Cycle route - "Mill ferry round" - Thuringian Forest

The cycling route starts and ends in Saalfeld/Saale, a historic town with a medieval old town, well-developed infrastructure, and the famous Feengrottenpark. From Bahnhofstraße, it leads out of the town towards Unterwellenborn, where the industrial museum and the history of the steelworks recall the region's industrial past.

Afterwards, the path takes you through gently rolling landscapes to Krölpa and Ranis. In Ranis, a detour to Ranis Castle is worthwhile, one of Thuringia’s best-preserved castles with an archaeological museum and spectacular views over the Orla valley. This area marks the transition from the agriculturally dominated areas to the first elevations of the Thuringian Slate Mountains.

The route continues over Schmorda and Gössitz, two small, tranquil villages with beautiful views of the surrounding forests and valleys. The route here is rural and relatively quiet – ideal for taking a deep breath.

Afterwards, you cross the Saale via the only car ferry in Thuringia between Linkenmühle and Altenroth.

After a steep climb, you reach the picturesque town of Altenbeuthen. The region around Hohenwarte is characterized by forests, winding roads, and the interplay of water and elevations. The dam of the Hohenwarte reservoir is an impressive technical structure and an ideal spot for a break by the water.

The return ride to Saalfeld goes via Kaulsdorf, where you reach the Saale valley again. From there, it is relatively flat along the river back to Saalfeld.