The Saale Cycle Path: A journey along picturesque landscapes and cultural treasures ☀️

Route of the Saale cycle path

Use the map of the Saale Cycle Path to get a first impression and overview of the length of the route sections.

The Saale cycle path takes you through the country beloved by poets: Thuringia. For the rest of his life, Goethe could not give up his Dornburg castles, which stand on the high banks of the Saale. The Saale is lined with castles, which is also the most beautiful thing the river has to offer. The Saale cycle path is considered one of the most demanding cycle paths in Germany; it is characterized by climbs, especially in its upper reaches. Cyclists and ambitious cyclists in particular will get their money's worth on this cycle tour. The Saale cycle path runs 427 kilometers through the states of Bavaria, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt. 

The university town of Jena

Jena stands for culture and history, but also for innovation and progress. The city is considered the cradle of the optical industry in Europe . Here, we recommend a visit to the German Optical Museum . Or how about a tour of the Zeiss Planetarium? Furthermore, Jena's charming alleyways invite you to explore. Relax and unwind in the numerous cafés and restaurants.

Our insider tip : The medieval hilltop fortress Leuchtenburg with its integrated porcelain museum south of Jena not only teaches about the porcelain craft, but also provides a breathtaking panoramic view over the region.

Magdeburg: the Ottostadt

The 1.200-year-old city of Magdeburg bears the nickname " Otto City " because of the physicist Otto von Guericke , who was both born and buried there. It's no wonder, then, that the Otto von Guericke Museum is a major tourist attraction. But the city has much more to offer than just the museum: How about a visit to the Green Citadel , a pink-striped building designed by the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser? The impressive Rothensee ship lift and the Magdeburg Canal Bridge to the north are also worth seeing.

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

Merseburg: the city of magic spells

Merseburg is one of the oldest cities in Central Germany and, with its cathedral as the " crown jewel ," boasts one of the most beautiful cityscapes far and wide. Visit the medieval French Fountain , which has stood for over 400 years, and discover the story behind the famous Merseburg Incantations on a city tour.

The romantic Naumburg

Nestled in the heart of the Saale-Unstrut wine region, Naumburg is the center of Germany's northernmost wine-growing area . Marvel at the magnificent Romanesque and Gothic architecture, bursting with vibrant colors . Together with local Renaissance and Baroque townhouses, the region offers breathtaking panoramic views . Explore Naumburg's picturesque lanes, which will lead you to the city's numerous attractions. The city's most prominent landmark is undoubtedly Naumburg Cathedral , a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2018 and one of the most important cathedrals of the High Middle Ages in Europe.

The cultural city of Weimar

Many people associate Weimar with the famous writers Goethe and Schiller – and much is dedicated to the lives and work of these two figures in Weimar. Here you will find Goethe's house and Schiller's house with its integrated museum . The Goethe-Schiller Monument from 1857 in front of the German National Theatre also testifies to the importance of these two poets and thinkers.

Furthermore, we recommend a visit to the impressive Weimar City Palace, located right in the city center. The Buchenwald Memorial is also very close to Weimar. If you have an extended stay in the city, a visit to the memorial is highly recommended.

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

Halle an der Saale is home to the Halloren Chocolate Factory, the oldest chocolate factory still in operation in Germany. But it's not just sweets that have a long tradition here; the city also has a strong affinity for salt. The Halle Saltworks Museum provides fascinating insights into the extraction of this mineral.

Beyond the culinary delights, the State Museum of Prehistory impressively presents the long history of the region and its inhabitants. The Beatles Museum is a real hidden gem! Intellectually refreshed, you can stroll through the Paulusviertel , one of Halle's most beautiful districts , and already look forward to your next trip to Halle an der Saale.

Bernburg: an architectural splendor

The tranquil town of Bernburg lies approximately 40 kilometers south of Magdeburg as the crow flies. The town boasts architectural masterpieces and magnificent gardens. Bernburg Castle and the 26-meter-high Keßler Tower are true tourist magnets. From the top of the tower, you have a magnificent view of the town and the entire Saale Valley – and on a clear day, even as far as the Brocken mountain.

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.

Erfurt: the city of bridges

The city of Erfurt is rich in history and culture . The old town, in particular , with its charming lanes and streets, has been attracting visitors from all over the world to the capital of Thuringia for decades . More than 150 bridges span the Gera River and its numerous tributaries. Perhaps the most famous bridge is the Krämerbrücke (Merchants' Bridge ). What makes it so extraordinary is that it is completely built over and inhabited , making it almost 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 the twin buildings , Erfurt Cathedral (80 meters high) and St. Severus Church, are also unmissable highlights of Erfurt. They tower over the cityscape and can therefore be seen from afar. From the nearby Petersberg, you get an impressive panoramic view of the city – simply breathtaking!