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By handcycle on the Gera Cycle Path
On the road with René Strobach
The Gera Cycle Path is characterised by a diverse landscape as well as culture and history. You can cycle along the oldest towns in Thuringia in the footsteps of Martin Luther, Johann Sebastian Bach and other personalities. The cycle path is easy to cycle on and mostly runs very close to the river. The two towns of Arnstadt and Erfurt offer a wealth of cultural attractions that invite you to stay a little longer.
This is me ...
Hello, I am René Strobach and I come from Erfurt. I have been a wheelchair user and handcyclist since 2000. I like travelling in pairs or in small groups in Thuringia. I would like to introduce you to one of my favourite tours along the Ilm. I use the Speedy Duo 2 handbike from Speedy Reha-Technik GmbH.
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On the Gera Cycle Path from Erfurt to Arnstadt
The handcycle tour runs along a section of the Gera Cycle Path. In Erfurt, the route leads along the river Gera through the Luisenpark, past fields and forests towards Molsdorf Castle. The route is mainly on tarmac or surfaced paths. The signposting is clearly visible. The cities of Erfurt and Arnstadt also offer many great sights.
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My recommendation
Due to a gradient of 16% with a subsequent, poorly visible road crossing in Hochheim, I recommend starting the tour at the main railway station in Erfurt. There are also disabled parking spaces available there. If you are travelling by train, it is best to use the Erfurter Bahn AG trains because of the level access.
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Shortly after the start at Erfurt main station, the route runs through the Luisenpark past the Dreienbrunnenbad (one of the oldest outdoor swimming pools in Germany) and the Kressepark. After crossing the road in Hochheim, the route leads through the forest and past fields in the direction of Bischleben and Möbisburg. The route passes through the village of Möbisburg on a road with little traffic and then continues along the cycle path to Molsdorf, with the picturesque landscape always in view.
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Culinary tip
For a break in between, I recommend the Kressepark in Erfurt-Bischleben or the park café in Molsdorf Castle with a view of the castle garden.
The route continues along fields, meadows and forests to Ichtershausen. Shortly before Arnstadt, the route now runs along the river through the forest into the town. The tour ends at the railway station in Arnstadt. This is well signposted from the Gera Cycle Path. Before returning to Erfurt, I recommend visiting a few sights in Arnstadt.
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For experienced handcyclists and adventurers
The tour can be extended from Erfurt northwards to Gispersleben and on to the mouth of the river Unstrut near Gebesee. The scenic tour leads through the Gera floodplain, which was redesigned as part of the 2021 Federal Garden Show. Please note that the embankment between Elxleben and Ringleben is only 120 cm wide.
Information on accessibility
- Direction of travel: recommended from Erfurt to Arnstadt due to the gradient and road crossing in Hochheim
- Longitudinal gradients: generally up to 10 - 12%; an exception in Hochheim with 16%
- Surface: predominantly asphalt or water-bound surface
- Note: short sections lead along roads used by motor vehicles
- Orientation: continuous signposting (Gera Cycle Path logo)
- Car parks:
- Main station in Erfurt (Car park)
- Railway station in Arnstadt
- WC for people with disabilities
- Main station in Erfurt
- Dreienbrunnenbad
- Molsdorf Castle Museum
- Ichtershausen outdoor pool
Photos documenting this tour from an accessibility perspective can be found in the Outdooractive trail below.
