Road bike - Ilmtal-Schwarzatal ride

The route immediately reminds one of France when looking at the map... Perhaps riding it gives a bit of "Tour de France" feeling. The route between the Ilm and Schwarzatal starts at the Große Teiche of Ilmenau. There are sufficient parking spaces here and the first meters are perfect to warm up. Through small villages, including Paulinzella with its charming monastery ruins, the route leads into the Schwarzatal. In Rottenbach, a short detour to the station is worthwhile. However, the break should not be too long, as the Schwarzatal is deceptive, as from here on it gets challenging. The altitude meters uphill towards Großbreitenbach require perseverance. Herb enthusiasts should definitely stop at the herbal school in the hometown of the former biathlete Andrea Henkel. After a climb up to "Hohen Tanne," it is then relaxing downhill along the former railway track of today's Ilm-Rennsteig cycle path. Here, it is possible to gain good speed in parts. A highlight is Germany’s longest ICE bridge shortly before Langewiesen. It goes back via the Ilmtal cycle path to the university and Goethe city Ilmenau. At the destination, a stop at the beer garden of the "Haus am See" is recommended.