Bleicherode — Bike Friends Along The German Framework Road

Wanna know where something is? Need directions? Today we just say, google it. Wasn’t so simple back before there was an internet — and not everyone had access to satellite maps like NASA. Thankfully there were men like August Heinrich Petermann, a 19th century cartographer born in the town of Bleicherode.

A monument to him stands here in town — a local boy done good. Who needs a Google Map when you had a map maker living right here? ;-)

That’s not all you’ll find in Bleicherode, found along the banks of the Wipper River. And believe it or not, it’s a real Fahrradfreundliche Stadt — a Biker Friendly Town. Motorcyclists from all over come to feel the wind in their hair and bugs in their teeth (just kidding) along winding Thuringian lanes.

While you’re out biking through Bleicherode you’ll see the local Stadtkirche (City Church), a grey stone building with a pointed roof. Make sure you also ride along the Hauptstraße, where the obligatory Heimatmuseum (Local History Museum) is found.

Where else can your bike ride take you? To the Weekly Market, held every Thursday. And to the memorial for the town’s former 18th/19th century synagogue — located at the Alte Kanzlei.

There is a Jewish cemetery too, but it isn’t accessible to the general public.

Our bike ride can also take us to the Rosenkirche (Rose Church), a medieval pilgrimage site that grew from a shrine to the image of Mary, to a chapel; then to the church you see today.

I think the Village Church in Obergebra is worth visiting too — as is the town’s Rathaus (Town Hall), a wonderful building that’s been the center of town life since 1540.

Notice anything else special while you’re whipping around? How about all the half-timbered buildings that Bleicherode has? This is why it has earned a spot on the famous German Framework Road.

All the motoring around can make the muscles a tad sore. So come to the local outdoor pool, with its sprawling lawns, kids area, and diving board for the adventurous.

A hike would be a good idea too. It’s a bit mountainous here in the Bleicheröder Bergen, an area that belongs to the Ohmgebirge.

How many of you out there only heard: wear the most comfortable shoes you can find? At least if you get lost you can always consult one of Herr Petermann’s maps. ;-)

 

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