Where rivers meet: Werra Valley Cycle Route

Two sources at the start, two rivers at the end: the Werra Valley Cycle Route follows the river from its very beginnings to its confluence with the Fulda, and has much to offer along the way.

The tour begins in Neuhaus am Rennweg. From the sources of the river there's a leisurely descent downstream. The town of Meiningen, home to the English Garden and South Thuringia State Theatre, is reputed to be the place where the Thuringian dumpling was invented. A Celtic spa awaits in Bad Salzungen, while Merkers visitor mine invites you to swap your bike for a trolley and travel below ground. Towards Eisenach you can travel some of the way by canoe. Known as the gateway to Thuringia, the Werra gorge marks the beginning of a rugged, rocky section of the valley, followed by a series of medieval Hessian towns. In Hannoversch Münden the Werra and Fulda rivers join to form the Weser. Terrain: this long-distance cycle route runs on back roads, asphalt paths or dirt tracks. Steep descents at the outset, followed by gently rolling hills and then a largely flat stretch of countryside. Scenery: lofty peaks in the Thuringian Forest, flat river plains along the Werra, dense areas of woodland and a number of small half-timbered towns, primarily in Hessen.

• Length: 306 kilometres
• Starts: Neuhaus am Rennweg
• Ends: Hannoversch Münden
• Route info: mainly flat terrain, hilly in parts, steep gradients