Saaleradweg: Thuringia's brand ambassador

Cycling is more popular than ever. This can also be felt at the Saale Cycle Route office. Every day, they receive countless requests for information from all over Germany. Whether by e-mail or telephone, guests' questions are answered tirelessly. It is clear that the 403 km long cycle route has become even more attractive, and not just since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and the associated increase in interest in domestic vacations.

It is therefore all the more pleasing that the Saale Cycle Path has now been appointed as a brand ambassador for Thuringia by Thüringer Tourismus GmbH (TTG). As Thuringia's tourism marketing organization, the TTG is responsible in particular for tourism advertising at home and abroad. As part of the Thuringia 2025 tourism strategy, it develops and appoints so-called brand ambassadors who stand for the outstanding range of offers in Thuringia tourism and help to ensure tourism competitiveness. The Saale Cycle Route has undergone an extensive application process. It is therefore all the more pleasing for the Chairman of the Board of Saaleradweg e.V., Dr. Thomas Nitzsche, and the office manager, Sylvana Hapke, to be able to accept the award from Dr. Hofmann in Jena.

"As Thuringia's brand ambassador, the Saale Cycle Path is one of the most beautiful cycle paths in our federal state and stands for a high-quality offer to guests - from inspiration to booking to the on-site experience," explains Dr. Franz Hofmann, Managing Director of Thüringer Tourismus GmbH.

The Saale Cycle Route is a German long-distance cycle route with a length of 403 km, which runs in nine stages from the source of the Saale near Zell i. Fichtelgebirge to its mouth near Barby. It is part of D-Route 11 and its natural route combined with culture and culinary delights make it one of the most varied and attractive river cycle paths in Germany. It runs 180 kilometers through Thuringia alone. The Saale Cycle Path first winds its way through the unique, fjord-like low mountain range landscape of the Thuringian Slate Mountains/Upper Saale Nature Park with the Bleiloch and Hohenwarte reservoirs, which is affectionately known as the "Thuringian Sea". Cyclists can expect steep climbs and hilly paths here, but will be rewarded with unique panoramic views. Particularly sporty and ambitious cyclists, but also more and more e-bike riders, get their money's worth. From Saalfeld onwards, the cycle path offers many moments of cycling enjoyment with just a few climbs and offers views of castles and palaces for cyclists on its further course through Thuringia.

Dr. Thomas Nitzsche, Lord Mayor of the city of Jena, Chairman of the Board of Saaleradweg e.V. and a passionate cyclist himself, emphasizes: "We are delighted that the Saaleradweg will be one of Thuringia's brand ambassadors in the future and will therefore receive a significant boost in the state's tourism marketing. We want to continue to work with our members and partners on the qualitative development of the Saale Cycle Path in the future and hope that the increased attention will strengthen the numerous local service providers, hotels and restaurants in particular."

The planned rerouting of the cycle path in the city of Jena by 2025, which will significantly increase its attractiveness for guests, also fits in with the increase in quality. In future, the path will no longer be routed close to the road (B88), but will run through the parklands along the Saale that have been redesigned in recent years - Landfeste, Paradies, Rasenmühleninsel, Mittelwiesen - to the Saalebogen Göschwitz.

This will make it easier for cyclists to reach the city center of Jena, but the Paradies train station will also be directly connected. Numerous hosts and public facilities such as the Ostbad, the Strandschleicher and the public baths at Schleichersee will be closer to the route, which will also be a significant improvement for the residents of Jena.

Thomas Nitzsche emphasizes: "This project in Jena and the recognition as a brand ambassador reflect the tireless work of the association to constantly improve the quality of the cycle path. We want to rise further in the rankings of the most popular cycle paths in Germany in the future and show many more guests what a wonderful cycle path we have right on our doorstep."

About the Saale cycle path:

The Saale Cycle Path is one of the most charming river cycle paths in Germany. It meanders 403 kilometers from the Bavarian Fichtelgebirge to the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve through idyllic nature parks and species-rich riparian forests, past glittering reservoirs, mighty castles and picturesque vineyards. It connects the federal states of Bavaria, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt. This year it will be 25 years old.

About Saaleradweg e.V.

The Saaleradweg e. V., based in Jena, is the first point of contact when it comes to marketing the Saaleradweg to tourists. The aim and purpose of the association is to make the different landscapes, regional characteristics and traditions along the Saale from its source to its mouth known and experienced. Five districts, ten towns and two cooperation partners along the Saale are currently working closely with state and municipal administrations across state borders.