Ilmtal Cycle Path

Short Description

The Ilmtal Cycle Path is one of the most popular cycle paths in Germany.

Description

The path crosses villages, passes by castles, palaces, and historic mills. Parks invite you to linger, restaurants for refreshments, and cyclist-friendly accommodations 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 into the spa town of 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 way to the confluence of the Saale, where you can follow the Saale Cycle Path or stop for a break.
By Car: The A4 and A71 offer ideal access to the starting point of your choice.
Public Transportation: To the starting point Allzunah you can reach via the train stations: Rennsteig, Gehlberg, and Ilmenau. From Ilmenau, take the bus towards Frauenwald. There is the possibility of transferring bikes from Ilmenau to Allzunah. On weekends and public holidays, the direct connection Erfurt-Bahnhof/Rennsteig is available.
Train stations for "entry from the side" or downstream are available in Stadtilm, Kranichfeld, Tannroda, Hetschburg, Bad Berka, Mellingen, Weimar, Oßmannstedt, Apolda, Niedertrebra, and Bad Sulza. At the endpoint Großheringen, the local train station can be used.

 
Additional Information:
Over 123 km, the Ilmtal Cycle Path follows the blue band of the Ilm from its source in the Thuringian Forest to the confluence of the Saale at Großheringen. It covers an altitude difference of 750-120 m above sea level. The difficulty level is easy to medium and suitable for families with children.


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

Route Description

The starting point of the Ilmtal Cycle Path is Allzunah at the Rennsteig. From here, it descends through the valley to Stützerbach, a popular spa town on the Rennsteig, whose advantages were already appreciated by Goethe. Following in the footsteps of the poet prince, 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 tempt, such as the salt works 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 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 delights for the eyes and ears, Kneipp facilities, and the Goethe Fountain, whose water promises healing effects. Through small villages, you finally reach the park on the Ilm in the cultural city of Weimar. A longer stay is recommended here to be inspired by the classical city.

From Weimar, the cycle path leads through the parks of Tiefurt and Kromsdorf, which are connected by the Maria-Pawlowna Promenade. 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, a visit to the Wieland estate is a must before continuing to Eberstedt. Here, the next stop is the historic oil mill. It's a relaxed ride downhill to Bad Sulza, Thuringia's 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 way to the confluence of the Saale, where you can either continue on the Saale Cycle Path or take a break.

Further 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 access to the starting point of your choice.