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

Route of the Saale cycle path

Take advantage of the Map of the Saale cycle pathto get a first insight 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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

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. 

From 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.

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.

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, 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!