The best road cycling routes around Gehlberg

Gehlberg, situated in the Thuringian Forest, offers a wide selection of road cycling routes. While this guide highlights a curated selection, the region boasts over 100 cycling routes in total, providing diverse options for all types of riders.

Road cycling around Gehlberg is generally challenging due to the region's varied topography and significant elevation changes. Most routes are classified as difficult, with 11 out of 12 routes in this guide falling into that category. There is one moderate route, but no easy routes are specifically listed.

The Thuringian Forest terrain means you can expect substantial elevation gains. Many routes feature ascents over 1,000 meters, with some even exceeding 2,000 meters. For example, the Kehltal Valley – Valley view from the Schmücke loop from Gehlberg includes over 2,200 meters of elevation gain.

Yes, Gehlberg offers excellent options for long-distance road cycling. Routes frequently extend beyond 90 kilometers, with some reaching over 160 kilometers. The View of the ski jump – Mommelstein Cycle Path loop from Gehlberg, for instance, is a substantial 163.3 km trail.

The most popular months for road cycling in Gehlberg are May and September. During these times, the weather is generally favorable, offering pleasant conditions to explore the diverse landscapes and enjoy the consistently wonderful views of the Thuringian Forest.

You'll primarily cycle through the dense forests and distinct ridge landscape of the Thuringian Forest. A significant feature is the legendary Rennsteig Cycle Path, a historic border path offering great views. Many routes also provide scenic vistas of the Ohratalsperre (Ohra Reservoir), adding water views to the forested hills.

Yes, the region is rich with scenic viewpoints. You can find highlights such as the Kickelhahn Tower and Plänckner's viewpoint (Großer Beerberg), offering expansive views of the Thuringian Forest landscape.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can explore various landmarks. Notable points include the Schneekopf Summit and Observation Tower, the Highest Point of the Rennsteig, and the Old Ilmenau Ski Jump. The area also features the Oberhof Winter Sports Center.

Many of the road cycling routes around Gehlberg are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the View of the ski jump – Kehltal Valley loop from Gehlberg and the Kehltal Valley – Schwabhausener Ponds loop from Gehlberg.

The road cycling experience in Gehlberg is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 300 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the extensive views across the landscape, and the serene backdrop of the Thuringian Forest, which offers opportunities to discover nature and peace.

The Rennsteig Cycle Path, while known for its natural trails and descents, is primarily suitable for mountain bikers. However, segments of this nearly 200-kilometer ridge trail can be enjoyed by general cyclists, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience with climbs and descents. Road cyclists should be prepared for varied surfaces on certain sections.