Beautiful Bike Tour on the Ecumenical Pilgrimage Route in Germany

My Camino hike received quite some interest so I thought I’d introduce you to another part of the Camino network. Yes, that’s right. The Camino doesn’t just span across the Iberian Peninsula, it has a far and wide-reaching network of hiking routes across Europe. In Central Europe, one such trail is the ecumenical pilgrimage route in Germany.  

Conveniently this pilgrimage route passes through Leipzig and I have managed to cycle this part twice now. The distance covers approximately 80km and leads through beautiful landscapes, historical towns and regions. The end point for this stage of the ecumenical pilgrimage route is the UNESCO certified cathedral in Naumburg. 

Not only is this bike tour a fantastic and fun day out when you visit Leipzig, it will also introduce you to its localities and take you to places that you’ve probably never heard of. A proper off the beaten path activity!  

In the following, I’d like to share with you a detailed guide to the ecumenical pilgrimage route from Leipzig to Naumburg. It includes highlights, cycling instructions and some of my travel mishaps along the way. 

The Ecumenical Pilgrimage Route in Saxony & Saxony Anhalt

Unfortunately, there’s not that much information on the ecumenical route. Even in Germany, not many know of it. I first heard of it during a seminar back at uni on pilgrimages in Europe. Back then a fellow student and I decided to cycle the route which took us all day but I hold very fond memories of the trip. It only took me until now to experience this bike tour again. 

The ecumenical pilgrimage route in Germany is one of over 30 known pilgrimages routes. They all eventually lead onto the Camino Frances and to Santiago.

The network is so well-developed in Germany due to the popularity of St James in German culture. You can literally start from anywhere in the country. 

My starting point is Leipzig on the ecumenical pilgrimage route. This route follows the Via Regia, an ancient trade route. The overall distance covers 80km and will take all day. Therefore I suggest the best time to cycle on the ecumenical pilgrimage route in Germany is to do so during the summer months. The daylight hours will be around 10-12h and this should be enough to enjoy this beautiful bike tour.

Quick Information on the Ecumenical Pilgrimage Route

• Opened in 2003
• Along the Via Regia, an ancient trade route (1252)
• Starts in Görlitz – Leipzig – Erfurt – Gotha – Eisenach – Vacha (470km)
• The only pilgrimage route in Germany that offers regularly accommodation for pilgrims (e.g. churches, communities, cloisters, private)
• Looked after by Ökumenischer Pilgerweg e.V.
• Also great for cycling

Even though I don’t mind hiking, I would recommend cycling the stretch from Leipzig to Naumburg. Below is a map showing the original Camino in Saxony Anhalt and its merger with the ecumenical route. 

For more detailed information and map material, you can also consult The Ecumenical Pilgrimage Route by Wildganz (in German). I covered stages 11-14 from their itinerary.

The day tour from Leipzig to Naumburg has three main stages and it follows the same principle as hiking on the Camino in Spain. Follow the yellow scallop on a blue background.

Good To Know: interested in doing a pilgrimage yourself? It’s easy and luckily, one of the best-known pilgrimage routes in Europe starts in the UK. The Via Francigena with its starting point at Canterbury Cathedral leads all the way to Rome. A short stretch for your prototype experience could be Canterbury to Dover.

Stage 1 Leipzig to Merseburg, 36km

From St Thomas Church you’ll follow the signs all the way through the nature reserve Rosenthal. The route then leads straight onto the cycling lane along the river Elster-Luppe. Following this paved lane north bound, you’ll cross over to Saxony-Anhalt and arrive at the village of Klein Liebenau. 

After Klein Liebenau, you’ll cycle past a string of quaint villages and their rural surroundings. During the summer months, there are lots of wheat fields and natural meadows. You’ll cycle past artificial lakesides, which were former coal mining holes. After 2.5h-3h you’ll reach the historic town of Merseburg. 

Merseburg has a lovely mediaeval town centre. Highlights are the cathedral which can be visited for free (with a pilgrim’s passport). Otherwise it’ll cost 7.50EUR and you’ll get a stamp, too. Next door is the Renaissance castle which was built in the 13^th century. Today it is used for the town’s administrations and is home to a cultural museum. Once you leave Merseburg to start the second part of the tour, you’ll reach Südpark. Here is a well-maintained zoo, which is free to visit. Include some time here, if you enjoy local wildlife. 

Highlights From The Ecumenical Pilgrimage Route

• Leaving Leipzig through its green centre, the nature reserve Rosenthal along the Elsterbecken and river Luppe
• Small villages and artificial lakes in quaint landscapes 
• Camino infrastructure along the way includes Albergues/Hostels and pilgrim-friendly artwork
• Merseburg’s historic town centre

My Timings

• Leipzig Thomaskirche 8am
• Elsterbecken North-bound 8:39am
• Klein Liebenau 9:38am
• Dölkau 10:03 am
• Zweimen
• Raßnitzer See 10:27am
• Wallensee
• Löpitz 11:00am
• Merseburg 11:30am 

Break until 1pm

Instructions For Cycling From Leipzig to Merseburg

• The ecumenical pilgrimage route has many bends in Leipzig adding more time. You can cycle comfortably on the right-hand side of the river on the cycling lane all the way to Klein Liebenau. This will save you 45 minutes and the potential of getting lost.
• The signs are very small and often placed on trees. They overgrow the small signs in the summer, so pay close attention. 
• Around Wallensee, I would suggest moving past the car park and towards the main road 181. Here is a well-paved cycling lane leading comfortably to Merseburg. The ecumenical pilgrimage route uses the nature path Rüsterweg which is narrow and very overgrown.
• In Merseburg, keep right and enter the town through Neumarkt. 

Stage 2 Merseburg to Freyburg, 32km

You’ll leave Merseburg through its romantic parklands and there’s a cute zoo at the end. Afterwards you cycle through rural countryside, more villages and artificial lakesides. The two main lakes in the area are Geiseltalsee and Runstedter See. Both are designed for relaxation and you can swim, cycle, camp and engage in watersports here. 

The villages of Rossbach and Pettstädt are the last settlements before you enter a long and creepy stretch through a forest. The forest “Friedwald ” marks the border to the Saale-Unstrut municipality. The forest is thick and dark and made me feel uneasy. I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I was being watched. This is definitely the most creepy part of cycling the ecumenical pilgrimage route in Germany.

Once on the other side, I learnt that the forest was converted into a cemetery in 2014. It explains the creepiness, but I wished I had arrived earlier or cycled around it on the main road.  

On a positive note, the ecumenical pilgrimage route has brought me to Hotel Edelacker atop of a vineyard. Here you’ll enjoy spectacular views over Freyburg, its St Marien church and the valley. 

You should cover this stretch in approximately 3h, unless you get lost several times, like I did. In total I wasted an extra 2.5h and cycled an additional 28km by getting lost. Fear not, I’ll share my detailed instructions, so you won’t get lost. 

Highlights From The Ecumenical Pilgrimage Route

• Merseburg Südpark and its free zoo
• Castle Frankleben which is also a pilgrim’s albergue
• Arrival in Freyburg and views over the Saale-Unstrut valley

My Timings

• Merseburg Südpark 1:16pm
• Zscherben 1:37pm (first time lost)
• Back on track: 1:46pm
• Frankleben: 2:10pm (second time lost)
• Wrong direction: 2:21pm – 3:16pm Geiseltalsee (third time lost)
• Frankleben Castle: 3:21pm
• Großkayner See 3:57pm (fourth time lost)
• Rossbach 4:20pm
• Pettstädt 5:04pm
• “Fangorn” Friedwald 5:25pm 
• Top of Freyburg/ Weinhotel Edelacker 6:06pm
• Freyburg St Marien Church 6:27pm

Instructions for Cycling From Merseburg to Freyburg

• In Merseburg pick up the signs for the ecumenical pilgrimage route on Thilo von Throtha Straße. It’ll then lead onto Bahnhofstraße. At the end turn left and go past the cinema. At the Subway turn left to the pond “Vorderer Gotthard Teich”.
• There is a small nature path on the right-hand side after the second bridge. Don’t bother with it as it is overgrown. Take the left instead and follow the main path until it joins the small nature path at the kid’s playground. You’ll have reached Südpark.
• After leaving Südpark, there is a narrow nature path. At the end of it, turn left instead of right (Zscherben) and keep right. Follow the concrete road until you cross the motorway and reached the settlement called “Reipisch”.
• Castle Frankleben: leave the castle grounds through the entrance door and then turn left. If you follow the signs to the right with the markings “variante”, you’ll end up in the wrong direction with no alternative route. It will take you around Geiseltalsee with no option to rejoin the original ecumenical pilgrimage route. 
• In Frankleben go past the ice parlour and cycle up Weißenfelser Straße until you reach the main road L178.
• There are two cycling lanes. One right next to the main road, the second one runs next to the lake. Use the lake one as it will make a turn and you may miss the sign if you take the lane next to the main road. 
• Follow along the Runstedter See. Keep an eye out for a right turn. The sign and the arrow are very small and placed on a pole which may be overgrown. You’ve gone in the wrong direction if you face an extremely steep ascent. 
• In Rossbach follow Südstraße (long stretch with little and wide-spread signage). 
• Pettstädt to Freyburg is a tough stretch. It leads through a dark and very creepy forest called “Friedwald”. Arrive here early and if you feel uncomfortable, don’t cycle it alone. You can do a detour by cycling on the main road 176. Rejoin the route at Weinhotel Edelacker or Castle Neuenburg. 
• If you want to tackle the 4.5km through Friedwald, follow along the path and use the first bend to the left. It goes past a clearing with bee huts. Signage is sparse.  
• Weinhotel Edelacker sits atop a vineyard. The views are insanely beautiful. Don’t follow the signs downhill though. The path is very dangerous, narrow and not well maintained. You’ll be exhausted and injure yourself. Use the alternative route via the nearby Neuenburg castle. Pick up the signs at St Marien church. 

Watch Out For: there are a few sections which go downhill. I know this is pretty exciting, but don’t get carried away by the speed. You may miss an ecumenical pilgrimage route sign and will be in trouble later. 

Stage 3 Freyburg to Naumburg, 10km

Freyburg is a charming town in the Saale-Unstrut valley. This idyllic region is known for its excellent wines, romantic vineyards and picturesque nature. 

In the summer, make sure you’ll have dinner at one of the restaurants around St Marien church or along the river. Freyburg is very quaint, very German and caters to local tourism. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with the small, colourful houses and its idyllic postcard setting. 

Once energised again, make for the final and most picturesque part. The ecumenical pilgrimage route in Germany leads along the tranquil Unstrut river. You’ll cycle along garden allotments, vineyards and the Saale-Unstrut valley. Naumburg’s UNESCO certified cathedral peaks through the lush green trees and can be seen from afar as it sits nestled in an ocean of golden wheat fields. You’ll reach this part during the end of the day. Be prepared for beautiful views and soft golden evening light. There’s also a small ferry crossing involved. 

Highlights From The Ecumenical Pilgrimage Route

• Countless small vineyards and wine tasting cellars
• Stunning evening views over the Saale-Unstrut valley
• Peaceful and easy cycling path to Naumburg
• Blüthner ferry crossing

My Timings

• Freyburg 6:41pm
• Blüthner Crossing: 7:06pm
• Naumburg Cathedral 7:40pm

Instructions for Cycling From Freyburg to Naumburg

• Blüthner ferry service only runs until 6 or 7pm in the summer. Check timings on Google maps beforehand. The crossing costs a small fee for passengers and their bikes. 
• If you miss the ferry, use the bridge crossing in Henne, which is 1.5km away. 

If you have time in Naumburg, make sure, you visit its impressive cathedral, declared a UNESCO heritage site in 2018. The cathedral dates back to the early 11th century and became significant during the 13th century with its massive extension. Several Naumburg masters immortalised themselves with biblical sculptures and intricate glass works, which are still excellently preserved today.

The UNESCO acknowledges the interplay of all of these elements making the composition a testament of Naumburg’s former masters and a milestone of human craftsmanship. The cathedral is open daily from 9am to 6pm (summer) and 10am to 4pm (winter). Tickets cost 9.50€ for adults. Please plan at least one hour for your visit. (Information is correct as of July 2023).

This is the end of the Leipzig to Naumburg stretch on the ecumenical pilgrimage route in Germany. You can have dinner in Naumburg if you haven’t had the chance in Freyburg. The area around the cathedral will have local restaurants and the option to sit outside in the summer. It is a 10 minute ride downhill to the train station. The services to Leipzig leave every hour. Alternatively you could take a train to Halle which runs more frequently and take the S-Bahn from Halle to Leipzig. I prefer a direct connection but that is up to you. 

Good To Know: bikes can be taken free of charge on regional trains in Saxony-Anhalt and Greater Leipzig area. 

FAQs About The Ecumenical Pilgrimage Route in Germany

I understand this is quite a lengthy post and you may have some quick questions about the ecumenical pilgrimage route in Germany. You can, of course, always come back to any section of my post and read in more detail what you’d need for your trip. If you have questions or need help, please get in touch and I’m happy to assist. 

How long is the Ecumenical Pilgrimage Route in Germany?

The entire ecumenical pilgrimage way is approximately 470km long and starts in Görlitz, Germany’s most Eastern town. I have only travelled along the stretch from Leipzig to Naumburg which is approximately 80km long.

What is the Terrain like on the Ecumenical Pilgrimage Route?

The terrain ranges from natural paths, hiking trails to paved roads and main streets. The majority of paths are, however, away from the busy main roads, so you’ll get the full local experience. If you decide to hike the entire route, it’ll take about 3 to 4 weeks. For the ecumenical pilgrimage route from Leipzig to Naumburg I would recommend cycling as some parts of the ecumenical pilgrimage route are very narrow and not well kept. It’ll be easier and more fun cycling as you’ll see more places of interests on this day trip.

Is the Ecumenical Pilgrimage Route in Germany Solo Travel Friendly?

Yes, cycling along the ecumenical pilgrimage route in Germany is solo travel friendly. The country is safe and I have explored its cities, regions and towns many times by myself. Cycling on this beautiful day tour allows you to see local German towns which you’ve probably never considered visiting. Keep in mind, these municipalities are often inhabited by old-skool locals who aren’t familiar with foreigners and can’t speak English. They may appear sceptical and dismissive at first. A few words of German usually win them over, so it’ll be good for you to have a few German phrases at hand. Other than that, the locals are friendly and help out a lost pilgrim at any time.

Thank you so much for reading. If you enjoyed the post and would like to support the blog & my research, you can do so via Buy Me a Coffee.

Till next time,

Carolin

Enjoyed reading about the ecumenical pilgrimage route in Germany? You may also like:

• 10 Leipzig Activities to make you feel like a Local
• FREE Leipzig City Guide For First Time Visitors
• My Camino Portuguese Coastal Route Itinerary For a 15-Day Hike
• The Gorlitz UNESCO Application and its complex Journey
• My Camino de Santiago Preparation
• What Happened to The Devil’s Bridge in Germany?