From Weimar, the stage first follows the Ilm valley: Bad Berka, Kranichfeld, small villages, red-sandstone ground, short forest sections and open fields. The road climbs gently towards Stadtilm, then the Thuringian Forest becomes the main work of the day. The long pull towards the Rennsteig builds over many kilometres and tops out near Neustadt am Rennsteig. After that come descents, the Schleuse valley, Eisfeld and the crossing into Upper Franconia. Coburg closes the day with the Veste above town, its market square and Franconian stonework.
