Mountainbike 1 Rennsteig-Region NORD

Note / message from 9.5.22. A few sections of the route are still restricted but rideable due to clearing work caused by wind breakage/beetle wood. Probably the most beautiful trail section on the entire route in the area between Steinbach an der Haide and Falkenstein is currently not possible due to logging. The detour on the road to Falkenstein is signposted.

Description of the route: A challenging tour with a constant alternation of ascents and descents, repeatedly interrupted by singletrail sections. It's worth planning breaks for sightseeing: Lauenstein Castle, two confectioneries, Thüringer Warte. A short section runs directly along the "Panzerplatten" of the former GDR / FRG border strip. Signposting on site: MTB 1

Condition of the route: 70% forest path, 20% single trail, 10% asphalt

Difficulty: Difficult fitness level, medium riding technique

Course of the route: From the outskirts of Steinbach a.W. on a gravel forest path (many walkers at weekends, please be considerate) to the first short trail section downhill to "Lauenhainerbach". Past the hut and fish pond and immediately uphill again. On the hill on asphalt past a windmill to Lauenhain. After the village, a small climb with a beautiful view. This is followed by a descent to Ludwigsstadt/Ottendorf on a forest path, which has the character of a trail in places. This is followed by an extremely steep asphalt ascent to the former border strip. After the rather bumpy "Panzerplatten", the gravel and asphalt passage to Steinbach a.d. Haide is just right. About 500 m after the end of the village, shortly after the beginning of the edge of the forest, leave the road to the right and follow a trail into the "Steinbachgrund". This is followed by a single trail parallel to the slope, which ends shortly before the former "Falkenstein" restaurant and a memorial stone for the opening of the border in 1989. Continue up the valley along the "Loquitz" on a very scenic trail. The road through Lauenstein is very steep and on asphalt. A detour to Lauenstein Castle is worthwhile here. At the top of the "Ratzenberg" with the "Thüringer Warte" (about 700 m off the route) - be sure to take a look back: beautiful panorama with the castle. The route continues on gravel forest paths, always in the immediate vicinity of the former border. On the following descent, a singletrail branches off quite abruptly to the right and continues on a rough gravel descent to Ebersdorf. After reaching the edge of the village, follow the road to the main road. Turn left onto the main road and follow it to the village green. Turn right there towards the church. The local road to the cemetery then turns into a paved country lane, which leads us steadily uphill to the Rennsteig. After crossing the Rennsteig, we follow the dirt path at the edge of the forest. We reach the Ölschnitzsee lake via forest paths and a short asphalt section. We then follow the paved cycle path along the Ölschnitz to Windheim. We leave the village in the direction of the forester's lodge, ride on gravel up to the hill and then on a dirt trail/single trail back to Steinbach a.W. (please ride very slowly in the lower section, private property). Take the main road uphill to the traffic circle and then downhill towards the town center to the railroad bridge.

Sights & attractions: Lauenstein Castle, Confiserie Lauenstein, Frankenwald-Confiserie Bauer, former German-German border, Green Belt, Thüringer Warte observation tower, Rennsteig, Ölschnitzsee