschberg near Blankenhain. This hiking trail, which combines nature, culture, spirit and Thuringian tradition, offers magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. The view from the Caroline and Pauline towers in particular is magnificent, offering distant views of up to 30 km.

Refreshment stops

Along the trail you can stop at the mill shop in Buchfart, the Müllershausen forest restaurant below the Kötsch and the Paulinenturm restaurant at the foot of the tower. You can tell that it is open here by the hoisted flag on the tower.

While Thuringian hospitality and handicraft tradition are in the foreground in the villages, the larger towns of Bad Berka, Blankenhain or Weimar offer a rich variety of leisure and cultural highlights.

Hainturm:

Open on events such as Open Monument Day, Ascension Day or, of course, on request by phone: 03643 497788 or E-mail : hainturmvorstand@gmail.com

Caroline tower:

April-October: always Sundays 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

The Waldgaststätte Müllershausen takes care of the physical well-being.

Pauline tower:

March-October: Wednesday-Sunday 11:00-18:00 hrs.

November-December: Friday-Sunday 11:00-18:00 hrs

Enjoying the Weimar Land

In a tome entitled “How Love Came into the World.” this hike would not go unmentioned. The young J. W. Goethe hiked all too often from Weimar to Großkochberg Castle to visit his beloved Charlotte von Stein. Today it is still a hike that follows love. With sweeping views of the charming surroundings of the Weimarer Land, it’s a dream come true.

In Goethe’s footsteps

On this hiking trail, you follow in Goethe’s footsteps from Weimar to Großkochberg, discovering the charming surroundings of Weimarer Land. From 1775-1788, the young poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe often hiked to the castle “behind the mountains” in Großkochberg. According to his own account, it took him two and a half hours on horseback to cover the distance. On foot, you have to plan 6-8 hours of hiking.

The 28 km long trail bears a large white “G” on a green background as a sign. It leads through green coniferous forests, small villages and past all kinds of sights worth seeing, such as the Buchfarter Felsenburg or the dyer’s and Rundlingsdorf Neckeroda.

Resting benches and rest areas with beautiful views invite you to take a breather along the way. Hungry hikers can stop off at the Balsamine forest inn above Buchfart, the mill shop in Buchfart, Kekek’s hikers’ hut in Hochdorf or the castle restaurant in Großkochberg.

The Traditional Goethe Hike 

On the first Saturday in May, the traditional Goethe hike takes place from Weimar, alternatively from Bad Berka or Blankenhain, to Großkochberg. The number of participants increases from year to year, most recently more than 300 hikers.

From Altenburg to Jena

The starting point of this tour across Thuringia is the skat town of Altenburg. Here you can marvel at the imposing residential palace with its playing card museum. Via Schmölln you reach Gera, where you can take part in a guided tour through the underground labyrinth of the Gera caves.

The tour continues to Bad Köstritz and Jena. In connection with Jena, the names of well-known personalities can be mentioned in the same breath:

• Goethe
• Schiller
• Napoleon
• Zeiss
• Schott
• Abbe

It is interesting to visit the world’s oldest planetarium as well as the “Keksrolle”, Jena’s landmark. From the viewing platform at a dizzying height, there is a spectacular view of the city of light and the surrounding core mountains.

In the Weimarer Land

In Weimarer Land, the section of this cycle path is shared with the Ilmtal and Feininger cycle paths. The tour then leads to the “classic city” of Weimar.

Several famous people have lived and worked here:

• Bach
• Goethe
• Schiller
• Liszt
• Cranach

The early Bauhaus period also left its mark on the city, and today the modern Bauhaus Museum is a reminder of the days of the most important design and art school of the 20th century.

Erfurt

In Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, the Krämerbrücke with its historic half-timbered houses, the Petersberg fortress, St. Mary’s Cathedral, the town hall and the Augustinian monastery, where Luther once lived and worked as a monk, attract visitors.

Castles and palaces

The next stage takes you past the Drei Gleichen castle ensemble to the former royal seat of Gotha. Germany’s largest early Baroque castle complex, Friedenstein, the casemates – the 350-year-old vaults of the fortifications – and the original baroque Ekhof Theatre are unique.

In the west, Wartburg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, towers high above Eisenach. It was in Eisenach that Saint Elisabeth lived, Luther translated the New Testament and Wagner was inspired to write the opera “Tannhäuser”. Goethe wrote from Wartburg Castle to Charlotte von Stein, “The area is exuberant”.

Finally arriving in Creuzburg, the castle of the same name marks the end point of the tour. The Werra Bridge and the Liborius Chapel are worth seeing.

Experience the Saale Cycle Route in the Weimarer Land

The central Saale Valley offers a wealth of charming places, including the musical town of Rudolstadt, the fascinating stalactite caves near Saalfeld, the lively university town of Jena, and the magnificent Dornburg Castles near Bad Kösen. These historic sites and cultural highlights bear witness to the rich past of the region. We invite you to dive into history.

Highlights at a Glance:

• Rudolstadt, where visitors flock annually to the World Music Festival “Rudolstadt-Festival”
• The exciting stalactite caves near Saalfeld
• The University town of Jena
• Bad Kösen – passing the Dornburg Castles and the graduation tower, one of the longest in Germany

Wine Regions Along the Saale Cycle Route

Further downstream, viticulture shapes the landscape from Naumburg to Halle, where the valley slopes are crowned by ancient fortresses. Here, the Saale winds through a broader valley, lined with gentle hills, lush forests, and fertile vineyards. These wine regions not only offer picturesque views, but also top-quality wines appreciated by connoisseurs from around the world.

Experience the Diversity of the Saale Cycle Route

The Saale Cycle Route is more than just a route for cyclists. It is a connection to history, nature, and culture waiting to be discovered. From the steep slopes of the Fichtelgebirge to the gentle meadows of the Elbe, it offers a variety of experiences and sights. Discover the Saale Cycle Route and be enchanted by its beauty.

A route that connects 

The cycle path leads along less frequented country roads and rural paths via:

• Weimar Schöndorf
• Wohlsborn
• Sachsenhausen
• Leutenthal
• Daasdorf
• Buttelstedt
• Schwerstedt
• Neumark
• Vippachedelhausen
• Markvippach
• Dielsdorf
• Schloßvippach ­
• Großrudestedt
• Alperstedt
• Schallenburg

With a length of 47 km, it is the connecting section between the Ilmtal Cycle Path from Weimar and the Unstrut Cycle Path in Schallenburg near Sömmerda.

Numerous rest areas and sights to linger over 

The “Mechanika da Vinci” model exhibition in Leuthenthal is definitely worth a stop. The laws of physics can be explored here in a playful way – fun, and not just for children.

In Vippachedelhausen, the “tirica” adventure world invites you to take a break: Here, the often strange animals of the zoo can be observed. Petting is allowed. There is playground equipment for children in the grounds. A kiosk is available for provisions, but you can also bring your own picnic. The path through the moorland of the Alperstedter Ried is suitable for exciting nature observations. With a bit of luck, you may also spot the four-legged landscape keepers – Exmoor ponies, water buffalo and red cattle. Keep your eyes open!

Short detours: From the Laura cycle path you can take short detours to Heichelheim to the Heichelheimer Kloßwelt (dumpling world), to the Ordensburg Liebstedt or – if you need to cool down – to Ottmanshausen to the open-air swimming pool. Fishing with a licence is permitted at the Heichelheim, Großbrembach and Berlstedt reservoirs.

Enjoying the Ilmtal Cycle Route Your Way

Parallel to the bike route runs the railway line. Regional express trains with free bike transport and bicycle compartments operate in both directions. The Ilmtal Cycle Route is easily and comfortably accessible via public transport.

In the Weimarer Land region, you can actively discover cultural diversity and historical heritage by bike. Cyclists can admire impressive testimonies of past epochs, such as medieval castles and palaces, learning more about the history of these places along the way.

The Ilmtal Cycle Route also offers the opportunity to enjoy nature. The landscape along the trail is remarkably diverse, offering spectacular views. Enjoy the surrounding landscapes, picturesque river valleys, and wooded hills.

Along the route, a wealth of recreational activities await you. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Thuringian Forest (UNESCO-Biosphärenreservat Thüringer Wald) features significant bird protection areas. At the Niederburg in Kranichfeld, you can experience eagles and falcons up close. The German Bee Museum in Weimar offers a unique permanent exhibition on the biology and cultural history of the bee.

Ilmtal Cycle Route: Discover, Experience, and Enjoy

Along the Ilmtal Cycle Route, there are many opportunities to sample local specialities and enjoy culinary delights. Traditional Thuringian dishes, such as bratwurst and dumplings, can be tried in numerous inns and restaurants. Many establishments emphasize regional and seasonal products that authentically reflect the taste of the region.

In addition to cultural and natural attractions, the towns and villages along the Ilmtal Cycle Route offer a variety of events and festivals. These range from traditional markets and craft fairs to music and theatre festivals. The Weimarer Land provides the opportunity to enjoy the region’s vibrant culture and experience its warm hospitality first-hand.

For families with children, there are many child-friendly activities and facilities along the Cycle Route. Playgrounds, nature trails, and interactive museums ensure that even the youngest cyclists have a great time.

The Ilmtal Cycle Route is not only a paradise for cyclists but also a place for relaxation and recreation. Numerous wellness hotels and spas along the route invite you to take relaxing breaks. Here, cyclists can recharge after an active day on the bike and pamper themselves.

Whether you view the Ilmtal Cycle Route as a sporting challenge, a cultural adventure, or a relaxed nature trip, this Cycle Route has something for everyone. Plan your trip carefully to enjoy all aspects of this exceptional route and collect unforgettable impressions.

“The villages, probably over a hundred, in the surrounding area are magnificent! The architecture (you know how I feel about that!) is just right for me, so inspiring, in part so immensely monumental! There are churches in godforsaken nests that are among the most mystical things I know of so-called cultural people!”

In the footsteps of Feininger

The 28 km cycle tour through Weimarer Land invites you to follow in Feininger’s footsteps. The well-signposted circular route has attractive glass displays at the individual stops, most of which show the Feininger painting of the respective village church in bright colours with a direct view of the original. This is a wonderful way to get to know your favourite motifs in the idyllic villages, because “Weimarer Land is Feininger Land”!

The cycle tour takes you from Weimar via:

• Niedergrunstedt
• Gelmeroda
• Possendorf
• Vollersroda
• Mellingen

The illuminated church

The Feininger church in Gelmeroda, often illustrated by the artist, is illuminated in Feininger’s colours from Thursday to Sunday. In Mellingen there is an art installation dedicated to the painter, the Feininger Tower, built in 1999 and modelled on the artist’s painting style.

A special cycling culture route

Visitors who want to explore Feininger’s world of motifs even more intensively are recommended to take an individual tour far from the described cycling cultural route. Selected places whose buildings inspired him to draw are presented in the leaflet. Colourful desk displays in the villages provide additional information and explanations about Feininger’s paintings.