Weimarer Land: Experience Hiking, Cycling and Culture

In Weimarer Land, trails lead through protected landscapes and to cultural discoveries: a circular hiking trail connects three towers in the Middle Ilm Valley, cycling routes take in nature, cultural history and regional cuisine, and museums tell stories of bells, textiles, salt and literature. This lets you focus your stay on outdoor activities, culture or a mix of both.

Hiking among towers, nature and culture

The Thuringian Three Towers Trail is a circular hiking trail through the protected landscape of the Middle Ilm Valley in southern Weimarer Land. It connects the Paulinen Tower near Bad Berka, the Hain Tower in the Belvedere Forest near Weimar, and the Caroline Tower near Blankenhain. This gives you a specific route for a hike that takes in several distinctive towers.

The VitalParcours Bad Berka focuses on Nordic walking routes through the varied landscapes of Weimarer Land in Thuringia. In 2011, all four routes were certified as quality trails by the German Nordic Walking Association. The Goethe Adventure Trail offers a different focus: it follows Goethe’s route to Charlotte von Stein, connects Weimar and Großkochberg, and features twelve stops between nature and culture. Stage 25 of the Luther Trail also runs through Weimarer Land, from Weimar to Apolda. While the Three Towers Trail is a circular route, this stage of the Luther Trail names two places as its start and finish.

Cycling routes with regional themes

The cycle routes between Weimar, Apolda and Bad Sulza combine nature, cultural history and regional cuisine, making them suitable for multi-day cycling trips. The Ilm Valley Cycle Route is a longer route through Thuringia, stretching 123 kilometres from the Thuringian Forest to the Saale-Unstrut wine-growing region. In Bad Sulza, it passes through the Thuringian Wine Gate. Another cycle route in Weimarer Land follows in the footsteps of artist Lyonel Feininger. At 23 locations in Weimarer Land, colourful lecterns provide information about his paintings.

When planning your trip, you can choose between these options based on your preferred daily itinerary: the connections between Weimar, Apolda and Bad Sulza, which are suitable for multi-day trips, offer a different focus from a hike or a single themed route. Check route conditions before setting out on a specific tour.

Museums, art and regional history

In Apolda, the GlockenStadtMuseum explores the cultural history of bells and the region’s textile industry. Since 1995, Kunsthaus Apolda Avantgarde has presented exhibitions by international and regional artists. It also hosts events such as talks, auctions, book readings and film screenings. Its cultural offerings cater to different interests: the museum focuses on two defining themes in regional history, while the art centre brings together exhibitions and events.

The Coudray House in Bad Berka is home to a permanent exhibition on the 200-year development of the spa and healthcare sector in Bad Berka. In Bad Sulza, the Salt Works and Local History Museum presents a salt-making tradition that dates back to 1046. Those interested in literary history can visit the Wieland Memorial and a multimedia museum at the Wieland Estate in Oßmannstedt, which offer insights into Wieland’s life, work and influence. The renovated estate is open to visitors.

Hohenfelden also combines culture with time outdoors: the Thuringian Open-Air Museum displays more than 40 historic buildings dating from the 16th to the 20th century. The museum trail in the Hohenfelden Reservoir Experience Region combines relaxation with discovery. Before visiting museums and cultural sites, it is advisable to check the latest visitor information.

Choose the right base for your stay

If hiking and Nordic walking are your main interests, the routes around Bad Berka offer a specific starting point. For art and industrial history, consider Apolda; Bad Sulza combines salt history with the route of the Ilm Valley Cycle Route. If you plan to spend several days cycling, you can include the connections between Weimar, Apolda and Bad Sulza, which are expressly suitable for multi-day cycling trips. Choose your base according to the places and themes you want to include in your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Niedertrebra, Niederzimmern, Lehnstedt, Bad Sulza, Weimar, Niedergrunstedt, Possendorf, Mellingen, Bad Berka, Apolda, Auerstedt, Magdala, Kranichfeld, Hohenfelden, Nohra, Ettersburg, Tonndorf, Gaberndorf, Kleinobringen, Blankenhain, Ilmtal-Weinstraße, Kapellendorf, Großheringen, Schwerstedt, Berlstedt, Kleinschwabhausen.

To the main travel overview: Thuringia.