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Wheat fields in the Thuringian Basin

Thuringian Basin

The most beautiful places of Eldorado

9 Days / 8 Nights
Medium
Wheat fields in the Thuringian Basin

The flat Thuringian Basin provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely cycling vacation. Discover renowned cities like Mühlhausen, Eisenach, Erfurt, and Weimar by bicycle. The route follows the river, passing by castles and through lush forests on well-maintained cycle paths. Take breaks along the journey to dismount and savor the scenery, historic landmarks, and local culinary delights.

Your journey begins in the historic Wartburg town of Eisenach, from where the initial leg of your route leads to Mühlhausen. Along the way, you'll follow the scenic Werratal cycle path, passing by the impressive Normannstein Castle. En route to Erfurt, be sure to explore the beautiful botanical gardens in Bad Langensalza. On the fourth day, depart Erfurt, crossing the iconic Krämerbrücke, and immerse yourself in the cultural legacy of Goethe and Schiller as you explore Weimar.

In Weimarer Land, you'll discover majestic castles and pristine natural landscapes before making your way to Arnstadt. On the seventh day, you'll traverse the Bach Cycle Adventure Route, paying homage to the life and contributions of the renowned composer. Finally, you'll pedal through the Thuringian Burgenland, passing by the iconic "Drei Gleichen" castles, before reaching Eisenach, where you can raise a toast to the memorable days with a glass of fine wine.

  • The castles in the Weimarer Land lend the region a royal splendor. Belvedere Palace, with its baroque gardens, Tiefurt Palace, housing cultural treasures, and Ettersburg Palace, bearing historical significance, stand as impressive testimonials to history, defining the picturesque landscape.
  • The enchanting Arnstadt: The oldest town in Thuringia captivates visitors with its enchanting half-timbered houses, historic market square, and the Bach Church, where Johann Sebastian Bach secured his first appointment. This baroque city delights visitors with its cultural treasures, picturesque alleyways, and a cozy atmosphere that beckons exploration and leisurely strolls.
  • The legend of the "Drei Gleichen": Gleichen, Mühlburg, and Wachsenberg form an impressive ensemble of castle ruins. Perched atop hills, these historical relics define the landscape and provide not just breathtaking views, but also captivating glimpses into Thuringia's castle heritage. Delve into the 800-year-old legend that intertwines these castles during your visit and uncover their intriguing connections!

The picturesque Thuringian Basin attracts visitors with its rolling hills, green landscapes and charming towns. Renowned for its well-maintained cycling routes tracing along scenic rivers, you'll traverse between 25 and 75 kilometers per day on this journey. The area boasts optimal conditions for an unforgettable cycling getaway, offering unparalleled glimpses into the historical legacy and natural beauty of Thuringia.

Central Germany impresses with its cultural richness and diverse nature. Historic cities such as Erfurt and Leipzig, the Thuringian Forest, as well as the rivers Elbe, Moselle, and Rhine, shape this region, inviting visitors to a variety of experiences.

Itinerary at a glance

Cycle through the Thuringian Basin to Mühlhausen, the city of gates and towers. The gardens in Bad Langensalza enchant not only botanists, and in the impressive city of Weimar, you can walk in the footsteps of Goethe, Schiller, or Liszt.

An early arrival is worthwhile, because the Wartburgstadt Eisenach awaits you with its wonderful city center, museums, Wartburg, Lutherhaus and churches. All the sights tell of the interesting history, the personalities and legends of the city. Your quiet start to your cycling tour through the Thuringian Basin!

You begin your cycling trip through the Thuringian basin on the Werra Valley cycle path. You cycle through the wildly romantic gorge cut by the Werra, past the Treffurter Normannstein castle. Finally you will cycling on flat paths to Mulhouse - the city of gates and towers. Or you can cycle a shortcut directly to Mühlhausen.

Today you touch the geographic centre of Germany on the gate to nature park Hainich. Bad Langensalza is circumvented by an almost completely preserved fortification wall and historic old town. Continue on Unstrut cyclepath into the capital Erfurt with the medieval old town.

Cross the bridge Krämerbrücke which is unique in Europe, the longest bridge that is completely covered by buildings that are still lived in. Continue your tour through farmland, via Thuringian City Trail to Weimar. The great city of German cultural heritage is 1000 years old. Great names are connected with Weimar: Goethe, Schiller, Herder, Cranach, Bach, Liszt and many more.

Today you will make a detour into the wonderful Weimarer Land: you will leave Weimar in a northerly direction on the Ilm Cycle Path. Again and again you will have the opportunity to get off your bike and take a break in a shady park or a romantic castle dock: Tiefurt Castle - the country residence of Duchess Anna Amalia -, Kromsdorf Castle or the Wieland Estate in Oßmannstedt are just a few of the highlights of this tour. Plan a little more time in Apolda, the city of bells and art.

On the very well developed Ilmtal cycle path you glide through the Thuringian Forest and Stadtilm. Continue cycling to Arnstadt – the “doll’s town” enchanting and with a 1300 year long history

Adventure bike tour! This is the new Bach Cycle Adventure Route. It takes you to places and landscapes that shaped the childhood and youth of one of Germany's greatest musical talents. His first place of work was Arnstadt, where the young Bach received his first job as an organist.

Today you cycle through Thuringian regin of fortresses! Of special interest is the ensemble of three fortresses “Drei Gleichen”. The legend had there once a globe lightning incinerated all three fortresses in one go. The bright flames were widely visible and left three mysterious ruins with scenic views across the Thuringian basin. Continue along the Thuringian City Trail to Esenach.

Day
09
Departure or extension

Other variations of this tour

Route information

Medium

Usually well-developed cycle paths, or little frequented side roads, with hilly sections. Only at the entrances and exits of the townships can traffic be expected to increase.

Prices & Dates

Category: 3***- and 4****- hotels and guest houses

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation as already mentioned
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)

  • GPS-tracks 
  • Service hotline

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Eisenach train station
  • Erfurt or Weimar airport
  • Closed car park at the office of the operator, this costs approx. EUR 5 per night, no reservation possible
  • Public multi storage car park in Eisenach, this costs approx. EUR 9 per day, no reservation possible.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.
Nicole Maderegger

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Nicole Maderegger
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