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Dream bike trip on the beautiful Saale cycle path ☀️

Map of the Saale Cycle Path
Overview of your benefits
  • Tours including hotels and luggage transport
  • Extensive route books & GPS data
  • Top brand rental bikes bookable
  • More than 30 years of experience

Cycling holiday on the Saale Cycle Path

Stately castles, romantic river valleys and a glass of wine every now and then: Cycle along the Saale on one of the most beautiful river cycle paths in Germany. The Saale Cycle Path guides cyclists from the Saale source in Upper Franconia up to Jerichow country on the Elbe and is perfect for anyone who loves variety. Here you meet Alluvial forests worth seeing, narrow gorges, quiet country lanes, picturesque reservoirs and above all a lot of culture and history - so: Get on the saddle!


  • Total length exactly 403 kilometers
  • many cultural monuments such as palaces, castles and ruins along the cycle path
  • on the way in the northernmost wine region of Europe: Saale/Unstrut
  • one of the most varied river bike paths in Germany
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Popular bike tours on the Saale bike path

The halls at a glance

You will find numerous along the Saale Cities of historical and cultural importance. Each as a highlight in itself will reward you between your cycling stages unique places that fascinate with their stories. We tell you the best excursion tips. This is how you get to know beautiful Central Germany!

The university town of Jena

Jena stands for culture and history, but also for innovation and progress. The city is considered Cradle of the optical industry in Europe. We recommend a visit to the German Optical Museum. Or how about a visit to the Zeiss Planetarium? In addition, the load beautiful streets of Jena to explore. Unwind in the numerous cafés and restaurants.

Our insider tip: The medieval hilltop fortress of Leuchtenburg with an integrated porcelain museum south of Jena not only conveys the porcelain trade, but also provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the region.

View of Jena at sunset

Magdeburg: the Ottostadt

The 1.200 year old Magdeburg bears his nickname "Ottostadt' because of the physicist Otto von Guericke, who was both born and buried in the city. It is therefore not surprising that the local Otto von Guericke Museum fascinated as a real tourist magnet. But the city also has a lot to offer in addition to the museum: How about one Visit to the Green Citadel, a pink-striped building by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser? In addition, the imposing attracts Rothensee boat lift and the Magdeburg canal bridge in the North.

By the way: The bridge is the longest of its kind in Europe - truly impressive!

View of the Magdeburg Cathedral
View of the Magdeburg Cathedral

Merseburg: the city of magic spells

Merseburg is one of the oldest cities in Central Germany and has with the cathedral as "Merseburg city crown“ one of the most beautiful city views far and wide. Visit the medieval French Fountain, which has been around for more than 400 years, and during a city tour you will find out what the famous Merseburg spells has on itself.

Merseburg - Picturesque idyll at the city lake

The romantic Naumburg

In the heart of the castle and wine region Naumburg is on the Saale-Unstrut Center of the northernmost German wine-growing region. Marvel at beautiful buildings from the Romantic and Gothic periods with all their colourfulness. Along with local Renaissance and Baroque town houses, the region offers fantastic all-round views. Explore the picturesque streets of Naumburg, which will lead you to the city's numerous sights. This clearly stands out Landmark out of town: Der Naumburg Cathedral is since 2018 UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important cathedral buildings of the European High Middle Ages.

Naumburg: View of the vineyard and Freyburg

The cultural city of Weimar

Many associate Weimar with the famous writers Goethe and Schiller – and a lot is dedicated to the life and work of these two personalities in Weimar. Here you will find that Goethe's house and the Schiller house with integrated museum. But that too Goethe Schiller Monument from 1857 before German national theatre testifies to the importance of these two poets and thinkers.

We also recommend a visit to the imposing City Palace Weimar right in the center of town. Also the Buchenwald Memorial is very close to Weimar. A visit to the memorial site is a good idea if you are staying in the city for a longer period of time.

German National Theater with Goethe and Schiller in Weimar Thuringia

Halle an der Saale: the 1000-year-old saltworks town

Halle an der Saale houses with the Halloren chocolate factory the oldest chocolate factory in Germany that is still in production today. But it's not just sweets that have a long tradition here, the city also knows its stuff when it comes to savory. The Halle Saline Museum conveys interesting facts about the extraction of the mineral.

Away from all culinary delights, this presents State Museum of Prehistory impressive the long history of the region and the people living there. The Beatles Museum is a real insider tip! Intellectually strengthened, you stroll through it Paul quarter, one of the most beautiful corners of Halle and are already looking forward to your next trip to Halle an der Saale.

The Giebichenstein Castle in Halle an der Saale

Bernburg: an architectural splendor

Cow 40 kilometers as the crow flies south of Magdeburg lies the tranquil town of Bernburg. The city shines with architectural masterpieces and magnificent garden art. About that Bernburg Castle or the 26 meter high one boiler tower are real tourist magnets. From the top of the tower you have a wonderful view of the city and the entire Saale valley - and in good weather even as far as the Brocken.

In addition to the architectural feast for the eyes of Bernburg, the surrounding nature on the Saale with its proximity to the Harz Partner Places for varied excursions and relaxing trips – whether on foot or by saddle. Especially that Bernburg Glacier Garden from the Saale Ice Age has a unique landscape and is therefore our clear recommendation.

View of the old town in Bernburg an der Saale

Erfurt: the city of bridges

The city of Erfurt is rich in history and culture. Especially those Erfurt old town with its tranquil alleys and streets has been attracting visitors from all over the world to the for decades capital of Thuringia. More than 150 bridges cross the river Gera and its numerous tributaries. The most famous bridge is the Kramer Bridge. The extraordinary thing about her is that she fully built and inhabited is. She almost does unique in Europe. Here you will find numerous cafes and restaurants to enjoy, as well as small shops where you are sure to discover a souvenir or two.

But also the twin buildings the Erfurt cathedral with a height of 80 meters and the Severi Church are unmissable highlights of Erfurt. They tower over the cityscape and can therefore be seen from afar. From the nearby Petersberg you get an impressive overall view of the city - simply breathtaking!

View of the Kramer Bridge in Erfurt

Our cycle tour recommendations on the Saale Cycle Path

The popular cycle tours along the Saale are characterized by numerous highlights and sights. With us you will find the most beautiful and popular tours with which you can discover the most tranquil places - holidays to fall in love with!

Excellent region

4,4 / 5 stars
rated by 14 cyclists.

Bike tour from Jena to Magdeburg

Starting point of your dream bike tour from the university town to the “Ottostadt” Magdeburg is the picturesque Jena. Here we recommend you one Visit to the German Optical Museum, because in the Cradle of optical research in Europe such a visit is simply part of it.

On your first stage you cycle into das idyllic Saalfeld, cross the Saale bridge and explore the Heinrich Heine Park. Very close by is with the Thuringian farmhouses one of the oldest open-air museums in Germany. So how about a short stop before you continue to follow the Saale Cycle Path to Naumburg the next day? Along the way you will discover the three Dornburg castles and in the City of Naumburg Once arrived, it is worth taking a stroll through the historic city center.

The Giebichenstein Castle in Halle an der Saale

The next few days you to Halle and Bernburg cycle, are filled with one highlight after the other: the impressive Merseburg Castle, the Giebichenstein Castle at Halle or the old one Renaissance castle in Bernburg with the nearby old town. But there are also other highlights between Bernburg and Magdeburg! Untouched nature and quiet country lanes await you on your tour to Barby, where the Saale flows into the Elbe very close by. are you in Magdeburg arrived, our recommendation is clear: that Otto Guericke Museum. Optionally, if you wish, we can offer you an extended stay in Magdeburg in order to explore this traditional city more extensively!

Wonderful star tour near Naumburg

Explore on this unforgettable Star tour near Naumburg the dreamy landscapes of the region for five days. After your arrival in Naumburg on your own is worth a City strollto deal directly with the picturesque streets of the historic old town before you set off on your first tour the next day. This is entirely dedicated to that wine and the castles in the Unstrut valley. Here you cycle into the Wine-growing town of Freyburg and visit regional wineries – also those of the well-known brand “Little Red Riding Hood”. The local winegrowers simply know how to impress with their fantastic products - and best of all with a view to that stunning wine country.

Naumburg: View of the vineyard and Freyburg

You start the next stage with one Train ride to Dornburg. Here you will find in the middle of the spacious vineyards three fairytale castles with a history of more than 800 years: that Old Castle, Rococo castle with integrated porcelain collection as well as that Renaissance castle, whose palace gardens were already raved about by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. After you have visited the impressive buildings, you will cycle back to Naumburg and pass the towns along the way Saaleck and Bad Kosen.

Your last star tour takes you to Weimar. To do this, you cross Bad Kösen again and leave the Saale-Unstrut area. Along the tributary Ilm the stream will take you to the "Goethe-Schiller-City" Weimar. There are many awaiting you there historical sights and places of remembrance, such as the Goethe-Schiller monument or the Buchenwald memorial. Fascinated by the eventful history of the city, you will cycle back to Naumburg, where we will be happy to book you an extended stay if you wish.

Double star tour near Weimar and Naumburg

Discover with our eight-day Double Star Tour Weimar-Naumburg the most beautiful places in the Saale-Unstrut region and pay a visit to Erfurt on a relaxing day trip. This is the starting point of your dream vacation tranquil Naumburg, from where you start your first leg freyburg cycle - always along the babbling Unstrut! Once there, visit local wineries as well as those of the nationwide known Rotkäppchen winery.

In the midst of vineyards, your cycle tour along the Saale will take you to the three Dornburg castles, which embody more than 800 years of regional history.

View of Jena at sunset

Especially that Renaissance castle stabs here with his spectacular castle garden out, which already cast a spell over Goethe. On the following day you cycle via the brine bath in Bad Kösen to Weimar, where your second stopover is. On the way you have the opportunity to stop at Apolda in one of the numerous wine bars and beer gardens to rest in the region. Arrived in Weimar have you a Day off and enough time to get to know the city with all its culture and history in detail. The history of the city is largely due to this Works of Goethe and Schiller as well as marked by the influence of the Bauhaus – the countless sights really know how to convince.

Your next stage takes you to the Spa town of Bad Berka, where you are in the famous medicinal springs relax before you drive back to Weimar and that Belvedere Palace view. The fantastic castle park as well as the attached Orangery invite you to linger. You look forward to the next day with great anticipation, when you set out for Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia.

Erfurt can be reached quickly by train and offers numerous highlights. In particular, we recommend one Visit to the Erfurt Cathedral with the one right next to it Severi Church as well as the Kramer Bridge, the longest continuously built bridge in Europe. Here you will discover cafes and restaurants as well as numerous shops where you will surely find one or the other souvenir for you and your loved ones. The perks: With the bike you can reach all places worth seeing in no time at all.

After your return to Weimar you will of course have one Option to extend, which we would be happy to book for you on request.

Additional services included - for a relaxed Saale bike tour

With our exclusive bike tours we offer you convenient additional services at no extra cost to make your stay as pleasant as possible. We take care of your physical, physical and mental well-being and ensure that you experience an unforgettable holiday.

Comfortable accommodation on the Saale cycle path

All hotels are clean and well-groomed and have one shower or bath. In all accommodation you will receive a rich breakfast. So you start the day well nourished and can look forward to your daily excursions.

All hotels offer a rich breakfast.
All hotels offer a rich breakfast.

Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel

So that you can travel freely throughout the day, we transport your luggage from hotel to hotel. So you don't have to worry and enjoy the fantastically beautiful nature in all ease.

We transport your luggage from hotel to hotel every day.
We transport your luggage from hotel to hotel every day.

Individual cycle tour along the Saale Cycle Path

All bike tours are individual trips without a guide. So you have no stress and cycle the stages at your own pace. Take breaks according to your taste. This gives you the opportunity to stay longer in certain places and to stroll through the numerous towns. Enjoy your bike tour to the fullest!

Travel documents with tips for daily planning

In our extensive travel documents you will find detailed suggestions and tips for planning the day. Of course, you can also completely deviate from it and plan something of your own. The only important thing is that you arrive at your destination or your accommodation in the evening.

You will receive comprehensive travel documents for every trip booked.
You will receive comprehensive travel documents for every trip booked.

Rent bikes and on the spot in case of breakdown

Of course you have the possibility Bicycles and e-bikes can be rented from us for a fee. In the event of a flat tire or other complications, we are always happy to help and advise you. You can reach us via our service hotline + 49 (0) 3831 30676-0.

Flat tire with our borrowed bikes? We're here to help!
Flat tire with our borrowed bikes? We're here to help!

Bike rental young and young at heart

The Saale cycle path is well developed and uniformly signposted. Nevertheless, the Saale cycle path is considered a demanding cycle path. However, this profile is mainly attributed to him because of the first stages. Directly after the source of the Saale in the Fichtelgebirge, it goes through hilly terrain, through gorges and over peaks. In the further course, above all from Saalfeld, but it is only possible over rolling hills. That's why we only offer our cycle tours from there. That makes our offer is particularly pleasant and relaxing for beginners and cyclists - also for big and small!

In addition, we offer you Rental bikes and pedelecs for hire at. This is how we design yours Cycling holidays as pleasant as possible, because you don't have to worry about your personal bike either when you arrive or at the end of your holiday.

2 cyclists, male and female, on a bike path towards the camera.

Detailed information material for your dream vacation

So that you optimally prepared for your bike tour on the Saale cycle path are, we will provide you with extensive information Information material available. In addition to a detailed Map of the region you will receive one from us distance table for the individual sections. so you have at a glance how long you need for the routes. The times are rounded and refer to one Average speed of 15 kilometers per hour.

Cities and towns along the Saale Cycle Path

Apolda, Bad Berka, Bad Kösen, Bad Sulza, Bernburg, Dornburg, Erfurt, Freyburg, Halle an der Saale, Jena, Magdeburg, Mellingen, Merseburg, Naumburg, Saalfeld, Weimar

green map of the Saale cycle path from Saalfeld to Schönebeck


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All Saale bike tours
 

From €699

Saale cycle path

The most beautiful thing the Saale has to offer are the castles along your route. From the source to the mouth, they stand in close succession on both sides of the Saale like hardly any other German river. Old Thuringian towns like Saalfeld and…

Duration
7 days
Length
approx. 277 - 297 km
travel code
SAA02
4,5 / 5 stars

Logo: Our top cycle tour
From €399

Star tour in the Saale-Unstrut wine-growing region

This traditional Saale-Unstrut wine-growing region is located at the beginning of the romantic Saale Valley around Naumburg and on the slopes of the Unstrut near Freyburg. Many cities and places are interesting because of their history, but also because they…

Duration
5 days
Length
about 158 km
travel code
ST SAA03

Logo: Our top cycle tour
From €569

Double Star Tour Naumburg – Weimar

Follow in the footsteps of poets and thinkers along the Saale and Unstrut. On your bike tour you will discover many castles and palaces, after all there is more than 800 years of history in the area. For wine lovers, the…

Duration
8 days
Length
approx. 150 - 200 km
travel code
ST SAA05

Star tours around Weimar

Follow in the footsteps of poets and thinkers along the Saale and Unstrut. On your bike tour you will discover many castles and palaces, after all there is more than 800 years of history in the area. For wine lovers, the…

Duration
6 days
Length
about 235 km
travel code
ST SAA04

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