Saale Cycle Path part 1 – four sporty stages through the Thuringian Forest
Saale Cycle Path part 1 – four sporty stages through the Thuringian Forest
Cycling Collection by
Saale Cycle Path part 1 – four sporty stages through the Thuringian Forest
4 days
2-3 h/day
155km
1,770m
2,270m
In this Collection, we cover the first, sportier part of the Saale Cycle Path. The four stages take you from the source of the Saale River in Bavaria to the town of Hof and through the Fichtel Mountains to Saalfeld. You ride just over 150 kilometres (93 miles) and 1,900 metres (6,200 feet) in elevation gain through lovely forests and meadows that slowly transform into low mountain ranges.
The Saale flows through gorges and valleys where there isn’t always a riverside path, so you can’t follow its course the whole way. Instead, you climb into the hills through which the river carves. Spectacular views, fast-paced descents on asphalt and gravel roads, and plenty of endorphins will reward your effort.
The town of Saalfeld itself has a historic old town and a beautiful marketplace full of cafes and restaurants. You can comfortably return home and arrive by train. The nearest station to the start is in Münchberg, around 9 kilometres (5.5 miles) from the source of the river. If you don’t want to cycle this section, you can also join the first stage in Seulbitz, which also has a train station, skipping the first 15 kilometres (9.3 miles).
Take a look at stages 5 to 9 of the Saale Cycle Path, here: komoot.de/collection/1150639/saaleradweg-teil-2-kultur-und-natur-fuer-genussradler-innen
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Saale cycle path
407km
2,860m
3,520m
Last updated: September 12, 2025
Do it yourself!
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Activities
1. Stage 1: From the source of the Saale to Hof - Saaleradweg
36.6km
02:22
220m
460m
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2. Stage 2: From Hof to Blankenstein - Saaleradweg
30.0km
02:07
360m
410m
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3. Stage 3: Blankenstein to Ziegenrück – Saale Cycle Route
45.7km
03:15
530m
670m
Expert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4. Stage 4: Ziegenrück to Saalfeld – Saale Cycle Route
43.1km
02:52
670m
740m
Expert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Collection Stats
Activities
4
Distance
155 km
Duration
10:37 h
Elevation
1,770 m
2,270 m
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