Cycling tour - 13 - "From Bad Lobenstein to Blankenstein into the wild Höllental" Thuringia

The route tour from Bad Lobenstein via Blankenstein to the Höllental offers an impressive nature and cycling experience in the Thuringian Slate Mountains / Upper Saale Nature Park as well as in the adjacent Franconian Forest. The starting point is the spa town of Bad Lobenstein, from where the route initially leads through forested sections towards the Saale and meets the Saale cycle path. 

After the first climbs, you reach Blankenstein on the Saale. Here, the hiking stop Blankenstein offers an ideal opportunity for a break before the tour enters its most scenic section. The following path through the Höllental is one of the highlights of the route. The narrow gorge impresses with steep rock faces, natural streams, and dense vegetation. Cyclists experience a special combination of geological features, diverse flora, and wide views here. Above the valley, several viewpoints invite you for short breaks and photo stops.

This route tour is a non-binding tour recommendation and is not signposted. Return travel is possible by train from Blankenstein back to Bad Lobenstein. For safe navigation, downloading the GPX track in advance is recommended.

The route mostly runs on paved roads and well-developed paths. Overall, the tour is classified as moderate difficulty. Good basic fitness is required because several steeper climbs must be mastered.