Frankenwald on Day Two
The first day loop passes Tambach Castle, then the Mauthaustal reservoir and the Goldisthal pumped-storage station. Winding minor roads and dense forest define the eastern part of Upper Franconia, and traffic is scarce out there.
Along the Rennsteig
On day three the route crosses the legendary ridge path several times, though only on the machine and never on foot. Between the Fröbel Tower, Greifenstein Castle and the Goethe memorial in Ilmenau the stops line up.
Palaces and Point Alpha
Day four runs via Friedrichroda with Reinhardsbrunn Palace to Schweina and Altenstein Palace, and on to the Point Alpha border museum. History along the former border line, combined with a generous helping of bends.
Base Hotel at Bad Rodach
Four nights at the 3-star Altmühlaue with half board and rooms with shower or bath. Every day loop starts here and the group returns in the evening for a shared meal, with the luggage left in the room.
Rhön and Wasserkuppe
The last day runs from the base hotel over the northern Rhön and past the Wasserkuppe back to the Lower Rhine. Anyone who prefers leaves the group earlier and continues home at their own pace.
