4.5
(1220)
3,635
riders
124
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Ludwigsstadt are set within the Thuringian-Franconian Highlands, offering a diverse landscape for cyclists. The region is characterized by picturesque valleys of the Loquitz, Trogenbach, northern Hasslach, and Taugwitz rivers. It is embraced by the slopes of the Frankenwald and Thuringian Forest, providing varied terrain. Ludwigsstadt is also situated within the Geopark Schieferland, showcasing geological features and slate mining heritage.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
5.0
(6)
27
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
2.0
(1)
18
riders
41.7km
03:18
560m
560m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

4.7
(10)
20
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.8
(5)
15
riders
18.0km
01:36
350m
350m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(3)
7
riders
22.9km
01:54
460m
460m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
The park is located directly on the Rennsteig, on Rennsteigstraße in front of the railway embankment and the bridge. Here, two figures point to the special situation on the Rennsteig: because the bridge is a symbol of the connection and cooperation between Bavaria and Thuringia.
5
0
At the Schildwiese rest stop, there is a very special piece of Rennsteig history: a small customs house that is reminiscent of the former division of Germany. It was created by Günther Schmidt from Spechtsbrunn. With a lot of humor, he has designed a place here that recalls the time when the Rennsteig was actually divided by the border. Today, you can hike here without any passport control.
11
0
During the Rennsteig Church Day on June 20, 2009, the memorial at Schildwiese was inaugurated. The metal cross, over four meters high, was designed by the builders from original parts of the old border fence. In front of it, a plaque on a stone block commemorates the people who died in this section of the inner-German border, and all victims of the wall and barbed wire during the German division.
8
0
The "Zollhaus" at the Rennsteig border monument is not a restored historical building. The hut was erected and equipped in autumn 2016 by the Frankenwaldverein Kleintettau. It is intended to commemorate the vibrant customs history of this border region and the era of German division. The monument also includes a historical border stone and two posts with the coats of arms of the Free State of Bavaria and the district of Kronach on one side, and the Free State of Thuringia and the district of Saalfeld-Rudolstadt on the other.
14
0
One of very few cycle paths parallel to the road. There should be significantly more of these!
0
0
Great church, built from rubble stones, presumably from the nearby quarry "Örtelsbruch". But this is not evident from the Wikipedia article. More information: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Agathen_(Lehesten)
0
0
Rest stop at the old Griffelschiefer slate quarry. Although the black rock has not been mined there for decades, the surreal landscapes of sharp edges and steps, the huge dumps of black slabs still bear witness to the work of generations of Spechtsbrunn residents. The rock was processed immediately on-site by the quarry workers in huts into raw griffels, then turned, ground, and packed in the village – home work primarily for the women and children of the place.
1
0
The historic customs house on the border between Bavaria and Thuringia near Kleintettau (Markt Tettau) is a reconstructed historic customs station. It is located directly on the legendary Rennsteig hiking trail on the so-called Schildwiese. Today, the small building serves as a historical site and border memorial, commemorating the decades-long inner-German division.
5
0
There are over 120 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes around Ludwigsstadt, offering a wide range of options for all fitness levels. You'll find 16 easy routes, 55 moderate routes, and 56 difficult routes to explore.
The region is beautiful throughout the warmer months. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, making them ideal for touring cycling. Summer is also great, but be prepared for potentially warmer weather, especially on routes with less tree cover.
Yes, many of the no traffic touring cycling routes around Ludwigsstadt are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the moderate Lehesten Slate Quarry – Lehesten Slate Quarry Lake loop from Ludwigsstadt is a great option for a circular ride.
The routes primarily feature well-maintained roads and paths, often following river valleys like the Loquitz and Trogenbach. While many sections are paved, some more challenging routes, especially those venturing into the Frankenwald and Thuringian Forest, may include unpaved segments. Expect varied elevation changes as you navigate the Thuringian-Franconian Highlands.
Yes, there are several easy and moderate routes that are well-suited for families, particularly those with younger riders. These routes often feature gentler gradients and scenic surroundings, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable experience away from traffic. Look for routes with lower elevation gains for the most family-friendly options.
Many of the no traffic routes are suitable for cycling with dogs, especially if they are accustomed to riding in a trailer or running alongside. Always ensure your dog is on a leash where required and be mindful of other cyclists and wildlife. Remember to bring enough water for your pet, especially on longer rides.
You'll encounter diverse landscapes, from picturesque river valleys to the forested slopes of the Frankenwald and Thuringian Forest. Keep an eye out for highlights like the Slate Cliff at Schieferpark Lehesten and various viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the Geopark Schieferland, such as the Schallersbruch viewing platform mentioned in regional research.
Absolutely. The region is rich in slate mining heritage. You can visit the significant Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site, which was once one of Europe's largest open-cast slate mines. The Former Slate Quarry Ramsthal is another point of interest. Additionally, the historic Lauenstein Castle is a notable landmark in the area.
Ludwigsstadt offers various parking options, including near the train station, which can serve as a convenient starting point for many routes. Specific parking information for individual routes can often be found on their respective komoot tour pages.
Yes, Ludwigsstadt is accessible by public transport, particularly by train. The train station in Ludwigsstadt provides a good starting point for many cycling adventures. It's advisable to check local public transport schedules and bike carriage policies in advance.
Yes, you'll find opportunities for refreshments in the towns and villages along the routes. Ludwigsstadt itself has various cafes and restaurants. For example, the Spechtsbrunn Nature Park Information Center with snacks is a convenient stop on some routes. It's always a good idea to carry some snacks and water, especially on longer sections.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the routes, the diverse and beautiful landscapes of the Frankenwald and Thuringian Forest, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable touring.


Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.