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By handcycle on the Werra Valley Cycle Route
On the road with Michael König
Experience the scenic diversity of the Werra Valley. Start in the picturesque town of Treffurt. From here, the Eichsfeld-Hainich-Werratal Nature Park is easy to explore by bike or handcycle. I recommend this easy tour to get to know the region. And always with you: the river Werra.
This is me ...
Hello and good afternoon, my name is Michael König. I have been dependent on a wheelchair for 24 years. Nevertheless, I am a nature-loving person and enjoy travelling outdoors. My handcycle from Wolturnus gives me this freedom, so I'm often out and about with my family and our dog in the hills of the Eichsfeld-Hainich-Werratal Nature Park.
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It is important to me to enable other people with disabilities to experience our region. That's why I'm always on the lookout for offers and opportunities that bring this goal closer. My work as a hotel manager in an accessible half-timbered hotel also gives me the opportunity to deal with the topic professionally. I believe that a lot can often be achieved with pragmatic solutions. I am happy to play my part by presenting one of my favourite routes in the Werra Valley.
On the Werra Valley Cycle Route from Treffurt to Mihla
On a sunny morning, I started the handcycle tour with a friend at the hotel in Treffurt, a small half-timbered town on the river Werra. From there, we followed the well-maintained Werra Valley Cycle Route, which winds its way upstream along the river Werra. After about 3 kilometres, we reached the village green of the idyllic village of Falken. The old half-timbered houses and the small church radiated a special tranquillity. The journey continued. After a small bend, the valley narrowed and the path was now lined by the river Werra on the right and a steeply rising forest.
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No road crosses the Werra Valley at this point, only the cycle route. All we hear is the whirring of the tyres, the gurgling of the gently flowing river and the twittering of birds in the forest. With every metre you cycle here, the slope to the left becomes steeper and eventually gives way to cliffs and rock formations.
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My recommendation
On this stage of the Werratal cycle path, you will pass a particularly striking rocky outcrop. It was from up here that Thomas Müntzer spoke to an army of peasants camped on the field on the other side of the Werra during the Peasants' War. Since then, this rock has been known as the ‘Peasants’ Pulpit’.
As we continue along the route, the road continues to be squeezed between the river Werra and the rocks before suddenly giving way to a picturesque meadow landscape. To be precise, the Probstei Zella country inn is located here, where a beer garden and restaurant as well as a riding stable and a neighbouring campsite await us. You can hear the neighing of horses and watch riders preparing their animals for a ride. The farm is a popular meeting place for families and riding enthusiasts. With a refreshing drink and a light snack, we let the sun shine on our faces. It was a welcoming atmosphere. Here in Zella, too, you walk along old paths. The Probstei was once a monastery that was founded over 1200 years ago. Refreshed, we continued our journey.
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The last part of the route took us further along the river Werra, which swept past me in gentle curves. When we arrived in Frankenroda, we lingered on the riverbank. I find this place special. So idyllic, quiet and far removed from everyday life. We spoke to another cyclist who came from the region and told us that he always comes here when he needs ‘a few hours’ holiday’. To make the trip perfect, he recommended a small café at the end of the riverside road. So we stopped off at Café Gisela in the afternoon and treated ourselves to a slice of homemade cake and a cup of hot coffee. The relaxed atmosphere and the marvellous view of the river Werra really made the moment perfect.
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After this relaxing break, we made our way to Mihla and then back. The path was flat and the sun was now lower, bathing the landscape in a soft, golden light. We cycled along at a steady pace, enjoying the peace and quiet and the nature around us.
The tour was perfect: simple, beautiful and full of little experiences that made it something special. The combination of nature, friendly encounters and relaxing breaks made this day unforgettable.
Information on accessibility
- Direction of travel: from Treffurt via Frankenroda to the Mihla outdoor pool
- Longitudinal gradients: hardly any gradient, one gradient maximum 10%
- Surface: mainly asphalted
- Note: some roads must be used (only 30 km/h or agricultural vehicles)
- Car park:
- Car park Altstadt in Treffurt
- Car park Mihla outdoor pool
- WC for people with disablities:
- Hotel 1601 in Treffurt
- Catering:
- Landgasthof und Reiterhof Probstei Zella
- Café Gisela
Photos documenting this tour from an accessibility perspective can be found in the Outdooractive trail below.
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My recommendation
Anyone who would like to try out a handcycle has the opportunity to do so at Hotel 1601. Various handcycles are available for hire. For the more sporty and ambitious handcyclists, I have a recommendation for a route of around 42 kilometres around the Werra Valley, which is certainly worth a trip to my beautiful home region.
