The best traffic-free bike rides in Teufelsmauer Und Bode Nordöstlich Thale

⌛The origins: From hunting lodge to excursion restaurant 1750: The history of the site on the ridge, almost 600 meters high, begins with Prince Viktor Friedrich von Anhalt-Bernburg, who had a wooden hunting lodge built here – hence the name Viktorshöhe. 1892: By this time at the latest, a private inn was established on the premises. Viktorshöhe quickly developed into an extremely popular destination for hikers in the Harz Mountains. 1897: To increase its attractiveness, a wooden observation tower, about 20 meters high, was erected. The GDR era: Holiday home and company property 1959: In the GDR, Viktorshöhe was officially converted into a company holiday home. In the early years, it primarily served for the recreation of members of the "intelligentsia" or citizens with special merits. The home was so well-known at the time that it was even depicted on a GDR postage stamp. However, the attached restaurant remained publicly accessible to hikers. Late 1970s: The entire building complex was taken over by VEB Draht- und Seilwerke Rothenburg (a traditional company from the Saalekreis) and used exclusively as a company holiday home. Steelworkers and their families spent their holidays here. Post-reunification period and decay 1990: With the political change and the subsequent liquidation of VEB Draht- und Seilwerke, there was a sudden end. The holiday home and the restaurant were closed. Decades of vacancy: As no new concept for its use prevailed, the buildings gradually fell into disrepair. Vandalism, looting, and arson severely damaged the building fabric. 2012: The historic wooden tower on the summit, which was last used as a fire watchtower and antenna mast, finally collapsed due to dilapidation. Current state Today, Viktorshöhe is a completely dilapidated, but well-known lost place among "Urbexers" (Urban Explorers) and photographers. Entering the buildings is life-threatening due to the acute risk of collapse. Nature is reclaiming the area piece by piece, and only the bare walls and rubble bear witness to the former holiday days of the Rothenburg rope workers.

As a descent (i.e. the other way around) definitely also super worthwhile, it was a lot of fun with a gravel bike :)

In spring it is teeming with frogs, a break is fun, just no seating by the lake, a pity as the lake has Scandinavian flair.

Until the first half of the 20th century, the pond was called Silberteich (Silver Pond) due to its clean water. It served as a reservoir for the former Alte Grube (Old Mine) on the Hohen Warte hill. Until 1962, the pond was used as a drinking water reservoir for Gernrode. Since then, the town has received its drinking water from the Rappbode Dam. After heavy rain in 1976, the pond's dam broke, and the water flowed as far as Gernrode, 3.5 km away. Following this disaster, the dam was reinforced and equipped with an overflow system. The pond reaches its greatest depth of 12 m at the dam. Source: Wikipedia

A beautiful, narrow, and fairly easy trail. At one point, it's narrow and sloping toward the stream. But overall, it's easily passable.

Beautiful old town hall with impressive half-timbering.

Easy-to-ride cycle path, narrow in places

Beautiful path with a view