Von der Lauter zur Werra

<p>What is the difference between Heidelberg, Cologne, and Berka before the Hainich? Heidelberg has a castle, Cologne a cathedral. And Berka has both. There is certainly no shortage of castles on our ride today. From Berteroda to Creuzburg alone, we count six.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>From the market in Eisenach, we follow the signs to "Gotha via Kindel" until Stockhausen. In Stockhausen, just before the church, we turn left towards the sports field. Now begins the arduous part, which will take us out of Nessetal. After the first ascent, turn right into the street "zum See". Beyond the main road, onto the farm road. At the end of the path (the climb is almost complete), turn right and follow the paved track, then left after 250 m. We reach the edge of Hötzelsroda and turn left towards the village center, and just after a few meters right into Berteroder Weg towards Berteroda. In the village, take the gravel road to the main road. Our first castle is located in the street "Am Schlösschen". We turn right on the main road. The hill before Berka is the last ascent to Hörschel. We have a beautiful view of the Hainich and finally of Berka. The Rococo church, affectionately called "cathedral", was saved by the community from decay and lovingly restored. When the main road bends to the right, we go straight into the street "Störacker". At the sign "Mihla 5 km", we turn right. Now we are on the Lautertal cycling path, whose signage is faded and incomplete. It’s a nice downhill ride. Straight through to Bischofroda, and there before the cul-de-sac turn left into Schlossgasse. The castle from 1752 has already provided a promising atmosphere for many wedding couples. Straight on to Mihla. We reach the main road at the Red Castle, actually one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in the area, which unfortunately is in a perpetual sleep. Better is the Gray Castle, which awaits the guest as a hotel and restaurant. But there’s also the option to rest at the shady judge’s table in the square below St. Martin's Church. Or right at the Mihla swimming pool. Continuing from the Red Castle through the main road in the freed one-way street. We come directly onto the Werratal cycling path, which we follow towards Creuzburg. The rock formations of the Werratal breakthrough are impressive, and with a bit of luck, you can even spot the Werrabiber. In Creuzburg, the historical center around the market and Creuzburg castle awaits us. Crossing the old Werrabrücke bridge, we continue to Wilhelmsglücksbrunn. The estate was completely ruined around the turn of the millennium and was facing demolition. The DIAKONIA renovated the buildings to the delight of the many visitors and also the storks, whose nest crowns the farm building. Through Hörschel, we return to Eisenach.</p>