4.7
(1822)
5,064
riders
358
rides
Mountain biking around Pfaffschwende features diverse landscapes at the foot of the Höhenzuges Gobert and on the southern edge of the Harz Mountains. The region is characterized by wooded hills, rolling terrain, and scenic river valleys like the Werra Valley. Mountain bike trails here often traverse a limestone plateau with beech, oak, and mixed deciduous forests, providing varied natural surroundings.
Last updated: May 24, 2026
4.8
(5)
23
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.5
(4)
19
riders
26.3km
01:55
400m
400m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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5.0
(3)
7
riders
19.6km
01:23
330m
330m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(1)
7
riders
43.4km
03:40
1,000m
1,000m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
5.0
(3)
5
riders
21.7km
01:54
440m
440m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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at this spot there is a memorial stone with 2 plaques in memory of Horst Henning + Alois Schmalstieg
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In the 1950s, lime was burned in this tower-like kiln, built of bricks and rounded to a height of approximately 10 meters. Most of the surrounding quarries are now overgrown. Due to its technical and historical significance, it is a cultural monument worthy of protection.
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What a charming and lovely place to stop for refreshments up here on the Teufelskanzel! 👍 I really like the place and the food was delicious too.
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Wonderful for a short break.
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Due to its location, the inn has a rather small menu, which is posted on the building. There are a few small dishes such as minced meat or cheese platters, soups, but often also two or three regular hot dishes that change frequently. The cuisine remains consistently regional. Prices are somewhat higher, but not excessively expensive considering the location and the effort involved in transporting the food by regular car. You can sit comfortably in the beer garden under trees and umbrellas with a view of the Teufelskanzel (Devil's Pulpit) or in the rustic inn. The restrooms are in a separate building, and the door is usually open, contrary to the signs on site. Unlike the official opening hours, the inn was open from 11:00 AM (instead of 12:00 PM) when we visited.
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Beautiful and easy to navigate bridge
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Old border path from the Silberklippe. Completely covered with wild garlic in spring
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Effelder Cathedral in the distance. Clearly visible to the naked eye, but too far away for the cell phone camera.
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There are over 340 mountain bike routes available around Pfaffschwende. This includes a wide range of options, with approximately 50 easy trails, over 260 moderate trails, and nearly 30 difficult routes, ensuring something for every skill level.
The terrain around Pfaffschwende is diverse, characterized by wooded hills, rolling landscapes, and scenic river valleys like the Werra Valley. Trails often traverse a limestone plateau with beech, oak, and mixed deciduous forests. You can expect varied surfaces, including singletrack, and some routes feature natural elements like roots and significant elevation changes.
Yes, the region offers challenging routes with substantial elevation gains. For example, the difficult route Teufelskanzel Singletrail – View of Kella from Grenzeck loop from Pfaffschwende covers over 43 km with nearly 1000 meters of elevation gain, providing a demanding experience for advanced riders.
Absolutely. The area is rich in scenic viewpoints and natural features. You can ride to spots like the View from Silberklippe or the Dietzenröder Stein for expansive vistas. The region also features the picturesque Werra Valley and the Gobert limestone plateau with its diverse forests.
Yes, the Großbartloff Waterfall is a notable natural monument in the vicinity that can be incorporated into your mountain biking adventures. It's also a Touringen Stamp Point.
While many routes involve significant elevation, there are easier options suitable for families. The region's diverse network includes trails with less demanding profiles, allowing families to enjoy the natural beauty of the Eichsfeld landscape. It's advisable to check the difficulty ratings and elevation profiles on komoot for specific routes.
Generally, dogs are welcome on public trails in the Pfaffschwende region, especially in the natural landscapes of the Eichsfeld and Gobert. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, particularly in nature reserves, near wildlife, or when encountering other trail users. Always respect local signage and regulations.
Parking is typically available in and around Pfaffschwende, often near trailheads or in village centers. Many routes, such as the View of Feengrund – View of the Green Belt loop from Geismar, start from nearby towns like Geismar, where parking facilities can be found. It's advisable to check specific starting points for parking availability.
While Pfaffschwende itself is a smaller village, the broader Eichsfeld region has some public transport connections. However, direct access to specific trailheads via public transport might be limited. Planning your route in advance and checking local bus schedules for nearby towns like Geismar or Volkerode, where some popular routes begin, is recommended.
The spring, summer, and autumn months generally offer the best conditions for mountain biking in Pfaffschwende. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, and the trails are dry. Autumn provides particularly beautiful scenery with changing foliage. While winter sports are possible in the region, mountain biking might be challenging due to snow and ice.
While Pfaffschwende is integrated into a broader network of natural trails, there are no dedicated mountain bike parks directly within the village. However, the region offers diverse singletrack trails with features like berms and small jumps, catering to various skill levels. You can find highlights like the Short Trail With Two Jumps for specific features.
The mountain bike trails around Pfaffschwende are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 1750 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, the challenging ascents, and the rewarding panoramic views, highlighting the varied terrain and natural beauty of the region.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Pfaffschwende are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Schöne Aussicht Viewpoint – Historic Lime Kiln on the Gobert loop from Volkerode and the Lengenfeld Railway Viaduct – Entenberg Tunnel loop from Geismar.


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