Challenging trails, dense forests and tradition-steeped places offer Cyclists a varied route through the Thuringian Forest and the Slate Mountains. This demanding bike route isn’t for untrained recreational cyclists, because of the differences in altitude, fast descents and sporting sections, the cyclists have to expect. However, you will be rewarded by breath-taking views and a unique combination of nature experience and German history.
Length: 200 km
Starting point: Hörschel near Eisenach
Destination: Blankenstein in the Thuringian Slate Mountainsw
Altitude variations: 96 - 937 m above sea level
Ascent: 2612 m
Descent: 2386 m
Path surface: 80 km asphalt, 120 km forest trails
Difficulty: hard
1st day: Arrival in Eisenach
Arriving in the city of Eisenach, you can take your time for a stroll through the city and visit some of the sights, like Wartburg Castle or Luther House.
2nd day: Eisenach – Oberhof, approx. 70-80 km
Marked with a green “R”, the Rennsteig Cycle Trail leads you to Oberhof, the end of the first segment. By the end of the day, you will have accomplished various ascents with almost 2000 meters of altitude difference. We recommend taking the train from Eisenach to Hörschel, the starting point of the Rennsteig. For less experienced cyclists or guests with an average stamina is an additional stay, for example in Ruhla, advisable. The destination of the trail is the village of Blankenstein near River Saale. Afterwards you’ll start your journey home.
3rd day: Oberhof – Neuhaus am Rennsteig, approx. 61 km
Away from Oberhof, the well-known centre for winter sports, the trail leads you via Masserberg and Neuhaus am Rennweg to the Glass-blower Town of Lauscha, crossing Großer Beerberg, highest mountain of the Thuringian Forrest.
4th day: Neuhaus am Rennsteig – Blankenstein, approx. 60 km and departure
On the last segment of the tour you’ll experience pure nature! The area of the former inner-German boarder is sparsely inhabited. Without notice, you’ll cross the previous boarder, which was insurmountable for decades.
