Ilmtal Cycle Path

Short description

The Ilmtal cycle path is one of the most popular cycling routes in Germany.

Description

The path passes through villages, past castles, palaces, and historic mills. Parks invite you to linger, restaurants for a stopover, and cyclist-friendly accommodation establishments for overnight stays.

The cycle path is suitable for a 3-day tour with connections to long-distance cycle paths as well as for shorter day trips. Regional express trains with free bicycle transport and bicycle compartments run hourly in both directions.
Extended tour description:
Start in Allzunah at the Rennsteig. Through the valley to Stützerbach. From Manebach to Ilmenau, from here through the Schorte valley to Langewiesen and Gräfinau-Angstedt. 

Towards Stadtilm further to the spa town Bad Berka. Through small villages to the park on the Ilm in Weimar.

From Weimar through Tiefurt and Kromsdorf. From Oßmannstedt via the Wieland estate to Eberstedt and Bad Sulza. Leaving the city, vineyards line the path to the confluence of the Saale, where you can continue on the Saale cycle path or stop for a break.
By car: The A4 and A71 offer ideal arrival options to the starting point of your choice.
Public transport: You can reach the starting point Allzunah via the train stations: Rennsteig, Gehlberg, and Ilmenau. From Ilmenau, take the bus towards Frauenwald. It is possible to have bikes transferred from Ilmenau to Allzunah. On weekends and public holidays, there is a direct connection Erfurt-Bahnhof/Rennsteig available.
Train stations for newcomers or downstream are located in Stadtilm, Kranichfeld, Tannroda, Hetschburg, Bad Berka, Mellingen, Weimar, Oßmannstedt, Apolda, Niedertrebra, and Bad Sulza. At the endpoint Großheringen, you can use the local train station.

 
Additional information:
Over 123 km, the Ilmtal cycle path follows the blue ribbon of the Ilm from its source in the Thuringian Forest to the mouth of the Saale at Großheringen. It covers an altitude difference of 750–120 m above sea level. The level of difficulty is easy to moderate and suitable for families with children.


As the first cycling route in Thuringia, it was awarded four stars as an ADFC quality cycle route by the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC).

Route description

The Ilmtal cycle path starts in Allzunah at the Rennsteig. From here, it descends through the valley to Stützerbach, a popular health resort on the Rennsteig, whose advantages were already appreciated by Goethe. Following in the footsteps of the poet, you will pass through Manebach to Ilmenau – the university and Goethe city on the Ilm. From here, the path leads through the Schorte valley to Langewiesen and Gräfinau-Angstedt.

On the way to Stadtilm, several possible detours beckon, such as the saltworks in Oberilm or the museum brewery in Singen. But also the art and mustard mill in Kleinhettstedt is worth a visit before reaching the two-castle town of Kranichfeld with its impressive landmarks. Through picturesque landscapes, the path continues to the spa town of Bad Berka. Here, the spa park in the heart of the city offers artistic experiences for the eyes and ears, hydrotherapy facilities, and the Goethe fountain, whose water promises healing properties. Through small villages, you finally reach the park on the Ilm in the cultural city of Weimar. Here, plan for a longer stay to be inspired by the city of classicism.

From Weimar, the cycle path leads through the parks of Tiefurt and Kromsdorf, connected by the Maria Pawlowna promenade path. In both places, the castles tell stories about the court of the Duchess Anna Amalia and the work of the Grand Duchess Maria Pawlowna. In Oßmannstedt, visit the Wieland estate before continuing to Eberstedt. Here, the historical oil mill already entices the next stop. Cycling downhill in a relaxed manner, you reach Bad Sulza, Thuringias popular spa and wine town. After a leisurely stroll through the historic spa park, a visit to the pump room and the Gradiwerk Louise is worthwhile. Leaving the city, vineyards line the path to the confluence of the Saale, where you can either continue on the Saale cycle path or take a break.

More information

www.outdooractive.com/de/route/radtour/thueringer-wald/ilmtal-radweg-vom-rennsteig-durchs-weimarer-land-bis-zur-saale/106657992/
www.weimarer-land-tourismus.de/de/aktiv/radfahren/ilmtal-radweg/

Travel information

By car, the A4 and A71 offer ideal arrival options to the starting point of your choice.