From the guesthouse, we follow the long-distance hiking trail Saaletalsperren-Ostsee to the viewpoint Weißer Stein. Here the path first goes straight ahead and at the next crossroads turns left to Teufelsberg, which is designated as a natural monument (protected biotope). A challenging, steep ascent rewards us with a magnificent view. Back in the valley, we cross the plank bridge at the former Sichelmühle, which crosses the Weida river. We then turn right onto the Weidatalweg on the hillside to the Weida Auental. Here we see the Vorsperre Pisselsmühle and the dam of the Vorsperre. (The Pisselmühle, whose history goes back to the early 15th century, had to give way to the construction of the Weidatalsperre in 1954.) After crossing the water, we return over the former connecting road between Merkendorf and Weißendorf on almost exclusively natural paths to the crossroads at Weißer Stein. This part of the route also offers charming insights into a natural landscape with rare plants and animals. We follow the wide field path back to the starting point of our hike at the guesthouse "Zum Kranich" in Triebes. This route offers no refreshment stops along the way.
Alternative starting points:
1. Hiking car park at the Bio-Seehotel Zeulenroda
2. Silberfeld or Merkendorf (via accesses to the reservoir trail)
