Saale cycle path

The 409-kilometre-long Saale Cycle Route follows the River Saale from its source through the federal states of Bavaria, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt to where it flows into the River Elbe. Between Rothenburg (Saalekreis) and Barby, the route runs through the Salzlandkreis district, taking in the peaceful, relaxing river landscape with its woods and meadows. It passes through cultural centres such as the towns of Alsleben, Bernburg, Nienburg and Barby, as well as historic sights such as Plötzkau Castle and buildings along the Romanesque Route in Bernburg (the Eulenspiegel Tower keep in the castle) and Nienburg (the monastery church).

Whilst the route places high demands on cyclists’ fitness in other sections, it is more family-friendly in the Salzlandkreis, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the beautiful countryside of the lower Saale Valley. Numerous sections of the route in the Salzlandkreis have been asphalted and re-signposted. South of Bernburg, the Gröna cycle and footbridge over the Saale offers a special view of the landscape.

The Saale Cycle Route is also worth a detour into the surrounding area, as other regional cycle routes allow you to linger in the region. You can explore other rivers such as the Wipper (from Bernburg), Bode (from Nienburg) and Fuhne (from Bernburg) as well as special landscapes such as the Börde (Bördehamster cycle path from Calbe or Barby).