Discover The Saale Cycle Route
A Scenic Journey Along the Saale
The Saale Cycle Route (Saaleradweg) winds like a picturesque thread along the banks of the Saale River. It stretches for 403.8 kilometres through the Weimarer Land and beyond. This unique route is not just a paradise for cyclists; it also offers an unparalleled journey through history, nature, and culture.
From the heights of the wild Bavarian Fichtelgebirge to the tranquil mouth of the majestic Elbe, the Saale Cycle Route offers a wealth of sights and experiences for every traveller. Along the way, a rich variety of landscapes, cultural treasures, and culinary delights are revealed.
The Scenic Beauty Along the Saale Cycle Route
The beginning of the Saale Cycle Route at the Großer Waldstein in the Fichtelgebirge offers a challenging route for sports enthusiasts. However, the landscape changes along the river’s course. The Saale flows through dense forests, narrow gorges, and past idyllic reservoirs. The natural beauty of this region invites you to explore the surroundings and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.
The well-marked cycle path is characterized by many climbs in its upper course. The section from Münchberg to Saalfeld, especially around the Saale dams, is a rather sporty and challenging route. From Saalfeld to the mouth of the Elbe, the path becomes flatter. Here, it is bordered by hills, forests, and vineyards, making it particularly suitable for families.
The route is sometimes hilly, with some steep climbs. Most of the paths are paved or have a gravel surface and are usually car-free, although some sections run on busy roads. As the cycle path is partly very close to nature, a good trekking bike with thick tires is recommended.
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.
Our Recommendations for Your Tour on The Saale Cycle Route
The Saale Cycle Route is well-marked, but its condition varies. From challenging climbs in the upper course to family-friendly sections downstream, it offers something for every cyclist. A recommended tour leads from Weimar to Naumburg via the Ilmtal Cycle Route (Ilmtal-Radweg) and the Saale Cycle Route. This 50 km stretch through historic towns and picturesque landscapes offers a pleasant ride with numerous sights along the way.
Tour Tip: Cycling Tour from Weimar to Naumburg at a Glance
The Tour: We start in Weimar, where we recommend a guided city tour. From there, the route leads via Tiefurt to Kromsdorf, passing beautiful castles. It continues through Oßmannstedt, where the Wielandgut is located, to Apolda. There you can visit the Art House Apolda Avantgarde (Kunsthaus Apolda Avantgarde) and the Eiermannbau and Museum Auf Zeit. Then the route goes via Zottelstedt, Wickerstedt, and Eberstedt. Here we recommend visiting the walkable sundial, the cyclists’ church (Radfahrerkirche), and a running fountain. The journey continues to Bad Sulza, where the Thuringian Wine Tour (Thüringer Weintour), the Toskana Therme, and the saline lure you to stay for a relaxing afternoon. The tour finally ends in Großheringen at the confluence of the Ilm and Saale rivers. From there, follow the Saale Cycle Route to Naumburg.
Route Condition: Mostly paved – moderate difficulty
Special Features: Scenic beauty, river valleys, viticulture, castles and palaces, park landscapes around Weimar
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.
