The best cycling routes around Piesau
4.6
(761)
3,201
riders
186
rides
Touring cycling around Piesau features a diverse landscape characterized by rolling hills, dense woodlands, and scenic valleys. The region includes notable features such as the Leibis-Lichte Dam and areas around the Oberweißbach Mountain Railway, indicating varied terrain with significant elevation changes. Cyclists can expect routes that traverse both open and forested areas, offering a mix of natural beauty and historical points of interest.
Best touring cycling routes around Piesau
- The most popular touring cycling route is View of Leibis-Lichte Dam…
Last updated: October 10, 2026
5.0
(3)
20
riders
35.7km
02:54
650m
650m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(4)
19
riders
12.3km
01:03
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
20
riders
123km
09:16
1,900m
1,900m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.5
(4)
12
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(3)
12
riders
16.4km
01:31
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
At the Schildwiese rest stop, there is a very special piece of Rennsteig history: a small customs house that is reminiscent of the former division of Germany. It was created by Günther Schmidt from Spechtsbrunn. With a lot of humor, he has designed a place here that recalls the time when the Rennsteig was actually divided by the border. Today, you can hike here without any passport control.
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During the Rennsteig Church Day on June 20, 2009, the memorial at Schildwiese was inaugurated. The metal cross, over four meters high, was designed by the builders from original parts of the old border fence. In front of it, a plaque on a stone block commemorates the people who died in this section of the inner-German border, and all victims of the wall and barbed wire during the German division.
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The "Zollhaus" at the Rennsteig border monument is not a restored historical building. The hut was erected and equipped in autumn 2016 by the Frankenwaldverein Kleintettau. It is intended to commemorate the vibrant customs history of this border region and the era of German division. The monument also includes a historical border stone and two posts with the coats of arms of the Free State of Bavaria and the district of Kronach on one side, and the Free State of Thuringia and the district of Saalfeld-Rudolstadt on the other.
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Log cabin style shelter on a large meadow at the Rennsteig near Tannental and Ochsenbacher Teich.
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Original wooden sculpture on the Rennsteig in Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Straße in the Igelshieb district.
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The historic customs house on the border between Bavaria and Thuringia near Kleintettau (Markt Tettau) is a reconstructed historic customs station. It is located directly on the legendary Rennsteig hiking trail on the so-called Schildwiese. Today, the small building serves as a historical site and border memorial, commemorating the decades-long inner-German division.
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The exhibition in his hometown of Neuhaus am Rennweg is dedicated to Heinrich Geißler, one of the pioneers of experimental electrical science and vacuum technology in the second half of the 19th century. With the development of the "Geissler tube", a low-pressure gas discharge tube, Geißler laid the foundation for the development of fluorescent lamps and X-ray tubes. The exhibition is dedicated to the life and work of Heinrich Geißler (1814-1879), a pioneer of electrical science and vacuum technology. The building, erected around the end of the 18th century as a residential house for a glassblower family and today a listed monument, in which the museum has been housed since 2010, corresponds in form and size to the typical construction of the places in the Thuringian Slate Mountains, which Heinrich Geißler's birthplace would also likely have corresponded to.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Piesau?
There are over 170 touring cycling routes around Piesau, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Piesau?
Yes, Piesau offers 17 easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. These routes typically feature gentler terrain and shorter distances.
Can I find challenging touring cycling routes in the Piesau region?
Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, there are 72 difficult touring cycling routes around Piesau. An example is the Traces of the GDR Border – View of Steinbach an der Haide loop from Lichte, which covers over 61 km with significant elevation gain.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Piesau?
Many of the touring cycling routes in Piesau are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the View of Leibis-Lichte Dam – View of the Leibis-Lichte Dam loop from Lichte is a popular circular option offering scenic views.
What kind of natural attractions or viewpoints can I expect along the routes?
The Piesau region is known for its dense woodlands, rolling hills, and scenic dam views. You can enjoy sights like the Leibis-Lichte Dam. For panoramic views, consider visiting the Sky lounger with castle view or the View of Burg Lauenstein.
Are there any historical landmarks or points of interest to explore while cycling?
Yes, the region has historical significance, including traces of the former GDR border. You can also explore nearby castles such as Wespenstein Castle or the New Palace Steinach, which are accessible from some routes.
What is the best season for touring cycling in Piesau?
The best season for touring cycling in Piesau is generally from spring to autumn, when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. The dense woodlands offer pleasant shade during warmer months, and the autumn colors are particularly beautiful.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in Piesau?
While specific 'family-friendly' routes aren't explicitly categorized, the 17 easy routes are generally suitable for families with children, depending on their cycling experience. These routes tend to be shorter and have less demanding terrain.
How do other cyclists rate the touring routes in Piesau?
The touring cycling routes in Piesau are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 650 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscape, including the mix of open and forested areas, and the well-maintained paths.
Can I bring my dog on the touring cycling routes in Piesau?
Many of the natural trails and forest paths around Piesau are suitable for cycling with dogs, provided they are well-behaved and kept on a leash where required. Always check local regulations and be mindful of wildlife and other trail users.
Are there places to stop for refreshments or food along the touring routes?
While specific cafes on every route are not guaranteed, the region has various huts and shelters, such as the Steinheider Hut or the Herb hut (Kräuterhütte), which may offer refreshments or serve as good picnic spots. Larger towns nearby will have more options.
Is it possible to access the touring cycling routes using public transport?
The region is served by the Oberweißbach Mountain Railway, which can provide access to certain areas and routes, such as the Cursdorf train station – Oberweißbach Mountain Railway loop from Piesau. Check local public transport schedules for specific connections to trailheads.
Where can I park my car when starting a touring cycling route in Piesau?
Parking is generally available in the towns and villages surrounding Piesau, such as Lichte, Lauscha, or Neuhaus am Rennweg, which serve as common starting points for many routes. Look for designated parking areas near trail access points.
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