4.4
(22)
124
riders
31
rides
Gravel biking around Tabarz offers an extensive network of trails within the Thuringian Forest, characterized by woodlands and rolling hills. The region features well-graded gravel roads suitable for off-road cycling, alongside more challenging paths with significant elevation gain. Natural landmarks like the Großer Inselsberg and the Felsental contribute to a diverse landscape for gravel bike exploration. This area provides varied terrain that caters to different cycling preferences, blending speed with off-road adventure.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
5.0
(1)
12
riders
84.2km
05:27
1,210m
1,210m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
61.4km
04:18
1,040m
1,040m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
(4)
12
riders
31.7km
02:15
580m
580m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
6
riders
95.1km
06:12
1,500m
1,500m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Tabarz
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Hiking around Tabarz
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Mountain Hikes around Tabarz
A wonderful view upwards to the highway bridge.
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A now beautiful fairytale castle.
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A fairytale castle with over 1,000 years of history.
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The title of this highlight is misleading; there is no tunnel at this location! Beautiful cycle path on an old railway line.
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The path at Auwallenburg station is currently under "reconstruction". New asphalt is already finished. Remaining work is still in progress. There is even an old freight wagon there now.
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Beautiful views over the forest and valleys
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The former Auwallenburg station of the Deutsche Reichsbahn was opened on July 10, 1895, simultaneously with the Kleinschmalkalden–Brotterode section. This railway line was a branch line in Thuringia, originally built and operated by the Schmalkalder Kreisbahn under the sponsorship of the Schmalkalden district. In Kleinschmalkalden, it connected the Schmalkalden–Kleinschmalkalden railway line with Brotterode. From April 1, 1949, the Deutsche Reichsbahn had the sole right of disposal over the line. On December 14, 1964, the Auwallenburg–Brotterode section was closed and dismantled. Ore was loaded in Auwallenburg, while passenger transport between Pappenheim and Auwallenburg had already been carried out by rail replacement services from 1965. This finally ended on March 17, 1968. In 1986, the tracks were relaid to Brotterode to connect a coal-fired power plant in Brotterode. With the political changes in the GDR, the power plant was shut down as early as 1990. Since then, there have been annual special trains to the Auwallenburg loading station. Attempts by a private railway company to re-establish scheduled passenger services on the line from Schmalkalden to the Auwallenburg loading station in 1996 failed. Freight traffic between Kleinschmalkalden and Auwallenburg was discontinued on January 31, 1994. Finally, the railway lines were dismantled in 2001/02, including the Schmalkalden–Kleinschmalkalden line. The Bahntrassenradweg, the Mommelstein-Radweg, has now been built on part of the former route.
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Tabarz offers a comprehensive network of over 40 gravel bike trails, catering to various skill levels. This includes 2 easy routes, 12 moderate routes, and 30 more challenging options, ensuring a diverse experience for every rider.
Yes, Tabarz has a few easy gravel routes perfect for beginners or families looking for a less strenuous ride. While most routes are moderate to difficult, there are options that provide a gentler introduction to gravel biking in the Thuringian Forest.
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Tabarz offers numerous difficult routes with significant elevation gain. Consider the Werra Bridge Creuzburg – Bette Oak loop from Bad Tabarz, a demanding 58.9-mile trail, or the View of Wartburg Castle – View of Wartburg loop from Reinhardsbrunn-Friedrichroda, which spans 52.0 miles with expansive views and varied forest paths.
Many of the gravel bike routes in Tabarz are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Mommelstein Viewpoint – Hundsrücktunnel loop from Brotterode and the View from Spießbergturm – Spießberg Observation Tower loop from Bad Tabarz, both offering scenic circular tours through the forest.
The gravel trails in Tabarz wind through the picturesque Thuringian Forest, offering diverse natural features. You can encounter the 'wildromantic' Felsental with its murmuring mountain streams and rugged rock formations. The Ebertswiese Mountain Meadow and Ebertswiese Mountain Lake are also notable natural monuments. For expansive views, the Großer Inselsberg, the best-known mountain in the Thuringian Forest, provides vistas stretching to the Rhön and Harz mountains on clear days.
Yes, the region around Tabarz features several beautiful waterfalls. You might consider a detour to the impressive Trusetal Waterfall or the scenic Spitterfall. The Luisenthal Waterfall is another charming option to explore.
The Thuringian Forest is beautiful year-round, but spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Tabarz. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, and the forest trails are in excellent condition. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Many trails in the Thuringian Forest are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific trail regulations or local signage. Ensure your dog is well-behaved, on a leash where required, and that you carry water for them, especially on longer rides. Be mindful of wildlife and other trail users.
Tabarz, being a popular outdoor destination, offers various parking options. Look for designated parking areas near trailheads or in the town center. Specific parking information for individual routes can often be found on komoot tour pages or local tourism websites.
Tabarz is accessible by public transport, primarily through regional bus services that connect to larger train stations in the area, such as Gotha. It's advisable to check the local public transport schedules and policies regarding bicycle transport in advance, as capacity can be limited, especially during peak times.
The gravel biking experience in Tabarz is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, from well-graded gravel roads to more challenging forest paths, and the stunning natural beauty of the Thuringian Forest, including its rolling hills and dense woodlands.
Yes, the region features dedicated paths for gravel biking, such as 'Regional route 7 - 'Large Triangle'' and 'Regional route 2 - 'At the Großer Inselsberg'.' These routes are part of the extensive network within the Thuringian Forest, offering a blend of road cycling speed and off-road adventure.


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