Themenwanderweg „Von Bach zu Goethe“

Cultural tour of the Wipfratal district

This 25km marked trail from Arnstadt to Ilmenau connects places associated with both Johann Sebastian Bach and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The route runs across the Reinsberge viewing point, Mount Veronikaberg and through three nature conservation areas with magnificent panoramic views over the valley of the raging Gera river, the slopes of the Thuringian Forest and the picturesque Wipfratal valley. It runs through idyllic, unspoilt countryside full of beech trees and mixed forests.

The trail starts at the Bach statue in Arnstadt's market square and then runs along Wollmarkt, following the course of the Gera river. Climbing uphill, the route then becomes gently rolling until it reaches the vantage point offering panoramic views of the Wipfratal valley.

After 10km, you pass through rugged limestone scenery with its typical flora to the Reinsberge viewing point and then to the ruins of Reinsburg castle, an ancient robber baron's lair destroyed in 1290.
It then climbs to the highest point on the trail, the Halskappe (605m), before descending past one of Germany's largest collection of yew trees on the way to Martinroda. The route then follows the Ilmenauer Fussweg trail to the university town of Ilmenau, where walkers are welcomed by a statue of Goethe sitting on a bench in front of the guildhall where he worked as privy councillor.