Many travel options you have to Zella-Mehlis station, because there are both trains of the Deutsche Bahn and the South Thuringia train, which come for example from Erfurt or Würzburg. Timetables can be found at dbregio.de and sued-thueringen-bahn.de. There is also a Flixbus stop here. The timetables for the long-distance buses can be found at flixbus.de.From the station Zella-Mehlis you cycle once on a flat stretch to Heidersbach. Incidentally, there is a forest swimming pool if you want to take a refreshing break on hot days. Behind the village begins the ascent through the forest to the Schmücke, the starting point of the Gera cycle path. On the way, you are mostly surrounded by majestic trees, which radiate a wonderful peace. To relax the uphill drive, you can always take breaks at managed and unmanaged shelters and at beautiful viewpoints.At the top of the deck you will have the opportunity to stop off at the inn or even spend the night there before you continue on the Gera bike path.