Thuringia Divide

A fascinating gravel bikepacking route from Eisenach to Neuhaus am Rennweg. Not by the direct path over the Rennsteig, but along a personal "Thuringia Divide" route via Hainich, Erfurt, and Weimar. A historically significant route that connects places of world history.

The route begins in Eisenach with a steep and challenging ascent to Wartburg, which can be considered the official starting point of the "Thuringia Divide." After riding through the forests of the Hainich National Park, with its wide gravel paths - a dream for gravel bikes - and the spectacular treetop path, gravel roads, forest paths, and streets lead further toward Friedenstein Castle with its popular Ekhof Theater awaiting adventurous bikers.

Next, the state capital of Thuringia - Erfurt - welcomes with the Krämerbrücke and numerous highlights. The next cycling kilometers target the Ettersberg, where you witness one of the darkest chapters in German history at the Buchenwald concentration camp. Afterwards, culture lovers should visit the Bauhaus Museum, Goethe's Garden House, or Belvedere Castle in the classic city of Weimar. After crossing the Ilm river in Buchfart, the route follows the Ilm cycle path. A relaxed passage southwards. 

Next stop: the art and mustard mill in Kleinhettstedt including mustard tasting and refreshment in the courtyard café, then continuing to master the kilometers to Elgersburg and the local Elgersburg Castle. The further cycling experience brings elevation gain, because over the Mönchshof it goes up to the Rennsteig and Schneekopf. The second highest elevation in the Thuringian Forest invites to a scenic stop in good weather. Then the route follows the Rennsteig to Masserberg, before the descent into the wild romantic Schwarza valley at the edge of the Thuringian Slate Mountains. With the Thuringian Mountain Railway, the next elevation meters are taken much more relaxed, before it goes on a wide gravel path to Neuhaus am Rennweg. In the center of the "Christmas Land at the Rennsteig (R)" this multifaceted multi-day tour ends.